Is 30 Rock the funniest show on television?

I’m beginning to think so.

This season as the show has steadily improved, it has gone from an above average show with moments of brilliance to a brilliant show with a few scattered moments of mediocrity.

More and more, the series is reminding me of Arrested Development. (Let's pause for a moment of silence for that late, great comedy). The humor on 30 Rock is so quick and is the right mix of overt slapstick and sly subtlety. I often find myself having a delayed reaction to a joke. It assumes its audience is intelligent (see the Amadeus homage two weeks ago). And it pushes its characters to the brink of absurdity but never so far that they become cartoonish.

In this week’s season finale (Thursday, NBC, 9:30 p.m.), Liz thinks she’s pregnant, Kenneth wants to be a page at the Olympics, Tracy is perfecting his porno masterpiece, and Jack’s in new government job. Matthew Broderick guest stars as Jack’s new best friend and co-worker and Edie Falco reprises her role as Jack’s now ex-girlfriend. The whole half-hour is simply perfect. From Jack’s inspirational speech (who knew the line, "we need pens," could be so hilarious) to Tracy's directing Jenna in voice-over work. And amid the lunacy (Kenneth’s back flip, Jenna’s personal essay), Tina Fey infuses Liz’s scenes with palpable emotions. Fey is representing a whole group of women who have been underrepresented on TV since Sex and the City went off the air.

But last week I received an email from a reader about 30 Rock and he asked me, "Why is this garbage still on?" And I think that’s the really difficult challenge with comedy and why TV comedies have really struggled in the last few years. What may be funny to me may not be funny to you. It happens all the time in real life. How often have you made a sarcastic comment and had someone take it literally. How often have you said something you thought was hilarious and been looked at with blank stares. We all find different things amusing.

So I’m wondering what do you think of 30 Rock?

Do you find it hilarious like I do? Or do you not understand why so many people think it’s funny? Talk about it below.

Highlights of the Week Ahead

All times listed are Eastern Time for May 5-11

What do you think of Michelle Trachtenberg’s Georgina (or should I call her Sara?) on Gossip Girl (Monday, CW, 8 p.m.)? I like her stealthy evil ways but what I really want to understand is why Serena is turning to Chuck during this crisis and not telling Dan anything. I’m slightly concerned that Serena is in danger of going the way of Marissa on The O.C. I don’t want her to become a character who is always a complete and whiny wreck. I’m also struggling a bit with the Jenny story line. I think the show needs to decide if she’s a nice girl who does bad things. Or a bad girl who is sometimes nice. Also this week, a character comes out. Given the show’s over-the-top nature, I’m really hoping they handle it in a way that really reflects how the series totally has the attention of its target demographic. Remember you can only watch the show on TV -- the episodes won't be available on line. But check out these sneak peaks here and here.

Sarah Chalke is back on How I Met Your Mother (Monday, CBS, 8:30 p.m.). This role is really showcasing what a terrific actress Chalke is – I honestly didn’t even think of Elliot when I watched her on Mother. That’s pretty amazing considering she’s been playing Elliot on Scrubs for seven seasons. This week, Ted breaks Stella’s trust when he reveals one of her secrets to his friends. That’s a big relationship no-no. And what do we think about the way the show is handling the Barney/Robin one night stand. The scene between Barney and Ted in the limo was believable and I liked that Barney felt guilty. One of the reasons his character works so well is that Neil Patrick Harris doesn’t let him become a one-note joke.  You can understand why the gang is friends with him. I don’t know what is going to happen next between Ted and Barney and I like that. And don’t forget that Britney Spears returns to the show next Monday.

We caught a glimpse of Jason Lewis on House last week and now he’s back as House’s patient of the week (Monday, FOX, 9 p.m.). The only problem is he doesn’t come to House, the cranky doc sees him on TV and decides he’s sick. They are taking the rivalry between Amber and House for Wilson’s affection/attention too far. I like Wilson a little less now that he’s letting those two fight over him like that. How about you?

I’ve loved this sweeps stunt idea ever since I heard about it. The writers of CSI penned this week’s episode of Two and a Half Men (Monday, CBS, 9 p.m.) – that means there’s a murder at Charlie’s house and a guest appearance by George Eads. And on CSI (Thursday, CBS, 9 p.m.), the writers of Two and a Half Men took over, so there’s the death of a sitcom star, played by Katey Sagal. I can’t wait to see how this all turns out.

Could Lindsay’s cute new, coffee drinking love interest Pete be the Kiss Me Not killer on Women’s Murder Club? (Tuesday, ABC, 10 p.m.). Many of you seem to think so. Word is that the ladies will find out who the Kiss Me Not killer is before the end of next week’s season finale. It’s a basic tenet of crime dramas that if they have a season long mystery, the best way to make the reveal exciting for the audience is to have the criminal be a character we already know and still be a believable twist.(Remember Harry Hamlin in the first season of Veronica Mars? This is why I’m convinced that the Gormogon killer on Bones will be someone we’ve seen before). But I think Lindsay has already suffered enough this season, don’t you? I would like to see this show return next season but if it does, I think they need to make Cindy slightly less annoying and figure out a way to make Jill and Claire’s storylines fit more naturally into the overall action on the show. Right now it is still a little too clunky and awkward. Plus they really should ban the use of any dialogue that goes something like this "I could lose my job for doing this but here’s the file/autopsy report/witness statement you asked for."

Hmmm. . . is the plan to make Rebecca/Ava a little crazy on Grey’s Anatomy (Thursday, ABC, 9 p.m.). I know many of you found her to be more than a little irritating but it still seems to me like a bad direction for the show to go in – she’s going to lie to Alex about being pregnant just to get his attention? I liked her better when she was a conflicted, confused pregnant woman who had just regained her memory. I’m officially continuing to ignore the Rose story line since it still seems pointless to care. This week, the ghost of seasons past returns when Christina hears news about how Burke is doing at his new job (wait does she find out about the Bionic Woman too?). And Loretta Devine, who was so wonderful on Eli Stone, returns as the Chief’s estranged wife. My favorite storyline right now is Miranda dealing with her disintegrating marriage.

I’m loving the tension between Jack and Vivian on Without a Trace (Thursday, CBS, 10 p.m.). Their friendship has always been a nice undercurrent to the show’s action and it will be interesting to see the fallout as that relationship continues to be fractured. Even more interesting is the new take-no-prisoners Jack. I love that Sam’s pregnancy has brought Sam and Jack’s clandestine relationship back to the show.

You know I just don’t believe Lynette would allow herself to be blackmailed by Kayla on Desperate Housewives (Sunday, ABC, 9 p.m.). Of all of the women on Wisteria Lane, she is the most grounded. But I am thinking if – as rumored – the show does jump ahead five years in its season finale, Kayla will be a force to be reckoned with next season. Actually every story line, except for the endless bickering between Gabby and Carlos, seems to be on track. The final scene between Katherine and Wayne was chilling. This week Mike’s mother visits and the Gabby and Carlos learn that Ellie (Justine Bateman) isn’t a tattoo artist.

That’s all for today. Make sure to check out Korbi TV the new blog on Zap2It by my friend Korbi Ghosh. She’ll have spoilers, scoops and breaking news about all your favorite shows.

I’ll be back on Wednesday with this week’s familiar faces (do you know where Hannah Montana’s brother was?) and a status report on how I think show are doing since returning from the writers strike. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week or topic for discussion? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Have a great weekend. Talk to you on Wednesday.

Comments

I LOVE 30 Rock! It is so funny, and if you watch it again you catch a bunch of stuff you missed the first time around. Not sure why it doesn't get the ratings it deserves, and I hope it doesn't go the way of AD!

katie | May 5, 2008 12:17:31 PM | #

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Completely off topic and I apologize for that, but after all the TVgal talk about Supernatural, I checked out the first season through netflix. I'm not loving it, and need to know why/if it gets better as it grows, and whether I should stick with it. Thanks for any feedback. Great column Amy.

jessie | May 5, 2008 12:18:37 PM | #

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"This week, Ted breaks Eliot’s trust when he reveals one of her secrets to his friends."

Yeah, I can see you're not thinking of Elliot at all.

Mike | May 5, 2008 12:19:55 PM | #

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I am one of those who really enjoys 30 Rock. There are so few good comedies on nowadays and this one always makes me laugh.

I also like Sarah Chalke on HIMYM. Although I have to point out that you typed that you don't even think of Elliot when you see her and two sentences later you said Ted breaks Elliot's trust. :)

As for DH, loved the scene with Katherine and her ex. I thought she might shoot him right then and there even before I saw the gun! So sick of Gabby being so one dimensional. When she called Carlos useless I wanted to smack her. Getting very tired of the Kayla storyline too. I mean, does everyone on Wisteria Lane have to have a demon child? And I also have to mention Bree's hypocrosy towards Orson. Hello, has she forgotten she covered for Andrew when he ran over Mama Solis?!?

Michelle | May 5, 2008 12:20:55 PM | #

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30 Rock is very funny, they don't always tell a good story, but every show has great lines and moments in it.

kevin | May 5, 2008 12:21:06 PM | #

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oh look Amy fixed her typo! Stella... LOL

jessie | May 5, 2008 12:25:00 PM | #

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Thanks for the correction on the whole Stella/Elliot situation -- it's fixed now!

Amy Amatangelo | May 5, 2008 12:25:43 PM | #

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I agree with you, I LOVE 30 Rock! I stuck by it at the beginning because I'm a fan of Tina Fey, and it really has got progressively better, and I laugh out loud! But I can see for some, it's not the traditional comedy, it's quick, wittty & sarcastic, and for some jokes you need to be up on your popculture, but I hope it stays, one of the best on TV!

Courtney | May 5, 2008 12:26:47 PM | #

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Just my opinion, Jessie, but I'll throw it in: The first few eps of Supernatural were actually my favorite - I loved the mini-horror movie feel, so, as a fan concerned about its ratings I would totally tell you stick with it, but I have to be honest and say it was the first few that hooked me. Not that the family dynamic doesn't get better as it grows and develops, especially when Daddy (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) enters the picture, because it does, but I liked some of the horror movie/urban legend clear-cut cases of the first season best!

AndreaC | May 5, 2008 12:28:48 PM | #

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30 Rock - consistently the funniest show on TV right now. Great characters, great writing and great acting.

DaisyRose | May 5, 2008 12:30:14 PM | #

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I LOVE 30 Rock, but I believe it is an acquired taste. I hated the first two episodes, so I didn't bother to watch it again until I caught a couple episodes at the end of last season. What a vast improvement! This season has been stellar.

I think another reason it doesn't work for everyone is that you simply can't be multitasking when you watch it. The humor is often so subtle that you miss it if you aren't paying close attention.

Jen | May 5, 2008 12:31:35 PM | #

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I'm loving Wilson from "House" all the more each passing episode. Like Kate the psychiatrist said, he isn't as nice as we'd like to believe. Wilson is the alpha dog in his friendship with House, so I think it's safe to say it's the same in his relationship with Amber. He's just letting the two fight it out because he knows they wouldn't listen to him anyway.

Aino | May 5, 2008 12:31:48 PM | #

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I love HIMYM but didn't they already do the whole Ted breaks his girlfriend's trust by talking about their private life to their friends thing when Ted and Robin were together?

Lara | May 5, 2008 12:34:15 PM | #

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30 Rock is one of the best comedies on TV right now. And why CBS doesn't immediately renew How I Met Your Mother is nonsensical.

John F. | May 5, 2008 12:34:45 PM | #

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Long-time reader chiming in to express my love for 30 Rock. All my TV-loving friends watch it too, but I agree that it's not for everyone. I, for one, sometimes can't figure out who these 15 million people are that watch three different CSIs each week.

Michael | May 5, 2008 12:39:52 PM | #

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30 Rock is very funny, and I enjoy it. But I do have to say that it doesn't make me care about the characters as much as some other comedies (Office, Scrubs, and HIMYM). So I would call it my 4th favorite comedy on TV. The characters are all very funny though (my favorite being Kenneth). And Tina Fey is wonderful: there is no other woman like her on TV right now.

Billiam | May 5, 2008 12:48:01 PM | #

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Jessie, Supernatural did take awhile to find its grove. I personally think it keeps getting better and better and season 2 had some really great episodes that made me laugh and cry (which I find amazing). That said, sometimes a show doesn't work for everyone. I think it's the best show on television, but it may not work for you. And that's my two cents.

As for the Rebecca/Ava situation on Grey's, do we really know yet where they're going with this? Yes, she may be lying to Alex. Then again she may be really crazy and think she's pregnant but she's not. Therefore, she's not really lying to Alex so much as herself. She may want to be with Alex so badly that she's creating in her head a situation where she needs to be with him. A third option is that she has some type of illness that has the same symptoms as pregnancy. So she thinks she's pregnant but she really has such-and-such disease. So I'm actually interested to see where this will go. I hope they do something more interesting with it than "she's lying to Karev to be with him."

Lindlee | May 5, 2008 1:13:01 PM | #

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30 Rock = Yawn. But I felt that way about Arrested Development, too.

KayCee | May 5, 2008 1:33:21 PM | #

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Oh-oh-oh!! Pick me!

I felt really old when (but sso in the know) when I saw Jason Earls last week. The guy really has a good comic sense and I hope some network picks him up when Hannah Montana is over.

rockstarmom | May 5, 2008 1:37:50 PM | #

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I don't watch 30 Rock, but it's not really because of the series itself. I just don't watch comedy series anymore. To Amy and all the posters on here that give it a good review: ENJOY!

I am patiantly waiting for Amy to discuss a series that I do watch in the meantime.

lem | May 5, 2008 1:42:56 PM | #

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Psst, Amy....it's a basic *tenet* not "tenant."

I love 30 Rock, and I think it's the first thing I've ever seen that's seriously made me want a DVR, because it's impossible to catch all of the jokes as they fly by.

The 2 1/2 Men/ CSI crossover sounds like a good idea, but it's kind of a shame Chuck Lorre is still so hung up on Cybill that he's still looking to get back at her.

Tego Livi | May 5, 2008 1:43:50 PM | #

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I totally agree with you on 30 Rock. It's the best sitcom on TV right now. I end up watching it again online before the next new episode airs just to catch the moments I missed while laughing. So many quotable moments. Tina Fey is brilliant. Love, love, love it!

A | May 5, 2008 1:46:43 PM | #

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I like 30 Rock, but I don't love it. It's not like The Office where I make it a point to watch it. However, I am glad that they moved it to after The Office for now. I like it better there. I will say that Kenny and Jack are probably the biggest reasons I keep watching the show. And the more I see it, the more I like Tina Fey's character.

Denise | May 5, 2008 1:48:03 PM | #

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You're only beginning to think 30 Rock is the funniest show on television? What took you so long? 30 Rock is easily the funniest. As much as I love The Office and HIMYM, 30 Rock usually beats them both of them in terms of shear hilarity.

Lorrie | May 5, 2008 1:59:06 PM | #

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It never occurred to me that Ava/Rebecca might be lying to Alex about being pregnant. I automatically assumed that she has a medical condition that mimics the symptoms of pregnancy. Would she have allowed the intern to do an ultrasound if she was lying about it? Imagine Alex's emotional reaction if he allows himself to become invested in her pregnancy and it turns out to be an illness instead.

Angie | May 5, 2008 2:02:38 PM | #

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I'm obsessed with 30 Rock! It's my favorite comedy on TV, which is saying a lot since HIMYM, Scrubs, and The Office are also awesome. Every episode has me on the floor. Tina Fey's Liz perfectly exemplifies a third-wave feminist with a liberal arts degree who knows entirely too much about pop culture and classic literature. She's my heroine (in the lady hero sense. I don't want to inject her and listen to jazz)!

My friends don't fall over laughing like I do in every episode, though, even though said friends actually do get the allusions and puns. Maybe it's a certain demographic that loves this show. I hope NBC stands by it!

Cat | May 5, 2008 2:11:09 PM | #

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30 Rock is purely amazing. It is now the only show I make sure never to miss. I honestly think it has ruined television for me because any show that isn't as funny or smart as 30 Rock is no longer priority. I seriously laugh so hard I have to watch the episodes again because I missed a bunch of jokes while I was laughing. I love it!

Kathleen | May 5, 2008 2:22:39 PM | #

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lem, which shows do you like that you wish Amy would talk about? She's not a mindreader, and she's done a great job of upping her coverage of Supernatural because of outcry from we regular viewers.

Jessie, Your love (or lack thereof) for Supernatural will depend a lot on your tastes. I started watching because I was a fan of Gilmore Girls, and they took an actor from GG and put the show on right after GG. I stayed because I'm a fan of supernatural/speculative fiction, and it filled the void left when David Duchovny left the X-Files. Maybe give Supernatural another disc before you make your decision. But, even though I love it, I can admit that it is not the right show for everyone.

Jen | May 5, 2008 2:24:35 PM | #

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You know, it took me a little while to find Arrested Development funny, and I thought 30 Rock would be the same and didn't watch it when it started, but when I did I adored it immediately! It absolutely kills me! And I'm really excited about it right now because a friend who had always wished she'd watched it borrowed my copy of Season 1 a few days ago and watched 4 hours in one night! She's about done with it now and absolutely loves it too! Really, Jack is the funniest character on TV IMO, especially when he's interfering in Liz's life. I'm surprised every week by how I enjoy every single random character and the way they are incorporated to make a great show. There was a time when (as Amy would put it) I thought its parts might be better than its whole, but I don't think it would be whole at all without every single tiny part. It is definitely the funniest show on TV!

On another note, I'm so intrigued by the Two and a Half Men/CSI switch that I'm ridiculously excited to tune in. I've never watched Two and a Half Men, and despite watching plenty of CSI reruns and one whole season a while back, I can usually take it or leave it, so I'm surprised that this whole idea seems so interesting to me, but I think it's going to be awesome!

Sarah | May 5, 2008 2:28:34 PM | #

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Fun fact on the CSI/Two and Half Men cross-over: Katey Sagal's little sister Jean Sagal (who, with her twin Liz, had a great show "Double Trouble" back in the 1980s -- not to mention an appearance in the Oscar caliber film "Grease 2") is an associate director on Two and a Half Men.

CilleyGirl | May 5, 2008 2:50:09 PM | #

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It's incomprehensible that there are people who don't like "30 Rock." I always assume it's because they have never watched it. Although a colleague of mine says I am Liz Lemon, only at a newspaper instead of a TV station. So maybe I love it so much because I live it.

Wendy | May 5, 2008 3:14:40 PM | #

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Son of a married couple, I just started watching 30 Rock with any regularity during the LOST hiatus and love it. Every week there is something that strikes me as wildly amusing and I laugh out loud at it. I think I prefer it half of the time over The Office for the same week. Love, love, love it!

Andrea | May 5, 2008 3:19:19 PM | #

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I (heart) 30 Rock. It is the only sitcom I watch regularly now. I've had phases with Arrested Development, Scrubs, and The Office--sometimes I'm into it, then other times I'm not. I am embarrased to say I got caught up in the hype around Seinfeld and Friends in the middle of their runs, but finally fled when I realized I really really don't like these people at all.

I read all the love for HIMYM--and I like Allison Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris--but the show just didn't click for me.

madbard | May 5, 2008 3:30:06 PM | #

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Jessie, regarding Supernatural, I too came late to the party and absolutely love it. The really odd thing is I don't like the horror genre. Sci-fi, yes; horror, no. However, Supernatural is really a show about a dysfunctional family - that just happpens to hunt ghosts. It did take a while to develop the family dynamic but once it found its footing, it's been great. And Jensen Ackles handles the emotional stuff so well he'll break your heart.

On the topic, I love 30 Rock as well. Whenever I need a laugh, I go to Hulu and watch one of the clips - usually the therapy session one where Jack channels Good Times. Alec Baldwin is amazing. Who knew???

Sam | May 5, 2008 3:33:56 PM | #

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I had the same reaction to 30 Rock as I did to Arrested Development. I caught an episode here or there and liked but didn't love it. Then a friend lent me season 1 on DVD, and I can't believe I haven't been watching from the get-go. The exact same way I fell in love with AD. The humour is completely my style, and there is definitely not a better comedy on TV right now. Even the ancillary characters are potential gold mines for future years. i just hope it gets to stick around for as long as it deserves, unlike AD (I still watch my DVDs and cry inside).

K | May 5, 2008 4:43:15 PM | #

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Amy said, about "30 Rock": "And it pushes its characters to the brink of absurdity but never so far that they become cartoonish."

I disagree. I think most of them, Tina excluded, have been cartoonish from the beginning, and that's just so annoying I can't endure it. I felt the same way about "Arrested Development": Justin Bateman had a non-cartoon character, but almost everybody else in that series was just too absurd.

Henry | May 5, 2008 5:44:35 PM | #

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I think 30 Rock is great but a lot of its originality is lost on me. It just seems like "Scrubs for grownups" to me. Especially the way it has begun to flash to a scene depicting everything that comes out of Liz's mouth being played out (similar to Scrubs and Everybody Hates Chris). It is beginning to feel like an imitation. But at the same time the writing is way better than the latest few Scrubs that aired...so yeah...

Sam | May 5, 2008 6:28:42 PM | #

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30 Rock & HIMYM - Why is this garbage still on?

Tom | May 5, 2008 7:08:02 PM | #

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I've been laughing out loud alot at 30 Rock lately. Great show! One of the few good sitcoms left. and while i like HIMYM as well, 30 rock is definitely the smarter, quicker comedy.

Lillian | May 5, 2008 7:35:45 PM | #

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Its not that i dont find 30 rock funny i do but its just that i dont find any of its characters likable and im sorry Arrested Development was wayyy better. although i do still watch 30 rock but have to say i dont really care if i miss it. My fav comedys include
scrubs, ugly betty(if u concider that a comedy) aliens in america, samantha who, and too some extent HIMYM .... i just think the show tries too hard

Zac | May 5, 2008 7:39:34 PM | #

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And seriously what a surprise ...its a another tv gal column and this one has somthing bad to say about Greys Anatomy as well, for a show u don’t like you spend an awfully lot of time talking bout it!!!!

Zac | May 5, 2008 7:44:14 PM | #

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30 ROCK, well, ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!

JFUL | May 5, 2008 8:50:39 PM | #

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I'm loving the Jack and Sam rekindling romance too.

goldenbean | May 5, 2008 9:17:02 PM | #

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Love 30 Rock but they put it in a death slot Downunder. Thrilled over Jack and Sam -it's about time! -but not Jack's buzz cut...

jbird | May 5, 2008 10:24:18 PM | #

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OMFG! I can't believe zap2it stole Khorbi from E! ;)

-- Rob

Rob (ShutUpRob) | May 5, 2008 10:48:03 PM | #

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30 Rock is my favorite comedy right now and I agree that the writing veers toward cartoonish but imo never goes over that edge.

I agree with Michelle about DH. Gabrielle is beyond annoying, Bree is a hypocrite since she protected her son from nearly murdering Carlos' mother but she can't forgive Orson for running down Mike, and I'm also tired of all the demon children (Lynette's little pyros, Andrew, Kayla). I think Susan needs a better storyline since her ditzy act has gotten really irritating and I currently couldn't care less what happens to her and Mike (and I was so rooting for them to get together in the first season).

Steve | May 6, 2008 3:26:11 AM | #

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30 rock is funny when they don't concentrate on Tina Fey (or have Alec Baldwin go too over the top with the republican jokes). The rest of the cast is very funny, but I just don't care about Tina Fey's character, and I don't think she is very funny in her delivery. Personally, I think every woman on the Office can give a funnier performance than Tina Fey, and the Office in general is funnier than 30 Rock.

Dan H | May 6, 2008 3:55:53 AM | #

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30 Rock is the best comedy on TV. I used to think The Office was brilliant, but this one trumps all. Liz Lemon is the Mary Tyler Moore for a new generation--relatable and funny. Unfortunately, I think 30 Rock's humor may be over many peoples' heads--just like Arrested Development--a little too smart for the general public. Blurgh.

Dawn | May 6, 2008 5:15:56 AM | #

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Long-time reader, just wanted to add that 30 Rock is great, but it does not compare to the genius of Arrested Development. God I miss that show.

ed | May 6, 2008 5:24:28 AM | #

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Jesse - for me the first season of Supernatural told all the camp fire stores that we all heard. Sort of let's get this out of the way. By then it had built more of it's own mythology and really took off for me.

Kilroy is here | May 6, 2008 7:12:45 AM | #

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I love, love, love 30 Rock. However, I almost always DVR it and watch it after the kids are in bed. There are way too many subtle jokes that are missed if you can't watch it uninterrupted, and those are the jokes that make the show so awesome.

Schmooz | May 6, 2008 7:32:11 AM | #

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Regarding Ava/Rebecca on Grey's...I thought she had a medical condition that made her think she was pregnant, too. I think that Izzie thinks she's lying to trap Alex, though. I find the character boring, annoying and totally unnecessary...they need to get rid of her.

I had forgotten about Bree covering for Andrew with his hit & run. But the Edie stealing someone else's man & Gabby being way too one-dimensional is getting old. These characters seem to take 1 step forward & 3 steps back. Not looking forward to the crazy Kayla story either. How stupid can Tom be? I totally understand a parent not wanting to believe something bad about their kids, but come on. And Kayla may be crazy & clever, but didn't Parker mention that Kayla 'jumped' off the house first when they were at the hospital???? And isn't Lynette smarter than this kid? I may have to fast forward thru this plot until it's over.

Diann | May 6, 2008 8:34:15 AM | #

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I love Michelle Tractenburg as Georgina. I think she's some one of the best things to happen to the show and hope she stays around for a long timw.

Jen | May 6, 2008 9:35:47 AM | #

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I see several comments about the 30 Rock characters not being likeable. You know what, I don't think they're supposed to be likeable, they're supposed to be funny. You can laugh at someone you like and you can laugh at someone you don't like. If anything, Fey has created a stable of very flawed characters and much of the humor comes from the characters trying to overcompensate for those flaws. The rest of the humor comes from finding the absurd in everyday life and exaggerating them to the breaking point.

elf | May 6, 2008 10:16:00 AM | #

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30 Rock is my favorite comedy. I watch it every week. My only observation is the show has not been as funny these last 3 episodes. I think it will get better though. Also, it does so poorly in the ratings...I don't want NBC to cancel it like it does everything else.

Annie | May 6, 2008 10:48:07 AM | #

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taken as a whole, I think the CBS comedy block on Mon beats NBC on Thurs (4 shows each). I dropped Scrubs last season, but I do like Rock and think it is getting better with age. Earl may have peaked already, but thank goodness for the Office! Only Rules is weak on CBS Mon. The preceding 3 are all hilarious. Kudos to Chuck Lorre!

bryan | May 6, 2008 10:48:40 AM | #

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TV Gal, 30 Rock is the funniest thing on air today. I am going to predict now that it takes home the Best Comedy Emmy again!

Chris | May 6, 2008 4:15:15 PM | #

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I had the same reaction to 30 Rock as I did to Arrested Development.

Me too. "[Yawn] [Click]" I tried 4 eps of AD before deciding it was the Finegan's Wake of TV: an elaborate joke on those who would profess to love it; neither has any "there, there" as Ms Stein once said.

Earl is **always** funnier than either.

jhlipton | May 6, 2008 5:07:01 PM | #

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^Only in bizarroland.

Beau | May 6, 2008 6:36:11 PM | #

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Totally disagree with you on the House situation, TVG, Wilson DESERVES to make House do a little earning of his friendship, and I have a strong feeling she is so controlling she needs to do a little 'earning' to. He's had enough people step on him.
BTW, do you think NPH is being seperated from the cast and punished for coming out against Britney being on the show since it was so successful?
And where is the Uproar over Khandi Alexander leave CSI:M? I was so glad she explained why she talks to the corpses, I have totally been getting that all these seasons.... what's going on at the CSI's, there should be plenty of money to keep the regulars around !

Weiss C | May 6, 2008 7:00:41 PM | #

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"30 Rock" isn't even close to the funniest thing on TV. It's really quite annoying overall. But it does have an occasionally brilliant line! Tina Fey is rather bland and talentless, but there are a few gems to uncover here, and it's true that the show has steadily improved from "Dreadful" in the first 5 episodes, to "Very Nearly Mediocre" now. I do think it gets about as many viewers as it deserves (4-5 million), and I don't see how it has survived this long -- and even has already been picked up for next year. I know it's cheap to make, and the 18-49 superdemo numbers are good. That is keeping it on life support, I'm sure. HIMYM is funnier, BBT is way better, and every other comedy on CBS is at least somewhat funnier. Samantha Who? is usually funnier. Repeats of "The King of Queens" are funnier. "Friends" re-dos are, too. The boil on my bum? Funnier. Pussier, yes, but funnier.

AandS | May 6, 2008 8:39:50 PM | #

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Oh, yeah. "The Office" is way, way, way funnier than "30 Rock" could ever hope to be, but even it is slipping.

AandS | May 6, 2008 8:43:03 PM | #

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To Dawn: I am brilliant. I understood every joke in "Arrested Development," and I understand every joke in "30 Rock." Just because you find lots of humor where only a little resides, don't use the the "it's too smart" copout. I am sure most viewers are smart enough to understand virtually anything that airs on any major network. So put a sock in it, get off your high-horse, and accept the fact that you have no idea what you are talking about.

AandS | May 6, 2008 8:47:56 PM | #

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I am enjoying Season 4 of
HOUSE very much. I LOVE Wilson and I wish that Amber (better known as cut-throat b**ch) would LEAVE. It does seem that she is good for Wilson, so I don't HATE her anymore. But I would rather see more of Chase.
I am enjoying WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB especially since GERALD MCRANEY has joined the cast as Lindsay's father.
I hope it gets picked up and MCRANEY stays.
I don't watch any of the other shows mentioned. It's not that I don't like them,
I just don't have the time.

I really miss JERICHO.

HUGH LAURIE...you ROCK!!

Lisa | May 6, 2008 10:15:03 PM | #

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Arrested Development = Love it so much, I hate the fact it's still gone.
30 Rock = Never got it, and I could care less. Too too much hype!

Great work on the Two and a Half Men/CSI crossover. "Men" is absolutely one of the smartest comedies on television.

Shaun | May 6, 2008 11:57:23 PM | #

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Thanks to Andreac, Lindlee, Jen, Sam and Kilroy for your input on Supernatural. I'll give it another season's worth of a chance. I had a feeling the brothers' relationship would become the focal point and I have to admit the eye candy is NOT killin' me. Thanks again.

jessie | May 7, 2008 6:39:01 AM | #

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I love 30 Rock! I also loved AD when it was on and I like The Office and HIMYM too but 30 Rock is just so quick witted and doing takeoffs like Amadeus might seem 'high brow' to some but it is just brilliant. Phil Hartman had a great line about "NewsRadio" that it was "too hip for the room" I think the same could apply to 30R.

Tom | May 7, 2008 7:50:13 AM | #

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Yeah, I'm sorry to say but the reason 30 Rocks ratings aren't as good as they should be is because most people find Two and a Half Men to be, "The smartest comedy on TV [HA!]", and "Don't get" 30 Rock. I'm sorry but thats just sad.

Jon | May 7, 2008 7:50:52 AM | #

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Granted that 30 rock has gotten much better this season, the smartest comedy on tv right now is " The big bang theory"... several of the jokes are pure candy for scifi geeks and even some of them actually fly above our heads - the physics and math related jokes.

Víctor in Perú | May 7, 2008 8:41:57 AM | #

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I loved the first season of Supernatural but know many people who say the second is what really cemented their love. As Supernatural progressed the mythology became much more deep and rich.
As for Desperate Housewives - between Lost and One Tree Hill I am over the flash forward and wonder why the producers want to do it.

Lanie | May 7, 2008 9:10:44 AM | #

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Top Five Shows
1-Brothers & Sisters
2-Bones
3-Desperate Housewives
4-How I met your Mother
5-Two and a Half Men

Ozzie | May 7, 2008 9:58:37 AM | #

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30 Rock was a slow starter last year, but it looks like they have hit their stride for long term success.

One question, A year ago, when Alec Baldwin was getting a lot of bad press over a family issue, didn't he state he wanted to move back to New York and that this would be his last year? I haven't heard anything about that since. Any insight?

Pete | May 7, 2008 10:25:50 AM | #

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Amy, you're so right about '30 Rock'--some people get it and some don't. That's why there's lots of channels! I'm a huge sitcom fan and have seen them all.(Am very old) I didn't expect to like '30 Rock' but because it was a sitcom, I gave it a chance. Each week, it is ridiculously clever and makes me feel ridiculously clever whenever I laugh! (Curiously, I wasn't an 'AD' fan, but I did give it a chance.) There is obviously room for all these shows, if only they'd keep them on long enough for us to find our niches! What can I say? I love TV. More everything! Also, I think one reason Amy continues to discuss (yet criticize) 'Grey's' is that everyone loved it so much when it began and now it's gotten so bad, so therefore it's up for discussion!

Cj | May 7, 2008 1:49:18 PM | #

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I have to admit, I get confused when I read this column about one show and have to comment on half a dozen others. Plus, I don't know whether the American sites are quicker to load, but I only got this column in my email TODAY (Wed. May 7). So some comments may be outdated.
OK, I will likely never watch HIMYM siomply because I despise flashback series (I still have not forgiven Enterprise). Did not get into Grey's Anatomy, Earl or House, will never watch Lost, have not seen Supernatural, Women's Murder Club, Gilmore Girls or Bones. (What is BBT? Reference the initials, people!) Are we caught up on non-30 Rock shows?
BTW, it is JASON Bateman, not his talent-free sister, who was the star of AD (although a brilliantly sick move has Justine guest-starring as his love interest---ewwwww!), which, like 30 Rock, I enjoyed, looked forward to seeing, missed when it got cancelled, and got over it.
I find 30 Rock to be well-written and clever, makes me smile (and yes I DO use the DVR but I do that with any TV show) but not laugh out loud or often. I cannot judge Tiny Fey as a writer but I find her and Alec Baldwin's performances to be very strong. I cannot stand Tracy Morgan and do not care if he is playing himself, cannot act, or is in some universe inexplicably brilliant (certainly not this one).
I loathe comparing differently-styled comedies (as much as I enjoy steak, I also find nights where I simply need burgers, shrimp, ice cream, etc.) but there are only two comedies I consider "must-see": 2½ Men and Scrubs (the latter on a decline for the last two years). Are they the most brilliant shows? Perhaps not. They are, however, the only shows that make me laugh out loud (and in Scrubs' case, that also make me cry, a true test of the best kind of show). I enjoy the Office, especially this year, and it is also well-written with good charcter development (unlike most of 30 Rock). SO I am a faithful watcher who will watch neither reruns nor DVDs of the show---like 99% of what is on. However, the excessive criticism and endless comparison in this forum seems unwarranted. Of course, living outside the Excited States, my opinion means nothing to those in charge (they would have refused delivery of my peanuts to save Jericho). So I can only express feelings from a veteran TV watcher in a country the US does not count. Does 30 Rock? No. But that does not mean I am others will not watch it.

Lou | May 7, 2008 2:42:20 PM | #

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...ahem...correct that last line (why cant we edit our comments???) to read "that does not mean I AND others will not watch it."

Lou | May 7, 2008 2:47:03 PM | #

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...ahem...correct that last line (why can't we edit our comments???) to read "that does not mean I AND others will not watch it."

Lou | May 7, 2008 2:47:09 PM | #

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the heritage of absurdist-tinged sitcoms goes back at least to GREEN ACRES, NEWS RADIO, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, and now 30 ROCK. tina fey is at home in that pantheon. it is the best, most re-watchable kind of television.

cub | May 7, 2008 5:07:28 PM | #

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Tina Fey is a genius. 30 Rock is one of the best shows on TV! Perfection in all aspects. Casting, writing, direction, etc.

Richard | May 7, 2008 6:21:10 PM | #

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30 Rock is the best. Appointment Tv [or dvr]. Tina Fey has risen from a mediocre sketch player on SNL to the top of her game. "Blurgh" has become part of the vernacular. Obviously, middle America is not going to warm up this urbane type of television. I think UFC is on opposite it on Thurs night!

mjf | May 8, 2008 5:29:26 AM | #

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I realize I'm in the minority on this (at least as far as the people who respond here), but I think of 30 Rock much the way I did Seinfeld -- mildly amusing but no where near "best comedy ever." (I also find Tracy Morgan to be highly annoying!)

There are many other sitcoms I enjoy more. And Big Bang Theory is the only one (right now) that I LOL with.

And, to respondd to a few comparison comments above, I do enjoy the absurdist sitcom style; I loved Arrested Development (one of few sitcoms I've bothered to buy DVDs of) and Green Acres (will we *ever* get Season 4 and beyond on DVD?????)

David B. Mears | May 8, 2008 10:13:57 AM | #

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Yup! 30 Rock is currently the funniest show on Television. But it's only the funniest show if you think while you watch TV. If you don't (and that's fine) there's definately funnier out there.

And yes I think it's funnier than the Office right now. Sure it's not as good as Season 2 of the office, but it's currently much better than where the Office is now.

I almost cried I was laughing so hard when Kathy Geiss spat out that car. Comedy is best when it can do the unexpected. And that was completely unexpected and fresh. Good job on a great season to everyone involved!

Matt | May 9, 2008 1:24:54 AM | #

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I LOVE 30 ROCK!!!!!!
it's one of the best shows on television and has the three elements a good show needs:
1. Intelligent humor
2. HILARIOUS humor
3. Tina Fey

perfect.

cg | May 9, 2008 5:45:00 PM | #

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another columnist said that rebecca will have a medical emergency. i think that rebecca is truly pregnant, but she has an ectopic pregnancy.
you will test positive on a pregnancy test kit, but hcg (in serum blood) levels will be lowered with ectopic pregnancy, causing Izzie to believe that Rebecca is not pregnant. An ectopic pregnancy however is not viable, and is a medical emergency for the risk of rupture and the massive hemorrhage that can occur which leads me back to the supposed 'emergency' reported by a columnist.

other HCPs out there, what do you guys think?

brAin | May 10, 2008 6:40:47 AM | #

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I'll admit, I didn't like 30 Rock at first. But I gave it another shot and it definitely does seem consistently funnier now.

Temis | May 10, 2008 12:55:09 PM | #

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30 ROCK IS THE WORST SHOW EVER.YOU HAVE TO BE A IDIOT TO THINK ITS FUNNY

TONY | May 12, 2008 3:50:54 AM | #

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