Studio 60 on the sunset strip

To say that Studio 60 on the sunset strip had cancelled written allover it from the opening of the first episode is an understatement. although this sounds like a criticism its one of the most endearing things about this smart show that takes so many swipes at the state of TV in the states its hard to see how this show got green lit in the first place. Episode one opens with the legendary Judd Hirsch (of taxi fame) about to get fired as he takes over his own show (studio 60 which is very similar to US shows like SNL) and gives an amazing diatribe to his live audience about the state of TV in America. This is a perfect way to set you up for this funny, clever "dramedy" from the creators of the west wing.

Although if its big laughs your looking for in a show like this 30 Rock will probably be more up your street, which is another show i love and am sure will get its own review some day. Despite this fact the writing on this show really shines and under its inspired casting of main and guest stars is really brought to life with sharp and biting wit. Matthew Perry and Amanda Peet for me both give astounding performances as a dry witty, writer and a strong, intelligent producer for the fictional comedy show respectively. It is a shame then that this show received few awards and its only Emmy win was for best guest star (John Goodman who to be fair was excellent as the hard southern judge Robert Bebe) and not for its writing or its main stars and never will due to it being cancelled before its time.

So basically this is yet another example of US TV networks cancelling shows that have real promise.