Xixax Film Forum

Film Discussion => The Small Screen => Topic started by: ono on September 18, 2006, 08:00:42 PM

Title: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ono on September 18, 2006, 08:00:42 PM
Watch it.  10 PM Monday nights on NBC.  It's probably the best new fall show by a mile.  Perry's great, shaking the shackles of Chandler, and the rest of the cast is stellar as well.  The pilot has to get a lot of exposition out of the way, so it's a little slower than most episodes will be.  That's understandable.  Word is, things pick up even more in the next few episodes.  I've already seen the pilot through Netflix about a month back.  But for those of you who haven't, it's on in an hour, and I think Bravo is airing reruns later on in the week.  Here's a little something I wrote about the show (http://www.the23rdframe.com/articles.php?articleid=16), for a little more perspective on what you can expect (without giving away too much).
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: bonanzataz on September 18, 2006, 08:14:38 PM
did you get hired by some publicity firm or something? you seem really gung ho about getting people to watch a sitcom...
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: modage on September 18, 2006, 10:05:04 PM
it was ok.  i never saw the west wing or sports night but the overwhelming hype made me watch this.  his style is weird, i guess its kidna funny but kind of a drama.  i dunno.  i'll give it a few episodes to impress me.  i do like amanda peet though.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: Bethie on September 19, 2006, 12:22:38 AM
I already LOVE this show. After watching, I felt that that giddy feeling I get after seeing a great film. I'm excited about next monday.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: MacGuffin on September 19, 2006, 12:59:58 AM
I think I would have rather watched Network again.  :yabbse-undecided:

I dunno. I'm kinda with mod on this. It did kinda pick up once Perry and Whitford took over, so...


Quote from: modage on September 18, 2006, 10:05:04 PMi do like amanda peet though.

I lost count of how many times the camera stayed on her with the twinkle in her eye as she smiled to herself everytime something went in her favor.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: matt35mm on September 19, 2006, 01:07:43 AM
I like it enough to watch it next week if I remember to.

It is very very much an Aaron Sorkin show (Premise: "what if people who didn't suck were in the powerful positions?").  He doesn't really have much range, but he does what he does well.  "Under Pressure" at the end was a bit, y'know, but yes, the show was pretty entertaining for something with that much exposition.  The pilot was obviously all to set things up.  We'll see how good its groove gets.

It's in the "i'm so smart" show's favor to have "we're so stupid" commercials.  It, uh, added to the commentary.

Quote from: MacGuffin on September 19, 2006, 12:59:58 AM

Quote from: modage on September 18, 2006, 10:05:04 PMi do like amanda peet though.

I lost count of how many times the camera stayed on her with the twinkle in her eye as she smiled to herself everytime something went in her favor.

Jesus Christ yes!  I was going to say the same thing.  That'd better be a pilot-only thing, or at least a hilarious running gag throughout the series, getting more and more ridiculous each time.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: SiliasRuby on September 19, 2006, 01:23:27 AM
I LOVED This. Consider me F'n Hooked. I was a casual viewer of the west wing and I watched a couple episodes of sports night which I thought was better than the west wing in many ways. But, ya, I completely fucking love this show already. mmmmmm ya.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: polkablues on September 19, 2006, 01:44:58 AM
The pilot is the thing we all have to make it through to get to the good stuff, but this will be one of the best shows on TV, possibly as soon as next week.  Brad Whitford will never again get to play a character as perfect as Josh Lyman on West Wing, but I'll watch him in just about anything.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: matt35mm on September 19, 2006, 02:06:33 AM
Quote from: polkablues on September 19, 2006, 01:44:58 AM
Brad Whitford will never again get to play a character as perfect as Josh Lyman on West Wing, but I'll watch him in just about anything.
I thought he was genius in Billy Madison.  I am not kidding.  I could write a whole essay on Billy Madison, all its brilliant elements, and how it is one of the handful of movies of its type to have the balls to be what it is.  I'm amazed every time I see it.  And it's not a childhood afinity that I'm attached to--it deeply inspires me and I'd be glad to have it influence my work.  I'm certain that Bradley Whitford is proud of it.  He has to be.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: pete on September 19, 2006, 12:06:51 PM
in an age of like entourage and that book live from new york, why do we need this show?  it feels like a polished, greasy version of something that can be better.  also, I guess this goes to show that I haven't watched TV in a long time, but all those substitute cusswords and tame imageries spoken like they're really outrageous kinda bothers me.  it never really goes too wild and I feel like everything is just too obvious--even the slapstick comedy stuff.  even thinking about it makes me feel restrained.  I'll give this another shot I guess.  but reading corrdry's interview in the subway paper yesterday kinda informed me that this is going to be another smug NBC show that thinks itself as groundbreaking simply because it isn't CSI or reality TV.  aaron sorkin is the ron howard of TV.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: ProgWRX on September 19, 2006, 02:36:16 PM
I really want to see where they go with it now that the pilot is done with.  :bravo: So far i really like it, but i was a fan of TWW and Sports Night, so its to be expected, kinda.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: Pozer on September 19, 2006, 04:23:01 PM
Quote from: matt35mm on September 19, 2006, 01:07:43 AM
Quote from: MacGuffin on September 19, 2006, 12:59:58 AM

Quote from: modage on September 18, 2006, 10:05:04 PMi do like amanda peet though.

I lost count of how many times the camera stayed on her with the twinkle in her eye as she smiled to herself everytime something went in her favor.

Jesus Christ yes!  I was going to say the same thing.  That'd better be a pilot-only thing, or at least a hilarious running gag throughout the series, getting more and more ridiculous each time.
this and perry's repeated mention of him being doped up on vicodin really annoyed the crap out of me. :elitist: i don't have time for this show.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: A Matter Of Chance on September 19, 2006, 04:30:41 PM
I think aaron sorkin and all his work is really just smug.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: w/o horse on September 19, 2006, 04:38:58 PM
Quote from: pete on September 19, 2006, 12:06:51 PM
aaron sorkin is the ron howard of TV.

That's a terribly unfair comparison.  Sorkin's crack cocaine addiction is enough to distinguish him from Howard, and the first season of West Wing is enough to seperate them entirely.  West Wing was a show, along with The Sopranos, that reminded the audience of the potential for smart programs.  Sorkin may have lost his touch, I didn't catch Studio 60, but he at least once had a touch.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: Gold Trumpet on September 19, 2006, 05:00:23 PM
Watch a show at 10pm on Monday nights? Fuck that. Monday Night football is on and the baseball playoffs are coming up. After that you get basketball which is always fun to watch. Pubes was right. I have no reason to judge television as art or not. I really do just watch sports and porn. And if its not porn, its something thats only entertaining for how disturbing it is.

So I take a neanderthal approach to television. I don't care. There is good fun in finding yourself identifying with a James Ellroy type of personality. (I've also been an avid reader of his books for years)
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: pete on September 19, 2006, 05:46:29 PM
Quote from: Losing the Horse: on September 19, 2006, 04:38:58 PM
Quote from: pete on September 19, 2006, 12:06:51 PM
aaron sorkin is the ron howard of TV.

That's a terribly unfair comparison.  Sorkin's crack cocaine addiction is enough to distinguish him from Howard, and the first season of West Wing is enough to seperate them entirely.  West Wing was a show, along with The Sopranos, that reminded the audience of the potential for smart programs.  Sorkin may have lost his touch, I didn't catch Studio 60, but he at least once had a touch.

smart shows are all over the place.  they're just either comedies or on hbo.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: w/o horse on September 19, 2006, 06:04:56 PM
Quote from: pete on September 19, 2006, 05:46:29 PM
Quote from: Losing the Horse: on September 19, 2006, 04:38:58 PM
Quote from: pete on September 19, 2006, 12:06:51 PM
aaron sorkin is the ron howard of TV.

That's a terribly unfair comparison.  Sorkin's crack cocaine addiction is enough to distinguish him from Howard, and the first season of West Wing is enough to seperate them entirely.  West Wing was a show, along with The Sopranos, that reminded the audience of the potential for smart programs.  Sorkin may have lost his touch, I didn't catch Studio 60, but he at least once had a touch.

smart shows are all over the place.  they're just either comedies or on hbo.

Yeah agreed.  But I'm saying that smart shows weren't all over the place in 1999.  And, regardless, the first season of The West Wing holds up.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: grand theft sparrow on September 19, 2006, 10:17:55 PM
I hate Amanda Peet and Matthew Perry with a passion.  But I liked them in this show.  It figures that it takes a drama in order for Perry to finally be funny and I could kiss the director for making sure that Peet's horse-face, low-rent Julia Roberts smile is nowhere to be found.  And the chemistry between Perry and Bradley Whitford worked for me.  I completely buy them as long-time writing partners.

I've never seen The West Wing or Sports Night or anything else Aaron Sorkin has done besides A Few Good Men, but I liked this show so much, I'm going to go back and check both those shows out.  I'm pretty much with Bethie on this one.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: OrHowILearnedTo on September 22, 2006, 04:41:09 PM
I thought the show was okay and I'll probably watch again this monday, but two things really pissed me off. First was Amanda Peet's teeth :shock:. The second is being that it's a pilot and it was only so-so as hour long dramas go, I don't think it warranted that many damn commercial breaks!
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: pete on September 25, 2006, 10:04:04 PM
wow, so bad.
it was nonstop network sitcom-quality punchilnes shot like ER.  every bit character had two scenes in the show 1) beef with the two dudes and 2) the apology, as if that creates some kinda "arc" which is what is destroying everything good known to civilization these days.  either way, terrible materials delivered with the most embarassingly ernest and hackneyed self-importance.  the show climaxed with a ripoff of the Looney Tuney theme which in itself was a ripoff of the Animaniacs theme, with crane shots flying every direction, and those crazy sophiscated "shot within a shot" deals that kept the monitors in frame.  and somehow that was considered "cutting-edge comedy."
  the writers room bit was funny though, with a bunch of writers trying to be funny.  and, just as she is in the movies, amanda peet is only as good as whoever her character is fucking.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: Ravi on September 25, 2006, 10:27:52 PM
Yeah, its hard to care about what's going on.  The ratings fall or some rich people get fired or a sketch doesn't make it on the air.  So what?  I'm willing to give it a chance, but I'm skeptical.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: ono on September 25, 2006, 10:33:34 PM
wow, so good.

pete, there already is a Ron Howard of television.  His name is Ron Howard, and he was partly responsible for Arrested Development, which, while it is no Curb, was pretty decent.  That, there, along with your lauding of Entourage, has pretty much invalidated most of what you've said.  Why are you watching anyway if you hated it so much the first time around?  The song wasn't Animaniacs, or Looney Tunes.  It was Gilbert and Sullivan, and was perfect in fitting the bill for what was needed given the circumstances.

If Sorkin should be compared to anyone, it would be David Mamet.  He knows words, he knows rhythm.  He's a classical writer who does one key thing extremely well and a whole bunch of little supporting things that most people don't even notice, but make his writing WORK.  So many scenes -- from the press conference, to the exchange with Matt and Harriet, to Jordan's meeting with sales and affiliates and then later Jack, to the exchange between Danny and Simon, bringing their tension to a boil -- were all just pitch perfect.  The only weak note, I'd say, was the prayer circle.  It was a little off tone for the episode, for the environment.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: modage on September 25, 2006, 11:30:03 PM
ron howard didnt create arrested development.  mitchell hurwitz did, howard just produced it.  and it will remain 1000x a better funnier show than this will ever be.  the melodrama was a little thick with perry and paulson when the strings and piano started playing.  its only episode 2, can we atleast save that stuff for when we care about these people.  and yeah it does seem a little self involved in the same way entourage is made for hollywood actors and hangers-on, this is made for people in tv.  it also seems like a total fantasy as far as amanda peets brash network president willing to fight for good tv and sarah paulsons religious hilarious star.  these things dont exist, except in writers minds.  if this is the best new show this season than its a pretty awful season.  the show is ok but put it next to LOST or Arrested Development and it's really not that funny or that involving.  i'll stick with it a little longer, because as tv proves, its easy to get hooked on anything.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: ono on September 25, 2006, 11:53:00 PM
That's fine, because this is not supposed to be a comedy.  It's a drama about the behind the scenes goings on of a sketch comedy show.  And Lost is pretty bad.  Please don't compare this to Lost.  Ever.

Peet is Jamie Tarses, Paulson is an ex-girlfriend of Sorkin's.  Christine something.  They're real people, and yeah, it's insider, but at least the people are likable, unlike Entourage.  So it's got that going for it.  Don't require that people are likable always.  I love to hate Jack on this show, already.

Didn't say Howard created AD, just that he was partly responsible for it.  And producers DO do a lot more than is known, especially in television.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: Pubrick on September 25, 2006, 11:56:18 PM
Quote from: onomabracadabra on September 25, 2006, 11:53:00 PM
And Lost is pretty bad.  Please don't compare this to Lost.  Ever.
Quote from: onomabracadabra on September 25, 2006, 10:33:34 PM
pretty much invalidated most of what you've said.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: ono on September 26, 2006, 12:00:16 AM
Hardly, P.  The first season was pretty great, I was one of its biggest fans, but the second season brought us the horridness of Ana Lucia and Michael (MY BOOOY!)  The Lost writers would like for us to believe they know where they're going, but instead of answering questions, they keep on introducing new ones with no hope of things ever making any sense.

But, back to Studio 60.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: MacGuffin on September 26, 2006, 01:11:40 AM
Quote from: MacGuffin on September 19, 2006, 12:59:58 AM
I think I would have rather watched Network Lost again.  :yabbse-undecided:
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: polkablues on September 26, 2006, 01:25:23 AM
Quote from: pete on September 25, 2006, 10:04:04 PM
the show climaxed with a ripoff of the Looney Tuney theme which in itself was a ripoff of the Animaniacs theme

Um... besides ono, is everyone else just letting this slide?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: matt35mm on September 26, 2006, 01:37:40 AM
Quote from: polkablues on September 26, 2006, 01:25:23 AM
Quote from: pete on September 25, 2006, 10:04:04 PM
the show climaxed with a ripoff of the Looney Tuney theme which in itself was a ripoff of the Animaniacs theme

Um... besides ono, is everyone else just letting this slide?

Uh... the correction only had to be made once, I thought.

Pete, rent Topsy-Turvy, reverse your chronology and check your spelling.  Problem solved, perfection achieved.

The show's okay.  I'm also leaning towards not that impressed, but none of it is bad.  Yes, Sorkin has a knack for rhythm in dialogue, but for the most part, he's doing only and exactly what's expected of him, which is more of the same more of the same.  If next week is more of the same then I'm gonna stop watching, but I will give it next week.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: pete on September 26, 2006, 09:30:43 AM
yeah I'm not hip with song numbers, but that song still sucked.

Quote from: onomabracadabra on September 25, 2006, 10:33:34 PM
wow, so good.

pete, there already is a Ron Howard of television. His name is Ron Howard, and he was partly responsible for Arrested Development, which, while it is no Curb, was pretty decent. That, there, along with your lauding of Entourage, has pretty much invalidated most of what you've said. Why are you watching anyway if you hated it so much the first time around? The song wasn't Animaniacs, or Looney Tunes. It was Gilbert and Sullivan, and was perfect in fitting the bill for what was needed given the circumstances.

If Sorkin should be compared to anyone, it would be David Mamet. He knows words, he knows rhythm. He's a classical writer who does one key thing extremely well and a whole bunch of little supporting things that most people don't even notice, but make his writing WORK. So many scenes -- from the press conference, to the exchange with Matt and Harriet, to Jordan's meeting with sales and affiliates and then later Jack, to the exchange between Danny and Simon, bringing their tension to a boil -- were all just pitch perfect. The only weak note, I'd say, was the prayer circle. It was a little off tone for the episode, for the environment.

but yeah, he brings none of the tension to a boil.  a character gets mad at another character, then five scenes later, they say sorry to each other with a lot of empty words and references to the show.  you defend the show as drama that isn't supposed to funny but they try to squeeze like one zinger for every three lines of dialogue spoken.  I always acknowledged entourage as a trashy glitzy show, but it's way more interesting to watch than this one.  I don't know who in this show is likable, everyone walks around like a pissed off customer claiming it's his or her right to demand a full refund on a broken bicycle. 
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: Raikus on September 26, 2006, 10:07:30 AM
I like it. Thought the 2nd episode was better than the first. I think Pete is missing that the emphasis on this episode wasn't the characters conflicts with each other, but the conflict with making a successful show. Therefore the personal conflicts were put on the back burner because they all had the first priority of making the show good, not settling their quibbles.

This is a quick switching of gears. Everyone thinks of Sorkin's shows as quick-paced, high-octane, witty remark, quick edits. Mostly because that's what Sports Night was modeled after and what the first few episodes of West Wing was. When Sorkin is at his best it's when the show itself finds its groove and the pacing is nice and smooth. West Wing was like this. The best episodes were once it settled. I think he's realized this and immediatly switch the gear from the pilot (Sports Night pacing) to the 2nd ep.

Basically if you buy the concept of an institution or a show being worthy of higher dedication than a person or people you'll "get" this show. If you're just looking for character conflicts then pass and watch Lost*.

*Not a bash on Lost, just a comparison of shows.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: pete on September 26, 2006, 10:22:05 AM
I wasn't the only person who thought it was bad.  I don't really have a character conflict fetish, it just happened to be all I saw--contrived beef.  you're missing that my emphasis was about how everything felt so artificial, with self-grandeur sprinkled all over it.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: modage on September 26, 2006, 10:54:05 AM
but its not like this really showed a lot of insight into how a show like this gets made.  it was like TUESDAY: blank board.  how are we gonna fill this show?! cut to FRIDAY: show night.  "that was the best dress rehearsal ever!" wow, really?  thanks for shedding so much light on the creative process.  so i would argue that the show is indeed about the characters, and not the show they're producing.  also: at some point the cast of the show within this show is going to need to prove to us they are indeed funny by showing us the actual sketch comedy especially if they expect us to believe the show is turning around.  and as far as LOST goes, believe whatever about the direction the show has taken over 2 seasons, if you are comparing the first 2 hours of drama against each other Studio 60 is a snorefest. 
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: Raikus on September 26, 2006, 11:21:04 AM
It just feels like you guys want too much too fast. The concerns you've mentioned are really picky. This isn't a doc or a "how the show is made." It's an hour long show that probably plans on being on for a few seasons. Having it unfold chronologically with how everything works and all would make a really bad show.

Don't worry, I'm sure they'll have entire episodes devoted to how it works and the smaller players that are involved. I think that's called "material."

And again, Lost was brought up to contrast the character/plot driven show verses the character/idealism driven show. I metioned it just to point our HOW DIFFERENT the two are. But compare whatever you'd like. Personally, I choose to group the "deus ex machina" shows together and separate them from the vocational based ones.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: pete on September 26, 2006, 11:55:13 AM
it's not "us guys", it's the show.  but yeah, what you call idealism I call self-importance; an empty macguffin to justify all the "important" camera moves and humorless "witty" banters.  dude's a prick, then he's not, bam, that's some idealism right there.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: grand theft sparrow on September 26, 2006, 12:29:06 PM
Quote from: modage on September 26, 2006, 10:54:05 AM
and as far as LOST goes, believe whatever about the direction the show has taken over 2 seasons, if you are comparing the first 2 hours of drama against each other Studio 60 is a snorefest.

If you compare the first 2 hours of Lost to LITERALLY ANY hour-long drama that has EVER been on TV, they're all snorefests.  Lost's pilot was better than movies that cost 10 times that what it cost.  You can't compare everything to Lost because everything will fail.  

I'm very satisfied with the show.  Raikus is right.  Dumping everything about what it's like to work on a variety show is simply too much to get into in one episode.  They could do that but then the complaint for the rest of the season would be, "We've seen this already."  They work for a weekly live variety show; week after week, we're going to see more and more of that process.  Plus, to have their first show run smoothly was great.  If it didn't, we'd think they were no-talent hacks and we wouldn't trust in the characters' talent.  Asking Aaron Sorkin to write this show and then write the show on the show is too much to do, so he showed us in a very efficient way that Perry and Whitford aren't idiots.

I understand Pete's point about "Why don't we just read Live From New York instead?" but seeing a network TV fictionalization of something like that is either going to be interesting to you or it's not, no matter who does it.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: polkablues on September 26, 2006, 05:35:59 PM
Quote from: luckysparrow on September 26, 2006, 12:29:06 PM
Quote from: modage on September 26, 2006, 10:54:05 AM
and as far as LOST goes, believe whatever about the direction the show has taken over 2 seasons, if you are comparing the first 2 hours of drama against each other Studio 60 is a snorefest.

If you compare the first 2 hours of Lost to LITERALLY ANY hour-long drama that has EVER been on TV, they're all snorefests.  Lost's pilot was better than movies that cost 10 times that what it cost.  You can't compare everything to Lost because everything will fail. 

You are a wise, wise man.

This is a good show.  That's all it is, and that's all it needs to be.  Not every show can be the best show on television. 
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: modage on September 26, 2006, 06:40:36 PM
as long as we're all in agreement.  :yabbse-grin:
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: SiliasRuby on September 26, 2006, 09:57:59 PM
There are some moments in the TV show I could do without, but I'm very impressed with the show. The second episode was better than the first and I hope for more of the same great writing.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: bonanzataz on September 27, 2006, 12:36:37 PM
SNOOZEFEST!

they should call this show brood-io pissed me off on the sunset i'm going to sleep! aaaaaaahahahahaa.

but seriously. this show is booooooooooring.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: RegularKarate on September 27, 2006, 02:27:56 PM
I neither hate it nor love it... it entertains me enough to watch it though.

I think this show is like that kid in highschool that wears an ascot and seems really pretentious.  He's a nice guy and kind of funny to be around, but when he leaves all anyone can talk about is how smug and full of himself he is... if you really thought about it though, you go to highschool with a bunch of retards, I could see how he could get it in his head that he's better than most of him.  It doesn't bother me that he's all full of himself, he's a relatively nice guy, he's just got that dumb ascot.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: polkablues on September 27, 2006, 06:13:40 PM
Quote from: RegularKarate on September 27, 2006, 02:27:56 PM
I think this show is like that kid in highschool that wears an ascot and seems really pretentious.  He's a nice guy and kind of funny to be around, but when he leaves all anyone can talk about is how smug and full of himself he is... if you really thought about it though, you go to highschool with a bunch of retards, I could see how he could get it in his head that he's better than most of him.  It doesn't bother me that he's all full of himself, he's a relatively nice guy, he's just got that dumb ascot.

I have a feeling that you've just described Aaron Sorkin exactly.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: MacGuffin on September 29, 2006, 12:15:06 AM
'Studio 60' and Strangely Familiar Writing
Source: EW

Aaron Sorkin is more than your average TV writer. So naturally, he's going to get more than your average amount of scrutiny. Especially if his new show's chosen milieu is the notoriously persnickety world of comedy. In the nerve center of New York's underground theater scene, the boards are abuzz: Studio 60, the rumblings rumble, is tone-deaf when it comes to the actual business of making people laugh. (Though I suppose the same could be said of its ur-text, Saturday Night Live.)

Ah, but there's more: Some of the more gimlet-eyed laughologists have noted certain, um, resonances: For instance, there's this evidence of a suspected repetition of Sorkin's Sorkinese (plucked from a private, unlinkable board):

Sports Night, 4/27/1999
Dana Whitaker (Felicity Huffman): [barges in] You are a sleazy, slimy, adolescent, over-sexed, overpaid blowhole!

Studio 60, ''Cold Open,'' 9/25/2006
Harriet Hayes (Sarah Paulson): [barges in] You are an adolescent, over-sexed, whoremonger with the sensitivity of a head of cabbage.

To be fair: First off, ''head of cabbage'' is clearly a post-9/11 reference, right? Second, if you're going to steal from anyone, steal from yourself, says I. Ah, but that's not the most interesting echo from the past.

You may recall that Sorkin hired Mark McKinney, late of Kids in the Hall and SNL, to oversee the sketch comedy on the show-within-the-show. (He's listed as a story editor on ''Cold Open.'') Well, last episode featured a repurposing of Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Major-General's Song.' (''I am the very model of a modern Major-General,'' etc.) Now it just so happens that SNL did the very same act on January 21, 1995, during McKinney's stint on the show. The host was David Hyde Pierce. (''I'm hosting Saturday Night Live, I'm nervous, I've got shaky knees/ I love the show, although I haven't watched it since the '70s.'')

Coincidence? Probably not. Nefarious? Hardly. But it'll be awfully fascinating to track which SNL moments Sorkin and McKinney plunder pay homage to next. No pressure, guys, but there are, like, a million hungry comedians watching you. And they have loooooooong memories.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: ProgWRX on October 02, 2006, 10:34:51 PM
I wonder when Sorkin is *really* going to put McKinney to use. I really liked this third episode, but still the show within the show (the "live" Studio60) still aint too funny.

Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: RegularKarate on October 03, 2006, 05:21:21 PM
nah.. third episode pretty much sold me on it not being worth my time.
I might watch it when I've got nothing else going on, but while this could have gotten better, it got worse.

Why does the christian girl act like she's some kind of misunderstood opressed minority?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: killafilm on October 03, 2006, 06:01:28 PM
wow.  seems like this is getting a lot of hate from xixax.

I for one love it.  I think each episode has gotten better.  It's like ER but for tv production.  I guess maybe that doesn't sound to good, but, I still like it.  I'll let them slip a bit in not being that funny in the show within the show, as long as everything else is pretty funny.  Which so far it is.  The dynamic between Matt and Danny is really good.  And Peet is actually decent in this. 
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: MacGuffin on October 04, 2006, 01:28:15 AM
"Studio 60" on the Blink

A late-night sketch comedy show is sinking--and, this time, Horatio Sanz, Chris Parnell and Finesse Mitchell can't take the fall.

On Monday night, the Saturday Night Live-inspired Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip fell to a series-low 8.9 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.

CBS' CSI: Miami dominated the 10 p.m. slot with 17.9 million; NBC's Studio 60 made do with topping the final hour of the season premiere of ABC's The Bachelor: Rome (7.9 million). (Overall, the not-as-smooth-as-it-used-to-be Bachelor averaged 7.5 million from 9-11 p.m.)

Studio 60, NBC's most hyped fall show without football pads, had a decent enough Sept. 19 premiere, when the Aaron Sorkin-hatched, Matthew Perry-led series was sampled by 13.4 million. But the show has been down every week since then, shedding 4.5 million viewers along the way.

NBC's struggles with its fake SNL come as its real SNL is dealing with its own troubles. Last month, veteran SNL performers Sanz, Parnell and Mitchell were sacked amid network-mandated budget cuts. The downsized SNL began its 32nd season last weekend.

Far from giving up on the SNL concept, NBC will roll out yet another SNL-inspired series, the sitcom 30 Rock, on Oct. 11
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: Raikus on October 05, 2006, 09:56:13 AM
How 30 Rock will save Studio 60

30 Rock will suck so hard that, by contrast, Studio 60 will seem that much better.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: ProgWRX on October 10, 2006, 03:31:25 PM
Anyone watch "West Coast Delay" last night? I highly enjoyed it. Were finally seeing some behind the scenes drama and they are showing less and less of the actual sketches.

Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: polkablues on October 10, 2006, 07:09:44 PM
Quote from: ProgWRX on October 10, 2006, 03:31:25 PM
Were finally seeing some behind the scenes drama and they are showing less and less of the actual sketches.

Although, "Meet the Press with Juliette Lewis" looked like it would have been funny.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: MacGuffin on October 10, 2006, 10:25:17 PM
I was with it up until they had to keep breaking in live to update the source of the joke. I would have liked to have seen how they deal with plagerism entirely played out.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: pete on October 10, 2006, 10:27:52 PM
I actually went out of my way to catch a re-run, just so I could have something to talk about on the board I guess.  the romance thing just was not working, nobody actually feels the heartbreak.  the joke was pretty bad too, I guess it was just a macgunffin though.  the racing against the clock thing was fun though.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: grand theft sparrow on October 11, 2006, 08:38:24 AM
So is it confirmed yet that Rob Lowe is going to play Amanda Peet's ex-husband?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: ProgWRX on October 11, 2006, 08:41:27 PM
as much as part of me would like that, it would IMO feel too much like a west wing reunion, unless he has ZERO scenes with Brad Whitford.

and yes IMO they need to keep showing more of the tv-making aspects and keep the sanctimonious stuff, the relationship stuff and the christian right bashing to a minimum (IMO it gets old, as much as i may dislike 'em)

Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: picolas on October 12, 2006, 02:30:06 AM
the fact that the show within the show is never funny makes me have to suspend my disbelief so much i don't think i'm going to watch any more. and i agree with pete about the no romance.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: Gold Trumpet on October 12, 2006, 02:42:49 AM
Quote from: picolas on October 12, 2006, 02:30:06 AM
the fact that the show within the show is never funny makes me have to suspend my disbelief so much i don't think i'm going to watch any more.

That's the rule, though. In a column a few years back, Ebert said it was standard play for movies about movies to have their subject movie be stale. The producers did not want the audience to wish another film was made instead. Watch Truffaut's Day For Night. My feelings aside, the movie is as textbook to Hollywood logistics as any movie gets. It still stands up today against The Player and others films about Hollywood.

I've watched a little bit of the show (during commerical breaks of football). My thoughts so far is that it is boring. The plot is more insightful to television production than character insight. The actors ramble on with such intelligence and poise that I wonder if the writers knew the difference between character writing and good technical writing. Its all just stale to me.

But, I have argued for precision writing before. Gilmore Girls has not one ounce of realism but its fabulous stuff when rolling. The reason is that the characters dance with verbal slang the way old Hollywood use to at its best moments. Every character is able to be charming and the moments really do ring true. The problem is most people don't care to look at the show in a context of old comedic Hollywood. They want realism only.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: picolas on October 12, 2006, 03:01:50 AM
Quote from: The Gold Trumpet on October 12, 2006, 02:42:49 AM
Quote from: picolas on October 12, 2006, 02:30:06 AM
the fact that the show within the show is never funny makes me have to suspend my disbelief so much i don't think i'm going to watch any more.

That's the rule, though. In a column a few years back, Ebert said it was standard play for movies about movies to have their subject movie be stale. The producers did not want the audience to wish another film was made instead.
i don't think it has to be a rule. and i don't think it's intentional because the show outside the show isn't funny and perry is supposed to be a renowned comic genius.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: grand theft sparrow on October 12, 2006, 06:38:29 AM
Quote from: picolas on October 12, 2006, 03:01:50 AM
Quote from: The Gold Trumpet on October 12, 2006, 02:42:49 AM
Quote from: picolas on October 12, 2006, 02:30:06 AM
the fact that the show within the show is never funny makes me have to suspend my disbelief so much i don't think i'm going to watch any more.

That's the rule, though. In a column a few years back, Ebert said it was standard play for movies about movies to have their subject movie be stale. The producers did not want the audience to wish another film was made instead.
i don't think it has to be a rule. and i don't think it's intentional because the show outside the show isn't funny and perry is supposed to be a renowned comic genius.
It's definitely intentional and most likely for the reasons GT/Ebert said.  But I don't really care that the show itself isn't funny.  I'm not watching because I'm looking for good comedy.  That's what actual comedies are for.  So the quality of the snippets of material that we see is inconsequential.  I'm still with the show, which is sad because I know it's getting cancelled during or right after this season.  It's the curse of the inside-the-entertainment-industry show, Entourage being the only successful example.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: pete on October 12, 2006, 09:01:56 PM
if it's not funny, then at least that has to be acknowledged, like Max's play in Rushmore.  in the show's premiere it opened with a skit that wasn't funny and the creator to make a brouhaha about it.  if that skit wasn't funny, then what was?  you can't just have the fake audience laughing and the fake rating soaring to prove the comedy.
wayne's world was an excellent show within a movie, and also a show within a show.  itchty and scratchy too.  the king is alive showed excellent acting within excellent acting (as well as excellent bad acting). 
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: picolas on October 13, 2006, 05:42:29 AM
Quote from: othersparrow on October 12, 2006, 06:38:29 AM
It's definitely intentional and most likely for the reasons GT/Ebert said.
i bet you $1 billion it's unintentional.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: polkablues on October 13, 2006, 07:08:46 PM
Quote from: picolas on October 13, 2006, 05:42:29 AM
Quote from: othersparrow on October 12, 2006, 06:38:29 AM
It's definitely intentional and most likely for the reasons GT/Ebert said.
i bet you $1 billion it's unintentional.

Nobody take that bet.  Unless you have a billion dollars you're cool with losing.

It's not this big intentional artistic choice, by any means.  Aaron Sorkin just is not a sketch-comedy writer.  Plain and simple.  The last episode took a good approach, giving us just the barest glimpses of the sketches themselves, without ever relying on the sketch to prove itself.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: pete on October 13, 2006, 07:11:02 PM
yeah it only repeated that joke four times, plain and simple.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: polkablues on October 13, 2006, 07:26:50 PM
Wait, which joke?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: picolas on October 14, 2006, 02:52:21 AM
"America has so much food we drop it with bombs" and "ADD, etc. in my day you were just 'stupid'"
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: polkablues on October 14, 2006, 03:17:45 AM
Oh, yeah.  Aaron Sorkin's not much of a stand-up writer either, apparently.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: Pubrick on October 14, 2006, 05:10:39 AM
haha, i love this discussion.. but unfortunately we won't know who's right until Garam has told us what he thinks.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: grand theft sparrow on October 14, 2006, 11:14:03 AM
He won't until Ricky Gervais guests on the show.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: Ravi on October 14, 2006, 01:25:43 PM
Quote from: picolas on October 14, 2006, 02:52:21 AM
"America has so much food we drop it with bombs" and "ADD, etc. in my day you were just 'stupid'"

And women take forever to get dressed, am I right, guys?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: grand theft sparrow on October 18, 2006, 12:30:06 PM
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/54117

Studio 60 Was Better When It First Came Out

By Artie Mayer
October 18, 2006 | Issue 42•42

(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theonion.com%2Fcontent%2Ffiles%2Fimages%2FStudio-60-R.jpg&hash=e4cc90665b96a629d9bf28a2eebf2f16d70cfc61)

I remember when the famous phrase "Live from Studio 60, it's Friday Night In Hollywood!" used to mean something. Back then, when the show first came out, I'd stay home every Monday night just to make sure I didn't miss an episode. There such a buzz around the show in the weeks leading up to its premiere, because it was something new, something no one had ever seen before. But ever since Judd Hirsch left, the show's totally gone downhill.

Even by just watching the show in those early days, you felt like you were part of something special. It was truly the first of its kind—so revolutionary that it immediately spawned imitators like 30 Rock. I don't know whether it was better writing, hip musical guests like Three 6 Mafia, or the whole novelty of being the first-ever show about a late-night sketch-comedy show, but regardless of whatever made it so great in those days, it has certainly not aged well.

I don't even understand why anyone watches it anymore.

In Studio 60's heyday, they would do this thing where Judd would come out before the opening credits and deliver this long, angry monologue about the current state of network television. I used to sit in front of the TV, just waiting for him to unleash his famous catchphrase, "It's not going to be a very good show tonight." But they haven't done that for a while.

I wish they would just get rid of this current cast and start from scratch.

Back when the show first hit the airwaves, they were constantly coming up with new, interesting characters, like Amanda Peet's manipulative but well-intentioned NBS president "Jordan McDeere," or Matthew Perry's hilarious stressed-out-writer character "Matt Albie."

I'd say they introduced eight to 10 great characters in the first episode alone, but then they kept using those same exact characters in every single show. Sure, they put them in slightly different situations and gave them new dialogue, but they got really old really fast. How many times do I have to see a "Matt and Danny" scene or a "Jordan and Jack" scene? Three or four times per show? It's just lazy.

They've fallen into the trap of using the same tired old formula week in and week out, just because they know it works. Every episode, it's a cold open that sets up a conflict, followed by the opening credits, followed by acts one through six, almost always ending with a neat little resolution and a new cliffhanger. And they keep drawing on the same overused topics—TV networks, network sponsors, sketch comedy... Talk about milking a premise for all it's worth. Okay, we get it already. I understand this is the format that made the show popular, but you can't rely on it forever.

Maybe it was just a matter of the show being in the right place at the right time. The nation was still reeling from the fifth anniversary of 9/11, the Pope had just made those insensitive comments about the Muslim religion, and we were all on edge about the E. coli spinach scare. Studio 60 provided the escape we needed every Monday night. But as the times have changed, the show just seems less and less relevant.

Then again, maybe it's me. Maybe I've just matured and my tastes have changed since it first premiered, and the show was always this bad. Maybe if I go back and watch the first episode again, I'll realize that it's not as good as I thought it was when I was younger.

Oh well, I guess I'll still keep watching though, since there's really nothing else on Mondays at 10 p.m. But I just can't shake the feeling I've seen the same four or five shows over and over since it debuted.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: Kal on October 18, 2006, 10:19:52 PM
NBC is moving 'Friday Night Lights' to Monday at 10pm replacing Studio 60. It starts October 30, which is... next week!

I wonder what the hell are they doing with Studio 60...

Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: grand theft sparrow on October 19, 2006, 09:06:57 AM
It's probably gone.  I think it's only retained half its viewers from the premiere.  This past episode was the first one I got bored with and turned off halfway through.  I really don't like the actress playing Harriet, they had a skit that went on WAY too long, like they were filling time, and the Sting thing was like some ridiculous Ally McBeal shit.  Plus no Matt and Danny in the first half and they're the best part. 
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: diggler on October 19, 2006, 12:03:16 PM
the show is pretty sharply written but i think it just disguises from how..... empty it all is.  they're concentrating way too much on the matt/harriet thing, especially since the show is only a few episodes old.  aside from a good nicholas cage impression, the sketches are painfully unfunny (it would be funny if that was the point seeing as SNL is painfully unfunny, but everyone in the show talks about how great the show is so thats not likely) 

who knew 30rock would be the better of the two
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: RegularKarate on October 19, 2006, 02:50:00 PM
Quote from: ddiggler6280 on October 19, 2006, 12:03:16 PM
who knew 30rock would be the better of the two

Everyone who knew anything from anything

I was cool with this show at first, then I got a little tired of it quickly.. now I'm glad it's cancelled.. maybe Sorkin will actually try for his next show.

Hooray for Friday Night Lights... I hope this is a good sign... it's one of my favorite new shows.

EDIT:  looks like this is a one time thing... 60 gets a week off to get the far superior FNL a chance at a different timeslot...it's going to still show on Tuesday during it's regular slot.  The network probably just likes FNL more. Good for them.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: pete on October 19, 2006, 03:03:24 PM
yeah 30 rock is really fun, and it's a fun mix of Arrested Development-style franticness (and a boat party) and more traditional backroom drama.  tina fey is also very very charming.  lets change this thread to 30 rock!  tracy said he's got "The aids monkey's bone."  that was awesome.
and with studio 60-- TOLD YA.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: modage on October 19, 2006, 10:23:02 PM
yeah does anybody who was raving about this a few pages ago still feel like its any good?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: JG on October 19, 2006, 10:28:53 PM
i only saw the first 30 rock, and i don't even know that i like it very much, but tracy morgan was so hilarious.  everything he did was just great, even the hard-to-explain-and-make-sound-funny things, like when he came out on stage and everybody went crazy and there's like a one second shot of him doing the robot.   classic. 
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: polkablues on October 19, 2006, 11:41:06 PM
Quote from: modage on October 19, 2006, 10:23:02 PM
yeah does anybody who was raving about this a few pages ago still feel like its any good?

I still do.  The self-righteousness is a little much, but I'm still getting enjoyment out of the thing.  Maybe I just miss West Wing so much, I'll take whatever I can get.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: Kal on October 19, 2006, 11:57:34 PM
Ok for everybody talking before time... 30 Rock lost like half its audience from the 1st show to the other... rating was way worse than Studio 60...

Havent seen it yet... but it doesnt look good for NBC... except for Heroes
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: MacGuffin on October 20, 2006, 01:25:03 AM
Quote from: kal on October 19, 2006, 11:57:34 PMHavent seen it yet... but it doesnt look good for NBC... except for Heroes

NBC Says 'No Deal' to Scripted TV
As part of the network's cutbacks, the 8 p.m. hour will feature low-cost game shows and reality programs.
Source: Los Angeles Times

In another sign that television is no longer the juggernaut that it once was, NBC Universal on Thursday announced a retrenchment and cost-cutting that will eliminate about 700 positions to save $750 million over the next two years.

In a particularly stunning move, NBC executives acknowledged plans for a partial retreat in prime-time — the lucrative three-hour programming block that has long been the petri dish for U.S. pop culture. Instead of using the 8 p.m. hour to showcase its most popular scripted shows — from "The Cosby Show" in the 1980s and "Friends" in the 1990s — the network plans to instead fill the hour with game shows and other low-cost fare.

Doing away with scripted programming at 8 p.m. could be another blow to the Hollywood machine — the thousands of actors, writers, producers, crew members and talent agents — who have long enjoyed fat paychecks that come from feeding the broadcast networks' voracious appetite for new dramas and sit-coms.

But scripted shows aren't working as well at 8 p.m. these days.

"The audience just isn't there," Bob Wright, chairman of NBC Universal, said in an interview. "Nobody has tried harder than we have to make our shows work there. We have some of our best stuff at 8 o'clock, and it's struggling."

Instead, he said, unscripted shows such as NBC's game show "Deal or No Deal," CBS' durable "Survivor" and ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" have built solid followings at 8 p.m.

NBC's shift in strategy, which likely will go into effect next year, means that NBC will be ordering fewer new shows in the spring because it has fewer holes to fill in the 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. hours, where proven veterans make up its roster.

The changes at NBC Universal go beyond prime-time. Every division of the once-proud peacock will be trimmed, from NBC's news gathering operations to the Universal film studio. Division heads have been asked to identify employees and find other ways to streamline operations to boost profits for its parent company, General Electric Co.

The planned layoffs total 5% of NBC Universal's full-time workforce of 15,000.

NBC Universal's reorganization follows that of other media titans that are struggling to remain relevant as more consumers turn to the Internet for their news and entertainment. Both Time Warner Inc. and Walt Disney Co. announced cuts earlier this year.

NBC executives declined to say how many people would be let go from its operations in Burbank and Universal City. Instead, they said the bulk of the cuts will come from the company's TV division, which makes up two-thirds of its workforce. The company's news gathering operations, from NBC network news, its local stations, Spanish-language Telemundo network and cable channels MSNBC and CNBC, will feel the sting. The one division that might see an increase in worker is the Universal Studios' theme parks.

But for the National Broadcasting Co., which formed 80 years ago as the nation's first chain of radio stations, the announcement marked the company's latest attempt to reinvent itself to keep up with the times.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: ono on October 20, 2006, 07:17:34 AM
Quote from: polkablues on October 19, 2006, 11:41:06 PM
Quote from: modage on October 19, 2006, 10:23:02 PM
yeah does anybody who was raving about this a few pages ago still feel like its any good?

I still do. The self-righteousness is a little much, but I'm still getting enjoyment out of the thing. Maybe I just miss West Wing so much, I'll take whatever I can get.
I do, too.  I think Sorkin could swallow some of his pride and do whatever he needs to do to work on whatever it is that ISN'T working, but I still see the potential in the show, and get more enjoyment out of it than anything else on TV right now.  I think all of the criticisms of the show could be answered validly, but what does it matter to the people who've already made up their minds about the show?  It's got a lot of potential.  That's what I saw in the first few episodes, and that's what's being squandered because right now the tone is a bit off and the characters are being misused.  This past episode was a little weaker than the rest, but still the last bit with Matt, Harriet, and Sting was inspired (save the "you knock my socks off" line, though what else could she do besides kiss him?).  I don't like how their romance is being focused on so much.  The impression I got from the first show is these are two people who are better off apart, and the struggle will be them working together.  Show us interesting interaction, and not just romance.  The best scenes are when characters do something unexpected yet totally in character in hindsight.

30 Rock is okay, but the fact that Tracy Morgan, Tina Fey, and Rachel Dratch are hilarious should be a revelation to no one.  This show has more potential.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: modage on October 20, 2006, 08:12:11 AM
ok just so you know when this is cancelled we're going to turn it into another LOST thread.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: grand theft sparrow on October 20, 2006, 09:33:05 AM
Quote from: onomabracadabra on October 20, 2006, 07:17:34 AM
30 Rock is okay, but the fact that Tracy Morgan, Tina Fey, and Rachel Dratch are hilarious should be a revelation to no one.  This show has more potential.

I'm betting that 30 Rock will get cancelled this week.  It's an amusing show but not as shit your pants hilarious as I was hoping.  Tracy Morgan doesn't even have to do anything and he makes me laugh but it was doomed from the start; it's not like he, Fey or Dratch had the popularity of Will Ferrell or even Jimmy Fallon.  It's yet another show that would have done better as a one-off movie, so they don't have to stretch storylines over 13-22 episodes but rather 90 minutes and no restrictions on language.

And it fucking figures that nobody likes the first show that ever made good use of Matthew Perry!  I guess with him and Amanda Peet soon to be out of work, we can look forward to The Whole Eleven Yards.  Nice!   :doh:
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: Ravi on October 20, 2006, 11:04:37 AM
Oh come on, 30 Rock is funnier than you make it out to be.  Its certainly better than S60, which could be interesting if Sorkin would get to some interesting storylines already.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: grand theft sparrow on October 20, 2006, 11:56:06 AM
Like I said, it's funny and I'll watch it as long as it's on, but I laughed harder at Mean Girls than most of the first 2 episodes, and it's not the sort of broad humor that screams "hit."  I'd like to see it keep going (especially if Rachel Dratch plays a completely different character every week, that's genius) but it's just not going to happen unless Tracy Morgan stars in the number 1 movie in America this week, like what happened with The Office.

Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: diggler on October 21, 2006, 01:17:41 AM
Quote from: MacGuffin on October 20, 2006, 01:25:03 AM
Quote from: kal on October 19, 2006, 11:57:34 PMHavent seen it yet... but it doesnt look good for NBC... except for Heroes


In a particularly stunning move, NBC executives acknowledged plans for a partial retreat in prime-time — the lucrative three-hour programming block that has long been the petri dish for U.S. pop culture. Instead of using the 8 p.m. hour to showcase its most popular scripted shows — from "The Cosby Show" in the 1980s and "Friends" in the 1990s — the network plans to instead fill the hour with game shows and other low-cost fare.


kinda funny how this was a major plot point in the last S60 episode
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: MacGuffin on October 23, 2006, 01:41:23 AM
'Studio 60' needs a renovation
By Robert Bianco, USA TODAY

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip has offered viewers a variety of pleasures, but not the one that may matter most: a reason to care.

That's not how Studio's story was supposed to go. Heavily promoted and critically praised, this NBC drama (tonight, 10 ET/PT) combines two of TV's best-liked stars, Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford, with one of its best writers, West Wing's Aaron Sorkin. As you'd expect from a show with so much going in its favor, Studio quickly found an audience, and just as rapidly chased it away.

The problem is that rather than use his setting — behind the scenes at a Saturday Night Live-like show — as a jumping-off point for relatable workplace stories, Sorkin has delved ever more deeply into the intricacies of the television industry and, it seems, into his place in it. The background notes of self-righteousness and self-reference that were present in the pilot have become the dominant tone, to the extent that too much of the show comes across as a giant ego stroke.

The last straw was perhaps last week's episode, built entirely around a magazine profile being written by a famous reporter. Ostensibly designed to give us background on the romance between the show's head writer, Matt Albie (Perry), and one of its stars, Harriet Hayes (Sarah Paulson), the story actually seemed to exist to provide another opportunity to lecture us on the importance of the show to America, pop culture and democracy, delivered by yet another smug, glib, overly confident character.

What's hard to fathom is the air of portent that seems to surround everything that happens at Studio 60. When was the last time all of America was riveted by SNL? And while it's true we love a good celebrity scandal, it would take a lot more than a bad marriage and an old drunken-driving charge to get most Americans to even remember the name of a network president like Jordan McDeere (Amanda Peet), let alone be consumed by her personal problems.

Studio 60 still has far more going for it than most TV shows could ever hope to match, from the talents of its cast and crew to the underlying appeal of its main characters. But unless it wants to see those assets go to waste, the show has to make some course corrections. Five places to start:

1. Can the comedy

Sorkin has a prodigious gift for writing witty, literate, dramatic dialogue that can break the tension in a scene. But that's not the same as writing sketch comedy, and his show's attempts to do so have been so painfully dull, they call into question the oft-praised talents of Sorkin's alter ego, Matt. Tell us the idea for the sketch, but don't actually produce one.

2. It's not all about you

If you're giving your show autobiographical flourishes, as Sorkin admits to doing, you have to be careful not to make it look as if you're constructing the podium for the statue to come. Too many speeches praise Matt's genius, and too many characters exist to do the same.

3. More real/less ideal

West Wing's view of the White House as a world where personal ambition was set aside for the public good was a fantasy, but it was one we wanted to believe. Move it to Hollywood, and the fantasy becomes far less enticing. We're supposed to believe that no one is jealous of Harriet's favored status among the cast? Sorry, I'm not buying it.

4. A grateful nation does not await

Supposedly, Matt and his old friend and creative partner, executive producer Danny Tripp (Whitford), took this job because it was the only way they could work together, a situation that earned them instant sympathy. But rather than saving their careers, they now act as if they were saving us from reality-show madness and the pit of political divide. We would miss Studio 60 if it were canceled, but we would survive. All involved need to keep that in mind.

5. A little less earnest, please

You're making TV, not curing cancer. Stop putting such a burden of import on both versions of Studio 60, fictional and real. The shame is there is plenty of fodder for drama in network TV. Studio 60 airs for a company that is about to make some 700 underlings pay for the almost unprecedented incompetence of its top brass — who will, of course, go on collecting their outrageous salaries and bonuses.

That's a story that would resonate with a lot of Americans. Maybe even enough to make them care about your show.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: polkablues on October 23, 2006, 02:23:47 AM
That is all fantastic advice.  I hope it's heeded.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on October 23, 2006, 02:55:58 AM
how can he heed it?  I mean, the entire season's probably all shot already right?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: polkablues on October 23, 2006, 03:10:28 AM
Quote from: pete on October 23, 2006, 02:55:58 AM
how can he heed it?  I mean, the entire season's probably all shot already right?

I doubt it...  Shows like this do tend to stay weeks ahead, but I'd be absolutely shocked if the initial 13 episode run has all been written and shot already.  And if they do get picked up for the full season (and even with the numbers they're currently getting, I would deem that a likely prospect), that's another nine episodes right there to make amends with.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on October 23, 2006, 09:43:08 AM
They can make overnight changes... that is for sure. Especially on shows that dont have so much post-production or location shooting. But the problem is that as far as I know they already confirmed that FNL will move to their spot Monday at 10pm starting next week. So unless they will try a different day/time and see what happens, its already gone.

Too bad... because those things Robert Bianco says are true. They can still save the show. I kinda like it... its not great, but I'm hoping it gets better and I like Mathew Perry. Joey already failed, so it sucks that again because he was so successful with Friends now everything else is bullshit no matter how good he is.

NBC is going from dumb to dumber to dumberer. The new low-cost/gameshow/reality bullshit is a disaster considering there are so many good ideas for shows and existing shows that can already fill that time if they would do a better show placing it and promoting it. They have some of the best rated shows on TV and they cant get the ratings... FNL, Studio 60, Heroes, The Office... they have to change something else, not get rid of the good TV.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on October 23, 2006, 11:44:07 AM
the office is not getting good ratings?  man, I just started to like the American version too!
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: ono on October 23, 2006, 11:57:43 AM
The FNL move is just a one-time thing.  S60 returns the week after with a two-part episode guest starring John Goodman.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: RegularKarate on October 23, 2006, 01:45:47 PM
Quote from: kal on October 23, 2006, 09:43:08 AM
I know they already confirmed that FNL will move to their spot Monday at 10pm starting next week. So unless they will try a different day/time and see what happens, its already gone.

Quote from: onomabracadabra on October 23, 2006, 11:57:43 AM
The FNL move is just a one-time thing.  S60 returns the week after with a two-part episode guest starring John Goodman.

Yes, this was already covered.

Quote from: RegularKarate on October 19, 2006, 02:50:00 PM
looks like this is a one time thing... 60 gets a week off to get the far superior FNL a chance at a different timeslot...it's going to still show on Tuesday during it's regular slot.  The network probably just likes FNL more. Good for them.

They're not going to heed any advice though... they wouldn't make those kinds of changes that quickly to a formula they thinks makes the show... too bad.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on October 23, 2006, 01:52:50 PM
oh yeah, and Dawn from the Office has like a line in it every other week, whats up with that?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: polkablues on October 23, 2006, 05:30:40 PM
Quote from: pete on October 23, 2006, 01:52:50 PM
oh yeah, and Dawn from the Office has like a line in it every other week, whats up with that?

Maybe they could kill off Harriet Hayes and make her a full-time cast member.  I would be up for that.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: grand theft sparrow on October 23, 2006, 09:37:10 PM
That would work better than everything on that USA Today list.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on October 23, 2006, 10:05:04 PM
Quote from: pete on October 23, 2006, 11:44:07 AM
the office is not getting good ratings?  man, I just started to like the American version too!

It's doing better than before... but still nothing to compete against other networks on Thursday night. Also it gets less ratings that Earl although they 'go together'.

It got better ratings thanks to all the people who downloaded and were able to catch up with iTunes downloads...

But the show is great... and if we consider that even Seinfeld had so-so ratings until the 4th season, I think this can also get better if it continues to be good.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: RegularKarate on October 23, 2006, 11:48:04 PM
Tonight's episode was the most abysmal yet... I can't even kind of watch this show in passing anymore.. Jesus Christ, I can't believe I even kind of liked this at first.

Everyone watch Friday Night Lights tomorrow.. THAT is the show to be watching.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: MacGuffin on October 24, 2006, 01:07:33 AM
Quote from: RegularKarate on October 23, 2006, 11:48:04 PMTonight's episode was the most abysmal yet...

Boy, have they dumbed down Peet's character. You now really have to wonder how is she the head of the network?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Pubrick on October 24, 2006, 01:19:15 AM
Quote from: MacGuffin on October 24, 2006, 01:07:33 AM
Boy, have they dumbed down with Peet's character. You now really have to wonder how is she the head of the network still getting roles?

fixed.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Raikus on October 24, 2006, 10:10:19 AM
Best word I can think of characterizing last night's ep: vapid.

I guess my faith in Sorkin was misplaced. It started off well enough, and coupled with the experience of West Wing and Sports Night factored in, I thought that it'd find its place pretty quick. Last night offered the perfect setup for it to redeem itself - a wrap party - lots of character interaction, no "comedy" sketches. Well, it didn't work. I was, for the first time, very bored with the show.

I'm right there with RK, except add BSG to the best show you should be watching category.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on October 25, 2006, 12:41:52 AM
I dunno what bsg stands for but thank you everyone, I'm right about everything.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Pubrick on October 25, 2006, 12:58:33 AM
Quote from: pete on October 25, 2006, 12:41:52 AM
I'm right about everything.

and yet..

Quote from: pete on October 03, 2006, 11:34:11 AM
I thought jimmy neutron won that year.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: MacGuffin on October 25, 2006, 01:09:22 AM
Quote from: RegularKarate on October 23, 2006, 11:48:04 PMEveryone watch Friday Night Lights tomorrow.. THAT is the show to be watching.

I'm sorry, RK. I tried, but I felt like I needed to take Dramamine before watching. Was the camera having a seizure? It was far too distracting to concentrate on the story.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Raikus on October 25, 2006, 09:09:05 AM
I was flipping through and caught part of it last night. Mac's right. I only saw the supermarket scene where she was checking out with all the ribs but it's like they tied the camera to a gym rope and let it swing. Is it always like that or was Greengrass just directing that episode?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: RegularKarate on October 25, 2006, 03:52:45 PM
RE: The camera movement... you really have to watch it from start to end to get used to it, but word is that they're going to cut back on the shakiness because not everyone knows how to do it correctly. 

Give it another shot and understand the camera movement is supposed to chill out a bit.  I think it's worth it (the camera movement doesn't bother me and it lends to the fantastic editing).
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on October 25, 2006, 04:47:10 PM
30 Rock survives for now despite the very dissapointing ratings (lower than Studio 60, with less than 6 million viewers). The plan is that NBC is moving the show to THURSDAY together with The Office, My Name is Earl, and Scrubs... sounds kinda cool considering they will have 4 sitcoms back to back trying to compete with CSI and the other bullshit.

NBC is desperate.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: diggler on October 25, 2006, 06:04:19 PM
^which is a shame because any four of those shows are superior to CSI.  totally different kind of show, but still.

am i crazy, or is it wishful thinking that matt would rather talk to an elderly writer at a wrap party as opposed to hitting on retarded models?  maybe they just aren't selling harriet enough.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: polkablues on October 25, 2006, 06:17:02 PM
Quote from: RegularKarate on October 25, 2006, 03:52:45 PM
RE: The camera movement... you really have to watch it from start to end to get used to it, but word is that they're going to cut back on the shakiness because not everyone knows how to do it correctly. 

Give it another shot and understand the camera movement is supposed to chill out a bit.  I think it's worth it (the camera movement doesn't bother me and it lends to the fantastic editing).

The camera movement is part of what makes the show great... it's stylistically different, more filmic, than anything else on TV right now.  If you need to suck on a ginger tablet to make it through an episode, then damn it, that's just the price you have to pay.

And for what it's worth, from someone who still hasn't given up on Studio 60, RK's right.  FNL is the best new show this season.  Six Degrees is pretty damn good, too, but I think I'm the only person in the world who's watching it.  Campbell Scott, people!  Come on!
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: grand theft sparrow on October 26, 2006, 09:28:29 AM
Last night's 30 Rock was the best so far.  No "AIDS monkey's bones" moments from Tracy Morgan, unfortunately, but Alec Baldwin killed me.

And this is good news all around.  They're granting my wish and moving all my live-action sitcom watching to one night and pulling that god-awful show with Jeffrey Tambor that was a knife in the chests of AD fans everywhere.


NBC moves '30 Rock,' 'Scrubs' to Thurs.

October 26, 2006
By Nellie Andreeva

NBC is bringing back its trademark two-hour comedy block on Thursdays with freshman "30 Rock" and "Scrubs" joining "My Name Is Earl" and "The Office." Meanwhile, another new NBC comedy, "Twenty Good Years," is being pulled off the schedule.

"30 Rock" will be first to join the Thursday lineup Nov. 16 for a supersize night of 40-minute episodes of "Earl," "Office" and "30 Rock" leading into "ER."

Comedy will take a breather the following week, Thanksgiving night, when NBC will air a two-hour "Deal or No Deal" from 8-10 p.m.

Beginning Nov. 30, the four single-camera comedies will take over their new regular slots: "Earl" and "Office" staying put at 8 and 8:30, followed by "Scrubs" at 9 and "30 Rock" at 9:30 p.m. For "Scrubs," it will mark a return to Thursdays, where it aired behind "Friends" during the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons.

"We are excited about the prospect of two hours of top-notch comedy on Thursday nights, which includes the return of 'Scrubs,' " NBC Entertainment president Kevin Reilly said. "We will stay on-brand with the best comedy block on television, which will position us for the future on the night."

"30 Rock" and its current companion, "Twenty," will remain in their respective Wednesday 8 and 8:30 slots through Nov. 8. The following week, "The Biggest Loser" will air at 8, leading into the two-hour season premiere of "Medium" that will feature star Patricia Arquette's husband, Thomas Jane, as a guest star. "Medium" will begin running in its regular Wednesday 10 p.m. slot the following week.

Starting Nov. 22, NBC will air different specials in the Wednesday 8 p.m. hour. The Thursday edition of "Deal" will not be moved to another night, and the game show will go down from two to one edition a week for now.

There are no immediate plans for a return of "Twenty Good Years" to the schedule. The comedy starring John Lithgow and Jeffrey Tambor is in production on its 13-episode order and might come back in midseason.

The move follows a low-rated first two weeks for "30 Rock" and "Twenty" in the Wednesday 8 p.m. hour. Last week, they trailed the competition with a 2.3 rating/7 share and a 2.0/5 in adults 18-49, respectively.

It also reaffirms NBC's commitment to moving scripted series away from 8 p.m. as stated by network's brass last week (HR 10/20).

For nearly 20 years, NBC's "Must See TV" comedy lineup dominated the Thursday 8-10 time period with such blockbuster comedies as "Friends," "Seinfeld" and "Cheers." But the formidable block began to show signs of vulnerability in the late '90s when NBC repeatedly failed to launch a new hit comedy behind "Friends" and "Seinfeld." Cracks began to appear when in 2001 when CBS challenged NBC's dominance on the night by scheduling "Survivor" and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" at 8 and 9 p.m., respectively.

After a successful stunting with supersized episodes of its established comedies, NBC's best response to CBS' assault came in early 2004 when the network broke off its two-hour comedy block to air "The Apprentice" at 9 p.m. NBC briefly returned to the four-comedy format in the spring when it moved "Earl" and "Office" to the Thursday 9 p.m. hour.

"30 Rock," created by and starring Tina Fey, was warmly received by critics. Set behind the scenes of a late-night sketch comedy show, the series also stars Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan and Jane Krakowski.

"Deal" was a late addition to NBC's Thursday lineup. The network originally had scheduled its other behind-the-scenes of a "Saturday Night Live"-type show new series, Aaron Sorkin's drama "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," in the 9 p.m. slot but made the switch after ABC announced its move of "Grey's Anatomy" to the same period.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: edison on October 29, 2006, 10:14:22 AM
Studio 60' Cancellation Iminent

Here we go: despite receiving an order for three more episodes on Friday, the Aaron Sorkin NBC drama "Studio 60 on Sunset Strip" is about to be put out of its misery.

Cast members are already confiding in friends that the end is near. It's likely NBC will pull the plug shortly I am told by insiders.

Last week, Studio 60 had 7.7 million viewers. Compare that with competing "CSI: Miami," with 17.5 million. That gap cannot be closed.

But 'Studio 60' has trouble internally at NBC, forget its intramural rivals. According to ratings stats, the "Saturday Night Live" behind the scenes soap opera loses almost half the viewers delivered to it a few minutes earlier by another new show, "Heroes," which has become a surprise cult hit.

On Monday, 'Heroes' had 14.3 million viewers. The substantial drop off with 'Studio 60' is probably the last nail in its coffin. The order of the three extra episodes is considered by insiders to be a contractual move, and not one based on faith that they will ever be made or aired. The all important demo situation didn't help: 'Heroes' had 15 percent of viewers aged 18-49. Studio 60 had 8 percent. The notion that 'Studio 60' is a big draw for NBC among desirables is, sadly, blown on those stats.

Sorkin and friends will argue that NBC has done something wrong, or that the audience isn't smart enough. Alas, in this case, neither is true. 'Studio 60'—as I wrote on August 7th after viewing the pilot—is just a bad show. There's nothing wrong with the acting, directing, or dialogue writing. But the premise is faulty. No one cares whether a bunch of over caffeinated, well off yuppies, some with expensive drug habits, put on a weekly comedy sketch show from Los Angeles.

Even worse: no one cares whether or not the people from the Bartlett White House puts on a comedy show. That's what 'Studio 60' is, essentially: the "West Wing" annual talent show. There's so much earnestness involved in this endeavour, you start to think that nuclear war will be declared if the 'Studio 60' staff doesn't air some joke—usually one we don't hear anyway. The whole thing just feels weighted down and frankly, not entertaining.

There is one winner to come out of 'Studio 60,' however: Matthew Perry. In this show he's proven himself to be a star on his own separate from "Friends." His comedic timing and ability to ad lib, toss off lines, and give restrained physical reactions is what keeps 'Studio 60' even remotely interesting. We can only be hopeful that someone comes up with a great new show for him quickly—but a comedy that's funny, not a drama that isn't.

NBC will probably fill the lost 'Studio 60' timeslot with 'Deal-No Deal: The Next Generation,' or some such thing. So the losers here will be the audience, which is about to be pummelled by more reality and game shows. It's too bad because around the dial there are good new dramas. Despite its heavy "thirtysomething" feel, "Brothers and Sisters" is worth keeping if only for Sally Field, Ron Rifkin and Rachel Griffiths. (But there a mistake was made, too: killing off patriarch Tom Skerritt in the first episode.)

Oh well: I hope Regis is warming up the holiday edition of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." We're ready!


Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: ProgWRX on October 31, 2006, 09:53:16 PM
Not so quick!  :yabbse-grin:

QuoteFox Gets It Wrong, NBC Says 'Studio 60' Stays Onboard
by David Goetzl, Tuesday, Oct 31, 2006 7:45 AM ET
A FOX NEWS REPORT THAT NBC's heavily promoted "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" would be dropped from the schedule created a frisson Monday, but appears to be premature.
An NBC representative said in an email the show hasn't been cancelled. The rep wrote: "It is profitable at this point." In fact, the network has ordered three more episodes of the show.

"Studio 60" is scheduled to air next Monday in its usual 10 p.m. slot, although a boffo performance by "Friday Night Lights" in the slot last night--where it was placed for a trial run--could potentially change things. But a more likely scenario would be a time-period change for "Studio 60"--not a retirement--a source said.

"Lights," a poor performer on Tuesdays, could then be viewed as more compatible with NBC's freshman hit "Heroes" on Mondays. "Studio 60" has failed to capitalize on the strong lead-in from the top-10 hit at 9 p.m.

Barring a major meltdown--and last week, ratings were up over the previous week--next week's performance by "Studio 60" is not considered a make or break. But NBC executives are watching its ratings closely, and are frustrated by their decline.

Still, the show is averaging a 3.8 for the season in "live plus same day" ratings for the 18-to-49 demo. (Note: advertisers are only paying for the lower "live" ratings.) NBC executives believe that as long as the show stays above a 3.0, it will function, at the very worst, as a loss leader. That barometer gives it a shot of staying on the air.

One of the reasons NBC might stick with it is the show's upscale profile, which can make it attractive to advertisers: Through Oct. 8, it ranked fourth among all network shows in median income for the 18-to-49 demo at $66,000. Another is the show's perceived status as high-brow "West Wing-style" entertainment, a brand image that NBC continues to pursue.

Barring an unexpected breakout performance from "Lights" last night, executives also believe that even if "Studio 60" were replaced, it would be hard to put a show in the time slot that would outperform CBS' "CSI" Miami," which dominates.

NBC could call on "Crossing Jordan," which is expected to return on Fridays this fall, if either "Studio" 60" or "Lights" gets the axe. But "Jordan" finished last year with a 3.3 in the 18-to-49 demo, behind cancelled show "Commander in Chief." In short, it could be hard-pressed to significantly outperform "Studio 60."

Much of "Studio 60's" fate involves economic decisions by the network as far as the cost benefit of yanking a show when episodes are already shot. Thirteen episodes have been ordered, although the NBC rep wrote that it is unclear how far along production is on the allotment--so there could be a shutdown. As of next Monday, seven episodes will have aired.

The Fox report received heightened attention via a prominent link on the "Drudge Report" that was later removed.

Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: grand theft sparrow on November 01, 2006, 08:54:21 AM
The person that authorized the move of a TV show about football, even if it was just a one time thing, to a time slot when REAL football is on doesn't deserve their job.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Raikus on November 01, 2006, 09:11:18 AM
Since when did the NFL become REAL football?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: grand theft sparrow on November 01, 2006, 09:49:27 AM
Umm... unscripted football, then?    :yabbse-undecided:
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: RegularKarate on November 01, 2006, 01:53:28 PM
Quote from: othersparrow on November 01, 2006, 08:54:21 AM
The person that authorized the move of a TV show about football, even if it was just a one time thing, to a time slot when REAL football is on doesn't deserve their job.

It gave them a good ratings boost though (for the first half at least) and it sounds like they may be getting to actually shoot some of those scripts that were ordered now.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on November 01, 2006, 08:05:19 PM
No it did not. It had numbers along the same lines of Studio 60 - actually a little on the low side... even considering that all the other networks were showing RERUNS... and NBC won the night in all the other timeslots but that one.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: MacGuffin on November 03, 2006, 12:37:13 PM
Can a TV Show With Dream Viewers
But Low Ratings Survive? Stay Tuned
Source: Wall Street Journal

On a recent episode of "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," NBC's highbrow drama about life behind the scenes on a comedy sketch show, characters debated whether to allow a magazine reporter on the set.

The writers didn't want the reporter hanging around. But the network president, played by Amanda Peet, argued for access because of the magazine's readership: affluent "alpha consumers" who are "the first to know, the first to try and the first to buy." The people advertisers swoon over.

NBC is weighing a related dilemma as it decides the fate of "Studio 60." The show is currently "on the bubble." Critics and hardcore fans love it, and will howl if NBC cancels it. But the network may pull the plug anyway, because it can't justify the show's business prospects.

Ratings are not good. Viewership for the show -- smartly written by "West Wing" creator Aaron Sorkin -- has fallen 37% since its premiere on Sept. 18 to about four million people, according to Nielsen Media Research. By contrast, its lead-in, "Heroes," draws more than eight million viewers. It's up against "Monday Night Football" on Walt Disney Co.'s ESPN, but NBC doesn't think that has much impact because "Studio 60" is more heavily watched by women. In fact, "Friday Night Lights," about high school football in Texas, did worse in the time slot this week, dropping 10% from the average of "Studio 60."

The show does attract a dream audience for advertisers. NBC says "Studio 60" draws the highest concentration of homes with incomes of $75,000 or more, and it is particularly popular among viewers with four years of college. In other words, "alphas." On a per-customer basis, advertisers pay more for them. "Studio 60" shouldn't have to match "Dancing With the Stars" to be successful.

But it doesn't work that way -- not yet, anyway. Broadcast television is still a game of mass, not class. As executives themselves like to point out, it's the one-big-tent nature of the traditional networks that can make them more appealing in a world where audiences are fragmenting into narrow tribes. Advertisers may covet a certain "quality" audience, but they can find it elsewhere, like the Internet. When they are spending the big bucks, they still need a certain critical mass.

The show's upscale audience certainly doesn't hurt. But overall ad revenue still depends mainly on size of audience. "If you are not going to deliver the ratings, I'm not going to pay you," says Laura Caraccioli-Davis, a senior vice president at Publicis Groupe's Starcom USA. And while NBC knows some people record the show on a DVR to watch later or catch an episode on the Web, its advertisers pay only for live ratings. (Adding viewers who record and play "Studio 60" back within seven days of the original airing bumps the show's weekly ratings by about 18%, Nielsen says.)

"Studio 60" might have been canceled already, in the trigger-happy world of network scheduling, except that NBC decided to pay a big price when it took on Mr. Sorkin, reasoning that it was worth taking a gamble that might produce a long-running megahit. It had to provide the show's producer, Time Warner Inc.'s Warner Bros, a guarantee of 13 episodes. Only six have aired so far, and NBC just placed an order for three more scripts.

But it also agreed to big budgets, and those high costs could hasten the show's demise. The series is packed with stars, including Matthew Perry, Ms. Peet and Bradley Whitford, and it films on a particularly lavish set. "Studio 60" costs about $3 million an episode to produce. NBC pays a license fee of about $2 million an episode -- high prices for a first-year show.

So the question is whether "Studio 60" lasts into 2007. NBC, already under financial scrutiny from parent General Electric Co. and fresh off announcing $750 million in budget cuts, is unlikely to keep the series running at its current price. The network wants Warner Bros. to reduce the license fee, according to people familiar with the situation. But Warner may be reluctant. The revenue prospects in overseas markets and reruns are iffy for a complex, serialized drama. The DVD market for TV shows, while promising, wouldn't make up the difference. The show does well on the Internet, but that, too, is still a small market.

Any license-fee talks must be completed by the end of November or Warner Bros. will be forced to halt production, all but ensuring the death of the series. An NBC spokeswoman declined to comment; a Warner Bros. spokeswoman said the studio never discusses license fees.

Mr. Sorkin was provided extensive creative control over the show's content, and "Studio 60" has delved deep into the intricacies of the television industry. Mitch Metcalf, NBC's scheduling chief, says Mr. Sorkin knows the show needs broadening. "He'll figure something out," Mr. Metcalf says. " 'The West Wing' didn't really kick into high gear until he wrote an attempted assassination at the end of season one that was classic cliff-hanger television."

Whenever a high-quality but ratings-challenged show faces cancellation, devoted fans start coming up with their own solutions. Online, fans have suggested everything from moving "Studio 60" to Friday night, where the competition is lighter, to lobbing the series to Time Warner's HBO, which has a revenue model that doesn't depend on ratings because it doesn't sell ads.

Moving the series to a less important time slot on Friday or Saturday night isn't an option. For starters, Warner Bros. built scheduling restrictions into NBC's licensing contract that would prevent a move to such undesirable real estate. And with advertiser interest lower on those nights, NBC would almost certainly lose money.

NBC also isn't exactly trumpeting its faith in the show. Kevin Reilly, NBC's president of entertainment, declined multiple requests to discuss the series and its direction. Mr. Sorkin wouldn't say what specific tweaks, if any, he plans to make to the series. In an email exchange, he said, "If this were a play we'd still be in previews. Sometimes I felt as if, after four years of 'The West Wing,' I was still learning how to do it better."

Mr. Sorkin also says "a lot of mistaken assumptions" have been made about "Studio 60." "You don't need to work in television to like it, it's not based on real people, and it's not hoping to change the world. It's a workplace drama with elements of romantic comedy."

But many Hollywood observers say there's a basic creative problem: The stakes aren't high enough. It's no coincidence that most successful TV dramas are about doctors and cops, who struggle with matters of life and death. Next to that, who cares about whether a TV show is canceled?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: I Love a Magician on November 03, 2006, 11:40:43 PM
30 Rock is real god damn good.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on November 04, 2006, 01:49:03 AM
why do they keep on saying the stakes the stakes the stakes?  if nobody cares, then nobody cares, life or death doesn't really matter.  when rachel and ross or jim and pam were having all sorts of cheesy romantic tension, there were no lives in danger either.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: grand theft sparrow on November 04, 2006, 12:23:27 PM
Life and death matters don't matter shit in comedies, that's the difference (Scrubs being the only current exception).  Imagine if The Office was an hour long drama.  It would have been cancelled after 2 episodes.  Why?  "Because nothing happens."  "Why should I care about people in an office?"  "I can go to work to see that."  So the article's point about the stakes is very valid.  If no one's dead, dying, kidnapped, raped, having supernatural experiences, or exists in real life, most people aren't going to watch.  And you can't possibly get any lower stakes than behind the scenes on a TV show.  Even Friday Night Lights and Six Degrees seem to be suffering for the same reason.

Quote from: I Love a Magician on November 03, 2006, 11:40:43 PM
30 Rock is real god damn good.

Every episode is better than the last.  The subtle jab at Studio 60 this week was a nice touch.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on November 08, 2006, 11:53:15 PM
NBC just confirmed that STUDIO 60 got a FULL SEASON order... so its not going anywhere yet. They probably will make a couple of changes, but they believe the show will get better and grow in audience. It had like a 10% increase of audience this week.

Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Pubrick on November 09, 2006, 12:13:12 AM
Quote from: kal on November 08, 2006, 11:53:15 PM
It had like a 10% increase of audience this week.

yeah, cos they thought it was the last episode.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: ProgWRX on November 09, 2006, 01:59:26 PM
hopefully the show will have a chance to get better... not to compare it to West wing, but most of the articles say that it didnt really catch on until the second season..

:yabbse-thumbup:
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: JG on November 16, 2006, 09:04:41 PM
I just watched 30 rock for the first time since the premiere.  Its really charming and has a very distinct personality. Tracy Morgan is underrated. 

I don't like Scrubs but Thursday night on NBC is shaping up to be really good. 
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on November 17, 2006, 01:27:55 AM
this past night's 45-minute long 30 rock was THE SHIT.  oh my god it was good.  it doesn't have the manic energy of arrested development but it's got the same vein.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: grand theft sparrow on November 17, 2006, 08:05:13 AM
Quote from: JG on November 16, 2006, 09:04:41 PM
I don't like Scrubs but Thursday night on NBC is shaping up to be really good. 

This is the overall best Thursday night lineup they've ever had.  And I like that they're promoting it as a night of comedy without laugh-tracks.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Chest Rockwell on November 17, 2006, 09:34:59 AM
Quote from: pete on November 17, 2006, 01:27:55 AM
it doesn't have the manic energy of arrested development but it's got the same vein.
Don't jinx it.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: RegularKarate on November 17, 2006, 02:01:22 PM
Quote from: Chest Rockwell on November 17, 2006, 09:34:59 AM
Quote from: pete on November 17, 2006, 01:27:55 AM
it doesn't have the manic energy of arrested development but it's got the same vein.
Don't jinx it.

It's on Thursdays now.. it's not going to get cancelled... instead it will live well beyond the point it needs to die.

Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: MacGuffin on November 17, 2006, 02:15:09 PM
Quote from: RegularKarate on November 17, 2006, 02:01:22 PMIt's on Thursdays now.. it's not going to get cancelled... instead it will live well beyond the point it needs to die.

Did you just compare 30 Rock to Joey?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: RegularKarate on November 17, 2006, 02:53:59 PM
Quote from: MacGuffin on November 17, 2006, 02:15:09 PM
Quote from: RegularKarate on November 17, 2006, 02:01:22 PMIt's on Thursdays now.. it's not going to get cancelled... instead it will live well beyond the point it needs to die.

Did you just compare 30 Rock to Joey?

what? no... Joey's still fresh and young... I keep waiting for the next season to start... I'm hoping to see some Friends visit in the upcoming episodes.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on November 17, 2006, 11:14:51 PM
Bad news is that the ratings for 30 Rock on Thursday were even lower than ever... it always happens that they have a terrific lineup and ratings suck... fucking country.

The Office also doesnt get what it deserves. Same as Studio 60 and Friday Night Lights. Tought break for NBC who has some of the best shows this season, but only Heroes does well. They also end up making money with Deal or No Deal. Stupid country....

Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: MacGuffin on November 21, 2006, 02:26:40 AM
Sorkin grateful sun will still rise for 'Sunset'
Source: Hollywood Reporter

The problem, as Aaron Sorkin sees it, is that we all now watch the ins and outs of the television and movie businesses as if we're viewing a sporting event.

"We can't wait to hear who won the boxoffice championship every Sunday," Sorkin pointed out last week. "And even the language is like sports: A film got 'crushed,' a TV show 'upended' something else. You'd never know in the case of TV, the ratings only affect the network and their advertisers. Yet it's discussed in the press as if it's of major importance to everyone."

It was this mindset that Sorkin believes nearly sank "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," the acclaimed NBC hour that he created and executive produces along with Thomas Schlamme -- and which got an unusually late full-season pickup order five days ago that will take it through next May.

Sorkin has this dream that the people who follow "Studio 60" "will start to pay attention to the show and not how many viewers are watching it -- or who's making it." But he figures to have a long wait, given the fact that the show didn't deserve a back-nine order given its paltry numbers. NBC can point out all it wants that the series has the highest concentration of households earning $75,000-plus of any show on TV. It's what you sell when trying to justify a move that seemingly makes little business sense. An elite audience simply doesn't cut it.

So why did NBC Entertainment chief Kevin Reilly pick up the back nine? Because in return, Warner Bros. TV agreed to drop the extravagant license fee (originally higher than some NASA missions) on a weekly production budget said to approach $3 million.
 
And beyond that, there was perhaps a mandate inside the programming suite at NBC Universal to save face and prove the naysayers wrong when they trumpeted with glee the show's imminent cancellation weeks before all over the Internet. That, and the fact Reilly has a little bit of the Brandon Tartikoff in him: an old-fashioned riverboat gambler who goes to great lengths to stick with stuff he believes in. (See: "The Office")

But Sorkin was put through plenty of hell en route to pick-up. As soon as critics had built "Studio 60" into the greatest thing since that little drama about politics Sorkin wrote and produced, they turned on the show. It wasn't funny. It didn't ring true. It was awkward. It was no "West Wing."

"I really look at it as just the cost of doing business," Sorkin said. "I knew the reaction to the show was going to be a little bit noisier than I'd prefer. But hopefully, we're finally starting to settle in a bit. 'West Wing' was a slower build than people remember. We were not a hit in Season 1. These things take time." As he noted during another recent interview, "If this were a play, we'd still be in previews."

Not that Sorkin needs any reminders this isn't exactly equity theater. In today's primetime TV landscape, you have to deliver immediately or you find yourself delivered to the curb. You can't survive on a full-service broadcast network if you attract only well-heeled folks in the 'burbs.

That "Studio 60" has thus far managed to beat the odds and some paltry numbers is all about Sorkin. A mere mortal showrunner would have been shunted aside weeks ago, particularly at a network whose parent company just announced plans to cut 700 jobs and pretty much exit the 8 o'clock scripted programming business.

It's the struggle, however, that fuels Sorkin's inspiration.

"It feels like it did when I did 'Sports Night,' " he says. "'West Wing' felt strange to me. This feels normal."
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: MacGuffin on November 21, 2006, 10:44:31 PM
NBC orders more scripts for '30 Rock'

NBC has ordered three additional scripts of freshman comedy "30 Rock."

The order follows a three-script pickup the show received last month, bringing the total to six additional scripts.

The move follows a lackluster debut of the critically praised comedy on Thursday last week when a 40-minute episode of the show averaged 5.2 million viewers and a 2.4 rating/6 share among adults 18-49.

Created by and starring Tina Fey, "30 Rock" got off to a weak start on Wednesdays before being moved to Thursdays, where it will run at 9:30 p.m. after "Scrubs" beginning this week.

"30 Rock," from NBC Universal TV Studio and Lorne Michaels' Broadway Video TV, is set behind the scenes of a late-night sketch comedy show. Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan and Jane Krakowski co-star.

"30 Rock" is one of three Nielsen-challenged new NBC series that received an order for three more scripts last month. The other two, the dramas "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" and "Friday Night Lights," have since been picked up for a full season.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on November 22, 2006, 01:14:56 AM
Quote5.2 million viewers and a 2.4 rating/6 share among adults 18-49

is that good or bad?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Ravi on November 22, 2006, 02:17:37 PM
A 6 share is, like, well, its ratings, pete! 

I have no idea either.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: squints on November 22, 2006, 03:23:07 PM
As of 2005, there are an estimated 110.2 million television households in the USA. A single national ratings point represents 1%, or 1,102,000 households for the 2005-06 season. Share is the percentage of television sets in use tuned to a specific program. These numbers are usually reported as (ratings points/share). For example, Nielsen may report a show as receiving a 9.2/15 during its broadcast, meaning 9.2%, or 10,138,400 households on average were tuned in at any given moment. Additionally, 15% of all televisions in use at the time were tuned into this program.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on November 26, 2006, 02:32:39 AM
Anybody still watching Studio 60?

I was catching up on some episodes... and the John Goodman arc (2 episodes) was pretty good. It was cool that it took place outside the Studio and with some issues that beyond the writing of the show. I'm not liking very much the plot with NBS and the investors, but in general I think the episodes were better than others before...
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: grand theft sparrow on December 15, 2006, 01:18:47 PM
Have Alec Baldwin call your friends!

http://30rock.nbc.com/
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: matt35mm on December 15, 2006, 03:00:04 PM
Quote from: othersparrow on December 15, 2006, 01:18:47 PM
Have Alec Baldwin call your friends!

http://30rock.nbc.com/

Pretty funny stuff.

Somehow, even though Alec Baldwin is very self-aware and seemingly will do anything, he never comes off as a tool.  Bravo, Monsieur Baldwin.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on December 15, 2006, 05:27:40 PM
They have the same thing with The Office, and you can have Dwight call anybody.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: MacGuffin on December 25, 2006, 07:15:13 AM
Comedy writers aren't laughing about 'Studio 60'
Some in the biz openly disdain the series set at a late-night sketch show.
Source: Los Angeles Times

It is generally accepted that doctors hate shows about doctors, lawyers hate shows about lawyers, and so on. So perhaps it's the order of things that many comedic writers appear to hate Aaron Sorkin's "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," the dramatic series about a "Saturday Night Live"-like comedy show. But is it natural for them to take such pleasure in it?

Take Ken Levine, a seasoned writer who has worked on "Frasier," "Cheers" and "The Simpsons." His blog, By Ken Levine, has become the hub of an online community of viewers who loathe "Studio 60," thanks to his running commentary on the first several episodes.

"After watching Episode 2 of 'Studio 60' I must let you in on a little secret. People in television, trust me, are not that smart," he wrote. "And they keep talking about how unbelievably talented that Harriet [Sarah Paulson] is. Have you seen evidence of it yet? I haven't. But then again, I'm not that smart."

One week later he was less forgiving, writing, " 'Studio 60' is like the Rand Corporation Think Tank doing a late night sketch show." (Sorkin could not comment on this article because he was on vacation.)

After its debut this past fall, many pop culture commentators were quick to predict the NBC show's imminent cancellation as it steadily lost viewers. But as "Studio 60" enjoys a midseason break over the holidays, with a full-season pickup and the confidence of its broadcaster, for now it looks like there will be plenty of opportunities for comedy writers to continue to riff on their anger to anyone who will listen.

Amelie Gillette, a blogger for the Onion-affiliated A.V. Club website, composed a recent post called "Aaron Sorkin Thinks You're Stupid." In it, she wrote: "So did anyone else watch 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip' on Monday? Did anyone else wait a day to write about it so their boiling anger could slow down to a more manageable simmer?"

The love-to-hate feeling is fun for some, profitable for others.

A few months ago, the Los Angeles sketch comedy troupe Employee of the Month put on a show called "Employee of the Month Celebrates the Comedy of Studio 60."

The tag line was serpentinely Sorkin-esque: "A sketch comedy show about a sketch comedy show in a drama about sketch comedy."

Troupe member Megan Lynn said the idea for an evening of sketch devoted entirely to "Studio 60" came about because nobody in the group could talk about anything else for weeks. "Honestly, we were just wasting so much rehearsal time complaining about the show," she said. "We thought, 'We can't shut up about this, other people talk about this, let's put a show together.' "

Lynn has a lot to say about what she thinks "Studio 60" gets wrong, but most important, she doesn't think the sketches are funny. And if the sketches aren't funny, then the entire premise of the show is undermined, since "Studio 60" is a show about the making of the funniest sketch show on television.

The original plan for "Employee of the Month Celebrates the Comedy of Studio 60" was to put on sketches that are referenced as being successful in the show, if not necessarily seen. "We wanted to see if they hold up as comedy sketches, knowing that they wouldn't," said Lynn.

So they put on a commedia dell'arte sketch that was said to have "killed" on "Studio 60's" show within a show, as well as "Nicolas Cage: Couples Counselor," in which an actor played a hyper, desperate Cage as a relationship expert, and the fake game show Science Schmience, based on the premise that religious people won't accept scientific evidence that explains the natural world.

Because Employee of the Month didn't want to make its audience sit through sketches they didn't think were particularly funny, they also had a backstage theme running with references from the show — Matthew Perry's character with a baseball bat, Nate Corddry's character talking about his brother being deployed in Afghanistan and Amanda Peet's character — a network president who got an inordinate amount of media attention because of a DUI eight years in the past — drunk and desperate for friends.

"We realized there was so much we wanted to make fun of," said Lynn.

Sorkin's "West Wing" was meticulously researched and seen as largely accurate about life in Washington: Did the auteur producer-writer raise the bar so high for himself that "Studio 60" is unfairly scrutinized? Is this segment of viewers in Hollywood simply too aware of what "Studio 60" gets wrong to enjoy the show?

One comedy show runner, who asked that her name be withheld, said: "The New Orleans crisis or the war has never touched my life in television."

"They never laugh," Levine said of the show's characters. "We laugh all the time. It is the one saving grace of the job."

"The fact that they don't seem to know how a sketch comedy show like 'SNL' is written, that needs to be remedied," said Joe Reid, who recaps "Studio 60" each week for Television Without Pity. "It doesn't seem authentic at all."

Gillette said Sorkin's approach to comedy just seems off. "He wants to get big ideas across and change people's minds," she said. "No comedians work that way. They go for the laughs first and the lesson second."

In contrast, all of these nitpicking writers and comedians seem to like "30 Rock," the Tina Fey sitcom on NBC that is also about the making of a "Saturday Night Live"-esque show.

"Even though it's essentially a cartoon, '30 Rock' is still a more realistic look at what behind-the-scenes life on 'SNL' is like," said Levine. "And it's worth watching just for Alec Baldwin."

Lynn said, " '30 Rock' isn't offensive at all.... When they do sketches, they're not thinly veiled opportunities for political commentary, they're goofy, 'SNL'-like sketches, which is appropriate for the show."

But a former "Saturday Night Live" employee, now a screenwriter and director who has stopped watching "Studio 60" and "30 Rock," said both shows gloss over everything that happens at the real late-night comedy show. "That place is so dark, they could never show what actually happens there," he said.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: MacGuffin on January 17, 2007, 06:48:00 PM
Sorkin shifts 'Studio 60' toward relationships
By Robert Bianco, USA TODAY

PASADENA, Calif. — Aaron Sorkin wants a little more love for Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.

When the NBC show returns Monday (10 ET/PT) for a seven-week run, Sorkin says you'll see less sketch comedy and more romantic comedy. Speaking on the show's super-sized set to TV reporters at the industry's semiannual press tour, Sorkin says the new episodes will focus on a couple of couples: Danny and Jordan (Bradley Whitford and Amanda Peet) will come together; and Matt and Harriet (Matthew Perry and Sarah Paulson) will fall apart — and them come back together.

Sorkin hopes the relationship shifts will bring more viewers to the show. But he also thinks the show is doing fine overall, and that the focus on ratings disappointment (Studio 60 averages fewer than 9 million viewers) can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. It could just be that 60 was never meant to be an Idol-sized hit.

"Not everything is for everybody. When I compare the size of the Studio 60 audience to the Sports Night audience (an earlier Sorkin behind-the-TV-scenes series), I'm delighted."

NBC may not be as delighted: The show may not air 22 episodes this season, and it may not stay on Mondays. (The Black Donnellys will take over the slot in March). Still, network entertainment president Kevin Reilly says, "We're leaving it alone. Let's see what happens. The show is too good not to give it a full season."

Good the show may be, but Sorkin also knows it attracts more than its share of viewer complaints. Some he filters out (most anything on the Internet); some he considers. But in the end, it's his show. "You got to be careful not to let too many voices into your head, or you're not going to get anywhere. ... I tried to stay focused and keep writing the show I intended to write."
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on January 18, 2007, 01:52:10 AM
wow looks like aaron sorkin really took what America has said to heart and he's all like "enjoy watching free things on network television?  go fuck your horsemothers!"
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on January 20, 2007, 02:16:59 PM
on the other hand, did anyone watch this past week's 30 rock?  it was really good!  the joke at the very end was one of the best ever.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: JG on January 20, 2007, 02:45:39 PM
yeah i watched it and almost posted the same thing.  every time i watch 30 rock i like it more.  which joke?  my personal favorite moment from the episode, "give me your fingernails!" 
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on January 20, 2007, 03:50:27 PM
the golden case joke.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: matt35mm on January 20, 2007, 07:52:53 PM
It's GOLD CASE!
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: MacGuffin on February 15, 2007, 02:31:25 AM
Studio 60 Fading to Black?

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip looks as if it's about to get whacked.

Aaron Sorkin's much-hyped new series, once touted as the wunderkind of NBC's fall schedule (and originally slotted to take on Grey's Anatomy and CSI, no less), has been yanked from its Monday timeslot a week early to make way for the organized-crime drama The Black Donnellys.

After scoring its lowest ratings yet this week (and that's saying a lot, considering it airs after the actual freshman highlight of NBC's season, Heroes), Studio 60 will be benched starting Feb. 26, instead of Mar. 5, which was The Black Donnellys' original premiere date, and no return date has been set. 

Because of its early start, the incoming mafia series could also benefit from an extra week of having Heroes as its lead-in, before the average-Joes-equipped-with-extraordinary-abilities drama takes several weeks off after a Mar. 5 cliffhanger episode.

Studio 60, with its top-notch cast (and hefty $3 million-plus-per-episode production budget), has struggled to find an audience all season, topping out at 13.4 million viewers...with its Sept. 18 premiere. Close to 3 million pairs of eyes had tuned out by week two.

Things went downhill from there, with even a so-called special Christmas episode attracting only 7.3 million.

Despite its ratings woes, however, NBC gave Studio 60 a full-season, 22-episode pickup in November, ensuring that those of us who are enthralled by the increasingly romantic goings-on behind the scenes at a Saturday Night Live-style sketch comedy show would not be left hanging. 

But the iceman might still cometh. This week's episode managed a scant 6.9 million viewers, and the Donnelly brothers are poised to step up. 

Created by Crash scribes Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco, The Black Donnellys follows four Irish siblings—Tommy (Jonathan Tucker), Jimmy (Tommy Guiry), Kevin (Billy Lush) and Sean (Michael Stahl-David)—who are fiercely loyal to each other but end up answering the door when the mean streets of New York come a-knockin'. A wannabe gangster known as Joey "Ice Cream" (Keith Nobbs) narrates the series, which is loosely based on Moresco's experiences growing up in Hell's Kitchen.

The series' pilot is currently available from Netflix, where the 1,414 users who bothered to rate the episode have given it 3.4 out of five stars.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: JG on February 25, 2007, 05:29:58 PM
so my vacation week allowed me to catch both 30 rock and studio 60.  studio 60 is, as expected, soo bad, meanwhile i've completely fallen in love with 30 rock.  i thought this week's episode was absolutely amazing, its now my favorite comedy on TV.  i'm really rooting for it, i hope people fall in love with it like i have. 
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: grand theft sparrow on February 26, 2007, 03:50:05 PM
I love 30 Rock so much, I wanna take it behind the middle school and try to get it pregnant.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: modage on April 04, 2007, 01:27:59 PM
Quote from: jacksparrow on February 26, 2007, 03:50:05 PM
I love 30 Rock so much, I wanna take it behind the middle school and try to get it pregnant.

"30 Rock" has joined "The Office" and "My Name Is Earl" as the third NBC Thursday-night sitcom to get an early pickup for next year.

:yabbse-grin: :yabbse-grin: :yabbse-grin:

this is my favorite comedy on tv right now.  i can't believe it got a Season 2 before/instead of the much ballyhooed Studio 60.  at least this way they can cancel it midseason next year after the new show buzz wears off.  P have you seen this yet?   
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: grand theft sparrow on April 04, 2007, 01:53:56 PM
YES! 

Earl hasn't become the brilliant show I hoped it would be but it's funny enough to wish it well.  Office and 30 Rock have become the brilliant shows I never expected them to be.  If only Scrubs can squeeze through for one more season despite the fact that the current season hasn't been quite on par with the pretty consistent previous 5.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Pubrick on April 04, 2007, 06:22:34 PM
Quote from: modage on April 04, 2007, 01:27:59 PM
P have you seen this yet?   

nope, hasn't been shown. i don't know if/when it will. lookin forward to it.

earl and the office US are shown, the former suffers from Entourage-happy-endingitis, and the latter has the best cast on tv.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on April 04, 2007, 08:23:52 PM
I like the happy endings in entourage though--I mean otherwise it might try to keep it real and become one of those pretentious and self-righteous indictments of the industry or something.  it's fun dude fantasy the american way--you don't work hard, party with your friends, and kick the asses of all the other phonies and self-absorbed LA people.
there is a good interview with mandy kaling in the onion av club this week.  and P you can see all the episodes of 30 rock on its nbc site.  these days I don't have a tv set and that's how I've been watching that show.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: ©brad on April 05, 2007, 08:31:20 AM
tina fey was on the today show this morning being beautiful and just all around awesome, as usual. they talked about a great line she made at the WGA ceremony this year: "i hear aaron sorkin is wearing the same dress as I tonight, but his is longer and not as funny."
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Pubrick on April 06, 2007, 06:39:40 AM
Quote from: pete on April 04, 2007, 08:23:52 PM
and P you can see all the episodes of 30 rock on its nbc site.

not from my location.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: MacGuffin on April 26, 2007, 01:14:52 AM
Baldwin: I want off '30 Rock'   
By Donna Freydkin, USA TODAY

You'll still know Jack.

Donaghy, that is, the mercurial boss played by Alec Baldwin on NBC's 30 Rock.

While taping an appearance on ABC's The View Wednesday, the actor — who was caught berating his daughter Ireland, 11, in a voice mail message last week — asked NBC to release him from his contract so he can focus his time on "parental alienation," according to a transcript released to the Associated Press.

"If I never acted again, I couldn't care less," Baldwin said in his taped appearance, scheduled to air Friday.

But NBC released a statement saying the star was staying put: "Alec Baldwin remains an important part of 30 Rock. We look forward to having him continue his role in the show."

As for that nasty phone message leaked to TMZ.com, Baldwin, 49, tried to explain his actions:

"Well, there's nothing wrong with being frustrated or angry about something," he said. "It's the way you do it, and as people often do in this world, I took it out on the wrong person because I'm unable, under the current dynamic, to address the other person."

What he said "was wrong," he conceded. Now, he says, he wants to concentrate on the problems faced by divorced parents and their children; he has a book coming out on the topic.

It has been a tumultuous time for Baldwin, who parted ways with his agents at CAA this week.

In the phone message, Baldwin calls his daughter from his marriage to Kim Basinger "a rude, thoughtless little pig." Shortly after the message surfaced, Baldwin posted an apology on his official website. Basinger, who has been involved in a nasty custody dispute with Baldwin since their divorce in 2002, has denied leaking the message.

Baldwin has been ordered to stay away from Ireland until a court hearing May 4.

30 Rock, a critically acclaimed but ratings-challenged part of NBC's key Thursday night comedy lineup, has been renewed for a second season. And much of its success is the result of Baldwin's performance as Tina Fey's devious boss.

On the show's Queens set, Baldwin is a formidable presence, and he shakes things up while shooting scenes, improvising dialogue and swapping out props.

"There's no question that he is if not the character with the most lines, certainly the central character around which all the others orbit," says Jonathan Wilcox, who teaches a course on celebrity and society at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication. "He's the comic foil, and he has created this strong comedic identity."

Baldwin's Golden Globe this year for 30 Rock signals he would be a serious candidate for Emmy consideration, Wilcox says. "Clearly, one leads to the other."
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: modage on April 26, 2007, 08:29:05 AM
i clicked on this thread happily thinking it was the announcement of Studio 60's cancellation only to be hit with this news!  i hope NBC holds him TIGHT.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: ©brad on April 26, 2007, 08:39:23 AM
this is ri-goddamn-diculous.

first off, i hate the today show. they had an unnecessarily long segment this morning on this "story" which isn't even newsworthy. in true today show-fashion, they brought in a whole panel of child and divorce psychologists who all gave their "analysis" on what is nothing more than a frustrated dad leaving an angry message on his daughter's voicemail. who hasn't ever gotten yelled at by their parents before? the message wasn't even that bad. and clearly his anger is more towards his insane ex-wife and the daughter is just caught in the middle.

and the only reason i watch the today show is b/c my roommate insists on blasting it on our living room tv (which is mine) every damn morning when we're getting ready.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on May 09, 2007, 06:30:10 PM
Studio 60 is back on Thursday May 24th at 10pm. I like the show, so what? Chandler rocks.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: JG on May 09, 2007, 07:05:13 PM
you watch too much television. 
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on May 14, 2007, 10:25:13 AM
NBC cans 'Studio 60,' 'Jordan'

NEW YORK (AP) -- With "Heroes" its only new hit of the season, struggling NBC announced a fall schedule Monday that includes a spinoff and three other dramas also trading on supernatural themes.

The network took a risk by keeping its Thursday night comedy lineup intact. NBC has drawn strong critical praise but few viewers for shows like "30 Rock" and "The Office," leaving the network faltering on a night it once dominated.

NBC, the first of the broadcast networks to unveil a new schedule to advertisers this week, canceled "Crossing Jordan" and the high-profile failure "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." Another critical favorite that hasn't found a big audience, "Friday Night Lights," was renewed.

"Law & Order" will be back for its 18th season and "Medium" will return, but not until January, when they take over a Sunday time slot filled by football in the fall.

Fourth-place NBC showed signs of life last fall with critically acclaimed shows. The bottom dropped out this spring when the network had its least-watched week in at least 20 years -- then went even lower the following week.

"We've got the class and next season we're ready to add some mass, with new shows that build on the creative accomplishments of last season and are as broad as they are good," NBC entertainment president Kevin Reilly said.

To stretch the normal 22-episode season of "Heroes," which faltered after its long hiatus this year, NBC will add "Heroes: Origins." The spinoff will introduce a new character each week, and viewers will select which one stays for the following season. The two series will have 30 new episodes combined.

Since it found an audience this season with superpowered stars, NBC will remake "Bionic Woman" with Michelle Ryan in the title role.

New series "Journeyman" is about a San Francisco newspaper reporter who travels through time to alter people's lives, and "Chuck" is a thriller about a computer geek who becomes a government agent after spy secrets are embedded in his brain.

Brooke Shields headlines an hour-long series about three high-powered women friends, a script from "Sex and the City" author Candace Bushnell.

NBC's other new series, "Life," is a drama about a detective given a second chance after spending years in prison for a crime he didn't commit.

Illustrating the difficulties in introducing new comedies, NBC said it will have only one new sitcom next season -- and it didn't even earn a spot on the fall schedule. "The IT Crowd" is about a group of people who work in technical services at a large corporation.

The successful game "Deal or No Deal," often NBC's most popular program, will air on Monday and Wednesday nights.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on June 30, 2007, 03:24:49 PM
I saw the last few episodes of Studio 60, including the Season (Series) Finale just now. I always liked this and I think it got a lot better over the past episodes. Too bad it got cancelled cause I really think it could get even better for next year.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: MacGuffin on July 16, 2007, 01:45:51 PM
Seinfeld to Guest Star on 30 Rock
Source: NBC

Jerry Seinfeld returns to NBC in a rare guest-star turn when he appears as himself in the second-season premiere of NBC's critically acclaimed comedy "30 Rock" on October 4 (Thursday, 8:30-9 p.m. ET), it was announced today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.

"Thursday night is a powerful comedy line up for NBC. To have Jerry join '30 Rock' for its second season launch is impressive, to have him return even for one night in his old Thursday night turf -- is just classic," said Silverman.

"I was thrilled to be asked to guest star on NBC's hit comedy '30 Rock'. I think it's going to be so refreshing for me to be playing myself in a show that has nothing to do with neurotic, dysfunctional New York characters," said Jerry Seinfeld.

"We're very excited to have Jerry on '30 Rock'. Finally, my parents have an excuse to watch the show," added Tina Fey, star/creator/executive producer of "30 Rock."

Although Golden Globe winner Seinfeld will play himself in the episode, viewers can tune-in to see how he shakes things up with the abrasive network executive Jack Donaghy (Baldwin). He joins an impressive array of actors and personalities who have appeared on "30 Rock," including Paul Reubens, Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, John McEnroe, Maury Povich, Ghostface Killah, Elaine Stritch, Sean Hayes, Nathan Lane, Molly Shannon, Will Arnett, Chris Parnell, Will Forte and Jason Sudeikis.

Seinfeld's return to his NBC roots will include not only his guest role on "30 Rock," but he will also create and star in 20 unique live-action comedy "minisodes" (as previously announced), inspired by his experiences creating the upcoming DreamWorks animated feature film Bee Movie, in theaters November 2. NBC Universal will also have the exclusive U.S. broadcast and cable network rights to the film, which features Seinfeld as the voice of Barry B. Benson, a disillusioned bee. Produced by Seinfeld and DreamWorks, the 20 comedy shorts will give viewers a glimpse at Seinfeld's behind-the-scenes antics during production of the movie. The minisodes will run on NBC's primetime schedule this fall, as well as on NBC.com, on designated days before and after the release of the film.

"30 Rock" is told through the comedic voice of Fey (as Liz Lemon) and features Alec Baldwin (Jack Donaghy) as a top network executive and Tracy Morgan (Tracy Jordan) as the unpredictable star of Lemon's hit variety show, "TGS with Tracy Jordan." Lemon had her hands full this past season, juggling corporate interference from Donaghy and off-the-handle star antics from Jordan, all while attempting to salvage her own personal life.

Also rounding out the cast in the half-hour comedy are: Jane Krakowski (Jenna Maroney) as the deposed star of "TGS," struggling to reclaim her top billing on the show; Scott Adsit (Pete Hornberger) as the variety show's producer whose marriage is seemingly always on the mend; Jack McBrayer (Kenneth the Page) as the over-eager and effortlessly endearing NBC page; Judah Friedlander (Frank) as the sardonic slacker on the writing staff, and Katrina Bowden (Cerie), as the show's clueless but beautiful receptionist.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: MacGuffin on July 17, 2007, 12:26:55 AM
THE BIG PICTURE: Sorkin takes the blame for 'Studio 60'
"I made too many mistakes," says the show creator.
Source: Los Angeles Times

WHEN Aaron Sorkin was a young nobody in New York in the 1980s, working as a bartender while writing his Broadway hit, "A Few Good Men," on cocktail napkins, he found himself observing the media darlings of the moment. The threesome, Jay McInerney, Bret Easton Ellis and Tama Janowitz, were all as well known for their off-stage antics as they were for their literary work.

"I remember saying to myself, 'These guys aren't doing themselves any favors becoming known for all those other things instead of for what they wrote,' " Sorkin recalls with a wag of his head. "And then look what happened. To me!"

Sorkin's much-touted NBC series, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," whose last episode aired just a few weeks ago, was canceled before the end of its first season, a victim of bad ratings and mediocre reviews. But it was also ambushed by nonstop sniping between Sorkin and the media, much of it even before the first episode aired.

The storm seems to have passed. Though not exactly eager to unburden himself, Sorkin sat down for the first time since "Studio 60's" cancellation to discuss the perils of failing in public and navigating a media universe where it's increasingly hard to tell if you are being judged by your work or simply by your celebrity persona.

Let me put my cards on the table: I'm an unabashed admirer of Sorkin's work. He is a rare breed of writer today who uses both humor and a bracing moral seriousness to wrestle with the complexity of the real world. But "Studio 60," as good as some individual episodes were, never seemed to find a consistent voice, a must for must-see TV. It was, in hindsight, a bad idea, if for no other reason than it tried to graft Sorkin's fascination with social issues onto a story about career crises in the rarified world of TV comedy writers. But that made the show only more irresistible — we got to see a brilliant writer try to breathe life into a doomed premise.

Sorkin insists that he's not sore about the way things turned out. He's moved on, with a new play premiering on Broadway this fall and an adaptation of "Charlie Wilson's War," a Tom Hanks-starring Oscar contender due at Christmas. He also has a new deal with DreamWorks to write three films, starting with "The Trial of the Chicago 7," a project that could end up being directed by Steven Spielberg.

Still, there are standard ways of dealing with failure in Hollywood. No. 1: Taking responsibility.

"I don't know how to emphasize this enough that I'm not disappointed or upset with anyone but myself," Sorkin says over lunch at Nate 'n Al's last week where he is repeatedly interrupted by fans wanting to share how much they enjoyed his work. "There are only two possible reasons for 'Studio 60' failing — it was either my fault or it was just one of those things. On some shows, you can make mistakes and still survive. But with this one, I made too many mistakes for it to survive."

No. 2: Schadenfreude.

Bernie Brillstein, the fabled Hollywood manager whose clients included John Belushi and Jim Henson, is convinced that failure is an inevitable byproduct of industry envy and backstabbing. "Rightly or wrongly, Aaron got a reputation as holier than thou," Brillstein explains. "When you put yourself out front in the media, like Aaron did or Judd Apatow is right now, everyone is lying in wait for you. That's the psychology of the town. Once you're anointed, everyone wants the king to fail."

No. 3: Insularity.

It's almost impossible to keep any sense of perspective when you're in the midst of the pressure-cooker environment of making a TV show or a film. When "Studio 60" hit the ratings skids, NBC replaced the show with "The Black Donnellys," a show from "Crash" filmmaker Paul Haggis that flopped even faster than Sorkin's show.

"When you're doing a show, you're living entirely in that world, only trying to deal with all the issues in your show," says Haggis. "But then the show goes into people's homes and it becomes their show. Suddenly you have no control over what happens. And when you discover that the stories you're telling don't have the same meaning to other people that they did to you — wow, it's a real smack in the face."

Nos. 4 to 100: Laying blame.

Every failure in Hollywood gets blamed on something else, from movies that bomb (freak snowstorms back East) to anemic album sales (illegal file sharing by snotty college kids). But Sorkin sees a more insidious villain — a triviality-obsessed media no longer willing to separate gossip and idle speculation from reporting and criticism. "When all everyone does is try to draw personal connections between your characters and real people, you're not really watching a play or a TV show anymore," he says. "It becomes a tabloid experience."

Just ask Woody Allen, whose movies were psychoanalyzed by critics for years after he took up with Soon-Yi Previn, his then-girlfriend Mia Farrow's adopted daughter. Or look at the reception that greeted "A Mighty Heart," where it seemed impossible to find a review that didn't discuss Angelina Jolie's celebrity status. As Entertainment Weekly critic Lisa Schwarzbaum put it: "Despite the best of intentions, an actress who makes her own headlines gets in the way of the big picture." When Clint Eastwood's "Flags of Our Fathers" arrived last fall, conservative bloggers bashed the film — mostly without seeing it — simply because Haggis, a vocal liberal, had written the script.

"You'd think I'd single-handedly turned Clint into a Communist," Haggis recalls. "You get a lot of attention in journalism these days, especially on the Internet and on Fox TV, just by attacking people." The other day Roger Friedman, a Web-based gossip writer for Fox News, ran a quasi-review of Haggis' upcoming film, "In the Valley of Elah," taking time out from discussing the movie to offer conspiratorial speculation that the film makes numerous references to EarthLink because Haggis, like the founders of that Internet service, is a Scientologist.

This gossipy guesswork pervaded much of the media coverage of "Studio 60," in which much was made of the supposed similarities between "Studio 60" characters and real-life counterparts. It wasn't an entirely unreasonable assumption, since one of the show's lead characters — a TV writer with a history of drug problems — was written by Sorkin, a TV writer with a history of drug problems.

Still, Sorkin contends that TV drama is robbed of some of its punch when it's turned into a roman à clef. "There were too many people looking at this show like it was the cover of 'Abbey Road,' " Sorkin says. "It was never an autobiographical show. I'm a lot more than a recovering cocaine addict. Jordan McDeere and Jamie Tarses had one letter of the alphabet in common. It was really a lot of silliness." (Young and aggressive, Tarses had a brief run as ABC's programming chief, the first woman to hold such a position at a network.)

What clearly bugs Sorkin is that for whatever matrix of reasons — his messy private life, his brash willingness to publicly trash Internet bloggers or just his star power as a writer — he became a target for all sorts of gossipy buzz that doesn't haunt similarly successful writers like "Everybody Loves Raymond's" Phil Rosenthal or "Curb Your Enthusiasm's" Larry David.

"I can flat-out guarantee that Phil was writing autobiographical stories in his show, but for some reason people just aren't caught up in the gossip of his life," Sorkin says. "It's just unhealthy. 'After the Fall' is a better play if you don't know that Arthur Miller and Marilyn Monroe were married. It doesn't enhance the experience of seeing the play if you're being a detective, always looking for clues. You only see the writing through a filter that takes you out of the actual story."

I suspect Sorkin is fighting a losing battle. We've become a nation of prying eyes, snoops hungry for the inside story. It's surely telling that Sorkin's old time slot is now occupied by a reality show about real-life wedding crashers, people eager to barge into someone else's life. For Sorkin, TV is an all-too accurate barometer of our ideals. As he puts it: "TV has a very measurable effect on our national mood. When TV gets bitchy and pissy, you find Americans getting bitchy and pissy too."

In a way Sorkin may have come around to a final way of handling failure: acceptance. "Expectations were high and I couldn't come close to meeting them, so you'd have to say our show failed in a big way," he explains. "But when you get to write 22 episodes and have them produced exactly the way you want — well, as someone I know once described it, 'Things are OK when the things you complain about are the things you used to dream about.' "

Could any of Sorkin's characters have said it better?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: MacGuffin on July 19, 2007, 10:34:40 AM
'Studio 60' down, but not out
Sorkin drama scores five Emmy nominations

Viewers may have rejected "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," but Emmy voters showed a soft spot for Aaron Sorkin's showbiz skein.

NBC drama managed to score five noms, the same number as big hits such as "CSI"--and more than the tallies for some frosh skeins that will be back for second seasons, including "Brothers & Sisters," "Dexter" and "The Tudors."

While the noms might be a bit of a consolation for Sorkin, voters' love had some limits.

"Studio 60" didn't land any noms in the writing category, and it's A-list cast of regulars was overlooked. (Matthew Perry notched a nom, but it was for his work in the TNT telepic "The Ron Clark Story").

Skein's guest cast fared better: John Goodman and Eli Wallach both landed noms in the guest actor category. And helmer/exec producer Thomas Schlamme was nommed for the "Studio 60" pilot.

Other two noms were for cinematography and casting.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Ravi on July 27, 2007, 01:04:44 AM
http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/30-rock.html

(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fec1.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FG%2F01%2Fciu%2F9e%2Fda%2F254b62e89da05654e4bc3110.L.jpg&hash=fdf47fa6c3b12ee3630c11576b518568e999b213)

Further Details:
Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced the upcoming releases of 30 Rock for 4th September. This comedy series will be available in three editions: a three-disc season one set, and two volume releases. Bonus features will include: deleted scenes, bloopers, behind-the-scenes featurettes and a commentary by Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan and Jack McBrayer - in terms of the volume releases, these bonus features will be present in volume 2. Audio tracks are said to support Dolby Digital 5.1 with optional subtitles in English (SDH) and Spanish.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Post by: Raikus on July 30, 2007, 04:27:45 PM
Quote from: Raikus on October 05, 2006, 09:56:13 AM
How 30 Rock will save Studio 60

30 Rock will suck so hard that, by contrast, Studio 60 will seem that much better.

If there are words that taste more like Crow than these I would like to find them.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on July 30, 2007, 09:22:15 PM
haha all of you who thought Studio 60 great and was all haughty and saracastic with your defense OUGHTA GO FUCK YOURSELVES.  With a peeled potato.
I wish I had a time machine that can take you all to 20 years in the future, when studio 60 is just as despised and technology has improved so much that you can hear voices in the internet forums, so you'll be able to hear what I'm about to sing--

GO FUCK YOURSELF, GO FUCK YOURSELF, YOU WERE WRONG NOW GO FUCK YOURSELF :violin:

next up lost in translation
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on October 05, 2007, 04:15:08 PM
the new 30 rock is GREAT
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: grand theft sparrow on October 05, 2007, 04:46:02 PM
SeinfeldVision was funnier in my head though.  I was expecting actual footage from the TV show cut into the NBC lineup.  But that's nitpicky of me; it was a great episode.  Good for the Emmys for recognizing this show.  I look forward to a shortened but funnier 2nd season and an even shorter 3rd season with the final 4 episodes dumped on a random Friday night.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: matt35mm on October 15, 2007, 03:58:02 PM
Can somebody direct me to the proper forms to declare 30 Rock as the best show in the universe?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on October 18, 2007, 11:21:09 PM
This is the funniest show on television. This is one of those shows that will die when they can't keep everyone that makes it special together. This show has like 30 of those pieces. They all rock.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on October 20, 2007, 08:28:32 PM
the very first thing I did after I got back into the country was looking for them 30 rock episodes.  so good.  tracy morgan said "mind grapes".  GREAT REFERENCE.
I can't speak or type English too well right now.  dfasdfhdojoiehwaahhhrrrrgghhh I like TV.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on October 21, 2007, 05:03:38 PM
I think its clear by now that 30 Rock won the challenge against Studio 60? We can change the name of the thread now!

Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: modage on October 28, 2007, 11:05:46 PM
the scene where jack is acting out every member of tracy jordan's family in therapy role-play is maybe the highlight of this season (so far).  i love this show.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Raikus on November 09, 2007, 09:53:46 AM
The morning after Kenneth's party scene.... wow... just....  :bravo:

So much funny in such a perfect way. I think it had every comedy gag possible in a one minute span.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: matt35mm on November 10, 2007, 02:30:02 PM
Yes.  It was almost too funny.  I didn't want to laugh because I didn't want to miss the next brilliant thing, so instead I just held by breath and banged my fist on the table several times while hugging myself with my other arm.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on November 10, 2007, 05:37:20 PM
This is the funniest show on TV right now.

Griz and dot-com being the biggest gossipers was hilarious.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: diggler on November 10, 2007, 09:42:42 PM
this show has really hit it's stride, there isn't one weak character. i loved the cut from the elevator to the next morning, wish i could see the raw footage from that party, but the little they showed was perfect.

i find myself starting to look forward to this show over the office (dare i say)
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: modage on November 11, 2007, 10:32:10 AM
the offwho?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on November 11, 2007, 08:23:36 PM
Blurg!
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on November 13, 2007, 05:24:43 PM
It's No 30 Rock.  :yabbse-thumbup:
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: elpablo on November 13, 2007, 07:46:45 PM
Here's where we all die a little inside:

http://www.ucbtheatre.com/schedule/showdetails.php?redirected&showid=1584
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on November 13, 2007, 08:15:30 PM
Quote from: elpablo on November 13, 2007, 07:46:45 PM
Here's where we all die a little inside:

http://www.ucbtheatre.com/schedule/showdetails.php?redirected&showid=1584

Finally! The East Coast gets something awesome!

Some of our E.C. bruthas should check this out for us so I can live vicariously through them. Mod?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Pubrick on November 13, 2007, 08:23:43 PM
30 Rock forum pending..  :yabbse-rolleyes:
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: modage on November 13, 2007, 10:27:55 PM
holy shit~!  i'm dying a little inside because reservations are sold out.  i will probably try to get standby, but i imagine this event would probably be more packed than any ucb event.......ever.

irony is i'm watching ucb: season 2 at this very minute on dvd.

edit: actually now i'm dying inside because i'll be seeing david fincher this night, so i can't go anyway.  SHIT.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Pubrick on November 13, 2007, 10:32:37 PM
Quote from: modage on November 13, 2007, 10:27:55 PM
irony is i'm watching ucb: season 2 at this very minute on dvd.

that's not irony.

you deserve not to go.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: modage on November 13, 2007, 10:36:06 PM
coincidence is

or maybe irony is that i was watching ucb on dvd whereas everyone who got tickets were not.  that could be irony.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on November 13, 2007, 10:50:36 PM
I wonder if the whole cast is going to be there or just a few.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: modage on November 13, 2007, 11:02:10 PM
the irony is: we will never know.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on November 30, 2007, 02:34:17 PM
oh god, how many more episodes do they have in the reserve?  Tracy seemed a bit too rational (by the show's standard) last night, but that might be because his character always knew da 'hood, but still, a really good episode.  I still can't believe that this is a network show viewed and loved by millions.  it proves a lot about humanity, don't iT?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: modage on November 30, 2007, 03:31:57 PM
it's on the brink of cancellation isnt it?

and my cable is fucked up again so i missed last nights ep till the torrent shows up.  :(
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on November 30, 2007, 04:48:23 PM
I think they have lat least 4 more episodes in the can because I read that the last episode they filmed was a Christmas episode.

Tina Fey is such a doll.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: ©brad on December 01, 2007, 08:51:44 AM
Quote from: modage on November 30, 2007, 03:31:57 PMit's on the brink of cancellation isnt it?

wait what?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: modage on December 01, 2007, 09:22:22 AM
its consistently low rated.  the only reason it has been renewed is because it was awesome and critics love it.  if it follows the AD model, we'll get half a third season and thats prob the end.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: matt35mm on December 01, 2007, 10:38:58 AM
Mod, why do you insist on breaking hearts?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on December 01, 2007, 12:45:03 PM
I really hope NBC takes the Seinfeld approach with 30 Rock. Give it a few seasons to catch on. How many of you watched this when it first started? Not very many. Many like myself started watching at the end of last season.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: polkablues on December 02, 2007, 03:57:44 AM
Actually, I think a lot of us here were watching the show from the beginning.  The only problem was, we were the only ones.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Ravi on December 02, 2007, 01:47:18 PM
The show itself is a lot more accessible than AD, but the trick is getting people to watch it in the first place.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on December 06, 2007, 05:22:12 PM
Everyone be sure to watch 30 Rock tonight. It's a new episode at it needs ratings.

And someone split this into it's own thread pretty please. It shouldn't be associated with that awful other show anymore.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: matt35mm on December 06, 2007, 06:15:29 PM
Quote from: Stefen on December 06, 2007, 05:22:12 PM
Everyone be sure to watch 30 Rock tonight. It's a new episode at it needs ratings.

And someone split this into it's own thread pretty please. It shouldn't be associated with that awful other show anymore.

If you don't have a Neilsen box, wouldn't it make more sense to watch it at nbc.com?  I imagine that they must track the online views, but they're not gonna know whether I tuned in to it on TV or not.

If anyone has a Neilsen box though, watch this shit.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on December 06, 2007, 06:31:06 PM
Quote from: matt35mm on December 06, 2007, 06:15:29 PM
Quote from: Stefen on December 06, 2007, 05:22:12 PM
Everyone be sure to watch 30 Rock tonight. It's a new episode at it needs ratings.

And someone split this into it's own thread pretty please. It shouldn't be associated with that awful other show anymore.

If you don't have a Neilsen box, wouldn't it make more sense to watch it at nbc.com?  I imagine that they must track the online views, but they're not gonna know whether I tuned in to it on TV or not.

If anyone has a Neilsen box though, watch this shit.

How can you tell if you have a Nielson box? Cause I'd rather not watch it when it airs cause there is a basketball game I want to see on.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: matt35mm on December 06, 2007, 06:46:02 PM
You don't have one, then.

You get a Nielsen box when Mr. Nielsen calls you or sends a letter and asks, "Do you want a Nielsen box?"  They choose households at random, and I guess they give them money to participate for a limited amount of time.  During this time, your TV gets some stuff hooked to it that will send your viewing info to Nielsen, and I think you also fill out a diary for them.  They then take all of this information to produce...

NIELSEN RATINGS!
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on December 06, 2007, 06:55:07 PM
So how do they even know how many people are watching what? Sounds like a guessing game.

What stays on the air is up to a bunch of white people in the burbs?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: matt35mm on December 06, 2007, 07:23:46 PM
Quote from: Stefen on December 06, 2007, 06:55:07 PM
What stays on the air is up to a bunch of white people in the burbs?

Perhaps last week's ratings will answer your question:

(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi15.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa385%2Fmatt35mm%2FPicture4.png&hash=a03153698563a9c0bf28387a8fb7b32822be1668)
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: polkablues on December 06, 2007, 07:30:25 PM
Here's a question... has anyone here ever had, or even known a family that had, a Nielsen box in their household?  Granted, given the small sample size, this is not a very scientific survey, but given that it's at least as scientific as the actual Nielsen ratings system, the results of this question will determine whether or not Nielsen boxes even actually exist. 

Also if Maya Kash is a dude.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on December 07, 2007, 03:57:21 PM
"I'm black."

Gonna say some obvious stuff.
Nielson box, just like TV in general, are there for the advertisers.  Its accuracy is as relevant as the entertainment value of the shows - they're just there to convince the advertisers that people who want their products are in fact watching.

30 rock is not just for cool people anymore though.  I met this fellow passenger, a fat neurotic lady from a craigslist rideshare who hated everything under 30, but she was going on and on about how great that show was.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on December 07, 2007, 04:19:29 PM
I had a naughty dream about Tina Fey last night. What's that about? Isn't that supposed to stop after you turn 16? I don't even own a washer and dryer. I usually drop my laundry off at my parents house and my mom does it.

I don't know if I'll be able to watch this anymore.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Ravi on December 07, 2007, 11:16:32 PM
Quote from: polkablues on December 06, 2007, 07:30:25 PM
Here's a question... has anyone here ever had, or even known a family that had, a Nielsen box in their household?  Granted, given the small sample size, this is not a very scientific survey, but given that it's at least as scientific as the actual Nielsen ratings system, the results of this question will determine whether or not Nielsen boxes even actually exist.

My family had a Nielsen box on our living room TV for a while.

Speaking of advertising, I just got a DVR.  Now I know what everyone was talking about five years ago.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on December 13, 2007, 06:00:24 PM
So did anyone go to the UCB show? Or is there anything online about how it went down or what it was like?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: grand theft sparrow on December 13, 2007, 10:09:19 PM
Never mind Andy Richter... either I'm drunk as hell from my company's Christmas party or I'm watching Buck fucking Henry right now on my DVR.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on December 13, 2007, 11:02:16 PM
You're not drunk, sir. That was indeed Buck Henry. 30 Rock just gets better and better when it should be getting worse and worse to ensure mainstream success.

You and I may have been the only ones watching it.

I heart 30R.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Pubrick on December 13, 2007, 11:12:25 PM
they just started showing it here on some ridiculous timeslot. i've seen 2 episodes.

1. they go on a boat that isn't really tracy jordan's.
2. katrina bowden dressing SO HOT and then the main plot about tina being "pals" with baldwin.

maybe a good time to resurrect this thread (http://xixax.com/index.php?topic=2039.0).. the title at least, the rest is kinda worthless.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on December 14, 2007, 12:21:01 AM
Quote from: Pubrick on December 13, 2007, 11:12:25 PM
they just started showing it here on some ridiculous timeslot. i've seen 2 episodes.

1. they go on a boat that isn't really tracy jordan's.
2. katrina bowden dressing SO HOT and then the main plot about tina being "pals" with baldwin.

maybe a good time to resurrect this thread (http://xixax.com/index.php?topic=2039.0).. the title at least, the rest is kinda worthless.

First one was definitely episode 2 of the first season. 2nd was either 3, 4, or 5 of the same season. Sucks they aren't playing it in order because that would, ya know, make alot of sense since each episode doesn't really stand on it's own.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Pubrick on December 14, 2007, 12:48:09 AM
oh shit, you just made me realise they're showing it TWICE a week, and i've only been watching wednesday nights.

ebay it is.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: grand theft sparrow on December 14, 2007, 09:50:40 AM
Quote from: Stefen on December 13, 2007, 11:02:16 PM
30 Rock just gets better and better when it should be getting worse and worse to ensure mainstream success.

Well, they just sealed their fate last night with Richter.  How could they be so careless?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on December 14, 2007, 11:36:57 AM
Quote from: H.(sparro)W. on December 14, 2007, 09:50:40 AM
Quote from: Stefen on December 13, 2007, 11:02:16 PM
30 Rock just gets better and better when it should be getting worse and worse to ensure mainstream success.

Well, they just sealed their fate last night with Richter.  How could they be so careless?

Yeah, but they did it the right way by having him on the last episode they made before the writers strike. By the time they make new episodes noone will remember that Andy was on it hence he won't sink the show.

The Richter has been nullified.

Also, did anyone else think that when they kept saying "Lemon Party!" about Liz's family they were referring to the sick and twisted internet phenomenon? I don't know if it was just coincidence.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: I Love a Magician on December 14, 2007, 12:47:23 PM
Quote from: Stefen on December 14, 2007, 11:36:57 AMAlso, did anyone else think that when they kept saying "Lemon Party!" about Liz's family they were referring to the sick and twisted internet phenomenon? I don't know if it was just coincidence.

"You can't have a Lemon party without old Dick!"
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on December 14, 2007, 12:54:02 PM
Quote from: I Love a Magician on December 14, 2007, 12:47:23 PM
Quote from: Stefen on December 14, 2007, 11:36:57 AMAlso, did anyone else think that when they kept saying "Lemon Party!" about Liz's family they were referring to the sick and twisted internet phenomenon? I don't know if it was just coincidence.

"You can't have a Lemon party without old Dick!"

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAH. YES.

I guarantee there were literally like 12 people who got the reference.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: grand theft sparrow on December 14, 2007, 02:11:34 PM
You can fill the rest of us in anytime you want.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: modage on December 14, 2007, 02:16:16 PM
yeah i got that reference.  i'm at work so i'm not going to link you, but if you google it, horrors await.

i actually thought this episode was super-weak for 30R outside of katrina bowden's new bangs and the lemonparty reference that sailed over america's heads.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on December 14, 2007, 02:36:12 PM
I agree. It was a weak episode. Christmas episodes tend to be weak on any show though. It's so gimmicky and Christianey.

Also, I HATED Suri's bangs. Jenna had a new hairstyle too (I sound like such a gossiping female) so I hope it was just for this ONE episode.

Do you think the writers strike will have a good or bad effect on a show struggling to gain ratings like 30R? Personally, I think it'll have a negative effect. It had some momentum that was just killed with this last episode. Maybe the re-runs and the Aussie audience like P can save it. You're our only hope P. If you shit on the show you deserve to be a year and a half behind everyone else!

The Lemon Party thing is one of those things like Goatse or meatspin. The precursor to 2girls1cup, shake that bear, pain olympics, and perezhilton.com. If memory serves it's a picture of a bunch of senior citizen men performing oral sex on each other. It's meant as a shock type thing like someone would send you an IM and be like "Dude! Judy Garland NUDE!!! Check it out!" and you'd unzip your trousers and click and it'd be Lemon Party. Like Goatse, I have no idea what the name means. That's why the reference was really funny because Liz's dads name is Dick and the saying went "You can't have a Lemon Party without old Dick!"
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on December 15, 2007, 06:09:16 AM
so that still is cerie right?  I almost thought that they just found one of those replacement girls like they do on so many sitcoms.  I liked the episode still, I thought Liz's family was very charming.  the green screen was weird.  also the lemonparty thing made me glad that I hung out on messageboards, 'cause that one went over my head too.


Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: children with angels on December 15, 2007, 10:35:44 AM
Vis-a-vis lemon party:

http://www.top10virals.com/viralvideos/lemon-party.html
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on January 11, 2008, 10:33:11 AM
Last nights episode may have been the funniest of the whole season. Might have been the most touching also. It's really hitting it's stride these last 5 or 6 episodes and it's sad that they have to have this extended break. I hope it doesn't ruin the momentum they had going.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Raikus on January 11, 2008, 12:24:00 PM
After last night's ending, I desperately want a musical episode. Hopefully hour long.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: grand theft sparrow on January 13, 2008, 12:40:33 PM
I must be the only person who isn't completely happy with the last couple of episodes.  Overall, it was OK but I thought that musical number went on too long and was just a time fill because they knew the strike was coming soon and had to rush through writing this one and the Ludachristmas.  I don't fear for the quality of the show at all but I can't wait for the strike to be over.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on January 13, 2008, 02:09:49 PM
I wasn't really feeling the Christmas episode too much and it felt WAY out of place with the rest of the season, but the most recent episode was great. Lemon getting drunk off wine while she keeps calling the co-op board and leaving messages was hilarious. Come on, who didn't laugh when the Germans find out they're getting NBC and they say "Super!" then shake their fists then pat the back of their necks.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on January 19, 2008, 11:54:12 PM
Been catching up on this... watched the whole first season and half of season 2 so far... unbelievable how good this is. Funniest show since Seinfeld for sure. I hate to say it but I have to agree with everyone here, its even better than The Office.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on January 27, 2008, 10:44:15 PM
30R did pretty well at the SAG's. Baldwin won best actor and Tina Fey won best actress.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on January 29, 2008, 09:52:15 AM
Baldwin's impressions in episode with Tracy and his daddy issues was incredible... that whole scene with the shrink and Tracy was one of the best of the entire show.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on February 01, 2008, 12:46:23 AM
was that a re-run or did he do it again?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: polkablues on February 01, 2008, 12:50:05 AM
It's all reruns now...  :yabbse-sad:
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on February 04, 2008, 01:46:36 PM
Quote from: pete on February 01, 2008, 12:46:23 AM
was that a re-run or did he do it again?

Yeah I dont even know, I'm catching up on all the episodes I downloaded. That was the last I saw. I think I have only 3 to go before its over.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on February 04, 2008, 04:43:55 PM
DYNOMITE!

My favorite moment from this season was Lemon getting drunk off wine like all middle aged females do and calling the co-op board and leaving nasty messages all night. That montage was hilarious.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Weird. Oh on April 10, 2008, 08:23:09 PM
anyone realize Buck Henry played Liz Lemon's dad?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: picolas on April 11, 2008, 04:19:41 PM
allusions to spoils

i saw the twist coming and all the kinda outdated survivor parallels were hammered into your brain. it wasn't a Baaaad ep, but not up to 30 Rock standards.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on April 17, 2008, 09:54:07 PM
This was a GREAT episode. "We used to call this the Jew room"

I hope Dennis is a regular fixture from here on out. He was one of the funniest characters on season one.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: elpablo on April 23, 2008, 10:50:37 AM
"Who is Conan O'Brien and why is she so sad?"
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on April 23, 2008, 11:29:51 AM
oh yeah totally forgot to write about it here - after milf island, this felt like an actual episode of 30 rock.  phew.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on May 02, 2008, 09:56:42 AM
Last night's episode was AWESOME. After a bumpy start (milf island) this half of a half season has really come on strong. It seems everytime they get a stride going, either the season ends or there is a strike. They can't gain any steam.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: SiliasRuby on May 02, 2008, 07:59:17 PM
'I am Clevland's Michael Clayton'
'Well, I hope your car blows up'

LOVE IT
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on May 09, 2008, 08:42:59 PM
Season Finale was kind of mediocre.

Does anyone know if this is coming back next season for sure? I hope so. Ratings have been in the dump, but I think with another season it can gain some ground. It's really hitting it's stride.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on May 10, 2008, 03:09:48 AM
It;s coming back for sure. The finale wasn't bad, but it was really weird, and it ended very suddenly.

The best part was Dennis wanting to name the kid "Morpheus", and the "it's not leaking" scene when Jack first gets to DC. Not that funny so I guess the rest of the episode could have been a lot better. It seemed rushed, and all the characters had very little screen time.


Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: modage on May 10, 2008, 08:29:19 AM
i have to admit: i thought this could have been heir to the throne but season 2 has gone downhill.  it's not that it's not funny anymore, it's just that everything is too over-the-top WACKY! that you really don't care about the characters.  that's too bad.  i think The (fake) Office might actually be a better show than this now.  :yabbse-sad:
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: cine on June 04, 2008, 11:37:29 AM
believe it or not i never watched this show (except for maybe 2 eps) before this week. i've now seen all of season 1 and 2 and can concur that this forum is no 30 Rock.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on June 04, 2008, 02:55:28 PM
I watched the unaired pilot last night and it had some other lady playing Suri and Rachel Dratch was playing the Jenna role. It was really weird.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: RegularKarate on June 04, 2008, 03:59:14 PM
Quote from: Stefen on June 04, 2008, 02:55:28 PM
I watched the unaired pilot last night and it had some other lady playing Suri and Rachel Dratch was playing the Jenna role. It was really weird.

Where did you see this?
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on June 04, 2008, 04:12:12 PM
Quote from: RegularKarate on June 04, 2008, 03:59:14 PM
Quote from: Stefen on June 04, 2008, 02:55:28 PM
I watched the unaired pilot last night and it had some other lady playing Suri and Rachel Dratch was playing the Jenna role. It was really weird.

Where did you see this?

http://thepiratebay.org/tor/4174810/30.Rock.S00E00.Unaired.Pilot.NBC.Internal.DVD-RIP-DIVX
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on August 30, 2008, 01:30:00 AM
NEW YORK (AP) -- Jennifer Aniston will make a return visit to NBC, the TV network where she became a breakout star on "Friends."

She is currently filming a guest appearance on the network's comedy, "30 Rock," Aniston publicist Stephen Huvane confirms.

There were no immediate details on Aniston's role or the episode's air date. The series, which begins its third season in October, stars Tiny Fey and Alec Baldwin. Aniston's fellow "Friends" co-star, David Schwimmer, had a "30 Rock" guest shot last season.

Since "Friends" ended four years ago, Aniston has concentrated on films.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: pete on August 30, 2008, 08:02:22 PM
Quote from: kal on August 30, 2008, 01:30:00 AM
The series, which begins its third season in October, stars Tiny Fey and Alec Baldwin.

awwww
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on October 11, 2008, 11:34:26 PM
For anyone who isn't watching this show, you should watch this.

Tina Fey is on the charts now with the Palin thing, but her character on 30 Rock is really fucking funny. The show as a whole is really, really good and while it's cleaning up on awards, people don't seem to be too interested to tune in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMKrAR6YBDI&feature=related
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: john on October 23, 2008, 03:17:20 PM
Just watched the season premiere.

I've always found this show to be enjoyable, but have never been thoroughly won over by it. The second season, even with commendable casting of Buck Henry, was more of a time passer than anything else - certainly in comparison to the first, superior season.

But this episode was a really good start. I'm optimistic about this season. Quite funny and a bit charming, too.

And, although I know the jokes given to Tracy Morgan are relatively easy laughs that don't require much effort on the writer or the viewer, I don't care. Makes me laugh every time.

The gold nunchucks gag was a good laugh, too.


Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on October 23, 2008, 03:48:49 PM
How did you see the season premiere? I thought it didn't premiere until next Thursday. Do you have a time machine or is up on torrents?

Spill the beans, Doc Brown.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: ©brad on October 23, 2008, 04:16:27 PM
it's on hulu (http://www.hulu.com/watch/40482/30-rock-sneak-peek-do-over) yo. and shit is hysterical. god bless tina fey. 
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on December 05, 2008, 09:41:46 PM
I thought this season was kind of wack, but this last episode redeemed it. Funny as shit.

"BRAVERMAN!!"
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Stefen on January 23, 2009, 10:41:09 AM
So Steve Buscemi directed this last episode. It was funny as shit. Also, Tina Fey in a bra jiggling around on stage was pretty fucking awesome. Highlight of my year so far.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on January 23, 2009, 11:16:40 AM
Quote from: Stefen on January 23, 2009, 10:41:09 AM
Highlight of my year so far.

I know its only January but I feel sorry for you dude  :therethere:
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: abuck1220 on January 25, 2009, 12:46:45 PM
watching this right after the office only emphasizes how much worse the office is now. that line about her breaking the lego thing b/c she was pretending it was her penis was fantastic.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: cine on January 25, 2009, 02:12:23 PM
still annoyed that studio 60 is in this threads title. we get it, its over, studio 60 lost and its dead. no one will ever come to this forum searching for studio 60.

anyway. 30 rock s3 is king. jack mcbrayer can do no wrong.


rooobotttt pennisss.
Title: Re: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip vs. 30 Rock
Post by: Kal on January 25, 2009, 04:20:14 PM
Quote from: Cinephile on January 25, 2009, 02:12:23 PM
still annoyed that studio 60 is in this threads title. we get it, its over, studio 60 lost and its dead. no one will ever come to this forum searching for studio 60.

anyway. 30 rock s3 is king. jack mcbrayer can do no wrong.


rooobotttt pennisss.

true. besides, as much as i love 30 rock, it has absolutely nothing to do with Studio 60, no comparison.

studio 60 wasn't that bad also.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: picolas on January 25, 2009, 04:51:34 PM
i started the transition.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Kal on February 06, 2009, 02:01:20 AM
holy shit i think i never laughed so hard in my fucking life... this episode was the best of the series!

well, not sure if it was the best, but its right up there man. both alec baldwin and tina fey are gods and they deserve every fucking award they've been getting for this show... it keeps getting better.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: polkablues on February 06, 2009, 02:49:04 AM
This and his hosting gig on SNL has convinced me that once Mad Men has run it's course (which hopefully won't be for a while longer), Jon Hamm should only ever do comedy from there on out.  He's not only funny, he makes everyone around him funnier.  "He looks like a cartoon pilot!"
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ©brad on February 06, 2009, 09:06:37 AM
this is the funniest thing on TV, last night's was pure gold, and i want to marry tina fey and everyone else involved with this show.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on February 06, 2009, 09:36:34 AM
^Get in line, chump. It's behind me. THE END IS WAY BACK THERE. NO CUTS!

I'm glad everyone is catching on. It's been really great for 2 seasons now.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: RegularKarate on February 06, 2009, 02:04:10 PM
Quote from: Stefen on February 06, 2009, 09:36:34 AM
^Get in line, chump. It's behind me. THE END IS WAY BACK THERE. NO CUTS!

Looks like you're pretty far back in that line too. (http://xixax.com/index.php?topic=2039.120)

Oh, and from that thread... to prove I saw his genius six years ago:
Quote from: RegularKarate on June 10, 2003, 04:50:54 PM
-Tracy Morgan is sorely misunderstood by many... that guy is funny as shit.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: picolas on February 08, 2009, 03:02:54 AM
Quote from: Stefen on February 06, 2009, 09:36:34 AMIt's been really great for 2 seasons now.
are you skipping season 2? i'm confused. season 1 is pure gold.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on February 08, 2009, 06:35:24 PM
Season 3 is still going on.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Kal on February 14, 2009, 02:58:31 AM
Another excellent episode. I'm as addicted to McFlurry's as Jack, its hilarious.

Funniest line: "If I had those knockers I'd be thanking god too", Liz talking about Salma's boobs.

Also the whole Cyrano de Bergerac plot with Kenneth/Tracy was great.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: modage on February 14, 2009, 02:18:05 PM
i wrote a blog about this.

I'm Sorry Tina Fey. I Don't Like 30 Rock Anymore

When 30 Rock premiered I thought it could be the show to inherit Arrested Development's crown of Best Comedy on TV.  It would probably air for a couple seasons, gain a cult following and be cancelled.  But a funny thing happened, instead Tina Fey became America's Sweetheart and 30 Rock became one of those shows that was universally loved, it's press coverage completely disproportionate to it's ratings.

Unfortunately, something else happened too.  30 Rock became an incredibly mediocre show.  It's a cartoon version of itself.  The sweetness of Season 1 has been sacrificed for comedy at the expense of character.  I'm not rooting for Liz Lemon because I don't believe her, or anyone else on the show as anything resembling real people.

This most recent episode embodies the bulk of it's problems.  High profile guest stars, product placement overload (McDonalds, REALLY?)  and the feeling that the show is trying a little too hard to be liked.  The guest stars are out of control and that screentime comes at the expense of the huge supporting cast.  This is the Tina Fey & Alec Baldwin show, with Kenneth and Tracy in supporting roles.  Sorry, everyone else!  Remember Pete?  Me neither.  Audience research obviously told them that Liz, Jack, Kenneth and Tracy were the characters that people responded to, so it has become their show.

Why does Liz go to Jack for romantic advice?  Because it's an excuse to put them onscreen together.  Why do a movie and TV star both help an NBC page on a ridiculous date?  Because it's just a TV show!  Reality is never considered.  In a sitcom you can stray from time to time but if the entire thing is a complete fantasy, you lose any ability to relate.  It's hard to enjoy it as just a comedy, when it had the potential to be so much more.  I still watch the show, and I still laugh, but I just don't care anymore.

http://modage.tumblr.com/post/78307007/im-sorry-tina-fey-i-dont-like-30-rock-anymore
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: john on February 14, 2009, 04:22:20 PM
Interesting that you relate it's promise and potential to Arrested Development - your opinion on 30 Rock almost echoes mine on AD.

Terrific show that began to derail at the Martin Short cameo and was completely off the rails by the third season. I admired it's growing resentment towards Fox - but it really became a ridiculous fucking cartoon.

But, yeah, 30 Rock... once kinda charming, marginal, and sweet - now just aggressive and pandering.

Also... Tumblr - respect.

Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: modage on February 14, 2009, 09:15:08 PM
i agree about AD too.  third season was definitely not the best.  first two excellent on both shows despite season 2's leanings towards the cartoonish.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: edison on February 14, 2009, 10:16:36 PM
Jack Donaghy's loving ode to the McFlurry in last night's episode of 30 Rock has gotten the blogosphere in a tizzy -- has Tina Fey's Emmy-winning sitcom completely sold out to egregious product placement? According to Ms. Fey, the answer is a resounding no. Fey issued this statement to finally put McFlurry-gate '09 to rest:

"It gives me great pleasure to inform you that the references to McDonald's in last night's episode of 30 Rock were in no way product placement.  (Nor were they an attempt at product placement that fell through.)  We received no money from the McDonald's Corporation.  We were actually a little worried they might sue us.   That's just the kind of revenue-generating masterminds we are. 

Also, the upcoming story line where Liz Lemon starts dating Grimace is just based on a recurring dream I have.

Seriously, though, it's not product placement.

Also, whoever is writing my Twitter account is pretty funny, but it's not me."

Source (http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/02/tina-fey-respon.html)
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: modage on February 15, 2009, 08:41:15 AM
http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2009/02/even_jane_krakowski_isnt_sure.html
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ©brad on February 15, 2009, 09:55:11 AM
cartoonish? the show has always been that way. just because something is a "fantasy" doesn't mean you still can't relate to it. i think it's gotten way funnier and wittier and smarter with each season. maybe this one is too overloaded with guest stars, but whatever, it's still the smartest comedy on tv right now.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: modage on February 15, 2009, 10:23:16 AM
i think there is a difference in characters you can believe in and characters who are just there to serve the joke.  tracy can be over the top because liz is more grounded.  etc.  there is a balance to be struck and i think they've given up on that and just started using the characters as vehicles to deliver their jokes.  in the most recent episode, you can allow the sitcom-ish kenneth dating a blind girl and being helped out, but not by tracy and jenna.  if they had changed that to him being helped out by frank or something it would be at least believable enough.  frank doesnt have anything better to do on vday, he's a writer, etc.  liz going to jack for romantic advice instead of jenna.  these sorts of things, they are surrendering their characters to the jokes.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Pas on February 15, 2009, 06:08:02 PM
I did a season 3 marathon today. I passed out at episode 7 though because of a guest star overdose
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Ravi on February 15, 2009, 07:46:01 PM
The Valentine's Day episode was mediocre, though I've mostly enjoyed season 3 so far.  I particularly liked the Generalissimo plot line with Jack and the related plotline with Liz.  I agree that there are too many guest stars this season.  They're not very funny (Seinfeld and Oprah were the worst), and is anyone tuning in because of them?

Poor Scott Adsit.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on February 15, 2009, 07:51:57 PM
I see what you guys are saying and agree to an extent. But for every overused guest star episode this season, there's been another episode that was awesome. The Generalisimo episode was the best of the whole series.

It's got the best cast on TV and it's unfortunate that they don't utilize them enough. That was what was so charming about it. The giant cast and they all worked very well with eachother.

Has Josh even been on this season? He was underused big time. My favorite part was Griz and Dot-Com trying to impress him so he'll finally think they're cool.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: picolas on February 15, 2009, 10:09:41 PM
please don't say utilize. it means exactly the same thing as use.

i will say two things. 1: the show has always been a live-action cartoon. 2: pete was a terrible character. there was nothing interesting about him, and he wasn't particularly flawed in any way. he didn't fit in the 30 rock universe. that's a shame because the writer who plays him can be HILARIOUS (like in that mr show sketch about racial apology cards). i'm glad he's pretty much cut, though. josh is a bad cut.

i don't think your points are unfounded but i can't not love the show if only for its pure wit and imagination. i do think every episode delivers some kind of relevant story involving the characters. yes, some of the characters have stepped pretty far out of their original boundaries, but i buy it in the context of what 30 rock is. you still don't see jack showing up at liz's apartment.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on February 15, 2009, 10:21:48 PM
You're utilizing your television incorrectly.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ©brad on February 15, 2009, 10:38:55 PM
Quote from: Stefen on February 15, 2009, 10:21:48 PM
You're utilizing your television incorrectly.

hahah.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: RegularKarate on February 16, 2009, 02:09:16 PM
haha... classic Mod... he has some kind of sexual attraction to hating what he loved.

30 Rock is still incredible and they're squeezing more concentrated comedy out of the show's mind-grapes.

It's going to be up and down with the richness of characters... it still has heart, the heart just beats a little faster (they never really aimed for tugging strings)... I'm fine with that... I've alway appreciated how cartoonish the show is... they know exactly what to make fun of.

I do agree that they need to drop the excessive guest-stars (though I don't count John Hamm as part of that because he's genuinely good on the show and serves more purpose than "look who we've got!") and show more of the other characters (though they've addressed that they will, they're just taking it slower with them).

and the McFlurries thing was not product placement.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on February 16, 2009, 02:54:44 PM
The thing that I love about the show is that it really doesn't have heart in the traditional sense.

Case in point, in that episode where Liz goes to her High School reunion. By the end, right when it makes you think it's going to tug at your heart strings, it "shuts it down" and that's what I love about the show. I hope they don't get rid of that.

It's just going through a crappy stretch right now. The show is going to stick with what got it critical success and that's what they did the first two seasons. I want them to start using guest starts the "right" way like how they used Will Arnett. I don't like when they bring stars in just to get ratings. I understand it's necessary, but I feel it cheapens the show.

It needs more Rachel Dratch and Chris Parnell. They're both gold whenever they are on.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: modage on February 16, 2009, 03:35:02 PM
yeah, i don't wish ill of the show, i just want it to get better again.  product placement and guest stars are easy targets because they did both of those things in the first two seasons but they made them work.  so when it doesnt work its just really distracting.  it's hard to put my finger on but something's just a little off.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ᾦɐļᵲʊʂ on February 22, 2009, 12:10:38 AM
The product placement has always been annoying to me.  I thought it was a joke at first with that one episode without commercials and everyone had a bit about Snapple, but it's been grating more and more over time.

However, the show is still very funny and every show has product placement anyway.  This show embraces and mocks it, so maybe that results in calling more attention to the products and encouraging their sale that much more, but who knows.  The product placement doesn't interfere with the quality of the writing, or at least for me, it hasn't yet.

...utilize.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Kal on February 22, 2009, 01:26:07 AM
Well, ratings are not huge so they need to make their money somewhere. Otherwise it will be off the air soon.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: polkablues on February 26, 2009, 12:14:52 AM
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is Kenneth the page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfCK-1BgPTo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfCK-1BgPTo)
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Kal on February 26, 2009, 12:54:20 AM
Quote from: polkablues on February 26, 2009, 12:14:52 AM
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is Kenneth the page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfCK-1BgPTo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfCK-1BgPTo)

Haha thats great.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: SiliasRuby on February 26, 2009, 02:02:40 PM
Very cute.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on March 05, 2009, 10:02:35 PM
Tina Fey and the rest of the writers/producers must read this board or Mod's blog because this last episode was awesome. It got back to what the show does best -- using it's great cast of characters instead of just focusing on a select few.

Also, the guest stars were fun and not overdone like they have been this season (John Lithgow was great)

I hope they continue like this down the stretch. They have such a great cast. USE THEM.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: cine on March 06, 2009, 12:41:27 AM
Quote from: Stefen on March 05, 2009, 10:02:35 PM
Tina Fey and the rest of the writers/producers must read this board or Mod's blog because this last episode was awesome.

yeah, i was bout to say.. best ep of the season probably.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Pas on March 06, 2009, 07:44:40 AM
best ep. of the season for sure, well written and funny.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: modage on March 06, 2009, 02:34:48 PM
agree completely.  30 ROCK IS BACK.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: SiliasRuby on March 07, 2009, 07:30:15 PM
Great great episode. Good to see some old faces.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Kal on March 07, 2009, 07:53:13 PM
The look on Frank's face as he runs off at the end of priceless... amazing episode
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Sleepless on March 12, 2009, 02:43:59 PM
Quote from: polkablues on February 26, 2009, 12:14:52 AM
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is Kenneth the page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfCK-1BgPTo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfCK-1BgPTo)

In response: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot76AV0_YAo&feature=related
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ©brad on March 13, 2009, 01:18:29 PM
Last night's was one of their best episodes ever. The microwave name brainstorming with Jack was pure gold.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on March 13, 2009, 01:26:23 PM
Yeah, it was another great episode. It wasn't as good as last weeks or the General Alisimo ep, but it was great nonetheless. On par with any episode from season 1 and 2.

I'm glad they're spending more time on the other characters instead of it just being the Liz/Jack/Tracy/Kenneth TV Show.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on March 27, 2009, 12:36:09 AM
These last 4 or 5 episodes have been hilarious.

Tonight, when the deaf lady is reading little Jack's lips and says, "You're saying, apollo, apollo, apollo. Oh, my god, you puked! Why wouldn't you warn me? I'm staring at your mouth!" I started lizzing.

And then when they discover Liz's phone sex commercial. "That's not even enough numbers!" HILARIOUS.

Also, Dennis is back, which is always awesome.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: SiliasRuby on March 27, 2009, 12:45:23 AM
Great great stuff.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Pas on March 27, 2009, 06:48:31 AM
The start of the season was lame but they have redeemed themselves totally in the last month, and this one was hilarious. I laughed more in the first 2 minutes than in any complete show since AD probably.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ©brad on March 27, 2009, 09:18:25 AM
When Kenneth sees Liz in puppet form, and then they cut to Liz in human form walking like a puppet, I lizzed everywhere.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: modage on March 27, 2009, 09:32:48 AM
i completely agree.  i don't know HOW they did it, but 30 Rock got completely awesome in 1 episode and have been completely awesome every episode since.  what the hell was going on for the first half of season 3?
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Kal on March 28, 2009, 01:48:29 PM
I guess they needed ratings so they had to write all those guest celebs in. Now they're back to doing what they do best.

The whole muppet thing was hilarious in this episode, and it was awesome to have Dennis back.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: SiliasRuby on March 28, 2009, 01:56:22 PM
The muppets moments felt like really special moments to me....gave me a big smile.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: pete on March 28, 2009, 03:49:11 PM
I had a dream where I was trying to explain the puppet shot transitioning to real life liz.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Pedro on April 11, 2009, 02:22:36 AM
Did you guys miss out this week?  This episode was fantastic!  Liz's Steve Jobs style presentation?  The way Jack handles downsizing?  The ending?  I thought Tracy was particularly absurd/funny and Jack McBrayer was of course wonderful as usual.  Absolutely the best comedy on tv.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: SiliasRuby on April 11, 2009, 10:04:38 AM
Yep, definitely. By the way, you can preorder season 3 of this show, season 3 of heroes, and season 5 of the office now on amazon.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: cine on April 11, 2009, 11:09:58 PM
Quote from: SiliasRuby on April 11, 2009, 10:04:38 AM
By the way, you can preorder season 3 of this show, season 3 of heroes, and season 5 of the office now on amazon.
season 3 of heroes??? yeah, thanks, i'll order that piece of shit right away.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Kal on April 12, 2009, 01:29:24 AM
who pre-orders DVDs anymore? I mean, there is not as much demand as there used to be, so it doesnt happen that they get sold out or something like that. You can just buy them when they come out.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: SiliasRuby on April 12, 2009, 02:33:25 AM
The only reason I pre-order them is that I usually get a discount before it is released officially released.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: cine on April 12, 2009, 05:10:42 PM
Quote from: SiliasRuby on April 12, 2009, 02:33:25 AM
The only reason I pre-order them is that I usually get a discount before it is released officially released.
yeah, my point was that youre advertising that pre-orders are now available for the third season of Heroes, a show that clearly NOBODY on xixax gives a shit about, let alone its third season.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: modage on April 12, 2009, 05:15:43 PM
this week =
early season 3 quality
+ josh
- big name guest star =
:yabbse-undecided:
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: SiliasRuby on April 12, 2009, 07:44:22 PM
Quote from: Cinephile on April 12, 2009, 05:10:42 PM
Quote from: SiliasRuby on April 12, 2009, 02:33:25 AM
The only reason I pre-order them is that I usually get a discount before it is released officially released.
yeah, my point was that youre advertising that pre-orders are now available for the third season of Heroes, a show that clearly NOBODY on xixax gives a shit about, let alone its third season.
I guess I'm no one and still have faith in shows before giving up on them entirely.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Pas on April 13, 2009, 01:20:09 AM
whotf hasn't given up on Heroes yet
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Kal on April 13, 2009, 08:08:54 AM
Quote from: Pas Rap on April 13, 2009, 01:20:09 AM
whotf hasn't given up on Heroes yet

even I gave up after the beginning of the second season, and I still watch Smallvile. imagine that.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: SiliasRuby on April 13, 2009, 12:36:32 PM
Quote from: Pas Rap on April 13, 2009, 01:20:09 AM
whotf hasn't given up on Heroes yet
Faithful geeks who can spell
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: MacGuffin on April 13, 2009, 12:59:42 PM
Even I gave up on Heroes.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: cine on April 13, 2009, 05:11:06 PM
Quote from: SiliasRuby on April 12, 2009, 07:44:22 PM
Quote from: Cinephile on April 12, 2009, 05:10:42 PM
Quote from: SiliasRuby on April 12, 2009, 02:33:25 AM
The only reason I pre-order them is that I usually get a discount before it is released officially released.
yeah, my point was that youre advertising that pre-orders are now available for the third season of Heroes, a show that clearly NOBODY on xixax gives a shit about, let alone its third season.
I guess I'm no one and still have faith in shows before giving up on them entirely.

really eh? last i checked in the Heroes thread you seconded Mac's point that you only reason you actually continue to watch the show was to "see how one show continues to jump the shark week to week." doesn't sound like faith at all. sounds like the exact opposite.

Quote from: SiliasRuby on April 13, 2009, 12:36:32 PM
Quote from: Pas Rap on April 13, 2009, 01:20:09 AM
whotf hasn't given up on Heroes yet
Faithful geeks who can spell

"whotf" is slang for "who the fuck". about as harmless as not putting a period at the end of a sentence.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: polkablues on April 13, 2009, 05:19:24 PM
Please stop talking about Heroes in the 30 Rock thread.  These things do not belong together.  This is not a chocolate and peanut butter situation.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Kal on April 13, 2009, 05:36:40 PM
Quote from: polkablues on April 13, 2009, 05:19:24 PM
Please stop talking about Heroes in the 30 Rock thread.  These things do not belong together.  This is not a chocolate and peanut butter situation.

peanut butter and a terrible tv show

Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: cine on April 13, 2009, 06:25:07 PM
yeah, we're confusing chocolate with shit.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Pas on April 14, 2009, 08:22:04 PM
^haha

kinda back to 30 rock, has anyone watched Tracy Morgan's SNL ? Was it any good ? I had completely given up on SNL but watched it this week with my tween sister (Zac Effron) and it was pretty funny so...
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on April 14, 2009, 08:25:16 PM
You don't have a little sister.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Pas on April 14, 2009, 08:29:21 PM
Quote from: Stefen on April 14, 2009, 08:25:16 PM
You don't have a little sister.


read my post correctly, Zac Effron is actually my little sister
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on April 14, 2009, 09:31:44 PM
haha, oh, she's cute.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: modage on April 15, 2009, 09:50:49 AM
the Tracy Morgan SNL opening was pretty good.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/62438/saturday-night-live-tracys-back

but this one had me laughing out loud...

http://modage.tumblr.com/post/86975384/rocket-dog

Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: SiliasRuby on April 21, 2009, 12:39:00 PM
The episodes keep on getting better and better towards the end...
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on May 15, 2009, 04:42:33 PM
Season Finale was really great.

The season was very up and down but when it was up, it was really great.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: polkablues on June 01, 2009, 12:25:56 AM
I just bought the complete series of Studio 60 at Best Buy.  Regular price, $49.99, on sale for 15 bucks.  As long as I fast-forward through the parts where they were actually trying to show the comedy sketches, it's totally worth the 15 bucks.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Kal on June 01, 2009, 01:51:53 AM
Quote from: polkablues on June 01, 2009, 12:25:56 AM
I just bought the complete series of Studio 60 at Best Buy.  Regular price, $49.99, on sale for 15 bucks.  As long as I fast-forward through the parts where they were actually trying to show the comedy sketches, it's totally worth the 15 bucks.

I've been actually re-watching this on Hulu the past couple weeks. I'm working on developing a tv show, and no matter what anyone can say, some of the writing and development of this is pretty brilliant. I understand how it failed, but it was never bad if you're into the topics that it goes into.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: samsong on October 16, 2009, 12:10:55 AM
great premiere.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ono on October 16, 2009, 12:37:16 AM
Indeed.  My only beef is it's too short and too abrupt an ending (as is usually the case).  A favorite moment: the country song lauding off-season tennis.  Love the Liz/Pete time, but it's a shame Josh quit (wonder if he's out, he's generally been underused anyway).  Will be interested to see if there's a follow through on the new cast member -- would like to see some of the auditions, too.  I thought there would be more shown of Tracy with the bucket drummers, but there wasn't time, and probably best to avoid showing too much there.  These 30 Rock episodes have always been short (19 minutes or so, compared to the traditional 21 or 22).  It's fortunate the pacing is always so fast, but this show more than most others on NBC could benefit from another two minutes at least, and an "hour" episode on occasion at the most.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: modage on October 16, 2009, 09:27:23 AM
This episode was great.  :bravo:
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on October 16, 2009, 12:22:21 PM
Yeah, it was a great opener. I too think their episodes are too short. An hour would be too long but the 19-22 minutes is too short. I think a HBO Curb style 30 mins would be PERFECT. Never happening, though.

The best thing about the show is the large cast. Usually they only focus on Jack, Liz and Tracy. Granted, they're the stars, but the cast surrounding them is really great and should get more screentime the way they used to in the earlier seasons. I hope Josh is back, too. He was one of my favorites.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Kal on October 16, 2009, 01:14:16 PM
I'm pretty sure he'll be back. He will probably just show up to work next episode and pretend he never quit.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: picolas on October 16, 2009, 07:14:44 PM
i dunno... it seems like a clever, self-referential way to write him out of the show considering he's gradually disappeared. i really wish he hadn't gradually disappeared, though.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Pas on October 16, 2009, 11:00:20 PM
I don't think he'll be back and also I didn't think it was all that great either. I didn't laugh once and Jack's character is getting really redundant. There's nothing new/exciting going on with this show. There's not a single story arc whatsoever, not the slightest thing. Lazy writing, jokes for the sake of jokes. Every character is repeating the same thing over and over for 3 years and 1 episode now. I like this show but it's getting really stale. The tennis song was funny but I wish they hadn't rubbed it in our face with the guy telling the matchup, we already got the joke and were laughing and they explain it to us. Then you don't even wanna laugh about it anymore. This show would be great on HBO or the other one.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ©brad on December 04, 2009, 09:12:01 AM
Damn has everyone given up on this show? Last night was gold, particularly the "what they look like in hi-def" bit. Kenneth as a muppet will never fail to make me lizz. 

"You didn't come to your own son's birthday party."
""There was a better kid's birthday party up the street!"
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: diggler on December 04, 2009, 01:08:03 PM
that whole sequence was hilarious.

"are you spinning a basketball?"
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: polkablues on December 04, 2009, 01:18:04 PM
"Wave. Like a human. Do you remember waving?"
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: samsong on December 04, 2009, 03:21:51 PM
Quote from: polkablues on December 04, 2009, 01:18:04 PM
"Wave. Like a human. Do you remember waving?"

my favorite.  frank turning into liz was pretty great as well.  "is it just me, or is liz lemmon getting hotter?"  also loved liz vs crazy bitch performer liz.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Ravi on December 05, 2009, 02:25:51 AM
Quote from: ©brad on December 04, 2009, 09:12:01 AM
Damn has everyone given up on this show? Last night was gold, particularly the "what they look like in hi-def" bit. Kenneth as a muppet will never fail to make me lizz. 

Never gave up on it.  The last episode was jam-packed with hilarious moments.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Pedro on December 13, 2009, 01:51:46 AM
No comment on the latest episode?  Seriously?  What a great show.  I've always found it very consistent and am mostly confused by some of the negative comments in the thread.  The characters and their relationships to one another become more endearing every week* and it's an absolute pleasure to watch.  


*ok, Jenna is a bit weak at this point
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Pas on December 13, 2009, 06:09:44 AM
meh, old facebook jokes, the whole jenna subplot and the julianne moore subplot... nothing really great there. 30 Rock for me is about Liz, Tracy and the whole writing crew. They're the ones who make me laugh, plus the occasional well-done visual gag (the HD thing last week). Jack has his moments but he's mostly a way for Liz to shine.

also, Boston people really talk like Julianne Moore did? I've never heard anything like it... it wasn't that intense in Gone Baby Gone as far as I remember. I suspect her accent sucked.

Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: pete on December 13, 2009, 06:53:13 AM
they talk in all sorts of different ways.  but yeah her accent was goofy.  still, having moved outta there, I miss that accent.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: diggler on December 13, 2009, 12:07:45 PM
yea the accent didn't feel natural at all. they should've just gotten Amy Ryan to guest star.

Kenneth using Obama to represent Muslims was funny, as well as Tracy's reaction, "i'm gonna let that go today".
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: picolas on December 27, 2009, 03:57:45 AM
this was the thread where people tried to defend using "utilize", right?

DAVID FOSTER WALLACE AGREES WITH ME http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_sQrxAorDo !
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ©brad on January 15, 2010, 09:18:17 AM
Holy hell. Last night's two(!) episodes were hands down the best of the year. I might even go so far as to say James Franco was the best use of a guest star ever on the show (damnit is there anything that son of a bitch can't do?)

"You're being such a non-pillow right now!"
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Pas on January 15, 2010, 10:48:50 AM
yeah that was good!!!

They started airing 30 rock in french last week here in Quebec, it's terrible!!!
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: RegularKarate on January 15, 2010, 11:34:04 AM
This had more laugh-out-loud moments than anything for me, but I didn't really like the flow of the episodes as much.

They're still trying stuff out though, I like that.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on January 15, 2010, 01:07:41 PM
Tom Selleck killed me.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Pas on January 22, 2010, 04:15:20 PM
too bad Julianne Moore has this weird accent because she has good lines
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ©brad on February 12, 2010, 11:18:29 AM
I know I've been in fan-boy freak out mode with this show and a lot of other stuff lately (save Lost) so feel free to make fun of me accordingly, but last night's episode was the best of the season (so far). Seriously. The banter between Jack and the Elizabeth Banks character (drool) was amazing.

"Oh yeah she was on Maxim's Top 100 women we'd rape list."

Community was great too.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on February 12, 2010, 02:35:39 PM
This show is still one of the funniest things on TV. I'm glad Dennis came back. Hes my favorite. And he was even wearing his jean jacket.

Am I the only one who thinks Parks & Rec. is really funny now that it's eased in?
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: jerome on February 12, 2010, 04:11:34 PM
i totally agree with you on parks & rec, i think it's actually becoming my favorite show of the bunch.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on February 12, 2010, 04:50:49 PM
Me too. They really got a great group if characters.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: matt35mm on February 12, 2010, 06:01:09 PM
The subplot of Jenna's stalker really creeped me out, which is great, of course.  And Elizabeth Banks was on fire; every single thing she did was spot on.  I've always liked her okay, but this performance showed some chops that I didn't really notice before, leaving me with the feeling that she could do anything and make it look easy.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Ravi on February 12, 2010, 06:50:35 PM
Quote from: Stefen on February 12, 2010, 02:35:39 PM
Am I the only one who thinks Parks & Rec. is really funny now that it's eased in?

At first I thought P&R was a mediocre version of The Office, but season 2's been great.  I watched season 2 mostly because of Louis CK's guest appearances and found that the show itself was really funny and that the characters (particularly Leslie Knope) became better defined.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: polkablues on February 12, 2010, 06:58:12 PM
Parks & Rec has been great this season. The burgeoning relationship between Aubrey Plaza and Chris Pratt's characters is gold, and everything Nick Offerman says or does makes me laugh. Community has gotten a lot better as well, after I almost gave up on it earlier in the season.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Stefen on February 12, 2010, 07:04:10 PM
Community has moments of brilliance but overall there are too many growing pains. Alot like parks and rec last season. I hope both get renewed.

Chris Pratt is hilarious.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Kal on February 15, 2010, 12:41:20 PM
the final scene of 30 rock this week was one of the funniest things i've seen in a while. best episode of the season for sure.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ono on October 18, 2010, 09:22:34 PM
Nothing to say since February?  The show's as good as ever.  I loved the live show from last week.  Watched 'em both, I did.

Thought this interview was a good read too.  http://splitsider.com/2010/10/inside-the-30-rock-writers-room-with-writerproducer-kay-cannon/
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: cine on October 19, 2010, 12:35:14 AM
Quote from: ono on October 18, 2010, 09:22:34 PM
Nothing to say since February?  The show's as good as ever. 

whoa seriously? i couldn't disagree more. the show is getting too self-referential for its own good.

that aside, the live show WAS good. god, did 30 Rock ever need that live show with this season going the way it was..
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ᾦɐļᵲʊʂ on October 19, 2010, 03:44:41 AM
Yeah, this season has been fairly forgettable.  I'll try rewatching it on Hulu some more, but something about it just doesn't hold up to previous seasons.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: Pedro on October 20, 2010, 01:33:13 PM
There have been some incredible high points in the previous seasons that this season has not approached, certainly.  I still think it's very funny and watch it every week.  East coast live show was great, west coast was a little clunky.  Yes, I watched both.  I like the show that much. 
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ono on March 25, 2011, 09:00:38 PM
The walk-and-talk with Liz and Sorkin was delicious, highlighted by:

SORKIN: ...Sports Night, West Wing, The Social Network
LIZ: ...Studio 60?
SORKIN: Shut up.

Hee.

Good to see Devin Banks back too.  That is all.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ©brad on February 01, 2013, 10:11:24 AM
Finale was amazing, as was the entire final season. I cried.
Title: Re: 30 Rock (esteemed winner of the 30 Rock vs. Studio 60 deathmatch)
Post by: ono on February 01, 2013, 08:07:01 PM
Spoilers and such.  Ye beat me to it, good sir.  While the quality of the show has decreased a teeny bit in the last couple years, these last few episodes made up for it.  A perfect ending to a near-perfect show.  Loved the callbacks to the Rural Juror, Jenna singing, Tracy saying goodbye, Jack getting a boat, Liz's great granddaughter, and Kenneth.  Flerm.  Makes me want to watch the whole thing again.  The only thing missing from the finale was one final appearance of Dennis (though the possible Hayek/Moore threeway definitely made up for it).  I wonder if there were any Easter eggs in that cast shot when TGS stood on stage to say goodbye.  (Loved the meta about no one watching but us still getting paid.)