Anyone watcing Studio 60 tonight?

[Bill?]

It's got Chandler from Friends and the Guy who wasn't Rob Lowe from West Wing. Look great!

[Sy-Klone]

:wave:

[Patton]

I think I will. I've already seen it but I may watch it again.

[MIKE D]

I'm looking forward to it.

[Bill?]

I'm also pretty sure it's got that one guy from Wings in it.
the one that wasn't Monk or the voice of Superman.
8-)

[Brad N.]

It looks spectacular and I'll definitely be watching it.

[SteveZegers]

Is this exactly the same as what was on Netflix?

(I really liked that. This is going in the tivo for sure)

[DAVE]

Very much looking foward to it...gonna miss it tonight unfortunatly.

[Bervda]

I'm all over it. After watching the previews and whatnot for this episode, I'm much more excited for next week (when the plot hasn't been spoiled all to hell). Good times are ahead.

[Jef UK]

I'll check it out.

[Mikie]

Yep! Saw it online already (thanks to another poster...who I can't remember right off. Sorry about that) but I gotta support it.

[Ray G.]

Taping it. I'm much more excited about the return of How I Met Your Mother, though. I need my Barney fix.

[ImYrWoodbury]

Saw it online already, but i'm TiVoing it as well.

[Ben]

I'm tired of TV shows about TV shows. Or shows about Hollywood. Or about Los Angeles. Writers have taken that "write what you know" thing too far and just make shows and movies about their jobs.

[dougmac]

I'm also pretty sure it's got that one guy from Wings in it.
the one that wasn't Monk or the voice of Superman.
8-)
it also has the 2 girls from jack and jill who weren't Jamie Pressley

[Scott Chantler]

I'm tired of TV shows about TV shows. Or shows about Hollywood. Or about Los Angeles. Writers have taken that "write what you know" thing too far and just make shows and movies about their jobs.

The backstage history of Saturday Night Live is pretty fascinating, and should offer up lots of good stories, I think. Even fictionalized like this.

[Ben]

The backstage history of Saturday Night Live is pretty fascinating, and should offer up lots of good stories, I think. Even fictionalized like this.I guess that's what sets this one apart.

[Bill?]

it also has the 2 girls from jack and jill who weren't Jamie Pressley

oh really? it's hardley worth watching then.
but Jamie Pressley is in that show with those two guys from all those Kevin Smith movies that aren't Ben Affleck.

[MattJohnson]

I'm watching it with some of my college chums. Looking forward to it.

[McAfee]

Saw it already. And it was so good that I'll be watching again. 8)

[Brewtown Andy]

Is this exactly the same as what was on Netflix?

(I really liked that. This is going in the tivo for sure)Should be.

And it's already in the TiFaux, and I'll probably watch it again, so I can see it in HD.

[Joe Doesn't Care]

I have it on my Tivo season pass already. I saw the first episode on Youtube a couple weeks ago.

[Scott Chantler]

I wasn't bowled over by it like I was by THE WEST WING premiere back in the day, but it definitely shows a lot of promise. It would have to, to get me to watch something with Matthew Perry in it.

Speaking of Perry, did it look to anyone else like that guy's aged about twenty years since FRIENDS went off the air? That's what drugs will do to you, kids. He's only a couple of years older than I am, but he looks about 50!
Brad Whitford (who's 46) looks better than he does.

[THWIP!]

Saw it already but I can't wait to see it again.

[Flonk]

I don't watch TV.

But after watching the pilot online, I'm seriously considering breaking that rule.

[Parthuman]

Nope. Everybody's got other plans.

[J. Wilson]

I'll be watching it tonight.

Given the rave reviews it's been getting I'm hoping that it will live up to the hype.

[Kevinroc]

I haven't seen it yet but I plan on watching it tonight.

[Jordan K]

It was a good first episode, we got to see it early up here in Canada. I have never followed Sorkin with any regularity, but I did enjoy this show. The dialogue and characters were both interesting and crisp, and the pacing was excellent, especially the last twenty or so minutes.

[Mikie]

I wasn't bowled over by it like I was by THE WEST WING premiere back in the day, but it definitely shows a lot of promise. It would have to, to get me to watch something with Matthew Perry in it.

Matthew Perry is a better actor than people think he is. He's not the best, but he has some chops.

[Artie Pink]

Can't wait!!

[Brewtown Andy]

mmm.... HD Sorkin....

[greg donovan]

this is a great opening.

i would love to see someone say that for real.

[Raphael J]

mmm.... HD Sorkin....

...

Damn youse.

[Thudpucker]

That was a brilliant opening segment. Wow.

[Brad N.]

Gave me fucking goosebumps. This is brilliant TV.

[Brad N.]

36 Mafia, bitch!!! Gyeah!

[Ryan_ZOOM_Turner]

I am watching it again.

[Brewtown Andy]

BOO They cut the title sequence. I liked it.

[Nonnie]

We're about 20 minutes in and I already love this show.

Sorkin's fucking back!

[Dannñ B]

That was great.

[Thudpucker]

This is a fantastic setup and premiere, maybe one of the best I've seen. I'm completely hooked already.

[Brewtown Andy]

This is a fantastic setup and premiere, maybe one of the best I've seen. I'm completely hooked already.I don't mean to be the guy who says "I told you so," but I told you so.

[Raphael J]

I love Harriet Hayes. Such a great character.

[Brad N.]

Bra-fucking-vo! That's what TV should be. I'm glad I held back the urge to watch this before tonight.

[Thudpucker]

I don't mean to be the guy who says "I told you so," but I told you so.

To say that i would have had to doubt it. I did not. ;)

[augie680]

Icant say I've ever seen any/much of Sorkin's stuff (I've been ignorant, I know), but MAN did that just kick ass.

Well shot, well cast, some great lines, and just all around awesome.

I'll be tuning in regularly.

[Robert A.]

I liked it.

[Thudpucker]

I love how they established everything right off the bat. Exactly what the premise is, what the problems are, and who every character is and how they will be. The only characters they couldn't squeeze in were the Frank Burns characters (the two hack writers they are now stuck with). But that works better as a second episode confrontation.

That was brilliant. I'm shocked how much I like Matthew Perry too.

[Mark]

It was really good, but I could stand for them to tone down the Sorkyness.

[Fake Pat]

Bra-fucking-vo! That's what TV should be. I'm glad I held back the urge to watch this before tonight.

same here. that was pretty damn good.

[Jonny Z]

really good show. can't wait to see what's next

[Sy-Klone]

I'm mighty impressed. It's not as outstanding a showing as the first episodes of The West Wing or Sports Night, but it was very good. Fantastic cast, likeable characters, great premise, and the writing is brilliant.

This one is definitely gonna be a keeper. :thumb:

[InBendiswetrust]

It's got Chandler from Friends and the Guy who wasn't Rob Lowe from West Wing. Look great!


No No No, not the Guy who wasn't Rob Lowe from West Wing. You moron.


Eric, the bad bad man from Billy Madison!!!





P.S. I loved that Pilot.

[J. Wilson]

I love Harriet Hayes. Such a great character.


And you know who that is right? Actress Sarah Paulson. Better known to the Whedonites as the scientist who was raped to death and worse in Serenity. (The video playback on the dead planet)

[Robert A.]

I've never watched any of Aaron Sorkin's shows before, i guess i'm gonna add West Wing to my Netflix queue.

[Fake Pat]

I've never watched any of Aaron Sorkin's shows before, i guess i'm gonna add West Wing to my Netflix queue.

i don't know. this felt a lot different from the west wing.

this, i liked. i thought the west wing sucked.

[J. Wilson]

That was brilliant. I'm shocked how much I like Matthew Perry too.

I'm not shocked. If you saw his appearances on The West Wing, you'd know he had the chops to pull this type of performance.

Bradley Whitford is good, but honestly, it's too soon for him to be back on a TV series.

Think about it, he just finished up on The West Wing where he spent the last season in particular being the central character, and now he's back working on the same network, for the creator of The West Wing.

For a little while at least, he'll still be Josh.

So let's see who we've got from the Sorkin stable:

Matthew Perry (guested on The West Wing)
Bradley Whitford (series regular on The West Wing)
Timothy Busfield (recurring on The West Wing)
Felicity Huffman (series regular on Sports Night, guested on The West Wing)

Did I miss anyone else?

[Brewtown Andy]

And you know who that is right? Actress Sarah Paulson. Better known to the Whedonites as the scientist who was raped to death and worse in Serenity. (The video playback on the dead planet)And Miss Isringhausen from Deadwood.

[J. Wilson]

i don't know. this felt a lot different from the west wing.

this, i liked. i thought the west wing sucked.


You are so very delusional.

[J. Wilson]

Oh, and I thought the episode was pretty damn cool.

[Jef UK]

I liked it. Great cast and some interesting characters. I'm in.

[The Roman Candle]

Loved it. Got me a big fat Aaron Sorkin boner.

[skinnyrunaway]

And you know who that is right? Actress Sarah Paulson. Better known to the Whedonites as the scientist who was raped to death and worse in Serenity. (The video playback on the dead planet)

Oh my god that was bothering me all fucking night!

[J. Wilson]

Oh my god that was bothering me all fucking night!


You're welcome...:D

[greg donovan]

I'm mighty impressed. It's not as outstanding a showing as the first episodes of The West Wing or Sports Night, but it was very good. Fantastic cast, likeable characters, great premise, and the writing is brilliant.

This one is definitely gonna be a keeper. :thumb:

i love how quickly the dialogue comes at you in this. in that respect it is very similar to the west wing.

[Patton]

That was a brilliant opening segment. Wow.
yeah.

[Mister Mets]

That was excellent. I now want to see the first 4 years of The West Wing.

[Simps]

i love how quickly the dialogue comes at you in this.
Until Amanda Peet takes center screen.

[greg donovan]

Until Amanda Peet takes center screen.

i liked the chemistry she and perry had in the whole nine yards.

[THWIP!]

I can't wait till the next episode.

[Natty P]

It was really good, but I could stand for them to tone down the Sorkyness.


LOL @ sorkyness.


That was my biggest problem with the West Wing, the dialogue is too quick witted and snappy.

[David Aspmo]

i don't know. this felt a lot different from the west wing.

this, i liked. i thought the west wing sucked.
Which West Wing did you see? Aaron Sorkin's West Wing (Seasons 1-4, 1999-2003) or Not Aaron Sorkin's West Wing (Seasons 5-7, 2003-2006)?

Because Aaron Sorkin's West Wing feels real similar to this.

.
David Aspmo

[dougmac]

And you know who that is right? Actress Sarah Paulson. Better known to the Whedonites as the scientist who was raped to death and worse in Serenity. (The video playback on the dead planet)
her and Amanda Peete were on Jack and Jill with Jaimie Pressley back on the old days of the WB, and now all star for hit NBC shows (it's safe to already call Studio 60 a hit)

[Ben]

Sorry to say, I was bored out of my mind and I can't stand any of the characters. I'm glad you guys like it, but this is just not for me. I'm giving up and watching Super Nanny.

[d.j.]

I'm watching it 3 hours after everyone on the East Coast right now. First thing that struck me: Why doesn't Steven Weber have eyebrows?

I'm no good at analyzing things as I'm watching them. It's pretty entertaining.

[Ben]

(it's safe to already call Studio 60 a hit)Based on what???

[cmoney]

Been pimping this show to family and friends for at least a month, and of the ones I know for sure actually watched it, all enjoyed.

[Brad N.]

Based on what???

It was the # 1 show in the history of the universe (Graklar the Immortal from the planet Zardon 5 doesn't count) within 3 seconds of going on the air. Sheesh, Ben, I thought all the cool kids knew that.

But seriously, I think based on all the positive buzz the show's had plus a solid lead in from Deal I would say it's probably safe to say this will more than likely be the big hit of the season for NBC. At least that's what TV Guide tells me. Sorry you didn't like it man, I absolutely loved every minute of it.

[Freeway]

Goosebumps, baby. I'm definately locked in for the season based on the pilot alone.

[Brewtown Andy]

Sorry to say, I was bored out of my mind and I can't stand any of the characters. I'm glad you guys like it, but this is just not for me. I'm giving up and watching Super Nanny.I'm going to be forced to light you on fire.

Not for not liking S60, but for watching Super Nanny instead. :sick:

[Ben]

I'm going to be forced to light you on fire.

Not for not liking S60, but for watching Super Nanny instead. :sick:I LOVE the nanny shows. Seeing people not much older than me that have ruined their lives with 3-5 brats that are little over a year apart in age makes me feel better about myself. I watch them when I catch them.

[Brewtown Andy]

I LOVE the nanny shows. Seeing people not much older than me that have ruined their lives with 3-5 brats that are little over a year apart in age makes me feel better about myself. I watch them when I catch them.I can't knock that POV.

[John M. Coker (Johnny C.)]

Wow, what an amazing hour of television. That premiere was fucking magical. The best parts of West Wing, and the best parts of Sports Night, all rolled into one. Just might be one of my favorite hours of tv ever.

[Albert]

Sorry to say, I was bored out of my mind and I can't stand any of the characters. I'm glad you guys like it, but this is just not for me. I'm giving up and watching Super Nanny.

*Supernanny

[Ben]

*Supernanny You're going to the naughty chair (my lap)!

[Corwin: Bear Fighter]

I liked this a lot. Hopefully it lasts longer than Sportsnight did.

And I just realized while looking at his signature that I recognize Albert Ching. Crazy.

[J. Wilson]

Sorry to say, I was bored out of my mind and I can't stand any of the characters. I'm glad you guys like it, but this is just not for me. I'm giving up and watching Super Nanny.


I think that's just about the saddest statement I've ever read.

[RebootedCorpse]

I liked it a lot. EXCEPT for the piece of ass they have playing the new network executive. She is a crappy actor and is way out of her league. She stinks out like a sore thumb.
The rest of the show was smart and ballsy.

[JABSEN]

I liked it a lot. EXCEPT for the piece of ass they have playing the new network executive. She is a crappy actor and is way out of her league. She stinks out like a sore thumb.
The rest of the show was smart and ballsy.Agreed, her constant smile was annoying. I thought Mathew Perry was awesome.

[dougmac]

It was the # 1 show in the history of the universe (Graklar the Immortal from the planet Zardon 5 doesn't count) within 3 seconds of going on the air. Sheesh, Ben, I thought all the cool kids knew that.

But seriously, I think based on all the positive buzz the show's had plus a solid lead in from Deal I would say it's probably safe to say this will more than likely be the big hit of the season for NBC. At least that's what TV Guide tells me. Sorry you didn't like it man, I absolutely loved every minute of it.
pretty much those reasons. Not one critic has had a negative review either, and so people will watch it and like it because they were told to. Not everyone, of course, but a lot of the public are sheep. Plus it fills the Sorkin fans West Wing void.

[Bill?]

Although it felt a lot like a mashup of Sports Night and West Wing, it's an Excellent show. Needs a little work, but it has the potential to be better than West Wing (and better received).

[MIKE D]

Man, I liked this a lot. One of the most promising pilots I've seen in awhile.

[PoWerSurge]

Although it felt a lot like a mashup of Sports Night and West Wing, it's an Excellent show. Needs a little work, but it has the potential to be better than West Wing (and better received).

How can you say West Wing wasn't well recieved? It had 18 Emmy Nods it's first year resulting in 9 wins. That's about as well received as it gets.

It was the last few seasons that tarnished it in some people's eyes, though the last season redeemed it well. The early years were always recognized as real quality.

I think, so far, Studio 60 is my favorite show this season.

[Bill?]

How can you say West Wing wasn't well recieved? It had 18 Emmy Nods it's first year resulting in 9 wins. That's about as well received as it gets.

It was the last few seasons that tarnished it in some people's eyes, though the last season redeemed it well. The early years were always recognized as real quality.

I think, so far, Studio 60 is my favorite show this season.

I didn't say west wing wasn't recieved. it certainly was a critical darling (not counting the post-sorkin years). I just said this show might be better received by the tv audience. particularly because it doesn't have the political baggage that west wing had.

[PoWerSurge]

I didn't say west wing wasn't recieved. it certainly was a critical darling (not counting the post-sorkin years). I just said this show might be better received by the tv audience. particularly because it doesn't have the political baggage that west wing had.

It was just a surprising statement. Sorry I took it wrong, just don't remember West Wing ever being anything but successful. True, I believe ratings grew the first few seasons, but I believe that's true with the majority of tv shows as word of mouth grows.

I think that this show has just as much 'baggage', just a different kind. It's just as thick in production lingo as West Wing was political situations. My wife had l questions especially when the bonded insurance issue came up.

[Bill?]

It was just a surprising statement. Sorry I took it wrong, just don't remember West Wing ever being anything but successful. True, I believe ratings grew the first few seasons, but I believe that's true with the majority of tv shows as word of mouth grows.

I think that this show has just as much 'baggage', just a different kind. It's just as thick in production lingo as West Wing was political situations. My wife had l questions especially when the bonded insurance issue came up.

I think Doctor shows and CSI have proven people can be forgiving of lingo they don't understand in a show. what I mean is, some people often accused the West Wing of promoting a certain political bias (even refering to it as "The Left-Wing), and this show wouldn't be a hindered by that.

[Richard Pace]

this is a great opening.

i would love to see someone say that for real.

Well, Sorkin did -- he just used the character Judd Hirsch played as the way to say it.

. . .Or do you mean you'd love to see some largely unknown producer rant about how bad TV is while on live and commit career suicide?

Noy sure how real real needs to be in this case.

~Richard

[bpepple]

I liked it a lot. EXCEPT for the piece of ass they have playing the new network executive. She is a crappy actor and is way out of her league. She stinks out like a sore thumb. The rest of the show was smart and ballsy.
Yeah, that role seemed horribly miscast.

[Doug]

pretty much those reasons. Not one critic has had a negative review either, and so people will watch it and like it because they were told to. Not everyone, of course, but a lot of the public are sheep. Plus it fills the Sorkin fans West Wing void.

That didn't work for Arrested Development.

I enjoyed Studio 60 last night. I didn't think it was the best show ever (Amanda Peet annoyed me), but it was good and I'll be watching it every week.

The only scene that really wowed me was when Perry and Paulson met in the hallway. They had a really great scene together.

I also really bought Perry and Whitford as two people who've been friends for a long time.

[Richard Pace]

Yeah, that role seemed horribly miscast.
IIRC, she just announced she's preggers, so that'll probably cut down her involvement soon-ish.

However, her turn here didn't bother me much - -I git the feeling the charater was supposed to be having a hoot dealing with this before her job actually started.

I'd like to see a few more eps before calling her, or Weber, miscast.

~Richard

[Bill?]

Well, Sorkin did -- he just used the character Judd Hirsch played as the way to say it.

. . .Or do you mean you'd love to see some largely unknown producer rant about how bad TV is while on live and commit career suicide?

Noy sure how real real needs to be in this case.

~Richard

I think that rant was based on a similar one from the movie Network.
and maybe a little bit on a speech Edward R. Murrow gave 30 or so years ago. maybe.

[Richard Pace]

I think that rant was based on a similar one from the movie Network.
and maybe a little bit on a speech Edward R. Murrow gave 30 or so years ago. maybe.
Yeh -- they actually made a nice Chayefsky joke in the pilot, too.

With Good Night and Good Luck still fresh in memory, it's easy to make a connection between the Murrow dinner speach and Hirsch's monologue here, but I think Sorkin was really paying homage to Network.

~Richard

[McAfee]

That didn't work for Arrested Development.

I enjoyed Studio 60 last night. I didn't think it was the best show ever (Amanda Peet annoyed me), but it was good and I'll be watching it every week.

The only scene that really wowed me was when Perry and Paulson met in the hallway. They had a really great scene together.

I also really bought Perry and Whitford as two people who've been friends for a long time.

It's easier to sell a drama than a comedy. Especially one with a proven creative team like Studio 60.

[Steve Q]

I don't know, I was pretty underwhelmed by the pilot. Make no mistake, there is a great cast, and some good writing, but I didn;t really get a feel for any of the characters yet, and so far, no real subplots have been set up for future episodes.

I'll give it a couple more episodes, see where it goes.

[joeyart]

I thought it was a good introduction and now I'm ready to see the plot start moving forward...
Loved the dialogue and the feeling between Perry and Whitford...
This show should be good for a long time.

[Brendan]

I don't know, I was pretty underwhelmed by the pilot. Make no mistake, there is a great cast, and some good writing, but I didn;t really get a feel for any of the characters yet, and so far, no real subplots have been set up for future episodes.

I'll give it a couple more episodes, see where it goes.


Yep. I had the same reaction. Liked it but didn't love it.

Its biggest fault was a heavy case first episode-atis. I could tell that some of the actors didn't have a real feel for their characters yet. Some of the lines were really stiff. But all shows suffer from that. Haven't found one yet that didn't. So hopefully this will not be an issue within a few episodes.

The writing still had a few bum-bum-BUUUUM! moments, which is Sorkin's biggest fault as a writer. When he pulls it off, it's awesome. But no one managed to pull it off last night except for Judd Hirsch.

The cast:

Matt Perry did a surprisingly good job. I've never seen him in anything besides Friends and the few episodes of The West Wing that he did. He made me believe in this character. Good job.

Bradley Whitford. Too early to tell. It may have been simply that he hasn't had time to develop his character yet, but based on last night's episode I felt like he was just being Josh from The West Wing all over again.

Steven Weber. Awesome. I thought he was actually the best one in the show, but maybe that's becaue he was written as such an unapologetic bastard.

Judd Hirsch. Again, awesome. But I take it that he won't be a regular. Too bad.

Amanda Peet. My problem with her wasn't so much with her as the way her character was written. A very idealistic character --- but maybe a bit too unrealistically so. We'll see how this develops.

As far as the "cast" of the show, we'll see. Like 'em so far. The control room guy is good, too. I am having Sports Night flashbacks with all the control room banter though. But maybe that's a good thing.

[glk]

I thought everyone was great, especially Steven Webber, except Amanda Peet. She had horrible deliver for Aaron Sorkin dialogue, and lacked comedic timing for parts that should have been funny. I think she was miscast.

[Patton]

uh, no. It was on last night dumbass.

[joeyart]

I thought everyone was great, especially Steven Webber, except Amanda Peet. She had horrible deliver for Aaron Sorkin dialogue, and lacked comedic timing for parts that should have been funny. I think she was miscast.

yeah...she didn't strike me as great...but I'm hoping that was just the first episode...

[glk]

Agreed, her constant smile was annoying. I thought Mathew Perry was awesome.

Her smile was ABSOLUTELY wrong. It deflated any drama because nothing seemed to affect her, like the whole thing was a lark. I like that she came in and took charge, no holds barred, and had a plan. But instead of smile at the end of every scene, we should have seen some varying emotion: concern, fear, cycicism, confidence, anything! Her smile got really irritating, especially when the rest of the cast was unpredictable and colorful in their range of emotions underneath and above the surface (especially Judd Hirsch).

[The Human Target]

Missed this last night, but I know what happens in general from the promo trailers and stuff.

[Steve Q]

Yep. I had the same reaction. Liked it but didn't love it.

Its biggest fault was a heavy case first episode-atis. I could tell that some of the actors didn't have a real feel for their characters yet. Some of the lines were really stiff. But all shows suffer from that. Haven't found one yet that didn't. So hopefully this will not be an issue within a few episodes.

The writing still had a few bum-bum-BUUUUM! moments, which is Sorkin's biggest fault as a writer. When he pulls it off, it's awesome. But no one managed to pull it off last night except for Judd Hirsch.

The cast:

Matt Perry did a surprisingly good job. I've never seen him in anything besides Friends and the few episodes of The West Wing that he did. He made me believe in this character. Good job.

Bradley Whitford. Too early to tell. It may have been simply that he hasn't had time to develop his character yet, but based on last night's episode I felt like he was just being Josh from The West Wing all over again.

Steven Weber. Awesome. I thought he was actually the best one in the show, but maybe that's becaue he was written as such an unapologetic bastard.

Judd Hirsch. Again, awesome. But I take it that he won't be a regular. Too bad.

Amanda Peet. My problem with her wasn't so much with her as the way her character was written. A very idealistic character --- but maybe a bit too unrealistically so. We'll see how this develops.

As far as the "cast" of the show, we'll see. Like 'em so far. The control room guy is good, too. I am having Sports Night flashbacks with all the control room banter though. But maybe that's a good thing.

You hit on most of the problems I have but there is also this feeling of "who cares?"

I mean, yes, Bradley's character cant direct b/c of the insurance thingie, but Perry's character can still write. And why do I need Studio 60 to go on?

Plus, them just walking in and deciding in two secodns to take over was a bit rushed for my taste.

With all that out of the way, I'll see how future episodes go, before making a full decision.

[Brendan]

You hit on most of the problems I have but there is also this feeling of "who cares?"

I mean, yes, Bradley's character cant direct b/c of the insurance thingie, but Perry's character can still write. And why do I need Studio 60 to go on?


Yep. It's kinda hard for me to sympathize with a bunch of very rich narcisists. Still, I love Sorkin's track record. He's got me for at least a few more episodes, and I have high hopes. He definitely knows how to write drama.

[Steve Q]

Yep. It's kinda hard for me to sympathize with a bunch of very rich narcisists. Still, I love Sorkin's track record. He's got me for at least a few more episodes, and I have high hopes. He definitely knows how to write drama.

you think the general public will catch on to this show? or will this be another Sportnight?

[glk]

Yep. It's kinda hard for me to sympathize with a bunch of very rich narcisists.

That's such a gross and tired generalization. The show is about flawed people who use their overconfidence to hide their weaknesses.

[chamber715]

I mean, yes, Bradley's character cant direct b/c of the insurance thingie, but Perry's character can still write. And why do I need Studio 60 to go on?

Plus, them just walking in and deciding in two secodns to take over was a bit rushed for my taste.

See, I fully understand why the pair would take over Studio 60 in a heartbeat. It has a lot to do with the working relationship between the two characters.

I'm a writer and I've got the same kind of relationship with my artist. If either one of us were in Danny's situation in the pilot, the other would absolutely make the choice that Matt did.

[Albert]

And I just realized while looking at his signature that I recognize Albert Ching. Crazy.

But I've never even been to Cobra-La.

[Skatonic10]

Her smile was ABSOLUTELY wrong. It deflated any drama because nothing seemed to affect her, like the whole thing was a lark. I like that she came in and took charge, no holds barred, and had a plan. But instead of smile at the end of every scene, we should have seen some varying emotion: concern, fear, cycicism, confidence, anything! Her smile got really irritating, especially when the rest of the cast was unpredictable and colorful in their range of emotions underneath and above the surface (especially Judd Hirsch).


I didn't find her smile that annoying. In fact, I hardly thought she was smiling most of the time. Besides, look at who this character is: she's a woman who has come into a high level of power. Lots of people are automatically going to hate her for no good reason. So why not smile? It will put people off. Plus, in the situation she is in, it will show a bit of confidence in the midst of this trainwreck.

Now, if she has a wide toothy grin at the end of all of her scenes for the rest of the show, that will be a little annoying

[Ben Rosen]

So far, so good.

[PoWerSurge]

Her smile was ABSOLUTELY wrong. It deflated any drama because nothing seemed to affect her, like the whole thing was a lark. I like that she came in and took charge, no holds barred, and had a plan. But instead of smile at the end of every scene, we should have seen some varying emotion: concern, fear, cycicism, confidence, anything! Her smile got really irritating, especially when the rest of the cast was unpredictable and colorful in their range of emotions underneath and above the surface (especially Judd Hirsch).

See, I found her smile interesting. I read it as kind the confidence that she knew enough about what she was doing and the type of people she worked with that she knew it was all going to work out, even though she was confronted with what seemed like a set back at the time.

[Jim T.]

I forgot this was on and ran to my VCR at 10:05 so I missed the first 5 minutes - saw Judd Hirsch speaking and then it went to the Studio 60 logo. Did I miss anything I need to know when I get around to watching this tonight?

[PoWerSurge]

Hirsh has a nervous breakdown in the middle of the opening sketch due to the funniest sketch of the night being restricted by the censors. Knowing he's at the end of his career and hating the fact the water down comedy is the legacy he might leave, he breaks down and sends the actors off the stage and goes into a tirade about everything wrong with tv.

I forgot this was on and ran to my VCR at 10:05 so I missed the first 5 minutes - saw Judd Hirsch speaking and then it went to the Studio 60 logo. Did I miss anything I need to know when I get around to watching this tonight?

[Jim T.]

Hirsh has a nervous breakdown in the middle of the opening sketch due to the funniest sketch of the night being restricted by the censors. Knowing he's at the end of his career and hating the fact the water down comedy is the legacy he might leave, he breaks down and sends the actors off the stage and goes into a tirade about everything wrong with tv.

Well, shit - that's good to know!! Thanks a lot!

[Greenville 90210]

Missed this last night, but I know what happens in general from the promo trailers and stuff.

The pilot is up everywhere to download.

[Generic Poster]

See, I found her smile interesting. I read it as kind the confidence that she knew enough about what she was doing and the type of people she worked with that she knew it was all going to work out, even though she was confronted with what seemed like a set back at the time.

Ditto. I though Peet did an excellent job.

[The Roman Candle]

The pilot is up everywhere to download.

LEGALLY, even! Do you have iTunes, Ben2?

[Raphael J]

LEGALLY, even! Do you have iTunes, Ben2?

...

You're calling people Ben2?

Excuse me, but you don't get to do that. That's my schtick.

[TheTravis!]

I loved this show more than I thought possible. The timing, the dialogue, the emotion of it, ALL the good stuff I have come to expect from Sorkin.

[Randy Hassan]

Are there any overnight ratings released for this?

[J. Wilson]

Are there any overnight ratings released for this?

Do a search on Google or Yahoo.

I think it did about 13 million viewers. It lost out to CSI: Miami.

[Brendan]

you think the general public will catch on to this show? or will this be another Sportnight?

I hope so. Given the cast and promotion behind it, I think it has a good chance.

I'm afraid Tina Fey's show is doomed though.

[bartleby]

Are there any overnight ratings released for this?

households: 8.7/14, #5; adults 18-49: 5.0, #T3

[Brendan]

That's such a gross and tired generalization. The show is about flawed people who use their overconfidence to hide their weaknesses.

Sure. But when those people are running the White House or saving the world or fighting monsters, it can help to establish sympathy for the characters. If we care what they care about, we hurt when they hurt. If the character's primary concern is that he won't get to direct a movie or if he'll have to choose between vacationing in Bermuda or Cabo, it's kinda hard for me to care.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy Sorkin's writing, and I'm enthusiastically onboard for at least a few more episodes. But Sorkin is going to have to give me more to care about than whether or not a bunch of rich Hollywoodites keep their jobs.

[The Roman Candle]

...

You're calling people Ben2?

Excuse me, but you don't get to do that. That's my schtick.

Well I can't call him "Ben." That's me.

[The Roman Candle]

households: 8.7/14, #5; adults 18-49: 5.0, #T3

Is that... good?

[MattJohnson]

Sure. But when those people are running the White House or saving the world or fighting monsters, it can help to establish sympathy for the characters. If we care what they care about, we hurt when they hurt. If the character's primary concern is that he won't get to direct a movie or if he'll have to choose between vacationing in Bermuda or Cabo, it's kinda hard for me to care.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy Sorkin's writing, and I'm enthusiastically onboard for at least a few more episodes. But Sorkin is going to have to give me more to care about than whether or not a bunch of rich Hollywoodites keep their jobs.

I don't understand... that's what the show is about. If you don't buy the conceit, why bother watching it at all?

[bartleby]

Is that... good?


It's all right, but it should be better. The most troubling figure is that it dropped fairly significantly from the first half hour to the second.

[Brendan]

I don't understand... that's what the show is about. If you don't buy the conceit, why bother watching it at all?

'Cause Aaron Sorkin is one of the best writers on TV.

When one of his characters was championing free speech and the death of art in TV, he had me.

When the characters were worrying about making their movie, I kept wanting Judd Hirsch back.

Look at Sports Night though. I never watch ESPN and am not a big sports fan, but I loved Sports Night. Why? Because it wasn't about sports. It was about the character's relationships, their ex-wives and kids, fightin' the Man, etc. That I can get into.

Again: I trust Sorkin to hook me on Studio 60. But he hasn't done it yet.

[bartleby]

When one of his characters was championing free speech and the death of art in TV, he had me.

When the characters were worrying about making their movie, I kept wanting Judd Hirsch back.


Maybe you just don't understand what it means to be an artist then. I never got the sense that this movie was something that Matt and Danny were doing for the money. It struck me as a pretty personal project and something that Matt wasn't willing to do without Danny by his side -- even if he could have his pick of Hollywood's most celebrated directors.

[Brendan]

Maybe you just don't understand what it means to be an artist then.

I'm a writer, dude. :-?


I never got the sense that this movie was something that Matt and Danny were doing for the movie. It struck me as a pretty personal project and something that Matt wasn't willing to do without Danny by his side -- even if he could have his pick of Hollywood's most celebrated directors.

Good point. I didn't get that, but maybe I will upon second viewing.

[Gregory]

Again: I trust Sorkin to hook me on Studio 60. But he hasn't done it yet.

It's worth noting how drastically West Wing changed between the first and second seasons. It shifted from a light, romantic comedy to a dark (literally) political drama with some light moments. And SportsNight needed a few episodes to get its feet. Studio 60 probably needs the same amount of time, although it's already got me hooked. And it looks like it cost a gabillion dollars.

[Scott Chantler]

It's worth noting how drastically West Wing changed between the first and second seasons.

THE WEST WING didn't change from between the first season and the second. The first season had more than its share of heavy stuff ("A Proportional Response" and "Take This Sabbath Day" being just two good examples,) and the second season has plenty of humour. Neither could be accurately described as "romantic comedy" (the show generally avoided the characters' personal lives unless it was to demonstrate how hard it was for people in government to maintain them,) nor was politics ever more than just the setting for character pieces.

When the show *did* change was between its second and third season. Thanks to 9/11, the show became much more politically reactionary and serious.

[Brewtown Andy]

Look at Sports Night though. I never watch ESPN and am not a big sports fan, but I loved Sports Night. Why? Because it wasn't about sports. It was about the character's relationships, their ex-wives and kids, fightin' the Man, etc. That I can get into.Or, as the Comedy Central promos put it, "It's a show about a show about sports that's not really about sports at all."

[Gregory]

Neither could be accurately described as "romantic comedy" (the show generally avoided the characters' personal lives unless it was to demonstrate how hard it was for people in government to maintain them,) nor was politics ever more than just the setting for character pieces.

Josh/Mandy and Sam/Mallory/Laurie were all over the first season. I think CJ and Danny started up then too. It was practically a soap opera.

[Brewtown Andy]

Josh/Mandy and Sam/Mallory/Laurie were all over the first season. I think CJ and Danny started up then too. It was practically a soap opera.Don't forget about the Josh/Donna undercurrent.

[Gregory]

Don't forget about the Josh/Donna undercurrent.

That seemed to emerge once they shafted Mandy, if I remember right.

[Scott Chantler]

Josh/Mandy and Sam/Mallory/Laurie were all over the first season. I think CJ and Danny started up then too. It was practically a soap opera.

I'll give you Josh/Mandy...that was clearly a misstep, and Sorkin covered his tracks on it as quickly and as best he could. Mandy all but disappears by mid-season.

But the Sam/Laurie, Sam/Mallory, and CJ/Danny relationships (not to mention Leo and his wife) exist only to further the theme of the show, which (at least while Sorkin was writing it) was about the conflict between the characters and their offices, the personal complications which arise from public service. The second season uses Josh/Joey and Josh/Donna (and a brief reprieve of Sam/Mallory) in a similar manner, so I don't see how it's significantly different.

[BrianS]

Watched it last night...WOW. I was not impressed when it first started, but man did it get good quick.

[Parthuman]

:blah:

Totally missed it, totally skipped comments on this thread, but totally convinced with no evidence to back it up whatsoever that it sucked donkey nuts. IMHO.

[LordKinbote]

I actually have a cousin writing for this show.

This is the only reason my dad watched the show. He asked what I thought of it; I said I enjoyed it. He said he didn't like it at all.

Half an hour later, at dinner, he said "So what's the premise of the show?"

I asked "What do you mean, 'what is the premise'? You said you watched it."

"Well, I fell asleep five minutes in."

Sometimes, I like to pretend I'm not related to these people.

[Zeppe]

I liked it. Quite a bit actually. That having never been a West Wing guy or having ever seen Sports Night.

It was a pretty good intro show. Nicely set up. The main characters were framed nicely IMO and it will be interesting to watch how it goes.