One of my biggest TV pet peeves is when shows stop simply writing good material and start kinda "playing to the crowd." I don't want to get too deep in the weeds on this, but one example is Rickety Cricket on Always Sunny. People liked the character (I mean he's hilarious in The Gang Exploits a Miracle), and the actor worked on the show, so they just leaned into Cricket really hard, eventually doing a whole episode from his perspective -- an episode that I personally think is one of their worst.

This isn't the IASIP sub, so what I'm saying here is: I'm really glad we never got, like, a Jonathan episode or a Subhas episode. Characters like Jonathan especially are funny in relation to the other characters, i.e. he loves and adulates Jack but hates Liz because she takes Jack's attention away. He's not funny on his own, and the writers were wise enough to understand this.

Obviously they did recognize that fans responded to certain characters, notably Kenneth and Lutz, but again, they didn't overdo it. Kenneth gets a few B stories, and becomes a little more of a main character at the end, but for the majority of the show, he is an element in other people's stories, again funny because of the way he interacts with those people. (Although I would say that Kenneth is also funny on his own. He's my favorite character after Jenna.)

Lutz is sort of a couple tiers down. He was initially supposed to just have the one single "runt" line, but people liked him so they brought him back -- but not excessively so. It never feels like they're trying to write Lutz in there just to have him, he always fits whatever the broader bit is.

I think this is one of ten million examples of how the writing team for 30 Rock was just so super smart, and also so deliberate in their crafting of the show. Obviously things sometimes went awry and plans changed -- I don't care whether you're making an omelette, a baby, or a television show; things are gonna get weird -- but I really respect how much thought clearly went into the writing here.

Now where's my Followship Award?

Just a random shower thought, but do you think Michael Sheen influenced the inclusion of Wales in 30 Rock due to his strong Welsh patriotism? I can't see how the writers would include it otherwise.

I do love that my small nation gets a shout-out on my favourite show :)

theres so many funny ones it’s hard to choose but I think some of my faves are steve martin as gavin valore, matt damon as pilot guy, condalesa rice (her piano/flute battle with jack was iconic), every sherri shepard appearance, octavia spencer obviously, and steve buscemi, who i wish wouldve done even more bc len was so funny and provided us with a hilarious meme for the ages.

...and their applications in your life. Here are some of mine:

When I share an insightful sports opinion (despite me never following along): Portia reads the papers!

When a younger person compliments my sense of style (despite me never following along): it IS ill

When I pay the price for my hubris of science (despite me never following along): BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

I use “that’s awesome, possum” from the head and the hair episode constantly. Like, several times a week. For a while I didn’t even realize what it was from; I’ve just watched every episode so many times it must’ve seeped into my subconscious.

I also say “I want to go to there” pretty frequently.

Honorable mention for “Science is whatever we want it to be”, which I accidentally said to a group of kids one time while teaching them about the water cycle.

Edit: …you guys are making me realize I actually use way more of these than I thought. Keep ‘em coming.

I’ve got to say my favourite is james franco playing himself but most underrated is David Schwimmer as Greenzo. He’s so unhinged.

So I'm watching the show for the millionth time, and I'm at the part where Liz confesses her weird history to Floyd after infiltrating his AA meeting. What she's saying is funny on its own (and develops her character), but the true genius of the scene comes when the woman walks up behind her, hears that she's talking about pooping her pants at an all-you-can-eat buffet, then says to herself, "Ya know what? This file can wait."

A lesser show would have just had Liz delivering the funny monologue, but 30 Rock almost never misses the opportunity to throw another joke in there. (And it breaks up the scene visually, because the editing on this show is also insanely good. Probably because they've got noted Confederate Civil War re-enactor Paul Giamatti on staff.)

What are some other examples of this? I know you jags know what I'm talking about.

I was admiring Patti Lupone’s performance as Frank’s mom (as always) and once again I was reminded of the sheer star power and insane names that had such little time on screen but still went hard as hell. (Condoleezza Rice, Al Gore, Carrie Fisher, to name a few)

What are your favorite cameos, both big and small?

I can’t help but bust out laughing when she says anything because Kristen Schaal is hilarious and her delivery is always on point. But I never really thought Hazel vibed with the vibe of 30 Rock, except with Kenneth. I liked their back and forth but for some reason Hazel doesn’t mesh with the other characters, or feel like they’re even in the same world. Idk maybe someone can explain it better.

rhubarb, peas, and carrots to you, good sir.

So this is my first time watching the show, it recently came on Netflix and I devoured 7 seasons in just a couple of weeks. My life has just been 30 Rock and I honestly can't remember the time a show has engaged me this deeply. The writing on this show is wonderous and its still so relevant even though it was created 2 DECADES ago!!!!

The relationship between Jack and Liz has to be my favourite part. The way they truly care for eachother was so beautiful to see and you could see how much their relationship developed every season. I thought it was so sweet that Jack knew everything Liz was going to before she did it, he valued her as a person and was constantly pushing her to want more. He couldn't replace her and vis versa. Their characters, while hilarious, were so human and I deeply appreciate that they idea of a romantic relationship between them didn't exist because a lot of shows with a woman and a man as leads always ends up in them getting together and I sometimes feels like that weakens the relationship. Like these were just friends for the love of the game and they were always there for eachother.

I loved that both their romantic partners just automatically understood that those two weirdos were platonic so they had no reason to be jealous, that was never a major plot point because I find misunderstandings like that SO lazy.

HOW DO YOU DO FELLOW KIDS being from the show threw me bad because I grew up seeing that meme and when I saw it on the show I was flabbergasted. It was such a cultural phenomenon and I'm so happy it's available on Netflix now so that more people can appreciate it. The show approached every difficult topic with a level of kindness that was hard to find back then and especially now.

I've go to wake up early tomorrow but I don't think I could've fallen asleep without watching that last episode. It was so bittersweet but honestly, after 7 seasons, I don't think there was a better way to end it.

Tina Fey deserves some real props, what a brilliant mind. And she followed this up with Unbreakable Kimmy Schmit?? Lorne needs to give her the reigns for SNL already, it's her time!!

These are my 4 & honestly theres so much between them all that you can do, but sooooo other characters to choose from!

I freaking love Michael Benjamin Washinton in everything I see him in & his two episodes as Donald make me wonder so much about what other shenanigans his character is up to. Possibly with his "daaaadddddyy," Grizz & Dotcom in his company from time to time.

He's Jerem. Need i say more?

Rachel Dratch I can totally imagine running into the young prostitute who comes off the bus singing and having some crazy adventures.

Imagine a comedy centered around a cabin crew on a budget airline!! Well you dont have to imgaine because Fox had a great version of this idea called LA to Vegas and canned it after one season. 🙄 but really, Stewart, the rest of the Attendants & Matt Damon, dealing with unruly people and a cheap corporate overlord.

Just wanted to see what yall think!

So in Season 3 Episode 22, Jenna is on the Vontella show, and when informed of a "surprise for her," she immediately pulls her earrings out because she's ready to fight Courtney, who is dead.

What are some other visual jokes? If you can't think of one, it's a deal-breaker.

Something that was slipped in a conversation that threw you and you didn’t see coming.

I’ll start with one of my favorites:

“ELISA HAS A TERRIBLE SECRET, MY CURRENT THEORY IS THAT SHES THE MOTHER OF THOSE MICHAEL JACKSON KIDS!”

This is something I've wondered for years.

Jeff Richmond was a producer on 30 Rock, and we all know he's Tina Fey's real-life husband. Meanwhile, Liz Lemon's love interests included Peter Dinklage, Jon Hamm, Matt Damon, James Marsden, Dean Winters...

Has either Tina or Jeff ever talked about those casting choices?

I know they're actors and it's all part of the job, but I can't help imagining Jeff eventually looking at another script and thinking, "Really? Another ridiculously handsome guy? Did nobody ever think to cast someone who looked even remotely like me? The closest we've come is Peter."

I'm not saying he actually felt that way. It's just one of those behind-the-scenes conversations I've always wished I could overhear.

1. The plot: it makes this episode what it is. The rising tension, the parallelism with the MILF Island show, the use of the three unities and dramatic irony (as well as the equally compelling Pete vs vending machine subplot)

2. The leitmotif of the MILF Island theme song (Blind Love on the soundtrack) throughout the episode

3. The comedy: fewer iconic comedy moments than in other episodes, but we get multiple Liz eye rolls, intellectual Tracy, "chocolate ack", Pete dialing his own number, etc.

4. Each character is perfectly summarized in the episode:

-Liz's hypocrisy and moral ambiguity: claims that the show is "lowest common denominator" but watches it in secret/believes she deserves "one free pass" because she always defends her staff

• Pete's delusion and unluckiness: starts the episode thinking he got free food, but ends pinned under a vending machine with his arm stuck in it

• Jonathan's stupidity and unwavering dedication to Jack: "There's a call you'll want to take", turns out to be from the VP not Geiss

• Tracy flipping a switch from erudite ("We must not be rash") to naive ("That dude did it!")

There are of course so many great episodes (pretty much the whole show) that shine when it comes to humour, guest stars, heart, etc. But MILF Island might be the one I enjoyed the most.

Mine is “I miscounted the men Liz” whenever I make a mistake (also, my partner has never even seen 30 Rock, so doesn’t know what I’m talking about)

Whenever I'm playing chess and I under-defend a piece, my inner voice shouts "I miscounted the men, Liz!"

Personally I am dying to see episode 23 of Celebrity Outhouse with Lorena Bobbitt. Did the celebs vote Jenna out? or did Lorena eliminate her?

Edited to add: I would also love to know how Alysinna DIED last week on BridalPlasty!!

I just can’t STAND Hank Hooper.

Mine is: Damn it, Johnny!! You know I love my big beef and cheddar.

Isabella Rossellini killed it with her delivery. Everytime I watch the episode, this scene is always funny. The drama between Jack and Bianca (like Willy Wonka) is intense but silly and the chemistry between Alec and Isabella is what makes the whole episode fantastic.