Eddie Murphy Norbit streaming Tubi is drawing attention this month as the actor’s divisive comedy returns to the spotlight via the free platform Tubi. On November 1st, Tubi added Norbit to its November lineup, giving viewers a fresh chance to weigh in on a film marked by controversy and the shifting career path of one of Hollywood’s most celebrated comedic talents.
Eddie Murphy’s Career Challenges and The Arrival of Norbit on Streaming
Known for major box-office successes like Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America, Eddie Murphy’s filmography also includes titles that fell flat both critically and commercially. Norbit stands out among these low points. In the early 2010s, following a series of Razzie-nominated projects, Murphy stepped away from acting, appearing in only a few works until his prominent return in Dolemite Is My Name in 2019. The frustration and negative press generated by Norbit, along with similar projects from the 2000s, played a notable role in this hiatus.
Norbit, now available for free streaming on Tubi, tells the story of a timid man who reconnects with his childhood sweetheart, but the movie quickly became infamous after its release. Its reception was overwhelmingly negative: Rotten Tomatoes assigned it a mere 9% critic score, cementing it as one of Murphy’s worst-reviewed films. The 2008 Razzie Awards brought further embarrassment, with Norbit claiming nine nominations, including Worst Picture, and Murphy himself receiving five Razzie nominations, ultimately winning three.
In 2021—years after the film’s release—Eddie Murphy reflected on the career low points prompted by these so-called “flops,” revealing,
maybe it’s time to take a break
after Norbit, The Adventures of Pluto Nash, and Meet Dave drew the disdain of critics and the Razzie community. Addressing the quality of those films, Murphy directly stated,
I was making these s– movies.
Why Norbit Became Notorious Among Critics and Fans
Norbit’s reputation has only worsened with time. Viewers and reviewers alike found the comedy lacking in substance and depth. Critics noted that the film relied heavily on jokes that many found offensive, including body shaming and the use of exaggerated character types. The character Rasputia, played by Murphy in a fat suit, became a flashpoint for discussions around insensitive humor and negative depictions of the Black community.
The film’s approach to comedy and character design overshadowed its cast, notably giving little opportunity for talented actors like Thandiwe Newton and Cuba Gooding Jr. to deliver fully realized performances. With humor described as crass and outdated, the film’s negative aspects have only become more pronounced since its initial release, while its stars’ abilities were largely squandered in supporting roles.
Eddie Murphy’s Own Take on Norbit and Its Legacy
Despite the overwhelming criticism, Eddie Murphy continues to express a personal attachment to Norbit. His own perspective stands in contrast to the critical consensus, as he shared in a recent interview with Complex’s Speedy Morman. According to Murphy, he was surprised by the public reaction to the movie as well as its heavy Razzie attention, stating,
was like, ‘Come on now, s– ain’t that bad.’ They was just hatin’ on me.
—Eddie Murphy, actor and comedian.
He further declared,
To this day, I like Norbit. There’s stuff in Norbit that makes me laugh,
—Eddie Murphy, actor and comedian. Murphy even distinguished Norbit from other less successful projects of his own, mentioning Holy Man and Pluto Nash as his lowest points rather than Norbit. This perspective shows a rare dissonance between the creator’s affection for his work and the audience’s lasting response, and it continues to raise discussions about artistic intent, reception, and legacy in Hollywood.
Other New Comedy Films Joining Tubi’s November Selections
For those not interested in Eddie Murphy Norbit streaming Tubi, the platform is also rolling out a variety of other comedic titles this month. Among the new arrivals are Dinner For Smucks, which brings its own brand of absurd humor, as well as well-known movies such as Hot Tub Time Machine, Maid in Manhattan, and Think Like a Man. These selections provide viewers with alternate options for comedy if Norbit does not appeal. In December, even more films including Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past, Mrs. Doubtfire, and The Wolf Of Wall Street are expected to be added to Tubi’s lineup, expanding the catalog for fans of the genre.
The Influence of Norbit on Murphy’s Career Path
Norbit’s critical and popular backlash marked a turning point for Eddie Murphy. The public scrutiny of his comedic choices and the subsequent attention from the Razzie Awards pushed Murphy towards taking a step back from mainstream film roles, leading to several quieter years in his career. This pause allowed him to reflect on his creative direction and set the stage for his later resurgence. Murphy’s return with Dolemite Is My Name demonstrated both his enduring talent and an evolved approach to comedy, gaining him renewed respect from critics and fans.
Norbit’s Place in Film History and Current Streaming Culture
The arrival of Eddie Murphy Norbit streaming Tubi highlights how streaming platforms are increasingly serving as archives for contentious and polarizing films, giving audiences opportunities to revisit and reassess these works with fresh eyes. While Norbit remains a symbol of the risks associated with broad-appeal comedy, especially in an era of changing social sensibilities, its ongoing presence in digital catalogs ensures its relevance as a subject of debate.
For Murphy, the enduring conversation around Norbit is a complex legacy—one that intertwines personal fondness, public criticism, and lessons learned from the intersection of fame, creativity, and risk. As more viewers discover or revisit Norbit on Tubi, discussions about taste, judgment, and the evolving standards of what constitutes successful comedy are likely to continue.
