30 Rock Is Back, and Funnier Than Ever
After almost a year of waiting, 30 Rock is back on Thursday nights, and the first four episodes are some of the funniest the series has ever produced. If you have never watched, or have tried but just couldn’t get into it, now is a good time to try again.
Last season had it’s moments, but overall wasn’t great. The writing lacked punch, and the show often came across as too smart for its own good. It felt like it was trying to be clever rather than funny. So far, that hasn’t been an issue this year.
Even though it’s coming on mid-season, there will still be a full 22 episode order, meaning no reruns and some weeks we’ll see two all-new episodes.
In spite of winning several Emmy awards for best comedy, critical praise, and a cast that features Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, Tracy Jordan, and guest stars like Matt Damon, James Marsden, Kelsey Grammar, and others, 30 Rock has never achieved high ratings, which is sad because it really is the best comedy since Seinfeld (sorry Arrested Development, but the second half of season two and all of season three put you out of the running).
If you’re not watching 30 Rock, give it a few episodes. I promise you’ll be hooked.
If fact NBC’s entire Thursday night lineup (with the exception of Up All Night) is the best they’ve had since the Seinfeld days. The office is flourishing without Steve Carrell, Parks & Rec is on the bubble and likely won’t be renewed next year, which is a shame because after a terrible first season and a half, it’s become a great comedy. Community is hit-and-miss, but when it’s funny, it’s really funny.
Other shows worth checking out….
CBS – Person of Interest – Thursday nights: Despite a ridiculous plot, this is a really fun show most because of Jim Caviezal (best know from movies Frequency and The Passion of the Christ). He’s like batman without a mask.
FX – Justified – Tuesday nights: This critically acclaimed series just started it’s third season, and so far it could be its best. Check it out if you don’t mind a little violence.