Did Studio 60 Have a Chance Against 30 Rock?

Many of us, myself included, placed a lot of faith in Aaron Sorkin when he embarked on creating Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. We were hoping it would fill a gap left by the end of The West Wing. However, that didn't happen, and it was probably impossible for Sorkin's new show to achieve the same level of success and critical acclaim as his earlier masterpiece.

My Experience with "The West Wing" and "Sports Night"

Part of my Studio 60 entry was informed by a bit of personal history. I missed the first season of The West Wing because I was busy watching Sports Night, another Aaron Sorkin show that was on at the same time. The second season of The West Wing didn't live up to the first in my memory, and that show was unfortunately cancelled too soon.

Comparing "Studio 60" and "30 Rock"

Studio 60 was a sophisticated and funny show that offered a realistic look behind the scenes of a Saturday Night Live type show, with a brilliant pairing of Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford. In contrast, 30 Rock was absurd, unrealistic, and played for cheap laughs. Despite Studio 60 lasting only one season, Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford's chemistry was memorable, and the show's overall quality was commendable.

Ultimately, 30 Rock lasted seven seasons, outlasting Studio 60. It's worth noting that Studio 60 started to lose its way, particularly with the two-part "Nevada" episode in the middle of the series. While Sorkin did recover somewhat, the show never fully captured the feeling it had been trying to achieve. This significant shift in tone and quality of the show likely contributed to its shorter run and cancellations.

Reflections on Sorkin's Current Position in the Industry

Reflecting on Studio 60, it's almost certain that it would have been cancelled. However, one can imagine that with a bit of improvement and continuity, it might have lasted another season. More importantly, it would not have suffered the ignominy of being outlasted by 30 Rock, a show that, while successful, does not hold the same critical and cultural significance as The West Wing or even Studio 60.

Overall, Studio 60 remains a staple of Aaron Sorkin's body of work, a testament to his skill as a writer and creator, and a show that, despite its shorter run, has left a lasting impact on television and comedy.