It’s official: Oprah Winfrey is coming to 30 Rock, which means that a nation of people who have not discovered television’s funniest (and inexplicably not highest rated) sitcom may actually be tuning in on Thursday, November 6 at 9:30 ET/PT. I know, I know…last week I whined how I was worried that Tina Fey’s absurd/whip-smart comedy might be leaning too heavily on guest stars — and EWwy-nominated co-star Jane Krakowski’s revelation to New York magazine that Steve Martin may also be appearing this season only supports said theory — but today, I am choosing to be optimistic. After all, Fey’s quote in NBC’s press release confirming Winfrey’s spot actually made me chuckle: "Oprah is very funny in the episode and we are beyond grateful to have her. Also, I would like to announce that we are officially best friends." Ha!
Better still, though, is the thought that if Oprah’s stamp of approval can, for example, put Anna Karenina back on the best-sellers list, maybe she can deliver 30 Rock from critically-acclaimed-but-low-rated territory and send it to the top of the Nielsen charts. I’d like to suggest that Oprah start by promising A BRAND NEW CAR to every 30 Rock virgin who tunes in for her guest spot. And no complaining, long-time viewers: You already know that the laughs from Jenna’s appearance on Hardball alone (see below) are worth as much as (or perhaps more than) any hot-ass Jaguar.
For more 30 Rock, recall PopWatch’s initial reaction to Oprah’s guest spot, and check out EW’s Tina Fey cover story from April. Oh, and why not watch Fey’s Sarah Palin impersonation on SNL for the fifth (hundredth) time, too?
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I enjoy 30 Rock as much as anyone, but is it accurate to call it a “hit” show? From what I know it struggles to make it into the Top 20? What qualifies a show as a “hit.”
Oprah’s fans are the simpleminded variety (i.e. Two and a Half Men and Ugly Betty sort), so 30 Rock would have to dumb down the writing to keep them coming back.
Long live Lemon! If having the “O” on means more people discover the show and help keep it on the air than so be it. Also, I think “hit” can either mean viewership or critical acclaim. In this case 30 Rock would fall under the critical acclaim category. Lemon out!
30 Rock is the one show I think that by design requires these guest spots, given it’s SNL-like nature. Besides, I will pretty much watch anyone interact with Baldwin on that fine, fine program.
Oprah makes me less likely to watch.
Oprah makes me less likely to watch too. I catch the show occasionally and enjoy it when I do, but it hasn’t become “apppointment” TV for me. And with Oprah–for that episode at least–it will be “disappointment” TV.
I try to like 30 rock but really I don’t understand where people get words like “hilarious” or “classic” from when describing the show. It’s sometimes funny but for the most part its jokes are somewhat stale. Like the clip above makes me cringe at how hard its trying to be funny when its not. I’m not trying to be a jerk but I think the show’s over rated.
What makes 30 Rock a hit? Critical Acclaim: Among them, a couple Golden Globes, a few SAG awards, numerous Emmy Nominations, including a win for Best New Series. You can wikipedia the rest of their accolades and see for yourself. True, it doesn’t pull in the numbers that it should, but there are far worse shows with bigger audiences (Deal or No Deal I’m looking in your direction).
Are we sure Whit’s name doesn’t really start with an s? How dare anybody make the assumption that Oprah’s viewers are simpleminded. Instead of making those holier than thou comments on a pop culture website, maybe that time would be better spent watching Masterpiece Theater. I’m surprised I even know about that show, given how simpleminded I am.
“Oprah’s fans are the simpleminded variety (i.e. Two and a Half Men and Ugly Betty sort), so 30 Rock would have to dumb down the writing to keep them coming back.”
O SNAP.
I agree with Dan: I really don’t understand why critics think “30 Rock” is the best and funniest show on TV right now. That is so not the case. “30 Rock” is kind of funny, but the humor style of random flashbacks clearly borrows from the far-superior “Arrested Development”, and as far as jokes and line delivery goes… it’s just not that funny.
“The Office”, on the other hand, is the funniest and best comedy on TV right now, hands down. The comic timing of the actors is superb, the drama is very real, the writing is brilliant… I mean, there are so many quotable quotes from any given episode of “The Office”, it’s ridiculous. Name me any quote from “30 Rock” that has been as memorable as any from “The Office” – you can’t. They just don’t last as long. That’s what she said.
30 Rock is the best show on television right now, but I do get tired of the guest stars. I think we need to stick with Tracy Jordan as Oprah.
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@Laura
“That’s what she said” has been around for 823652368 years before The Office drove the final nail into the coffin. And the writing? Twelve minutes of the show are awkward pauses.
I want my car in silver thanks!
If it’s funny, then I’m fine with it. Hate the snobs, though. Go read Pindar’s Odes!
If Brittney Spears can make a difference in the ratings for HIMYM, then Oprah should do wonders for 30 Rock.
I don’t mind the guest stars as long as they’re funny. And at least being set at NBC gives 30 Rock a natural way to integrate real life big names (Al Gore, James Carville).
As for 30 Rock being the funniest show on TV, I whole heartedly agree. I get more laughs per episode than any other TV currently on the air. (And yes I’m an Office fan, and an AD fan.) And quoteable, 30 Rock is immensly quotable. Have you never surfed the interweb, worn a tuxedo after 6 PM “what am I, a farmer,” or yelled Blergh or by the Hammer of Thor in frustration.
But the bigger question is what will Oprah DOOOOOOooooo!
Only if her cameo is like Lester Holt’s warning Tracy about the Black Crusaders…
I don’t know if anyone else wrote this, but… The new WILL & GRACE? How about the HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREETS of comedy?! Anyone remember that awesome show? They had Robin Williams in the second season. Not to mention later with Steve Buscemi, Lilly Tomlin, and Tim Russert just to name a few. And that show had low ratings too. Just the same it went on for seven seasons.
i know oprah will be playing herself in a scene with liz. but what i really want to see is jenna’s reaction to liz meeting oprah. come on – that’s where the comedy is going to be! i’m keeping my fingers crossed that jenna tries to one up liz by meeting tyra banks. self-centered talk show hosts for all!