NBC’s 30 Rock has officially begun its seventh and final season. The premiere episode aired last Thursday at 8 p.m., fittingly entitled, “The Beginning of the End.” The episode features TGS with Tracy Jordan returning from hiatus, and the staff—well, at least some of them—happy to be back at the studio.
Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) announces that she and boyfriend Criss are “trying” and Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) discusses NBC’s newest lineup, featuring new shows such as Hunchbacks, God Cop and informational hotel programming. With Hank Hooper, the CEO of Kabletown, retiring, Jack is hoping for this new bundle of programs to put him in the spotlight. Or is he?
Actress Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski) begins working on her “surprise wedding” plans, and asks Liz to be her Maid of Honor. Although Liz does not want to accept the position, she feels backed into a corner and accepts.
Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) is appalled when people at the studio begin asking him for advice. He instructs Liz that in order to get out of her Maid of Honor duties, she should “tank it.” Liz is resistant at first, but soon realizes someone else in her life is doing the exact same thing. And she needs to know why.
In the second episode, airing tonight, Liz will try spicing up her relationship with Criss, and according to nbc.com, Jack will be “torn between business and politics.” The seventh season is sure to be an interesting one, with reported cameos by Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte, Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, and Beetlejuice’s Catherine O’Hara. Maulik Pancholy has also returned as Jack’s obsessive assistant, Jonathan.
30 Rock premiered in 2008. It was created by Fey for NBC. Fey worked as a writer on Saturday Night Live, eventually becoming head writer and performer, known for her work on the “Weekend Update” sketch. On 30 Rock, she is the head writer for the live comedy series TGS. It appears that 30 Rock is based on what she experienced while working on SNL, as they are both described as live television sketch comedy shows.
With the show coming to an end, cast members have been described as “nostalgic,” specifically Baldwin. On Thursday, Baldwin tweeted, “I offered NBC to cut my pay 20% in order to have a full 7th and 8th seasons of 30 Rock. I realize times have changed.”
Since it’s premiere, 30 Rock has received nine Emmy nominations (three wins) and eight Golden Globe nominations (four wins).

By Taylor Zimmerman