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m Cleanup post March 2024 RfC, replaced: 30 Rock (season 1) → 30 Rock season 1 (2)
 
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{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox television episode
{{Infobox television episode
| title = Pilot
| series = [[30 Rock]]
| series = [[30 Rock]]

| caption = [[Liz Lemon]] handing out numerous hotdogs after buying every one a vendor had while the series' title flashes on screen
| season = 1
| season = 1
| episode = 1
| episode = 1
| airdate = October 10, 2006
| airdate = {{Start date|2006|10|11}}
| production = 101
| production = 101
| writer = [[Tina Fey]]
| writer = [[Tina Fey]]
Line 17: Line 15:
* [[Katrina Bowden]] as [[List of 30 Rock characters#Cerie|Cerie]]
* [[Katrina Bowden]] as [[List of 30 Rock characters#Cerie|Cerie]]
* [[Tom Broecker]] as Lee
* [[Tom Broecker]] as Lee
* [[Teddy Coluca]] as Stage Manager
* Teddy Coluca as Stage Manager
* [[Kevin Brown (actor)|Kevin Brown]] as [[List of 30 Rock characters#Dot Com|Dot Com]]
* [[Kevin Brown (actor)|Kevin Brown]] as [[List of 30 Rock characters#Dot Com|Dot Com]]
* [[Grizz Chapman]] as [[List of 30 Rock characters#Grizz|Grizz]]
* [[Grizz Chapman]] as [[List of 30 Rock characters#Grizz|Grizz]]
* [[John Lutz]] as [[List of 30 Rock characters#Lutz|J.D. Lutz]]
* [[John Lutz]] as [[List of 30 Rock characters#Lutz|J.D. Lutz]]
| season_article = 30 Rock (season 1)
| season_article = 30 Rock season 1
| episode_list = List of 30 Rock episodes
| episode_list = List of 30 Rock episodes
| photographer=Tom Houghton<br>Mike Trim
| photographer=Tom Houghton<br>Mike Trim
Line 27: Line 25:
}}
}}


The '''pilot episode''' of the American [[situation comedy]] series ''[[30 Rock]]'' premiered on October 10, 2006, on the [[CTV Television Network]] in Canada,<ref name="ctvpremieres">{{cite web |url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/show/CTVShows/20060814/Fall2006Schedule/20060816/ |title=Fall 2006 Premiere Dates |accessdate=2008-03-07 |publisher=[[CTV Television Network]]}}</ref> and October 11, 2006, on [[NBC]] in the United States.<ref name="premieredate">{{cite news |first=Neil |last=Wilkes |title=NBC announces Fall premiere dates |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a35158/nbc-announces-fall-premiere-dates.html |publisher=[[Digital Spy]] |date=2006-07-23 |accessdate=2008-06-04}}</ref> The episode was directed by [[Adam Bernstein]] and written by [[Tina Fey]], the series' creator, [[executive producer]], and lead actor.<ref name="yahoo">{{cite web |url=https://tv.yahoo.com/30-rock/show/pilot/episode/95644 |title=''30 Rock'' "Pilot" |accessdate=2008-08-03 |publisher=[[Yahoo]]}}</ref>
The '''pilot episode''' of the American television [[situation comedy|sitcom]] ''[[30 Rock]]'' premiered on October 10, 2006, on the [[CTV Television Network]] in Canada,<ref name="ctvpremieres">{{cite web |url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/show/CTVShows/20060814/Fall2006Schedule/20060816/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820083104/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/show/CTVShows/20060814/Fall2006Schedule/20060816/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 20, 2006 |title=Fall 2006 Premiere Dates |access-date=March 7, 2008 |publisher=[[CTV Television Network]]}}</ref> and October 11, 2006, on [[NBC]] in the United States.<ref name="premieredate">{{cite news |first=Neil |last=Wilkes |title=NBC announces Fall premiere dates |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a35158/nbc-announces-fall-premiere-dates.html |publisher=[[Digital Spy]] |date=July 23, 2006 |access-date=June 4, 2008}}</ref> The episode was directed by [[Adam Bernstein]] and written by [[Tina Fey]], the series' creator, [[executive producer]], and lead actress.<ref name="yahoo">{{cite web |url=https://tv.yahoo.com/30-rock/show/pilot/episode/95644 |title=''30 Rock'' "Pilot" |access-date=August 3, 2008 |publisher=[[Yahoo]]}}</ref>


In 2002, Tina Fey, then [[head writer]] of ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' (''SNL''), pitched the idea for a series about a [[United States cable news|cable news]] network to NBC, which rejected it. Two years later, Fey approached NBC with a similar idea: a behind-the-scenes look at ''The Girlie Show'', a television show similar to ''SNL''. NBC approved the series in May 2006 and production began shortly after.<ref name="greenlit13eps">{{cite news |first=Eric |last=Goldman |title=Upfronts Announcement: NBC's Schedule for 2006–2007 Season |url=http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/708/708855p2.html |publisher=[[IGN]] |date=2006-05-15 |accessdate=2008-04-01}}</ref> Although the episode received generally positive reviews, it finished third in its timeslot among all viewers and among adults aged 18 to 49. Critics praised the performances of [[Jack McBrayer]] and [[Jane Krakowski]], who played [[Kenneth Parcell]] and [[Jenna Maroney]], respectively.
In 2002, Tina Fey, then [[head writer]] of ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' (''SNL''), pitched the idea for a series about a [[United States cable news|cable news]] network to NBC, which rejected it. Two years later, Fey approached NBC with a similar idea: a behind-the-scenes look at ''The Girlie Show'', a television show similar to ''SNL''. NBC approved the series in May 2006 and production began shortly after.<ref name="greenlit13eps">{{cite news |first=Eric |last=Goldman |title=Upfronts Announcement: NBC's Schedule for 2006–2007 Season |url=http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/708/708855p2.html |publisher=[[IGN]] |date=May 15, 2006 |access-date=April 1, 2008}}</ref> The episode was generally well-received and it finished third in its timeslot among all viewers and among adults aged 18 to 49. Critics praised the performances of [[Jack McBrayer]] and [[Jane Krakowski]], who played [[Kenneth Parcell]] and [[Jenna Maroney]], respectively.


Several characters are introduced in the pilot: [[Liz Lemon]] (Fey), the head writer of a [[sketch comedy]] series called ''The Girlie Show''; [[Jack Donaghy]] ([[Alec Baldwin]]), the network executive; Kenneth Parcell (McBrayer), the [[NBC page]]; and the writing staff and cast of Lemon's show. This episode focuses on Jack's attempt to convince Liz to hire film star [[Tracy Jordan]] ([[Tracy Morgan]]) as part of the cast of ''The Girlie Show'' and the crew's reactions to Tracy's addition.
Several characters are introduced in the pilot: [[Liz Lemon]] ([[Tina Fey]]), the head writer of a [[sketch comedy]] series called ''The Girlie Show''; [[Jack Donaghy]] ([[Alec Baldwin]]), the network executive; [[Kenneth Parcell]] ([[Jack McBrayer]]), the [[NBC page]]; and the writing staff and cast of Lemon's show. This episode focuses on Jack's attempt to convince Liz to hire film star [[Tracy Jordan]] ([[Tracy Morgan]]) as part of the cast of ''The Girlie Show'' and the crew's reactions to Tracy's addition.


==Plot==
==Plot==
The show begins with Liz Lemon, the head writer of the [[television series]] ''The Girlie Show'', attempting to buy a hot dog before work. After a fellow commuter tries to jump the queue, Liz buys $150 worth of hot dogs and distributes them to random passersby, hobos, and colleagues. When she arrives at work, she is embarrassed when she is forced by Kenneth, the naïve NBC page who conducts tours around 30 Rock, to introduce herself to a group of ''The Girlie Show'' fans.
The pilot begins with [[Liz Lemon]] ([[Tina Fey]]), the head writer of the [[television series]] ''The Girlie Show'', attempting to buy a hot dog before work. After a fellow commuter tries to jump the queue, Liz buys $150 worth of hot dogs and distributes them to random passersby and colleagues. When she arrives at work, she is embarrassed when she is forced by [[Kenneth Parcell|Kenneth]] ([[Jack McBrayer]]), the naïve NBC page who conducts tours around 30 Rock, to introduce herself to a group of ''The Girlie Show'' fans.


Liz and her producer [[Pete Hornberger]] ([[Scott Adsit]]) meet with ''The Girlie Show''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> new network executive [[Jack Donaghy]]. Jack tells Liz and Pete that he has been sent to 30 Rock to retool ''The Girlie Show''. After he inadvertently insults her, Liz takes an initial dislike to Jack. Jack asks Liz to hire Tracy Jordan, star of the film ''Honky Grandma Be Trippin''<nowiki>'</nowiki>, as part of the cast – in order to bring male viewers between 18-49 to the show. Liz is skeptical, as Tracy has a history of problematic behavior, including running down [[Interstate 405 (California)|Interstate 405]] in his underwear while shouting "I am a Jedi!" and falling asleep on his neighbor's roof. In comparison to Liz, Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski), the narcissistic star of ''The Girlie Show'', takes to Jack upon their first meeting. She begins to worry when she hears that Tracy may become the new star of the show.
Liz and her producer Pete Hornberger ([[Scott Adsit]]) meet with ''The Girlie Show''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> new network executive [[Jack Donaghy]] ([[Alec Baldwin]]). Jack tells Liz and Pete that he has been sent to 30 Rock to retool ''The Girlie Show''. After he inadvertently insults her, Liz takes an initial dislike to Jack. Jack asks Liz to hire [[Tracy Jordan]] ([[Tracy Morgan]]), star of the film ''Honky Grandma Be Trippin''<nowiki>'</nowiki>, as part of the cast – in order to bring male viewers between 18-49 to the show. Liz is skeptical, as Tracy has a history of problematic behavior. In comparison to Liz, [[Jenna Maroney]] ([[Jane Krakowski]]), the narcissistic star of ''The Girlie Show'', takes to Jack upon their first meeting. She begins to worry when she hears that Tracy may become the new star of the show.
Against her own judgment, Liz meets Tracy at a restaurant, but when Tracy discovers that he does not like the food, they go to another restaurant. While Liz tried to convince Tracy not to join ''The Girlie Show'', he discusses conspiracy theories. After the meeting, Tracy offers to take Liz back to the studio, but he makes a detour to a [[strip club]] in the [[Bronx]]. While trying to get home, Liz learns that Jack fired Pete earlier that day. Tracy and Liz arrive at the studio halfway through the live broadcast of the show. Liz sends Tracy out on stage to talk off the last bit of the show, much to ''The Girlie Show'' studio audience's delight and Jenna's shock. Backstage, Liz forces Jack to rehire Pete and to promise to guarantee Jenna's job security.
Against her own judgment, Liz meets Tracy at a restaurant, but when Tracy discovers that he does not like the food, they go to another restaurant. While Liz tries to convince Tracy not to join ''The Girlie Show'', he discusses conspiracy theories. After the meeting, Tracy offers to take Liz back to the studio, but he makes a detour to a [[strip club]] in the [[Bronx]]. While trying to get home, Liz learns that Jack fired Pete earlier that day. Tracy and Liz arrive at the studio halfway through the live broadcast of the show. Liz sends Tracy out on stage to talk off the last bit of the show, much to ''The Girlie Show'' studio audience's delight and Jenna's shock. Backstage, Liz forces Jack to rehire Pete and to promise to guarantee Jenna's job security.

⚫
=== Trivection oven ===

⚫
The Trivection oven was a [[convection microwave]] created by [[General Electric]]. At the time of broadcast, General Electric was the parent company for NBC, which produced and broadcast ''30 Rock''. During the episode, Jack Donaghy describes the product, claiming to have invented it himself and pegging it as his "greatest triumph" after years and years of [[market research]]. Donaghy's description of the product was taken near verbatim from GE's website. He later uses the oven as a [[metaphor]] for ''The Girlie Show'', saying that Tracy Jordan is the "third heat".

⚫
The Trivection oven's inclusion in ''30 Rock'' was widely seen as an example of [[product placement]], especially as the product was later advertised during the commercial break.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defamer.com/hollywood/30-rock/great-moments-in-shitergy-30-rock-and-the-ge-trivection-oven-207248.php|title=Great Moments In Shitergy: '30 Rock' And The G.E. Trivection Oven|author=mark|work=Gawker|access-date=2017-07-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013094122/http://www.defamer.com/hollywood/30-rock/great-moments-in-shitergy-30-rock-and-the-ge-trivection-oven-207248.php|archive-date=2008-10-13|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kitchencontraptions.com/archives/007881.php|title=Trivection Oven|access-date=2017-07-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101041917/http://www.kitchencontraptions.com/archives/007881.php|archive-date=2006-11-01|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, Tina Fey, the show's creator and writer of the episode, stated the oven was actually included in the show purely as a joke and that GE had nothing to do with it, although she suspects, "maybe somebody's taking credit for it."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah1969.shtml|title=On '30 Rock,' Tina Fey Draws From Her Past At 'SNL'|work=Access Hollywood}}</ref> Allison Eckelkamp, a spokesperson for GE, confirmed this and says that GE chose to run ads for the oven during the commercial break to make sure viewers knew it was a real product, rather than one invented by the screenwriters for the purposes of the joke.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.twice.com/article/CA6396950.html?industryid=23104|title = GE's Trivection Oven Gets Ready For Its Close-Up|date = 12 April 2006|accessdate = 25 November 2015|website = Twice|publisher = Reed Business Information|last = Bohen|first = Colleen|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071013204105/http://twice.com/article/CA6396950.html?industryid=23104|archivedate = 2007-10-13}}</ref>


==Production==
==Production==


===Conception===
===Conception===
Tina Fey, the head writer and a performer on NBC's ''Saturday Night Live'', pitched a pilot episode for a situation comedy about a cable news network to NBC in 2002. NBC Entertainment president, [[Kevin Reilly (executive)|Kevin Reilly]], felt, "Fey was using the news setting as a fig leaf for her own experience and [he] encouraged her to write what she knew."<ref name="dev_1">{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1535853,00.html|title=Do Not Adjust Your Set|first=James |last=Poniewozik|accessdate=2007-10-16|date=2006-09-18|work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] }}</ref> The pilot, and subsequent series, was reworked to revolve around an ''SNL''-style series. Fey signed a contract with NBC in May 2003, which allowed her to remain in her ''SNL'' head writer position until at least the [[2004–05 United States network television schedule|2004–2005 television season]]. As part of the contract, Fey was required to develop a primetime project to be produced by [[Broadway Video]], Lorne Michaels' production company, and [[NBC Universal]].<ref name="dev_2">{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Schneider |title=Peacock updates ''SNL'' anchor's deal |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117885681?refCatId=1236 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=2003-05-05 |accessdate=2008-04-01}}</ref> During the 2004–2005 [[Television pilot#Pilot season|pilot season]], Fey began developing a pilot project under the working title ''Untitled Tina Fey Project''. The pilot, which became ''30 Rock'', centered on the head writer of a variety show and how she managed her relationships with the show's volatile star and executive producer. During development, some characters were altered; a second star of the variety show was added and the executive producer role changed to network executive.<ref name="dev_3">{{cite news |first=Josef |last=Adalian |author2=Schneider, Michael |title=Bruck finds ''Ring'' leader |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117917293?refCatId=1236 |work=Variety |date=2005-02-01 |accessdate=2008-04-01}}</ref>
Tina Fey, the head writer and a performer on NBC's ''Saturday Night Live'', pitched a pilot episode for a situation comedy about a cable news network to NBC in 2002. NBC Entertainment president, [[Kevin Reilly (executive)|Kevin Reilly]], felt, "Fey was using the news setting as a fig leaf for her own experience and [he] encouraged her to write what she knew."<ref name="dev_1">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1535853,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061125034418/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1535853,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 25, 2006|title=Do Not Adjust Your Set|first=James |last=Poniewozik|access-date=October 16, 2007|date=September 18, 2006|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] }}</ref> The pilot, and subsequent series, was reworked to revolve around an ''SNL''-style series. Fey signed a contract with NBC in May 2003, which allowed her to remain in her ''SNL'' head writer position until at least the [[2004–05 United States network television schedule|2004–2005 television season]]. As part of the contract, Fey was required to develop a primetime project to be produced by [[Broadway Video]], Lorne Michaels' production company, and [[NBC Universal]].<ref name="dev_2">{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Schneider |title=Peacock updates ''SNL'' anchor's deal |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117885681?refCatId=1236 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=May 5, 2003 |access-date=April 1, 2008}}</ref> During the 2004–2005 [[Television pilot#Pilot season|pilot season]], Fey began developing a pilot project under the working title ''Untitled Tina Fey Project''. The pilot, which became ''30 Rock'', centered on the head writer of a variety show and how she managed her relationships with the show's volatile star and executive producer. During development, some characters were altered; a second star of the variety show was added and the executive producer role changed to network executive.<ref name="dev_3">{{cite news |first=Josef |last=Adalian |author2=Schneider, Michael |title=Bruck finds ''Ring'' leader |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117917293?refCatId=1236 |work=Variety |date=February 1, 2005 |access-date=April 1, 2008}}</ref>


===Casting===
===Casting===
[[File:Alec Baldwin by Gage Skidmore.jpg|right|thumb|The part of Jack Donaghy was written with Alec Baldwin in mind.]]
[[File:Alec Baldwin by Gage Skidmore.jpg|right|upright|thumb|The part of Jack Donaghy was written with Alec Baldwin in mind.]]
Fey worked with Jennifer McNamara and Adam Bernstein for the casting of the series. Their first decision was for Fey to portray the lead character, Liz Lemon.<ref name="rockcasting">{{cite web |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/Interview-Tina-Fey-Talks-About-30-Rock-Part-1-9723.html |title=Interview: Tina Fey Talks About ''30 Rock'' (Part 1) |accessdate=2008-07-08 |author=West, Kelly|date=2008-04-01 |publisher=Cinema Blend}}</ref> Fey acknowledged similarities between Liz and her own life when she became head writer on ''SNL'', primarily a heavy focus on her job.<ref>{{cite video|people=[[Tina Fey|Fey, Tina]] |date=2008-05-01 |title=Ask Tina: 5/1/08 |url=http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/video/ask-tina-5108/243935/ |publisher=NBC.com |location=[[New York City|New York]] |accessdate=2008-08-26 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026120508/http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/video/ask-tina-5108/243935/ |archivedate=2012-10-26 }}</ref> Fey asked one of her castmates on ''SNL'', Tracy Morgan, to play Tracy Jordan.<ref name="dev_5">{{cite journal|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|title=NBC comedy a reunion for Morgan, Fey|date=2005-12-01|journal=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Morgan believed the role was "right up [his] alley and it was tailor made for [him]",<ref name="morgan">{{cite web |url=http://au.tv.ign.com/articles/736/736916p1.html |title=IGN Interview: ''30 Rock's'' Tracy Morgan |accessdate=2008-07-08 |author=Fickett, Travis|date=2006-10-17 |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> and Fey noted that Tracy Jordan "acts wild" like Tracy Morgan did at ''SNL''.<ref>{{cite video |people=[[Tina Fey|Fey, Tina]] |date=2006-12-14 |title=Ask Tina: 12/14/2006 |url=http://widgets.nbc.com/o/4727a250e66f9723/48b470a1c746e953/4741e3c5156499a7/a6ab247c |format= |medium= |publisher=NBC.com |location=[[New York City|New York]] |accessdate=2008-08-26 |time= |quote= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714161813/http://widgets.nbc.com/o/4727a250e66f9723/48b470a1c746e953/4741e3c5156499a7/a6ab247c |archive-date=2011-07-14 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Fey worked with Jennifer McNamara and Adam Bernstein for the casting of the series. Their first decision was for Fey to portray the lead character, Liz Lemon.<ref name="rockcasting">{{cite web |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/Interview-Tina-Fey-Talks-About-30-Rock-Part-1-9723.html |title=Interview: Tina Fey Talks About ''30 Rock'' (Part 1) |access-date=July 8, 2008 |author=West, Kelly|date=April 1, 2008 |publisher=Cinema Blend}}</ref> Fey acknowledged similarities between Liz and her own life when she became head writer on ''SNL'', primarily a heavy focus on her job.<ref>{{cite video|people=[[Tina Fey|Fey, Tina]] |date=May 1, 2008 |title=Ask Tina: 5/1/08 |url=http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/video/ask-tina-5108/243935/ |publisher=NBC.com |location=[[New York City|New York]] |access-date=August 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026120508/http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/video/ask-tina-5108/243935/ |archive-date=October 26, 2012 }}</ref> Fey asked one of her castmates on ''SNL'', Tracy Morgan, to play Tracy Jordan.<ref name="dev_5">{{cite journal|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|title=NBC comedy a reunion for Morgan, Fey|date=December 1, 2005|journal=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Morgan believed the role was "right up [his] alley and it was tailor made for [him]",<ref name="morgan">{{cite web |url=http://au.tv.ign.com/articles/736/736916p1.html |title=IGN Interview: ''30 Rock's'' Tracy Morgan |access-date=July 8, 2008 |author=Fickett, Travis|date=October 17, 2006 |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> and Fey noted that Tracy Jordan "acts wild" like Tracy Morgan did at ''SNL''.<ref>{{cite video |people=[[Tina Fey|Fey, Tina]] |date=December 14, 2006 |title=Ask Tina: 12/14/2006 |url=http://widgets.nbc.com/o/4727a250e66f9723/48b470a1c746e953/4741e3c5156499a7/a6ab247c |publisher=NBC.com |location=[[New York City|New York]] |access-date=August 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714161813/http://widgets.nbc.com/o/4727a250e66f9723/48b470a1c746e953/4741e3c5156499a7/a6ab247c |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Fey wrote the character of naïve NBC page Kenneth Parcell with her friend Jack McBrayer, who has been described as "the show's brightest discovery",<ref name="breakout">{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Shales |authorlink= |title=''30 Rock''|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/15/AR2006111501577_pf.html |work=[[The Washington Post]] |date=2006-11-16 |accessdate=2008-08-26 }}</ref> in mind.<ref name="rockcasting"/> She has said that she "really wanted him for that part and was very happy when no one objected".<ref name="rockcasting"/> Shortly after McBrayer's casting, Alec Baldwin was cast as Jack Donaghy, the "totally uncensored" vice president of East Coast Television and Microwave Oven Programming.<ref name="dev_7">{{cite news|first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |title=Baldwin eyes Fey's NBC pilot |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002034584 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=2007-02-17 |accessdate=2008-04-01 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505233527/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002034584 |archivedate=2008-05-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Fey had written the part with Baldwin in mind, but was "very pleasantly surprised when he agreed to do it".<ref name="rockcasting"/> As the series progressed, "the push-pull [relationship] between Fey's character, Liz Lemon, the harried head writer of ''The Girlie Show'', and Alec Baldwin's domineering network executive, Jack Donaghy" helped the show find "its rhythm".<ref>{{cite news |first=Marc D. |last=Allan |authorlink= |title=Polished ''Rock'' Rolls On |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/22/AR2007082201741.html |work=[[The Washington Post]] |date=2007-08-26 |accessdate=2008-08-26 }}</ref>
Fey wrote the character of naïve NBC page Kenneth Parcell with her friend Jack McBrayer, who has been described as "the show's brightest discovery",<ref name="breakout">{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Shales |title=''30 Rock''|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/15/AR2006111501577_pf.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=November 16, 2006 |access-date=August 26, 2008 }}</ref> in mind.<ref name="rockcasting"/> She has said that she "really wanted him for that part and was very happy when no one objected".<ref name="rockcasting"/> Shortly after McBrayer's casting, Alec Baldwin was cast as Jack Donaghy, the "totally uncensored" vice president of East Coast Television and Microwave Oven Programming.<ref name="dev_7">{{cite news|first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |title=Baldwin eyes Fey's NBC pilot |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002034584 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=February 17, 2007 |access-date=April 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505233527/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002034584 |archive-date=May 5, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Fey had written the part with Baldwin in mind, but was "very pleasantly surprised when he agreed to do it".<ref name="rockcasting"/> As the series progressed, "the push-pull [relationship] between Fey's character, Liz Lemon, the harried head writer of ''The Girlie Show'', and Alec Baldwin's domineering network executive, Jack Donaghy" helped the show find "its rhythm".<ref>{{cite news |first=Marc D. |last=Allan |title=Polished ''Rock'' Rolls On |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/22/AR2007082201741.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=August 26, 2007 |access-date=August 26, 2008 }}</ref>


Judah Friedlander was cast as the staff writer of ''The Girlie Show'', [[Frank Rossitano]]. Before auditioning for the role, Friedlander and Fey had never met. His character was based on at least two writers with whom Fey used to work at ''SNL'', but he "certainly brought some of [his] own things to it, as well",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07109/777779-352.stm |title=''30 Rock'' Star Rockets into Pittsburgh |accessdate=2008-08-04 |date=2007-04-19 |work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] }}</ref> including his [[trucker hat]]-wearing persona.<ref>{{cite news |first=Irina |last=Aleksander |title=Five Questions for Judah Friedlander |url=http://www.observer.com/2008/five-questions-judah-friedlander |work=[[The New York Observer]] |date=2008-04-24 |accessdate=2008-08-26 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924112142/http://www.observer.com/2008/five-questions-judah-friedlander |archivedate=2008-09-24 }}</ref> Fey based the role of Pete Hornberger, a long-time friend of Liz's and producer of ''The Girlie Show'', on Scott Adsit, who agreed to portray the character.<ref name="rockcasting"/>
Judah Friedlander was cast as the staff writer of ''The Girlie Show'', [[Frank Rossitano]]. Before auditioning for the role, Friedlander and Fey had never met. His character was based on at least two writers with whom Fey used to work at ''SNL'', but he "certainly brought some of [his] own things to it, as well",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07109/777779-352.stm |title=''30 Rock'' Star Rockets into Pittsburgh |access-date=August 4, 2008 |date=April 19, 2007 |work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] }}</ref> including his [[trucker hat]]-wearing persona.<ref>{{cite news |first=Irina |last=Aleksander |title=Five Questions for Judah Friedlander |url=http://www.observer.com/2008/five-questions-judah-friedlander |work=[[The New York Observer]] |date=April 24, 2008 |access-date=August 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924112142/http://www.observer.com/2008/five-questions-judah-friedlander |archive-date=September 24, 2008 }}</ref> Fey based the role of Pete Hornberger, a long-time friend of Liz's and producer of ''The Girlie Show'', on Scott Adsit, who agreed to portray the character.<ref name="rockcasting"/>


In an unaired pilot for ''30 Rock'', [[Rachel Dratch]], a former ''SNL'' cast member,<ref>{{cite news |first=Justin |last=Ravitz |authorlink= |title=Unemployment's a Downer for ''SNL''-er Dratch |url=https://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/45792/ |work=[[New York Magazine]] |date=2008-04-07 |accessdate=2008-08-15 }}</ref> originally played the role of Jenna DeCarlo. In August 2006, executive producer [[Lorne Michaels]] announced that Dratch would be replaced as Jenna, but would portray different roles in other episodes. In the retooled pilot, Dratch appears as ''The Girlie Show''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> cat wrangler.<ref name="michaelsaboutdratch">{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Schneider |title=Inside Move: Dratch latched to multiple ''Rock'' roles |url=https://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=story&articleID=VR1117948462&cs=1 |work=Variety |date=2006-08-14 |accessdate=2008-03-02}}</ref> Later in the month, NBC announced that Jane Krakowski had replaced Dratch in the role of Jenna,<ref name="dratchout">{{cite news|url=http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-janekrakowskijoins30rock,0,1779072.story?coll=zap-tv-headlines |title='Ally' Cat Krakowski Joins '30 Rock' |accessdate=2010-04-27 |date=2006-08-17 |publisher=[[Zap2it]] |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204013527/http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-janekrakowskijoins30rock%2C0%2C1779072.story?coll=zap-tv-headlines |archivedate=2007-12-04 }}</ref><ref name="dratchout_2">{{cite news |first=Joel |last=Keller |title=Jane Krakowski added to ''30 Rock'' |url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/08/17/jane-krakowski-added-to-30-rock/ |work=[[TV Squad]] |date=2008-08-17 |accessdate=2008-03-02}}</ref><ref name="dratchout_3">{{cite news|first=Colin |last=Mahan |title=''30 Rock'' adds Jane Krakowski |url=http://www.tv.com/ally-mcbeal/show/168/story/5917.htmlom_act=convert&om_clk=headlinessh |publisher=[[TV.com]] |date=2006-08-16 |accessdate=2008-03-02 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512222159/http://www.tv.com/ally-mcbeal/show/168/story/5917.htmlom_act%3Dconvert%26om_clk%3Dheadlinessh |archivedate=2008-05-12 }}</ref> and that the character was renamed Jenna Maroney.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/bios/jane_krakowski.shtml |title=''30 Rock'' TV Show, Series&nbsp;– Jane Krakowski |accessdate=2008-08-30 |publisher=[[NBC]] |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091011151647/http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/bios/jane_krakowski.shtml |archivedate=2009-10-11 }}</ref> Michaels said that "everyone is thrilled that she is joining the cast", and thought she was going to be a "perfect fit".<ref name="dratchout" />
In an unaired pilot for ''30 Rock'', [[Rachel Dratch]], a former ''SNL'' cast member,<ref>{{cite news |first=Justin |last=Ravitz |title=Unemployment's a Downer for ''SNL''-er Dratch |url=https://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/45792/ |work=[[New York (magazine)|New York]] |date=April 7, 2008 |access-date=August 15, 2008 }}</ref> originally played the role of Jenna DeCarlo. In August 2006, executive producer [[Lorne Michaels]] announced that Dratch would be replaced as Jenna, but would portray different roles in other episodes. In the retooled pilot, Dratch appears as ''The Girlie Show''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> cat wrangler.<ref name="michaelsaboutdratch">{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Schneider |title=Inside Move: Dratch latched to multiple ''Rock'' roles |url=https://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=story&articleID=VR1117948462&cs=1 |work=Variety |date=August 14, 2006 |access-date=March 2, 2008}}</ref> Later in the month, NBC announced that Jane Krakowski had replaced Dratch in the role of Jenna,<ref name="dratchout">{{cite news|url=http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-janekrakowskijoins30rock,0,1779072.story?coll=zap-tv-headlines |title='Ally' Cat Krakowski Joins '30 Rock' |access-date=April 27, 2010 |date=August 17, 2006 |publisher=[[Zap2it]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204013527/http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-janekrakowskijoins30rock%2C0%2C1779072.story?coll=zap-tv-headlines |archive-date=December 4, 2007 }}</ref><ref name="dratchout_2">{{cite news |first=Joel |last=Keller |title=Jane Krakowski added to ''30 Rock'' |url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/08/17/jane-krakowski-added-to-30-rock/ |work=[[TV Squad]] |date=August 17, 2008 |access-date=March 2, 2008}}</ref><ref name="dratchout_3">{{cite news|first=Colin |last=Mahan |title=''30 Rock'' adds Jane Krakowski |url=http://www.tv.com/ally-mcbeal/show/168/story/5917.htmlom_act=convert&om_clk=headlinessh |publisher=[[TV.com]] |date=August 16, 2006 |access-date=March 2, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512222159/http://www.tv.com/ally-mcbeal/show/168/story/5917.htmlom_act%3Dconvert%26om_clk%3Dheadlinessh |archive-date=May 12, 2008 }}</ref> and that the character was renamed Jenna Maroney.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/bios/jane_krakowski.shtml |title=''30 Rock'' TV Show, Series&nbsp;– Jane Krakowski |access-date=August 30, 2008 |publisher=[[NBC]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091011151647/http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/bios/jane_krakowski.shtml |archive-date=October 11, 2009 }}</ref> Michaels said that "everyone is thrilled that she is joining the cast", and thought she was going to be a "perfect fit".<ref name="dratchout" />

⚫
=== Trivection oven ===

⚫
The [[Trivection oven]] is a [[convection microwave]] created by [[General Electric]]. At the time of broadcast, General Electric was the parent company for NBC, which produced and broadcast ''30 Rock''. During the episode, Jack Donaghy describes the product, claiming to have invented it himself and pegging it as his "greatest triumph" after years and years of [[market research]]. Donaghy's description of the product was taken near verbatim from GE's website. He later uses the oven as a [[metaphor]] for ''The Girlie Show'', saying that Tracy Jordan is the "third heat".

⚫
The Trivection oven's inclusion in ''30 Rock'' was widely seen as an example of [[product placement]], especially as the product was later advertised during the commercial break.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defamer.com/hollywood/30-rock/great-moments-in-shitergy-30-rock-and-the-ge-trivection-oven-207248.php|title=Great Moments In Shitergy: '30 Rock' And The G.E. Trivection Oven|author=mark|work=Gawker|access-date=July 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013094122/http://www.defamer.com/hollywood/30-rock/great-moments-in-shitergy-30-rock-and-the-ge-trivection-oven-207248.php|archive-date=October 13, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kitchencontraptions.com/archives/007881.php|title=Trivection Oven|access-date=July 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101041917/http://www.kitchencontraptions.com/archives/007881.php|archive-date=November 1, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, Fey stated the oven was actually included in the show purely as a joke and that GE had nothing to do with it, although she suspects, "maybe somebody's taking credit for it."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah1969.shtml|title=On '30 Rock,' Tina Fey Draws From Her Past At 'SNL'|work=Access Hollywood}}</ref> Allison Eckelkamp, a spokesperson for GE, confirmed this and says that GE chose to run ads for the oven during the commercial break to make sure viewers knew it was a real product, rather than one invented by the screenwriters for the purposes of the joke.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.twice.com/article/CA6396950.html?industryid=23104|title = GE's Trivection Oven Gets Ready For Its Close-Up|date = April 12, 2006|access-date = November 25, 2015|website = Twice|publisher = Reed Business Information|last = Bohen|first = Colleen|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071013204105/http://twice.com/article/CA6396950.html?industryid=23104|archive-date = October 13, 2007}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
[[File:Jane Krakowski, Red Dress Collection 2007.jpg|upright|thumb|Jane Krakowski received praise for her portrayal of Jenna Maroney.]]
[[File:Jane Krakowski, Red Dress Collection 2007.jpg|upright|thumb|Jane Krakowski received praise for her portrayal of Jenna Maroney.]]


This episode was viewed by 8.13&nbsp;million viewers and received a [[Nielsen ratings|Nielsen rating]] of 2.9/8 in the key adults 18–49 demographic.<ref name="ratings_variety">{{cite news |first=Rick |last=Kissell |title=NBC's ''Rock'' solid in premiere |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117951807?refCatId=1275 |work=Variety |date=2006-10-12 |accessdate=2008-02-27}}</ref> This episode was the highest rated of the series until October 2008, when the [[30 Rock (season 3)|third-season]] premiere episode, "Do-Over", was viewed by 8.7&nbsp;million viewers. That episode received a 4.1/10 in the 18–49 demographic.<ref>{{cite news|title='Rock' hits series high |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117995055?refCatId=14 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=2009-10-31 |accessdate=2010-04-27 | first=Rick | last=Kissell}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, the episode attracted 700,000 viewers, 6% of that time slot's viewing audience.<ref name="ukratings">{{cite news |first=Stephen |last=Brook |title=''Californication'' entices 1m viewers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/oct/12/tvratings.television |work=[[The Guardian]]|publisher=[[Media Guardian]] |date=2007-10-12 |accessdate=2008-02-27 | location=London}}</ref> The director of this episode, Adam Bernstein, was nominated for the [[Directors Guild of America Award]] for "Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series", in [[2007 in television|2007]].<ref name="dgaawards07">{{cite web|url=http://www.dga.org/news/dgamonthly-0207/awrdsnews_tvcatsannounce-0207.php3 |title=DGA Announces Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in the television categories of Dramatic Series Night, Comedy Series, Musical Variety, Reality Programs, Daytime Serials and Children's Programs for 2006 |accessdate=2008-03-07 |date=February 2007 |work=Newsletter |publisher=[[Directors Guild of America]] |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070823175245/http://www.dga.org/news/dgamonthly-0207/awrdsnews_tvcatsannounce-0207.php3 |archivedate=August 23, 2007 }}</ref> Bernstein lost to [[Richard Shepard]] for his work on the [[Pilot (Ugly Betty episode)|''Ugly Betty'' pilot]].<ref name="dgawinners07">{{cite news |title=Scorsese wins at DGA Awards |url=https://www.variety.com/awardcentral_article/VR1117958629.html?nav=news&categoryid=1983&cs=1 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=2007-02-03 |accessdate=2008-03-02}}</ref>
This episode was viewed by 8.13&nbsp;million viewers and received a [[Nielsen ratings|Nielsen rating]] of 2.9/8 in the key adults 18–49 demographic.<ref name="ratings_variety">{{cite news |first=Rick |last=Kissell |title=NBC's ''Rock'' solid in premiere |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117951807?refCatId=1275 |work=Variety |date=October 12, 2006 |access-date=February 27, 2008}}</ref> This episode was the highest rated of the series until October 2008, when the [[30 Rock season 3|third-season]] premiere episode, "[[Do-Over]]", was viewed by 8.7&nbsp;million viewers. That episode received a 4.1/10 in the 18–49 demographic.<ref>{{cite news|title='Rock' hits series high |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117995055?refCatId=14 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=October 31, 2009 |access-date=April 27, 2010 | first=Rick | last=Kissell}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, the episode attracted 700,000 viewers, 6% of that time slot's viewing audience.<ref name="ukratings">{{cite news |first=Stephen |last=Brook |title=''Californication'' entices 1m viewers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/oct/12/tvratings.television |work=[[The Guardian]]|publisher=[[Media Guardian]] |date=October 12, 2007 |access-date=February 27, 2008 | location=London}}</ref> The director of this episode, Adam Bernstein, was nominated for the [[Directors Guild of America Award]] for "Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series", in 2007.<ref name="dgaawards07">{{cite web|url=http://www.dga.org/news/dgamonthly-0207/awrdsnews_tvcatsannounce-0207.php3 |title=DGA Announces Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in the television categories of Dramatic Series Night, Comedy Series, Musical Variety, Reality Programs, Daytime Serials and Children's Programs for 2006 |access-date=March 7, 2008 |date=February 2007 |work=Newsletter |publisher=[[Directors Guild of America]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070823175245/http://www.dga.org/news/dgamonthly-0207/awrdsnews_tvcatsannounce-0207.php3 |archive-date=August 23, 2007 }}</ref> Bernstein lost to [[Richard Shepard]] for his work on the [[Pilot (Ugly Betty episode)|''Ugly Betty'' pilot]].<ref name="dgawinners07">{{cite news |title=Scorsese wins at DGA Awards |url=https://www.variety.com/awardcentral_article/VR1117958629.html?nav=news&categoryid=1983&cs=1 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=February 3, 2007 |access-date=March 2, 2008}}</ref>


"Pilot" was generally well received by critics.<ref name="metascore" /><ref name="goodreviews">{{cite news |first=Marc |last=D. Allan |date=2007-08-26 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/22/AR2007082201741.html |title=Polished ''Rock'' Rolls On |accessdate=2007-09-02 |work=[[The Washington Post]] }}</ref> [[Metacritic]] gave the episode a Metascore&ndash;a weighted average based on the impressions of a select 31 critical reviews&ndash;of 67 out of 100.<ref name="metascore">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/30-rock/season-1 |title=''30 Rock''; Series: NBC, Wednesday 8:00 pm (30&nbsp;minutes) |accessdate=2008-02-27 |publisher=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref> [[Tom Gliatto]] of ''[[People Weekly]]'' and Anna Johns of [[AOL]]'s [[TV Squad]] declared ''30 Rock'' the best new comedy of the season.<ref name="peopleweekly">{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Gliatto |authorlink=Tom Gliatto|title=''30 Rock'' review |format=Magazine |work=[[People Weekly]] |page=39 |date=2006-10-16}}</ref><ref name="TV Squad"/> Johns described Tracy Jordan's line, "I'm from the government and I'm here to inspect your chicken nuggets" as "confoundingly funny", and praised Jane Krakowski's replacement of Rachel Dratch in the Jenna role.<ref name="TV Squad">{{cite web |url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/10/12/30-rock-pilot-series-premiere/ |first=Anna |last=Johns |date=2006-10-12 |work=[[TV Squad]]|title=''30 Rock'': "Pilot" (series premiere) |accessdate=2007-09-04 }}</ref> Keith Watson of ''[[Metro (Associated Metro Limited)|Metro]]'' said that "It may just be a ''[[The Mary Tyler Moore Show|Mary Tyler Moore Show'']] for the [21st century], but ''30 Rock'', er, rocks".<ref name="metro"/> Watson rated the episode 4 out of 5 stars.<ref name="metro">{{cite news |first=Keith |last=Watson |title=Last Night's TV; ''30 Rock'' |format=Newspaper |work=[[Metro (Associated Metro Limited)|Metro]] |publisher= [[Associated Newspapers Ltd]] |location=[[Liverpool]] |page=33 |date=2007-10-12}}</ref> Dorothy Rabinowitz of ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' praised the "hilarious scenes and fine ensemble cast", particularly commenting on Jack McBrayer's performance as Kenneth Parcell and Rachel Dratch's portrayal of the cat-wrangler, Greta Johansen.<ref name="wsjreview">{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB116008368469484155 |title=This Is the Funny One |accessdate=2008-02-27 |last=Rabinowitz |first=Dorothy |date=2006-10-06 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] }}</ref>
"Pilot" was generally well received by critics.<ref name="metascore" /><ref name="goodreviews">{{cite news |first=Marc |last=D. Allan |date=August 26, 2007 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/22/AR2007082201741.html |title=Polished ''Rock'' Rolls On |access-date=September 2, 2007 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] }}</ref> [[Metacritic]] gave the episode a Metascore&ndash;a weighted average based on the impressions of a select 31 critical reviews&ndash;of 67 out of 100.<ref name="metascore">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/30-rock/season-1 |title=''30 Rock''; Series: NBC, Wednesday 8:00 pm (30&nbsp;minutes) |access-date=February 27, 2008 |publisher=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref> Tom Gliatto of ''[[People Weekly]]'' and Anna Johns of [[AOL]]'s [[TV Squad]] declared ''30 Rock'' the best new comedy of the season.<ref name="peopleweekly">{{cite magazine |first=Tom |last=Gliatto |title=''30 Rock'' review |magazine=[[People Weekly]] |page=39 |date=October 16, 2006}}</ref><ref name="TV Squad"/> Johns described Tracy Jordan's line, "I'm from the government and I'm here to inspect your chicken nuggets" as "confoundingly funny", and praised Jane Krakowski's replacement of Rachel Dratch in the Jenna role.<ref name="TV Squad">{{cite web |url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/10/12/30-rock-pilot-series-premiere/ |first=Anna |last=Johns |date=October 12, 2006 |work=[[TV Squad]]|title=''30 Rock'': "Pilot" (series premiere) |access-date=September 4, 2007 }}</ref> Keith Watson of ''[[Metro (Associated Metro Limited)|Metro]]'' said that "It may just be a ''[[The Mary Tyler Moore Show|Mary Tyler Moore Show]]'' for the [21st century], but ''30 Rock'', er, rocks".<ref name="metro"/> Watson rated the episode 4 out of 5 stars.<ref name="metro">{{cite news |first=Keith |last=Watson |title=Last Night's TV; ''30 Rock'' |work=[[Metro (Associated Metro Limited)|Metro]] |publisher= [[Associated Newspapers Ltd]] |location=[[Liverpool]] |page=33 |date=October 12, 2007}}</ref> Dorothy Rabinowitz of ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' praised the "hilarious scenes and fine ensemble cast", particularly commenting on Jack McBrayer's performance as Kenneth Parcell and Rachel Dratch's portrayal of the cat-wrangler, Greta Johansen.<ref name="wsjreview">{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB116008368469484155 |title=This Is the Funny One |access-date=February 27, 2008 |last=Rabinowitz |first=Dorothy |date=October 6, 2006 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] }}</ref>


Not all critics liked the episode. Oscar Dahl of [[BuddyTV]] felt that this episode did not live up to the show's potential.<ref>{{cite web |first=Oscar |last=Dahl |url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/30-rock/30-rock-pilot-review-769.aspx |title=''30 Rock'' Pilot Review |accessdate=2007-09-04 |publisher=[[BuddyTV]] |date=2006-10-12}}</ref> ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> Tim Goodman lamented that "the original [episode] was funnier" than the one that aired.<ref name="sanfranchronicle">{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/10/11/DDGOLLLO561.DTL&type=tvradio |title=Fey's show about a show isn't a very good show |accessdate=2008-02-27 |last=Goodman |first=Tim |date=2006-10-11 |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] }}</ref> Tom Shales of ''[[Washington Post]]'' said that "the show needs a better premise and funnier dialogue".<ref name="washingtonpostreview"/> Despite this, Shales said that ''30 Rock'' "is not a self-important bore like ''[[Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip]]''", and praised Tracy Morgan's performance as Tracy Jordan.<ref name="washingtonpostreview">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/10/AR2006101001454.html |title=Supporting Actors Prop Up the Show In NBC's ''30 Rock'' |accessdate=2008-03-02 |last=Shales |first=Tom |date=2006-10-11 |work=[[Washington Post]] }}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki> Alessandra Stanley praised Alec Baldwin's "slyly absurd comic presence that is bigger and brighter than any joke or character actor on the show", but mentioned that "Nothing very funny happens on ''30 Rock'' until Alec Baldwin enters the room, and suddenly this new NBC sitcom comes alive".<ref name="nytreview">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/11/arts/television/11stan.html?_r=2&ref=television&oref=slogin&oref=slogin |title=TV Antics: A Sitcom Mocks Its Milieu |accessdate=2008-03-02 |last=Stanley |first=Alessandra |date=2006-10-11 |work=[[The New York Times]] }}</ref> Fey herself felt the episode did not introduce the show well, calling it "awkward, sweaty...I never want to watch that mess again" in her memoir ''[[Bossypants]]''.
Not all critics liked the episode. Oscar Dahl of [[BuddyTV]] felt that this episode did not live up to the show's potential.<ref>{{cite web |first=Oscar |last=Dahl |url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/30-rock/30-rock-pilot-review-769.aspx |title=''30 Rock'' Pilot Review |access-date=September 4, 2007 |publisher=[[BuddyTV]] |date=October 12, 2006}}</ref> ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> Tim Goodman lamented that "the original [episode] was funnier" than the one that aired.<ref name="sanfranchronicle">{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/10/11/DDGOLLLO561.DTL&type=tvradio |title=Fey's show about a show isn't a very good show |access-date=February 27, 2008 |last=Goodman |first=Tim |date=October 11, 2006 |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] }}</ref> Tom Shales of ''[[Washington Post]]'' said that "the show needs a better premise and funnier dialogue".<ref name="washingtonpostreview"/> Despite this, Shales said that ''30 Rock'' "is not a self-important bore like ''[[Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip]]''", and praised Tracy Morgan's performance as Tracy Jordan.<ref name="washingtonpostreview">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/10/AR2006101001454.html |title=Supporting Actors Prop Up the Show In NBC's ''30 Rock'' |access-date=March 2, 2008 |last=Shales |first=Tom |date=October 11, 2006 |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] }}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki> Alessandra Stanley praised Alec Baldwin's "slyly absurd comic presence that is bigger and brighter than any joke or character actor on the show", but mentioned that "Nothing very funny happens on ''30 Rock'' until Alec Baldwin enters the room, and suddenly this new NBC sitcom comes alive".<ref name="nytreview">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/11/arts/television/11stan.html?_r=2&ref=television&oref=slogin&oref=slogin |title=TV Antics: A Sitcom Mocks Its Milieu |access-date=March 2, 2008 |last=Stanley |first=Alessandra |date=October 11, 2006 |work=[[The New York Times]] }}</ref> Fey herself felt the episode did not introduce the show well, calling it "awkward, sweaty...I never want to watch that mess again" in her memoir ''[[Bossypants]]''.


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{wikiquotepar|30 Rock}}
{{wikiquote|30 Rock}}
* {{imdb episode|0849809|Pilot}}
* {{IMDb episode|0849809}}
* {{tv.com episode|30-rock/pilot-857862|Pilot}}


{{30 Rock episodes}}
{{30 Rock episodes}}
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[[Category:2000s American television series premieres]]
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Pilot (''30 Rock'')}}

[[Category:2006 American television episodes]]
[[Category:2006 American television episodes]]
[[Category:30 Rock (season 1) episodes]]
[[Category:30 Rock season 1 episodes]]
[[Category:American television pilots|30 Rock]]
[[Category:Television episodes directed by Adam Bernstein]]
[[Category:Television episodes written by Tina Fey]]
[[Category:Television episodes written by Tina Fey]]

Latest revision as of 14:48, 2 April 2024

"Pilot"
30 Rock episode
Episode no.Season 1
Episode 1
Directed byAdam Bernstein
Written byTina Fey
Cinematography byTom Houghton
Mike Trim
Production code101
Original air dateOctober 11, 2006 (2006-10-11)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
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"The Aftermath"
30 Rock season 1
List of episodes

The pilot episode of the American television sitcom 30 Rock premiered on October 10, 2006, on the CTV Television Network in Canada,[1] and October 11, 2006, on NBC in the United States.[2] The episode was directed by Adam Bernstein and written by Tina Fey, the series' creator, executive producer, and lead actress.[3]

In 2002, Tina Fey, then head writer of Saturday Night Live (SNL), pitched the idea for a series about a cable news network to NBC, which rejected it. Two years later, Fey approached NBC with a similar idea: a behind-the-scenes look at The Girlie Show, a television show similar to SNL. NBC approved the series in May 2006 and production began shortly after.[4] The episode was generally well-received and it finished third in its timeslot among all viewers and among adults aged 18 to 49. Critics praised the performances of Jack McBrayer and Jane Krakowski, who played Kenneth Parcell and Jenna Maroney, respectively.

Several characters are introduced in the pilot: Liz Lemon (Tina Fey), the head writer of a sketch comedy series called The Girlie Show; Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin), the network executive; Kenneth Parcell (Jack McBrayer), the NBC page; and the writing staff and cast of Lemon's show. This episode focuses on Jack's attempt to convince Liz to hire film star Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) as part of the cast of The Girlie Show and the crew's reactions to Tracy's addition.

Plot

[edit]

The pilot begins with Liz Lemon (Tina Fey), the head writer of the television series The Girlie Show, attempting to buy a hot dog before work. After a fellow commuter tries to jump the queue, Liz buys $150 worth of hot dogs and distributes them to random passersby and colleagues. When she arrives at work, she is embarrassed when she is forced by Kenneth (Jack McBrayer), the naïve NBC page who conducts tours around 30 Rock, to introduce herself to a group of The Girlie Show fans.

Liz and her producer Pete Hornberger (Scott Adsit) meet with The Girlie Show's new network executive Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin). Jack tells Liz and Pete that he has been sent to 30 Rock to retool The Girlie Show. After he inadvertently insults her, Liz takes an initial dislike to Jack. Jack asks Liz to hire Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan), star of the film Honky Grandma Be Trippin', as part of the cast – in order to bring male viewers between 18-49 to the show. Liz is skeptical, as Tracy has a history of problematic behavior. In comparison to Liz, Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski), the narcissistic star of The Girlie Show, takes to Jack upon their first meeting. She begins to worry when she hears that Tracy may become the new star of the show.

Against her own judgment, Liz meets Tracy at a restaurant, but when Tracy discovers that he does not like the food, they go to another restaurant. While Liz tries to convince Tracy not to join The Girlie Show, he discusses conspiracy theories. After the meeting, Tracy offers to take Liz back to the studio, but he makes a detour to a strip club in the Bronx. While trying to get home, Liz learns that Jack fired Pete earlier that day. Tracy and Liz arrive at the studio halfway through the live broadcast of the show. Liz sends Tracy out on stage to talk off the last bit of the show, much to The Girlie Show studio audience's delight and Jenna's shock. Backstage, Liz forces Jack to rehire Pete and to promise to guarantee Jenna's job security.

Production

[edit]

Conception

[edit]

Tina Fey, the head writer and a performer on NBC's Saturday Night Live, pitched a pilot episode for a situation comedy about a cable news network to NBC in 2002. NBC Entertainment president, Kevin Reilly, felt, "Fey was using the news setting as a fig leaf for her own experience and [he] encouraged her to write what she knew."[5] The pilot, and subsequent series, was reworked to revolve around an SNL-style series. Fey signed a contract with NBC in May 2003, which allowed her to remain in her SNL head writer position until at least the 2004–2005 television season. As part of the contract, Fey was required to develop a primetime project to be produced by Broadway Video, Lorne Michaels' production company, and NBC Universal.[6] During the 2004–2005 pilot season, Fey began developing a pilot project under the working title Untitled Tina Fey Project. The pilot, which became 30 Rock, centered on the head writer of a variety show and how she managed her relationships with the show's volatile star and executive producer. During development, some characters were altered; a second star of the variety show was added and the executive producer role changed to network executive.[7]

Casting

[edit]
The part of Jack Donaghy was written with Alec Baldwin in mind.

Fey worked with Jennifer McNamara and Adam Bernstein for the casting of the series. Their first decision was for Fey to portray the lead character, Liz Lemon.[8] Fey acknowledged similarities between Liz and her own life when she became head writer on SNL, primarily a heavy focus on her job.[9] Fey asked one of her castmates on SNL, Tracy Morgan, to play Tracy Jordan.[10] Morgan believed the role was "right up [his] alley and it was tailor made for [him]",[11] and Fey noted that Tracy Jordan "acts wild" like Tracy Morgan did at SNL.[12]

Fey wrote the character of naïve NBC page Kenneth Parcell with her friend Jack McBrayer, who has been described as "the show's brightest discovery",[13] in mind.[8] She has said that she "really wanted him for that part and was very happy when no one objected".[8] Shortly after McBrayer's casting, Alec Baldwin was cast as Jack Donaghy, the "totally uncensored" vice president of East Coast Television and Microwave Oven Programming.[14] Fey had written the part with Baldwin in mind, but was "very pleasantly surprised when he agreed to do it".[8] As the series progressed, "the push-pull [relationship] between Fey's character, Liz Lemon, the harried head writer of The Girlie Show, and Alec Baldwin's domineering network executive, Jack Donaghy" helped the show find "its rhythm".[15]

Judah Friedlander was cast as the staff writer of The Girlie Show, Frank Rossitano. Before auditioning for the role, Friedlander and Fey had never met. His character was based on at least two writers with whom Fey used to work at SNL, but he "certainly brought some of [his] own things to it, as well",[16] including his trucker hat-wearing persona.[17] Fey based the role of Pete Hornberger, a long-time friend of Liz's and producer of The Girlie Show, on Scott Adsit, who agreed to portray the character.[8]

In an unaired pilot for 30 Rock, Rachel Dratch, a former SNL cast member,[18] originally played the role of Jenna DeCarlo. In August 2006, executive producer Lorne Michaels announced that Dratch would be replaced as Jenna, but would portray different roles in other episodes. In the retooled pilot, Dratch appears as The Girlie Show's cat wrangler.[19] Later in the month, NBC announced that Jane Krakowski had replaced Dratch in the role of Jenna,[20][21][22] and that the character was renamed Jenna Maroney.[23] Michaels said that "everyone is thrilled that she is joining the cast", and thought she was going to be a "perfect fit".[20]

Trivection oven

[edit]

The Trivection oven is a convection microwave created by General Electric. At the time of broadcast, General Electric was the parent company for NBC, which produced and broadcast 30 Rock. During the episode, Jack Donaghy describes the product, claiming to have invented it himself and pegging it as his "greatest triumph" after years and years of market research. Donaghy's description of the product was taken near verbatim from GE's website. He later uses the oven as a metaphor for The Girlie Show, saying that Tracy Jordan is the "third heat".

The Trivection oven's inclusion in 30 Rock was widely seen as an example of product placement, especially as the product was later advertised during the commercial break.[24][25] However, Fey stated the oven was actually included in the show purely as a joke and that GE had nothing to do with it, although she suspects, "maybe somebody's taking credit for it."[26] Allison Eckelkamp, a spokesperson for GE, confirmed this and says that GE chose to run ads for the oven during the commercial break to make sure viewers knew it was a real product, rather than one invented by the screenwriters for the purposes of the joke.[27]

Reception

[edit]
Jane Krakowski received praise for her portrayal of Jenna Maroney.

This episode was viewed by 8.13 million viewers and received a Nielsen rating of 2.9/8 in the key adults 18–49 demographic.[28] This episode was the highest rated of the series until October 2008, when the third-season premiere episode, "Do-Over", was viewed by 8.7 million viewers. That episode received a 4.1/10 in the 18–49 demographic.[29] In the United Kingdom, the episode attracted 700,000 viewers, 6% of that time slot's viewing audience.[30] The director of this episode, Adam Bernstein, was nominated for the Directors Guild of America Award for "Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series", in 2007.[31] Bernstein lost to Richard Shepard for his work on the Ugly Betty pilot.[32]

"Pilot" was generally well received by critics.[33][34] Metacritic gave the episode a Metascore–a weighted average based on the impressions of a select 31 critical reviews–of 67 out of 100.[33] Tom Gliatto of People Weekly and Anna Johns of AOL's TV Squad declared 30 Rock the best new comedy of the season.[35][36] Johns described Tracy Jordan's line, "I'm from the government and I'm here to inspect your chicken nuggets" as "confoundingly funny", and praised Jane Krakowski's replacement of Rachel Dratch in the Jenna role.[36] Keith Watson of Metro said that "It may just be a Mary Tyler Moore Show for the [21st century], but 30 Rock, er, rocks".[37] Watson rated the episode 4 out of 5 stars.[37] Dorothy Rabinowitz of The Wall Street Journal praised the "hilarious scenes and fine ensemble cast", particularly commenting on Jack McBrayer's performance as Kenneth Parcell and Rachel Dratch's portrayal of the cat-wrangler, Greta Johansen.[38]

Not all critics liked the episode. Oscar Dahl of BuddyTV felt that this episode did not live up to the show's potential.[39] San Francisco Chronicle's Tim Goodman lamented that "the original [episode] was funnier" than the one that aired.[40] Tom Shales of Washington Post said that "the show needs a better premise and funnier dialogue".[41] Despite this, Shales said that 30 Rock "is not a self-important bore like Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip", and praised Tracy Morgan's performance as Tracy Jordan.[41] The New York Times' Alessandra Stanley praised Alec Baldwin's "slyly absurd comic presence that is bigger and brighter than any joke or character actor on the show", but mentioned that "Nothing very funny happens on 30 Rock until Alec Baldwin enters the room, and suddenly this new NBC sitcom comes alive".[42] Fey herself felt the episode did not introduce the show well, calling it "awkward, sweaty...I never want to watch that mess again" in her memoir Bossypants.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Fall 2006 Premiere Dates". CTV Television Network. Archived from the original on August 20, 2006. Retrieved March 7, 2008.
  2. ^ Wilkes, Neil (July 23, 2006). "NBC announces Fall premiere dates". Digital Spy. Retrieved June 4, 2008.
  3. ^ "30 Rock "Pilot"". Yahoo. Retrieved August 3, 2008.
  4. ^ Goldman, Eric (May 15, 2006). "Upfronts Announcement: NBC's Schedule for 2006–2007 Season". IGN. Retrieved April 1, 2008.
  5. ^ Poniewozik, James (September 18, 2006). "Do Not Adjust Your Set". Time. Archived from the original on November 25, 2006. Retrieved October 16, 2007.
  6. ^ Schneider, Michael (May 5, 2003). "Peacock updates SNL anchor's deal". Variety. Retrieved April 1, 2008.
  7. ^ Adalian, Josef; Schneider, Michael (February 1, 2005). "Bruck finds Ring leader". Variety. Retrieved April 1, 2008.
  8. ^ a b c d e West, Kelly (April 1, 2008). "Interview: Tina Fey Talks About 30 Rock (Part 1)". Cinema Blend. Retrieved July 8, 2008.
  9. ^ Fey, Tina (May 1, 2008). Ask Tina: 5/1/08. New York: NBC.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2008.
  10. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (December 1, 2005). "NBC comedy a reunion for Morgan, Fey". The Hollywood Reporter.
  11. ^ Fickett, Travis (October 17, 2006). "IGN Interview: 30 Rock's Tracy Morgan". IGN. Retrieved July 8, 2008.
  12. ^ Fey, Tina (December 14, 2006). Ask Tina: 12/14/2006. New York: NBC.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved August 26, 2008.
  13. ^ Shales, Tom (November 16, 2006). "30 Rock". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 26, 2008.
  14. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 17, 2007). "Baldwin eyes Fey's NBC pilot". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 5, 2008. Retrieved April 1, 2008.
  15. ^ Allan, Marc D. (August 26, 2007). "Polished Rock Rolls On". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 26, 2008.
  16. ^ "30 Rock Star Rockets into Pittsburgh". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. April 19, 2007. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
  17. ^ Aleksander, Irina (April 24, 2008). "Five Questions for Judah Friedlander". The New York Observer. Archived from the original on September 24, 2008. Retrieved August 26, 2008.
  18. ^ Ravitz, Justin (April 7, 2008). "Unemployment's a Downer for SNL-er Dratch". New York. Retrieved August 15, 2008.
  19. ^ Schneider, Michael (August 14, 2006). "Inside Move: Dratch latched to multiple Rock roles". Variety. Retrieved March 2, 2008.
  20. ^ a b "'Ally' Cat Krakowski Joins '30 Rock'". Zap2it. August 17, 2006. Archived from the original on December 4, 2007. Retrieved April 27, 2010.
  21. ^ Keller, Joel (August 17, 2008). "Jane Krakowski added to 30 Rock". TV Squad. Retrieved March 2, 2008.
  22. ^ Mahan, Colin (August 16, 2006). "30 Rock adds Jane Krakowski". TV.com. Archived from the original on May 12, 2008. Retrieved March 2, 2008.
  23. ^ "30 Rock TV Show, Series – Jane Krakowski". NBC. Archived from the original on October 11, 2009. Retrieved August 30, 2008.
  24. ^ mark. "Great Moments In Shitergy: '30 Rock' And The G.E. Trivection Oven". Gawker. Archived from the original on October 13, 2008. Retrieved July 4, 2017.
  25. ^ "Trivection Oven". Archived from the original on November 1, 2006. Retrieved July 4, 2017.
  26. ^ "On '30 Rock,' Tina Fey Draws From Her Past At 'SNL'". Access Hollywood.
  27. ^ Bohen, Colleen (April 12, 2006). "GE's Trivection Oven Gets Ready For Its Close-Up". Twice. Reed Business Information. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
  28. ^ Kissell, Rick (October 12, 2006). "NBC's Rock solid in premiere". Variety. Retrieved February 27, 2008.
  29. ^ Kissell, Rick (October 31, 2009). "'Rock' hits series high". Variety. Retrieved April 27, 2010.
  30. ^ Brook, Stephen (October 12, 2007). "Californication entices 1m viewers". The Guardian. London: Media Guardian. Retrieved February 27, 2008.
  31. ^ "DGA Announces Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in the television categories of Dramatic Series Night, Comedy Series, Musical Variety, Reality Programs, Daytime Serials and Children's Programs for 2006". Newsletter. Directors Guild of America. February 2007. Archived from the original on August 23, 2007. Retrieved March 7, 2008.
  32. ^ "Scorsese wins at DGA Awards". Variety. February 3, 2007. Retrieved March 2, 2008.
  33. ^ a b "30 Rock; Series: NBC, Wednesday 8:00 pm (30 minutes)". Metacritic. Retrieved February 27, 2008.
  34. ^ D. Allan, Marc (August 26, 2007). "Polished Rock Rolls On". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 2, 2007.
  35. ^ Gliatto, Tom (October 16, 2006). "30 Rock review". People Weekly. p. 39.
  36. ^ a b Johns, Anna (October 12, 2006). "30 Rock: "Pilot" (series premiere)". TV Squad. Retrieved September 4, 2007.
  37. ^ a b Watson, Keith (October 12, 2007). "Last Night's TV; 30 Rock". Metro. Liverpool: Associated Newspapers Ltd. p. 33.
  38. ^ Rabinowitz, Dorothy (October 6, 2006). "This Is the Funny One". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved February 27, 2008.
  39. ^ Dahl, Oscar (October 12, 2006). "30 Rock Pilot Review". BuddyTV. Retrieved September 4, 2007.
  40. ^ Goodman, Tim (October 11, 2006). "Fey's show about a show isn't a very good show". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved February 27, 2008.
  41. ^ a b Shales, Tom (October 11, 2006). "Supporting Actors Prop Up the Show In NBC's 30 Rock". Washington Post. Retrieved March 2, 2008.
  42. ^ Stanley, Alessandra (October 11, 2006). "TV Antics: A Sitcom Mocks Its Milieu". The New York Times. Retrieved March 2, 2008.
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