30 Rock (season 6)

30 Rock (season 6)

DVD cover
Country of origin United States
No. of episodes 22
Release
Original network NBC
Original release January 12 (2012-01-12) – May 17, 2012 (2012-05-17)

The sixth season of 30 Rock, an American television comedy series on the NBC network in the United States, began airing on January 12, 2012. 30 Rock was renewed for a sixth season by NBC on November 15, 2010.[1] The season began airing mid-season to accommodate Tina Fey's pregnancy.[2] On November 14, 2011, NBC announced that 30 Rock would return at the new time of 8:00 pm.[3]

This season was initially expected to be Alec Baldwin's last, as he had announced he would be looking to expand into other forms of media.[4] However, in January 2012, Baldwin confirmed that he would remain for the seventh and final season of 30 Rock.[5] Season six received positive reviews and 13 Emmy Award nominations.

Synopsis

The story arcs of season six include: Liz has a new relationship and emotionally matures; Jack continues to attempt to recover his wife from North Korea and find his identity at Kabletown; Kenneth moves up (and later down,) the corporate ladder; and Jenna reaches a new level of fame thanks to being a judge on a reality show, and considers settling down with boyfriend Paul.

Cast

Tina Fey portrays Liz Lemon, the head writer of a fictitious live sketch-comedy television series TGS.[6] The TGS cast consists of two main actors. The lead actor is the loose cannon movie star Tracy Jordan, portrayed by Tracy Morgan.[6] His co-star is the extremely narcissistic Jenna Maroney, portrayed by Jane Krakowski. Jack McBrayer plays the naïve NBC page, and later janitor, Kenneth Parcell.[7][8] Scott Adsit acts as the witty and wise TGS producer, Pete Hornberger.[7][9] Judah Friedlander portrays trucker hat-wearing staff writer Frank Rossitano.[7][10] Alec Baldwin plays the NBC network executive Jack Donaghy.[7] Donaghy's full corporate title for the majority of the season is "Head of East Coast Television and Microwave Oven Programming".[7][11] Keith Powell plays the Harvard University alumnus and TGS staff writer James "Toofer" Spurlock.[7][12] Katrina Bowden acts as writers' assistant Cerie Xerox.[13] Other cast members include Grizz Chapman as Grizz Griswold,[14] Kevin Brown as "Dot Com" Slattery,[15] and John Lutz as J.D. Lutz.[16] The cast for the season will also feature recurring guest stars Kristen Schaal as Hazel Wassername, a new NBC page who looks up to Liz, and James Marsden as Criss, Liz's new boyfriend.

Main cast

Recurring cast

Guest stars

Reception

Critical reception

Alan Sepinwall, writing for HitFix, noted that "there's been a lot of discussion [...] about how much Liz has or hasn't grown since the series began, and also about whether 30 Rock is a show that needs character development — or if, in fact, that growth would be counter-productive on such a silly, cartoonish show." He opined that "if a comedy is as funny as 30 Rock is capable of being — and as it's been so frequently in this late-in-life season — I'm fine with the characters being virtually identical now to the way they were in the pilot."[17] Indrapramit Das, writing for Slant Magazine, awarded the season three stars out of four and commented that "there's something to be said for 30 Rock's unrepentant adherence to formula. By now, the characters' repeated bumbling through the cyclical purgatory at 30 Rockefeller Plaza has attained a certain rhythm, a comforting familiarity akin to long-running sitcoms like Friends." He concluded that "the cast's unfailing enthusiasm points to an ensemble that's only strengthening with age", but commented that the talents of guest star Kristen Schaal had been "wasted".[18]

Dan Forcella, reviewing for TV Fanatic, opined that "television shows, especially sitcoms, normally lose some of their luster as time goes on. Whether it be that the series actually gets worse, or simply our perception of it does because the novelty has worn off, more often than not, things are not going to be the same by season six. Because of that fact, 30 Rock should be commended for how good its sixth season has been. There have been misses [...] and big hits [...] but all in all, this spring has been a solid run for the veteran sitcom."[19] Writing for Splitsider, Jesse David Fox called the series "the best comedy of the 2011–2012 season" and went on to remark "next season is the show's last but it's not because of an overstayed welcome. The show is as sharp as ever, as gutsy as ever, as strange as ever, as funny as ever. Guys, it's the best."[20]

Ratings

The sixth season premiere, "Dance Like Nobody's Watching", attracted an audience of 4.5 million viewers.[21] This demonstrated an increase from the fifth season finale, "Respawn", which had drawn an audience of 4.2 million,[22] but a significant decrease from the fifth season premiere, "The Fabian Strategy", which had drawn 5.9 million.[23] Four episodes of the sixth season demonstrated new series lows: "Idiots Are People Three!" (3.8 million), "Today You Are a Man" (3.2 million), "The Shower Principle" (3.1 million) and "Nothing Left to Lose" (2.8 million).[24][25][26][27] The nineteenth episode of the season, "Live from Studio 6H", was broadcast live and demonstrated a six-week high in the ratings,[28] with an audience of 3.5 million.[29] However, the first live show, broadcast during the previous season, had attracted an audience of 6.7 million.[30] Overall, with the inclusion of DVR viewership, the season averaged 4.6 million viewers, ranking one hundred and thirtieth for the year, according to Nielsen Media Research.[31]

Awards and nominations

The sixth season received 13 Emmy Award nominations. The series obtained its sixth consecutive nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series. Alec Baldwin was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Tina Fey for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Will Arnett was nominated for Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Devon Banks in "Idiots Are People Three!" and Jon Hamm was also nominated for his roles as Abner and David Brinkley in "Live from Studio 6H". Elizabeth Banks was nominated for Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Avery Jessup and Margaret Cho was nominated for her role as Kim Jong-il, both for "The Return of Avery Jessup". The season received seven other Emmy nominations.[32]

Episodes

No. in
series		 No. in
season		 Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
code		 U.S. viewers
(millions)
1041"Dance Like Nobody's Watching"John RiggiTina Fey & Tracey WigfieldJanuary 12, 2012 (2012-01-12)6014.47[21]
Liz returns from holiday break with a new outlook that leaves her immune to Tracy's acting out over Jenna's new fame as a judge on America's Kidz Got Singing. Meanwhile, Kenneth prepares for the Rapture.
1052"Idiots Are People Two!"Beth McCarthy-MillerRobert CarlockJanuary 19, 2012 (2012-01-19)6024.05[33]
An uproar ensues after cellphone video of Tracy being offensive towards gays is posted online. Liz tries to hide all details of her new boyfriend from Jack, knowing she'll never secure his approval. Kenneth and Jenna call on Kelsey Grammer for a problem only the Best Friends Gang can solve.
1063"Idiots Are People Three!"Beth McCarthy-MillerRobert CarlockJanuary 26, 2012 (2012-01-26)6033.82[24]
Tracy goes on the offensive against Liz by coming to the defense of idiots. Jack faces another challenge from Devin Banks (Will Arnett) and meddles in Liz's relationship with Criss (James Marsden). Jenna and Kenneth get help from Kelsey Grammer in dealing with an unconscious Pete.
1074"The Ballad of Kenneth Parcell"Jeff RichmondMatt HubbardJanuary 26, 2012 (2012-01-26)6043.98[24]
Liz looks for a new best friend after discovering that Jenna has traded their friendship for fame. Jack decides to end the page program in order to impress Hank Hooper (Ken Howard).
1085"Today You Are a Man"Jeff RichmondRon WeinerFebruary 2, 2012 (2012-02-02)6053.23[25]
Liz and Jack argue over her contract. Kenneth is reassigned after being offended by his coworkers at TGS, and Tracy and Jenna's accountant hires them as entertainment at a bar mitzvah.
109/1106/7"Hey, Baby, What's Wrong"Michael EnglerKay CannonFebruary 9, 2012 (2012-02-09)606/6073.88[34]
On Valentine's Day, Criss (James Marsden) and Liz search for a dining room table. Avery's mother (Mary Steenburgen) visits Jack. Jenna and Pete prepare for Jenna's first live performance on America's Kidz Got Singing. Tracy and Frank aid Lutz in looking for a Valentine's Day date.
1118"The Tuxedo Begins"John RiggiDylan Morgan & Josh SiegalFebruary 16, 2012 (2012-02-16)6083.59[35]
Jack decides to run for mayor after being mugged. Liz puts her desires above the good of New York. Jenna and Paul (Will Forte) try to act like a normal couple.
1129"Leap Day"Steve BuscemiLuke Del TrediciFebruary 23, 2012 (2012-02-23)6093.70[36]
Jack learns to appreciate Leap Day while Tracy takes the writers to a restaurant to spend an almost-expired gift card. Liz and Jenna try to seduce an internet billionaire.
11310"Alexis Goodlooking and the Case of the Missing Whisky"Michael SlovisJohn RiggiMarch 1, 2012 (2012-03-01)6103.77[37]
In order to hide his relationship with Lynn (Susan Sarandon) from his mother (Patti LuPone), Frank pretends to be Liz's boyfriend. Jack mentors Kenneth. Tracy and Jenna search for Pete's whisky.
11411"Standards and Practices"Beth McCarthy-MillerVali ChandrasekaranMarch 8, 2012 (2012-03-08)6113.42[38]
Liz refuses to acknowledge Kenneth's new power over TGS. Jenna concocts a new scheme to gain publicity. Jack must serve as parent to his nemesis, Kaylie Hooper (Chloë Grace Moretz).
11512"St. Patrick's Day"John RiggiColleen McGuinnessMarch 15, 2012 (2012-03-15)6124.00[39]
Liz is cursed on St. Patrick's Day when ex-boyfriend Dennis (Dean Winters) shows up unexpectedly, interrupting her day with Criss (James Marsden).
11613"Grandmentor"Beth McCarthy-MillerSam MeansMarch 22, 2012 (2012-03-22)6133.31[40]
Jack revamps his efforts to rescue his wife, while Liz agrees to mentor Hazel (Kristen Schaal).
11714"Kidnapped by Danger"Claire CowperthwaiteTina FeyMarch 22, 2012 (2012-03-22)6143.42[40]
Liz writes the script for the Avery TV-Movie and stirs up trouble for Jack and Diana Jessup (Mary Steenburgen).
11815"The Shower Principle"Stephen Lee DavisTom CerauloMarch 29, 2012 (2012-03-29)6153.14[26]
Jack must come up with an idea that will impress Hank Hooper and transform KableTown, while Liz tries her best to stick with a new hobby and prove she's a new woman. Jenna believes she's cursed and Hazel's obsession with Liz continues. Tracy signs on to do a new movie in order to pay his unexpectedly high taxes.
11916"Nothing Left to Lose"John RiggiLauren Gurganous & Nina PedradApril 5, 2012 (2012-04-05)6162.79[27]
Jack tries to transform the slumping Pete into a respectable man of ambition. Meanwhile, Tracy recovers his lost sense of smell and is drawn to Liz's scent, and Jenna battles the writers in a prank war.
12017"Meet the Woggels!"Linda MendozaRon WeinerApril 12, 2012 (2012-04-12)6172.98[41]
Jenna has a relationship with someone in the music industry. Jack's mother horns in on a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Tracy's son is ready for college.
12118"Murphy Brown Lied to Us"John RiggiRobert Carlock & Vali ChandrasekaranApril 19, 2012 (2012-04-19)6183.06[42]
Jenna fakes a breakdown to try and win back Paul. Jack sets Liz up on a blind date. Criss and Liz try to figure out if they are ready to be parents.
12219"Live from Studio 6H"Beth McCarthy MillerJack Burditt & Tina FeyApril 26, 2012 (2012-04-26)6193.47[29]
Kabletown chooses to stop funding live shows for TGS. While Liz and Jack embrace the change, Kenneth argues that live format should be kept intact. This is the show's second live episode, in which an East Coast and West Coast version were broadcast with slight adjustments such as guest appearances; Kim Kardashian in the West Coast version and Paul McCartney in the East.
12320"Queen of Jordan 2: Mystery of the Phantom Pooper"Ken WhittinghamLuke Del Tredici & Tracey WigfieldMay 3, 2012 (2012-05-03)6203.04[43]
Angie's reality show once again films at TGS.
12421"The Return of Avery Jessup"John RiggiDylan Morgan & Josh SiegalMay 10, 2012 (2012-05-10)6212.92[44]
Avery returns home.
12522"What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?"Michael EnglerMatt HubbardMay 17, 2012 (2012-05-17)6222.84[45]
Jack and Avery renew their wedding vows.

References

  1. ↑ Seidman, Robert (November 15, 2010). "NBC Renews 30 Rock through 2011–12 Season". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on December 1, 2010. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
  2. ↑ Seidman, Robert (August 28, 2007). "'Chuck' Moves to Fridays; 'Parks & Rec' to 8:30p; 'Grimm' vs. 'Fringe' and 'Supernatural' Fridays at 9p? + 'The Firm' – Ratings". Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  3. ↑ Seidman, Robert (November 14, 2011). "30 Rock relaunch at January 12, 2011". Retrieved December 9, 2011.
  4. ↑ Hinckley, David (April 6, 2011). "Alec Baldwin: '30 Rock' will end next season, creator Tina Fey will go on to have 'big' film career". New York Daily News. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  5. ↑ "'Community' Will Return This Season, Alec Baldwin To Stay On '30 Rock', Mariska Hargitay To Stay On 'L&O: SVU' - Ratings". Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com. 2012-01-06. Retrieved 2012-12-15.
  6. 1 2 "Tina Fey channels SNL on 30 Rock". MSNBC. October 11, 2006. Retrieved March 23, 2008.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "About 30 Rock". NBC. Archived from the original on October 11, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2009.
  8. ↑ Porter, Rick (October 3, 2007). "30 Rock talk with Jane Krakowski and Jack McBrayer". Zap2it. Retrieved March 24, 2008.
  9. ↑ "Scott Adsit – Biography". Variety. Reed Business Information. Retrieved October 23, 2009.
  10. ↑ Robertson, Lindsay. "Q&A with 30 Rock's Judah Friedlander". Saturday Night Magazine. Archived from the original on October 15, 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2009.
  11. ↑ Writer(s): Tina Fey; Director: Adam Bernstein (October 11, 2006). "Pilot". 30 Rock. Season 1. Episode 1. NBC Universal. NBC.
  12. ↑ "30 Rock: Credits". NBC Universal Media Village. Retrieved September 17, 2009. (No direct link. Browse to "Networks & Programs", "NBC Entertainment", "30 Rock" and click "Credits.")
  13. ↑ Michael Ausiello (2012-03-20). "Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on House, Fringe, Castle, HIMYM, NCIS, Grey's, The Killing and More!". TVLine. Retrieved 2012-12-15.
  14. ↑ "Grizz Chapman". NYTimes.com Movies & TV. The New York Times (All Movie Guide and Baseline). Retrieved July 30, 2008.
  15. ↑ Reagan, Gillian (February 18, 2008). "30 Rock's Kevin Brown to Die Laughing". The New York Observer. Retrieved July 30, 2008.
  16. ↑ Sklar, Rachel (November 20, 2007). "30 Rock Live! Dry-Humping, Boob-Grabbing And Other Fun Times At The UCB". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on July 23, 2008. Retrieved July 30, 2008.
  17. ↑ Sepinwall, Alan (March 20, 2012). "Review: '30 Rock' - 'The Shower Principle': 30 Rock already did it!". HitFix. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
  18. ↑ Das, Indrapramit (April 5, 2012). "30 Rock: Season Six". Slant Magazine. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
  19. ↑ Forcella, Dan (May 18, 2012). "30 Rock Review: I Now Pronounce You Divorced". TV Fanatic. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
  20. ↑ Fox, David Jesse (May 25, 2012). "Why '30 Rock' Was the Best Comedy of 2011-2012 Season". Splitsider. Retrieved June 17, 2012.
  21. 1 2 Seidman, Robert (January 13, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory' Adjusted Up; 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down". Retrieved January 16, 2012.
  22. ↑ Seidman, Robert (May 6, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Big Bang Theory,' 'CSI,' 'The Mentalist,' 'Community,' 'The Vampire Diaries' Adjusted Up; 'Bones,' 'Parks & Recreation' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 6, 2011.
  23. ↑ Seidman, Robert (September 24, 2010). "TV Ratings Thursday: The Big Bang Theory Scores at 8pm; Grey's Anatomy Tops Night With Young Adults; My Generation Premiere Stalls". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on September 26, 2010. Retrieved September 24, 2010.
  24. 1 2 3 Seidman, Robert (January 27, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory' Adjusted Up to Thursday High; 'American Idol' Up; 'The Finder' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 28, 2012.
  25. 1 2 Gorman, Bill (February 3, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Office,' 'Mentalist' Adjusted Up; 'Rob' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  26. 1 2 March 30, 2012. "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol',"The Big Bang Theory', 'Missing' and 'Vampire Diaries' Adjusted Up, 'Rules' and 'Touch' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  27. 1 2 Bibel, Sara (April 6, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol', 'Person of Interest', 'Missing', 'Up All Night' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
  28. ↑ Hibberd, James (April 27, 2012). "Live '30 Rock' rises in ratings". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
  29. 1 2 Kondolojy, Amanda (April 27, 2012). "-Thursday Final Ratings: 'Idol', 'Big Bang Theory', 'Grey's', 'The Vampire Diaries', 'Mentalist' & 'Missing' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
  30. ↑ Gorman, Bill (October 15, 2010). "Thursday Finals: The Big Bang Theory, $#*!, 30 Rock, The Office, Outsourced, Grey's Anatomy, Fringe All Adjusted Up". Archived from the original on October 17, 2010. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  31. ↑ Gorman, Bill (May 24, 2012). "Complete List Of 2011–12 Season TV Show Viewership: 'Sunday Night Football' Tops, Followed By 'American Idol,' 'NCIS' & 'Dancing With The Stars'". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
  32. ↑ "30 Rock - Emmys". emmys.com. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
  33. ↑ Gorman, Bill (January 20, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory' Tops 'American Idol' 1st Half Hour; 'Office,' 'Mentalist,' 'Grey's' Adj. Up; 'Person,' 'Rob,' 'Parks' Adj. Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 21, 2012.
  34. ↑ Seidman, Robert (February 10, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'American Idol,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'The Mentalist,' 'Vampire Diaries' Adjusted Up; 'Rob,' 'Private Practice,' 'The Finder,' 'Up All Night' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 11, 2012.
  35. ↑ Gorman, Bill (February 17, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Vampire Diaries,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Big Bang Theory,' '30 Rock,' 'Office' Adjusted Up; 'Person Of Interest,' 'Mentalist,' 'Secret Circle' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
  36. ↑ Bibel, Sara (February 24, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'American Idol,' 'The Mentalist' Adjusted Up; 'Rob,' 'Private Practice,' 'Up All Night' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 2, 2012.
  37. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 2, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Awake' & 'American Idol' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 2, 2012.
  38. ↑ Bibel, Sara (March 9, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'Parks & Recreation' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
  39. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 16, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'The Office', 'Missing' Adjusted Up, 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down + NCAA Game Ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
  40. 1 2 Seidman, Robert (March 23, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Touch,' '30 Rock,' 'Up All Night' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
  41. ↑ Bibel, Sara (April 13, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Office' and 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 13, 2012.
  42. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (April 20, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Awake' & 'Missing' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' & 'Parks and Recreation' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  43. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (May 4, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol', 'Vampire Diaries', 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up; 'Secret Circle', 'The Mentalist', 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  44. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (May 11, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory', 'Idol', 'Vampire Diaries', 'Office', 'Secret Circle', 'Grey's' Adjusted Up; 'Touch', 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
  45. ↑ Bibel, Sara (May 18, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'Grey's Anatomy', '30 Rock' Adjusted Up; 'Touch', 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
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