30 Rock - Series 1 to 4 DVD Box Set

RRP: £69.99

Best Price: £17.99

It’s a very modern sensibility that creates the latest array of sitcom set, in all places, in the world of TV. From Extras to Moving Wallpaper, there’s a trend for behind the scenes comedy, an insight into the chaos that lurks behind the polished facade of broadcasting. It’s a style that’s very knowing - full of nods and winks - and the struggle, then, is in creating a show that’s insightful and witty, but never feels cold or self-obsessed.

30 Rock is a sitcom about making a sketch show - but it’s one with heart and real dramatic moments that ultimately will keep you watching for more than just glib humour. Tina Fey, perhaps best known for her stint as Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live, worked as a sketch show head writer and, as a result, 30 Rock truly has a sense of authenticity, despite the exaggerations and far-fetched set pieces that sometimes creep in. It’s a show loosely based on her experiences - far better than a show based on someone’s best guess at what it might be like!

Whilst Fey’s Liz is undoubtedly a funny woman, Much of the comedy comes from the cast of supporting characters, inadvertently ensuring that even the best of plans will run out of control and end in chaos. Alex Baldwin makes a remarkable turn as controlling boss Jack, and Jenna (Jane Krakowski) is an utterly believable dumb blonde, but lovable enough that her friendship with Liz can, at times, take a turn for the more serious dramatic moment.

Through the four seasons included in this box set, Liz and her cohort make various attempts to run a successful show, all the while working to balance their TV lives with their home lives. It’s a balance that works to keep the show varied and, above all else, to keep us interested.
30 Rock has broken Emmy records and truly made its mark as a surprise hit of US comedy. It’s glib, it’s clever, it’s knowing - but it always sits on just the right side of that line, and cannot fail to win you over.