Billy’s Blog: ‘30 Rock’ (May 15, 2006)

I just met with NBC’s entertainment President, Kevin Reilly, to talk about NBC’s presentation of its Fall primetime schedule to advertisers today. I was working on less than 5 hours of sleep due to a late arrival last night so I hadn’t seen any footage from the shows. I was going solely on what I’ve read and prevalent buzz.The show Kevin and NBC are most excited about is “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” a drama set behind the scenes of a late-night sketch comedy show. Its creative power reunites the ?West Wing” minds of Tommy Schlamme (best name in town) and Aaron Sorkin, and stars Mathew Perry and Bradley Whitford. It is in fact good, but in my earnest opinion, NOT my favorite.  Expensive to produce and coveted, given that NBC bested CBS in a brutal bidding war, it’s the high hope. Big names and proven track records make it safer than others in an excruciatingly tight marketplace, but I offer this:There is one show in the NBC arsenal that is, at first glance, hilarious, fresh and original. “30 Rock,” starring writer and co-star Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin…who is brilliant.Alec’s entry is funny from the outset and never let’s up.  I say move it to Thursday and let NBC reclaim the laughs on that big night.Baldwin: “Hello, I’m Jack Donaghy, VP of NBC Universal/GE/K-Mart…Tina Fey: “We own K-Mart?”Baldwin: “No… so why are you dressed like we do?”Folks, it is clear to me that writing Tina Fey said, “get me Baldwin and I’ll write you a hit”They did. She did.

Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read More

Aaron Sorkin and Paulina Porizkova Wow As A Couple At The 2021 Oscars