30 Rock debuted 20 years ago this month. Premiering in the shadow of the more-hyped and “respectable” Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, it began with so-so ratings but tremendous critical reception, eventually winning three straight Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series. But while Aaron Sorkin’s self-serious behind-the-scenes look at a struggling sketch comedy show barely got a full season, Tina Fey’s more accurate and more entertaining sitcom aired more than 100 episodes and was part of NBC’s excellent Comedy Night Done Right block, which at various times included The Office, Scrubs, and Parks and Recreation. While I was a latecomer to the show’s brilliance, its joke density and willingness to cross the line or go down a silly rabbit trail won me over almost immediately. Without further ado, here are my 10 favorite episodes.
10. “Hogcock!” / “Last Lunch” (Season 6, Episodes 12-13)
When your brand is sarcasm, it can be jarring when you try to play sincere. But the show’s creative team threaded the needle perfectly in this two-part finale, as Liz rejects giving up her dreams to be a stay-at-home mom and Jack reaches even greater corporate heights. But this pair of episodes also finds time for plenty of silly gags, including Lutz’s fondness for Blimpie and Pete’s attempt to fake his own death.
9. “Black Tie” (Season 1, Episode 12)
No show this century has better deployed its creator’s incredible Rolodex of famous friends like this one. After spending much of the 2000s in hiding after a highly public, deeply suspect legal case, Paul Reubens returned to TV as Prince Gerhardt, a grotesquely deformed royal who catches Jenna’s eye. But the other relationship conflicts are even funnier, as Liz gets into a brawl with Jack’s soon-to-be ex-wife (Isabella Rossellini) and Pete is tempted by a party guest, with Kenneth and Tracy as the angel and devil on his shoulder.
8. “Anna Howard Shaw Day” (Season 4, Episode 13)
We can talk about Jon Bon Jovi’s hilarious cameo. We can talk about real-life creep Horatio Sanz as Jenna’s retiring stalker. We can even talk about the blossoming relationship between Jack and Avery (Elizabeth Banks). But all of that pales to the greatest tag in NBC sitcom history.
7. “Greenzo” (Season 2, Episode 5)
I kind of get why everyone despises Ross, the character David Schwimmer played on Friends. But lost in all that hatred was Schwimmer’s fantastic performance. He could easily be the straight man, the poor sap, or the volcanic rage machine. He gets to bring all those talents to his turn as Jared, the struggling actor who goes viral as NBC Universal’s environmentalism mascot Greenzo. He’s riding high until he lets his newfound fame go to his head, turning against his masters and correctly blaming climate change on a handful of corporations. But this episode is also packed to the gills with comedic subplots, including the false rumors that Kenneth will be throwing a rager (with T.I. in attendance!) and Pete having an affair.
6. “Señor Macho Solo” (Season 3, Episode 7)
Of the great comedies of this century, only It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Louie would go more directly for “third rail” topics. But 30 Rock never minded episodes and subplots in poor taste. (Though they probably wish they could have a re-do on some episodes that featured white actors in heavy make-up as minorities.) Enter Peter Dinklage, about to go on a run of Emmy wins for Game of Thrones. As Liz’s love interest Stewart, he exercises great patience as Liz constantly treats him like an actual child due to his size. It’s cringe comedy at its best.
