The 30 Rock Book: Inside the Iconic Show, from Blerg to EGOT

Review "30 Rock is undoubtedly one of the greatest sitcoms in history, and its complete story has finally been told, thanks to this riveting book. A must-read for any fan of the show."--author of The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s: An Oral History, Andy Greene "It's a miracle when a TV show works. Mike Roe gives us a terrific behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest television comedies ever. I devoured it in a jealous rage."--Bradley Whitford "Not only a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the best sitcoms of this century, but also a testament to just how much hard work goes into making great television. For fans of 30 Rock--and comedy TV in general--it's a must-read."--Oscar winner and cowriter of BlacKkKlansman, David Rabinowitz "One of the best histories of a sitcom I've ever read. I can't imagine a more definitive look at one of the most influential and wonderful comedies of the past twenty years."--Mike Sacks, author of Poking a Dead Frog Product Description A fascinating and hilarious deep dive into 30 Rock, Tina Fey's beloved modern classic comedy In the fall of 2006, NBC somehow unveiled two new shows set in the world of late-night sketch comedy: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and 30 Rock. It was Aaron Sorkin versus Tina Fey, and it was clear which series critics thought was more promising. The Baltimore Sun called it a competition 30 Rock “can’t win.” By November, the New York Times was noting lackluster ratings for both shows, and adding that 30 Rock was “perilously close to a flop.” But while Studio 60 was canceled after 22 episodes, Fey’s madcap buddy comedy lasted 138 episodes. It resurrected the career of Alec Baldwin, survived an extended absence by Tracy Morgan, and permeated the culture―it’s breakneck pacing, oddball characters, and extremely rich joke writing are deeply beloved by millions of fans. In this combination of narrative and oral history, culture writer and editor Mike Roe brings to life the history of the gloriously goofy show through interviews with the creators, stars, writers, and bit players. From the Back Cover In the fall of 2006, NBC somehow unveiled two new shows set in the world of late-night sketch comedy: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and 30 Rock. It was Aaron Sorkin versus Tina Fey, and it was clear which series critics thought was more promising. The Baltimore Sun called it a competition 30 Rock "can't win." By November, the New York Times was noting lackluster ratings for both shows, and adding that 30 Rock was "perilously close to a flop." But while Studio 60 was canceled after 22 episodes, Fey's madcap buddy comedy lasted 138 episodes. It resurrected the career of Alec Baldwin, survived an extended absence by Tracy Morgan, and permeated the culture-it's breakneck pacing, oddball characters, and extremely rich joke writing are deeply beloved by millions of fans. In this combination of narrative and oral history, culture writer and editor Mike Roe brings to life the history of the gloriously goofy show through interviews with the creators, stars, writers, and bit players. About the Author Mike Roe has been a journalist for the past 12 years, working in both digital and radio for NPR station KPCC. He’s currently the arts & entertainment editor for KPCC’s digital site LAist, and recently won an L.A. Press Club award for a popular oral history of 30 Rock’s “Werewolf Bar Mitzvah” song. His other oral histories include a look at Parks and Recreation’s “Galentine’s Day,” as well as a more dramatic piece on Blade Runner and its connections to Los Angeles. He has written and performed comedy around Los Angeles as part of several theater sketch comedy teams, including house teams at iO West and the Pack Theater, and has written and produced comedy videos featured on Funny or Die.