Both shows with numbers in the titles are set backstage of a comedy series, and NBC execs have done everything possible to keep the self-referential franchises alive, despite diminishing returns.
30 Rock, at least, has scored thanks to Alec Baldwin's award-winning star turn, but Studio 60, despite its pleasing demographics, has been a confusing mess--especially after creator Aaron Sorkin took the network notes a little too literally and made an abrupt turn after the last hiatus-- changing his show from a ponderous, self-important Hollywood The West Wing to a daffy, screwball romantic comedy.
Studio 60 is being shelved to make way for a drama that NBC hopes wil catch a little buzz from Martin Scorsese's probable Best Director Oscar® for The Departed: a drama about the Irish mob.
Sure, The Black Donnellys (from last year's Oscar® Best Picture Crash team of Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco) is set in New York City, not Boston, but the connection's clear in the Ed Burnsian story of four working class Irish brothers involved in organized crime.
Donnellys takes over on March 5th. NBC says Studio 60 will return "later this season on a date to be determined." Gulp. We know what that means.
Donnellys gets a prime spot, following the hit. Heroes. NBC had planned to push aside
And 30 Rock loses its 9:30 Thursday slot for at least five weeks, when NBC uses the time period to air the latest bound-to-fail Andy Richter comedy. Andy Barker, P.I. March 15. 30 Rock will move back in with new episodes on April 19, after Andy completes its run.