Is '30 Rock' A Legitimate Hit Or Is It Only On The Air Because Of NBC???

[Brian Damage]

Somebody told me that the ratings stink for '30 Rock' and the only reason it is still on the air is because of Lorne Michaels & Tina Fey and there connection with NBC. Are the ratings for this show that bad? How has it been doing in syndication???

[ryan423]

As far as I've seen via TVByTheNumbers, it isn't even in the top 20 syndicated programs! I'm sure it probably does well in certain markets, but not overall. And yes, I believe if it weren't for NBC's low expectations and Emmy wins, this show would've been cancelled long ago. Even if NBC had kept this show on the air with low-ish ratings and they were doing at least decently, it would've been cancelled after season four. If it bombs at 8pm like I expect it to, NBC needs to have the balls to finally pull the plug!

[Brian Damage]

Originally Posted by ryan423

As far as I've seen via TVByTheNumbers, it isn't even in the top 20 syndicated programs! I'm sure it probably does well in certain markets, but not overall. And yes, I believe if it weren't for NBC's low expectations and Emmy wins, this show would've been cancelled long ago. Even if NBC had kept this show on the air with low-ish ratings and they were doing at least decently, it would've been cancelled after season four. If it bombs at 8pm like I expect it to, NBC needs to have the balls to finally pull the plug!

I thought it might be interesting to see if 30 Rock gets a spike from the syndication, but if what you are saying is true, then you are probably right. Especially if Alec Baldwin leaves the show as he constantly says he is going to do.

[yankeesrj12]

Here is how 30 Rock rates compared to other comedies in syndication:

*These are HH numbers

Two and a Half Men - 6.5
The Big Bang Theory - 6.0 <--- season high
Family Guy - 4.0
How I Met Your Mother - 3.3
Seinfeld - 2.5
Friends - 2.4
Everybody Loves Raymond - 2.4
King of the Hill - 2.2
That 70's Show - 2.0 <--- season high
30 Rock - 1.4 <--- ties a season high
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - 1.2
'Til Death - 0.7


Obviously 30 Rock is not doing well, but it airs mostly in late-night fringe (its not given prime timeslots like The Big Bang Theory or Two and a Half Men). I predict 30 Rock to do anywhere between a 1.7-2.2 when it comes back in January in its new 8pm timeslot.

[70s show watcher]

i love the jow but it has only been around as long as it has because of nbc

[70s show watcher]

i meant to write i love the show

[EmoJoe]

All of the articles I've read said 30 Rock exceeded expectations in syndication. Considering it's mostly airing in late night spots and was never a high rated show to begin with I'd assume the networks didn't expect it to be pulling Two and a Half Men numbers.

Anyway, NBC's downturn played a big part in why it was able to make it to where it is, but obviously the show has other things going for it too to make it to six seasons. Otherwise My Name is Earl, Outsourced and Kath & Kim would still be on the air.