Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 18, 2006
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 329 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 271 out of 329
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 329
  3. Negative: 40 out of 329
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User Reviews

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  1. April
    Oct 19, 2006
    9
    This show has so much going for it, I hope it stays around as long as West Wing (or longer).
  2. /:set\AI
    Oct 18, 2006
    9
    as many have said-not only is the show OBJECTIVELY excellent- just is quite difficult to understand why some don't like it- self-important?!? do you no get how the paradigm has shifted in this country and how shows like the Daily Show/Colbert/ SNL [when it chooses to] have become incredibly relevant and shaping forces in our culture? anyone under 40 gets their news and analysis from as many have said-not only is the show OBJECTIVELY excellent- just is quite difficult to understand why some don't like it- self-important?!? do you no get how the paradigm has shifted in this country and how shows like the Daily Show/Colbert/ SNL [when it chooses to] have become incredibly relevant and shaping forces in our culture? anyone under 40 gets their news and analysis from these shows- they now are the primary social force in America- it is CLEAR that the division of opinion about this show is right down party lines [just like the Daily Show]- blue states love the show and red states hate it- I… Expand
  3. sheep
    Oct 17, 2006
    10
    I think the show is brilliant
  4. John_K
    Oct 17, 2006
    10
    This show is the best thing on TV.
  5. DMor
    Oct 17, 2006
    1
    got stale rapidly from the second episode on.
  6. jj
    Oct 16, 2006
    3
    I couldn't be a bigger fan of The West Wing - I thought it was the best show ever written, acted and directed. Accordingly, I couldn't be a bigger fan Aaron Sorkin or Tommy Schlamme - and ditto that for many of the Studio 60 cast members, as well. That being my experience, I am extremely surprised to find the Studio 60 script so unfocused, with so little cohesive driving force I couldn't be a bigger fan of The West Wing - I thought it was the best show ever written, acted and directed. Accordingly, I couldn't be a bigger fan Aaron Sorkin or Tommy Schlamme - and ditto that for many of the Studio 60 cast members, as well. That being my experience, I am extremely surprised to find the Studio 60 script so unfocused, with so little cohesive driving force behind the plot. If "elevate the level of television programming" is to be the driving plotline - where is the example? If "Matt" and "Harriet" are the leading couple, and they've already played out the break-up phase, the reunion phase, the let's-be-professional phase, and the nostalgic phase... what's left? If Bradley Whitford's character is going to be aloof, wise-alecky and cool the whole time, he'll end up a less textured version of Josh Lyman. And if the show has set up "the writer" "the director" and "the leading lady" as brilliant, razor-sharp, and extraordinarily talented, then, where is the funny? Is it possible that Aaron Sorkin et al may have set themselves up? The slam-bang intro seemed to promise some seriously funny, envelope-pushing sketch comedy and a new era of t.v. programming. Besides the opening monologue/rant and the "re-worked' Gilbert & Sullivan, what's been clever, edgy, thought-provoking, or laugh-out-loud?… Expand
  7. MollyM
    Oct 16, 2006
    0
    Do the critics watch the same show that the rest of us do? I keep hoping I'm being too hard on the show, so I've given it several chances. But, did you see tonight's episode? Matt was talking to Martha and asked her why she was doing the article on the show, "You've covered wars, the white house.., why this show?" "What you're doing is important here, somebody Do the critics watch the same show that the rest of us do? I keep hoping I'm being too hard on the show, so I've given it several chances. But, did you see tonight's episode? Matt was talking to Martha and asked her why she was doing the article on the show, "You've covered wars, the white house.., why this show?" "What you're doing is important here, somebody needs to tell this story.." Or some crap kind of like that. What they're doing is "important"? How is that exactly? It is a comedy skit show! Who is Aaron Sorkin kidding? What an incredible sense of self-importance he must possess... This show just isn't that great, and acts like it is "all that". And that is usually a death knell for a show, but apparently all of the ignorant and easily fooled shallow folk who are watching the show are all as pretentious and self-deluding as Sorkin, because they keep watching and loving the show. That is the tragedy here, Sorkin, you are not saving the world with this show, you aren't making a statement that makes TV better, you are pandering to the very kinds of people that your show claims to be superior to. Keep falling for his pretentious illusion of a good show, Studio 60 fans, you're playing right into the marketing department's hands...… Expand
  8. MaryD
    Oct 16, 2006
    3
    I tried to like this show, I really tried. After 3 episodes I just couldn't take anymore. It's boring and self-important. I don't care about the characters, although I thought Matthew Perry has done a good job of acting. The Christian right is such an easy (and over-done) target. If they want to push a real envelope - why not take a shot at intolerent Muslims. You know, the I tried to like this show, I really tried. After 3 episodes I just couldn't take anymore. It's boring and self-important. I don't care about the characters, although I thought Matthew Perry has done a good job of acting. The Christian right is such an easy (and over-done) target. If they want to push a real envelope - why not take a shot at intolerent Muslims. You know, the one's calling for death to all infidels? Oh, not that brave? So much safer to mock Christians. In the end, though, I'm pulling the plug because this show is not dramatically interesting, nor funny.… Expand
  9. dcasey
    Oct 16, 2006
    10
    one of the best new shows this year, imo. And a great replacement for West Wing. I'm glad to see that the folks from that show are back with such a good vehicle.
  10. ChristinaA
    Oct 16, 2006
    10
    I love this show.
  11. Sean
    Oct 16, 2006
    10
    How can anyone not like this show?
  12. AMorris
    Oct 14, 2006
    2
    I was prepared to love this show. I looked forward to it more than I have to any show in a long time. By episode three, I found my attraction has turned to complete aversion. It's not that I don't 'get' the TV setting and in jokes. Being on the fringe of the business, I don't find them out of reach at all. For the most part it's that Sorkin has once again I was prepared to love this show. I looked forward to it more than I have to any show in a long time. By episode three, I found my attraction has turned to complete aversion. It's not that I don't 'get' the TV setting and in jokes. Being on the fringe of the business, I don't find them out of reach at all. For the most part it's that Sorkin has once again chosen TV as his pulpit. The sanctimonious attitude he shows towards anyone who may not share his political and moral beliefs is inexcusable. I can listen to people who disagree with me, I can appreciate other opinions, but to be incessantly pepperred with statements that imply I am stupid and ignorant for what I believe is not going to make me watch this show. It's just not good enough. Add to this some truly ridiculous conceits and the score I can give this drops even lower. Question. When was the last time Saturday Night Live was remotely intellectual, highbrow, intriguing, cutting edge, or even -funny-? I can't remember either. And yet here we are, presented with a show within a show that we are supposed to believe is all these things? I did -so- enjoy the scenes where the producers/writers/various others were discussing how the audience just didn't 'get' the skits. It was charming when Amanda Peet's character insulted the focus group, that really impressed me. Yes, Studio 60, a show based on SNL, is supposedly intellectual entertainment folks. Only smart, savvy people can understand it. Sorkin, you're such a blowhard. Your agenda is as greasy and obvious as a 16 year old pizza boy's oily face.… Expand
  13. Rob
    Oct 13, 2006
    2
    So I gave this more than a fair shot - what is it now, 4 or 5 weeks? But I'm cutting the line on this one. Never watched West Wing, but did like the American President and occassionally watched Sports Night (though when I did watch it it was ages ago and I think it went over my head). I do like the look of it and I congratulate Matthew Perry for stepping out and doing a great job So I gave this more than a fair shot - what is it now, 4 or 5 weeks? But I'm cutting the line on this one. Never watched West Wing, but did like the American President and occassionally watched Sports Night (though when I did watch it it was ages ago and I think it went over my head). I do like the look of it and I congratulate Matthew Perry for stepping out and doing a great job with a new character. If nothing else I hope this opens up a lot of doors to him. But: 1) It's a skit show - attemping to cram all the posturing and seriousness of government into a comedy show strains your credulity. 2) "Crazy Christians" - ok really, this is to Sorkin what...courage? Attacking a group who a) probably won't watch the show and b) won't really get upset (boycott? - do those even work anymore (ala Disney and the Southern Baptists)). How about courage to attack another religion in which protests result in actual violence (not saying he should but if his point is how "courageous" he is). It seems every episode is only a way for you to get to the "Christian Right" joke or issue. ("How high do my ratings need to stay up so I can go after the Right" - really that would be Peet's concern? - how about she'd be more concerned because her job might be over if she doesn't.) 3) Fast talk - the fact someone talks fast does not inherently mean what you are saying is well written. Not having watched WW I have to only conclude this is a a style of Sorkin's. If you actually pause to listen to what the characters are saying you realize the writing is quite bland, pretentious, and sometimes downright poor. 4) Out of Touch - Honestly this is the key issue this might work if Sorkin tried to actually attach his character's to real issues. This feels like someone "preaching to the choir" (an anology that I'm sure Sorkin wouldn't like) and thus undercuts the "cutting-edge" meliu that he is supposed to represent. Sadly it seems only South Park actually keeps up the ideas of being on the cutting edge and skewing everything from Jesus to Hybrid owners to Scientology. This feels like Sorkin is trying to reclaim some past glory by reveling in liberal pathos and some mystical past where people actually had to fear the religious right. That's the probelm at root - if your only issue to be "relevant" is a strawman - well you aren't the courageous/intelligent/hard-hitting/well-written show that you claim to be.… Expand
  14. ShellyM
    Oct 12, 2006
    9
    Love it - a little pretentious I admit; but Aaron Sorkin's writing is great, as it was on the West Wing.
  15. annas
    Oct 11, 2006
    0
    I would have rated this show 1 or 2, but went to zero because all the hype around the Sorkin return set me up for a big disappointment. This show is pretentious --and amateurish in a way I can't quite put my finger on. Are the critics in on a big joke by raving about the show? Hve they watched a special Critic's Version? I don't get the love or this show at. all. Worst show I would have rated this show 1 or 2, but went to zero because all the hype around the Sorkin return set me up for a big disappointment. This show is pretentious --and amateurish in a way I can't quite put my finger on. Are the critics in on a big joke by raving about the show? Hve they watched a special Critic's Version? I don't get the love or this show at. all. Worst show I've seen of the new season.… Expand
  16. BrianM
    Oct 11, 2006
    5
    I don't get it. The show is a TV show about a TV show. They give us nothing to relate to since iit to "insider" that most people don't understand or care about the show. The show is a SNL format (not new), the characters are not relatable. And the story line is the same. Crisis to write the show, personal melododrama (same thing over and over). I like the cast. The premise and I don't get it. The show is a TV show about a TV show. They give us nothing to relate to since iit to "insider" that most people don't understand or care about the show. The show is a SNL format (not new), the characters are not relatable. And the story line is the same. Crisis to write the show, personal melododrama (same thing over and over). I like the cast. The premise and writing sucks. It is West Wing Meets SNL. Both of which have outlived their cleverness. The only bright spot was Kristine Lahti in a tight dress.… Expand
  17. JohnH
    Oct 10, 2006
    10
    Best new program, clearly. I'm curious why NBC put it opposite CSI Miami, though. Hope NBC doesn't get skittish, they have nothing better.
  18. JK
    Oct 10, 2006
    10
    Eggscellent - I just hope it doesn't get cancelled!
  19. JLitten
    Oct 10, 2006
    9
    Aaron Sorkin makes a triumphant return to television!
  20. DonnaZ
    Oct 10, 2006
    10
    I'm extremely impressed with this show. The writing is rapid fire and smart, likewise for the performances. You care about the characters and the situations with which they deal. I've worked in broadcasting for 29 years (though not in sketch comedy) and I think Sorkin's nailed it. My favorite show of the season. NBC, this one needs to stick around. Wait until Emmy time, if I'm extremely impressed with this show. The writing is rapid fire and smart, likewise for the performances. You care about the characters and the situations with which they deal. I've worked in broadcasting for 29 years (though not in sketch comedy) and I think Sorkin's nailed it. My favorite show of the season. NBC, this one needs to stick around. Wait until Emmy time, if you don't believe me.… Expand
  21. MD
    Oct 9, 2006
    5
    Studio 60 is one of those shows that has an okay premise, but thinks it has an amazing one, and as a result takes itself way to seriously. It feels somewhat like they are trying to toot their own horn, if you will, like, look how talented and incredible we comedy folk are! As if they are saving the world with each script they write or something... (I like a good laugh as much as the next Studio 60 is one of those shows that has an okay premise, but thinks it has an amazing one, and as a result takes itself way to seriously. It feels somewhat like they are trying to toot their own horn, if you will, like, look how talented and incredible we comedy folk are! As if they are saving the world with each script they write or something... (I like a good laugh as much as the next person but, let's get real, the world would not end without this show...) Also, the writing is so slick and witty sometimes that it feels artificial, like some Neil Simon plays often come across. It is hard to connect and be engaged by artifice. The pilot itself discusses this phenomenom when Harriet asks Matt why this one joke didn't work. And he says something like it didn't work because, "you were asking for the laugh. The first time you just asked them to pass the salt." That what it feels like with this show sometimes--they are ASKING for the laugh, and not just being funny. And the result is a feeling of plastic humor, well-crafted but not alive. If the show could find some humility, reality, and humanity, you could turn their very legitimate talent into something worth watching more than a few minutes at a time.… Expand
  22. CodeC
    Oct 9, 2006
    10
    Outstanding show.
  23. richardd
    Oct 9, 2006
    10
    The smartest, best written show on tv. Bradley Whitford and Mathew Perry have terrific chemistry and each one shows deft comedic timing. Amanda Peet once again shows that she has the brains to go toe to toe with bigger stars. Tivo it and watch it twice! Like other Sorkin creations, you never get it all in just one viewing.
  24. PaulM
    Oct 8, 2006
    0
    This show hs two main problems: It's modeled after "The West Wing" and it's very preachy. The characters are filled with the self importance of a staff that's running the country, not one that's in charge of a comedy show. You would think that making weekly comedy skits would be a fun job, but all of the characters seem to be suffering from angst and anxiety. This show hs two main problems: It's modeled after "The West Wing" and it's very preachy. The characters are filled with the self importance of a staff that's running the country, not one that's in charge of a comedy show. You would think that making weekly comedy skits would be a fun job, but all of the characters seem to be suffering from angst and anxiety. They're fearful of repercussions from poking fun at the Bush Administration. Why? We live in an open society and the republicans are criticized nightly by Leno, Letterman, Stewart, and O"Brien. The gestapo hasn't knocked on any of their doors. And what's the obsession with Christians? The attempts to make them seem uptight and foolish is not very subtle. What will happen if you mock the evangelicals or the Pope? Maybe a nun will ring your doorbell and rap you on the knuckles with a ruler, but I doubt it. On the othetr hand, if you did a skit about Muslims......… Expand
  25. JanetK
    Oct 8, 2006
    10
    I love this show. I was a CSI:Miami fan but dropped them like a hot potato, after seeing "Studio 60"! I think that this is a tough time slot for any new show, that hasn't had time to establish a fan base, but I'm sure that anyone that watches "Studio 60" will be hooked!
  26. PattyS
    Oct 7, 2006
    9
    Fast, smart, witty, focused, gives the feeling of being there. I am truly hoping that this show remains on NBC's play list because Perry and Whtiford are a duo to be reckoned with.
  27. jimbobsunshine
    Oct 6, 2006
    10
    the bomb !
  28. MariaK
    Oct 6, 2006
    3
    Pretentious and ridiculously self-indulgent. Enough already.
  29. Marcia
    Oct 6, 2006
    10
    Liked this show better than any other new series this season. Surely hope that it makes it past the negative comments, which, I might add, are in the minority.
  30. BenB
    Oct 6, 2006
    10
    -Some of Sorkin's best work, S60 is clever, witty, dramtic and funny, often at the same time. It's also an ensemble of fantastic actors who have been given interesting characters to explore. I can't wait to see how things unravel... I hope this show is given a chance to find an audience!
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best TV Season of 2006
4
#4 Most Discussed TV Season of 2006
29
#29 Most Shared TV Season of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Barry Garron
    90
    There are more than a few well-made dramas this season, but "Studio 60" -- with its intelligent dialogue, ironic humor, brilliant acting and Schlamme's inspired direction -- lays claim to being the most exciting new show of the season.
    Read full review
  2. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: Gloria Goodale
    100
    Sorkin brings the same intensity and political sensibilities to the story.
    Read full review
  3. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Nancy DeWolf Smith
    60
    Here's hoping that the strong whiff of sanctimony in the pilot of "Studio 60" is blown away by fresh air in future episodes.
    Read full review
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