Today's Entertainment

Brainerd Dispatch • July 12 - 18, 2020 •20 By Kyla Brewer TV Media A fter months of dealing with social distancing and quaran- tines imposed as a result of a global pandemic, it's nice to see familiar faces. One network is bringing back some of its most be- loved characters to share news about its upcoming season, and fans couldn't be happier. Emmy winner Tina Fey ("Satur- day Night Live") reprises her role as Liz Lemon alongside some of her former co-stars in a stand- alone "30 Rock" special, premier- ing Thursday, July 16, on NBC. De- signed to promote the network's new and returning shows, the commercial-free, one-hour pro- gram will also feature appearanc- es by Alec Baldwin ("The Hunt for Red October," 1990) as Jack Donaghy, Jack McBrayer ("Late Night With Conan O'Brien") as Kenneth "the Page" Parcell, Tracy Morgan ("The Last O.G.") as Tracy Jordan, and Jane Krakowski ("Ally McBeal") as Jenna Maroney. Of course, due to COVID-19 re- strictions, the entire program had to be filmed remotely, presenting a unique challenge for the cast and crew. However, NBC recently pulled off a similar feat when the cast of "Parks and Recreation" — led by Fey's frequent collaborator Amy Poehler ("Sisters," 2015) — reunited to benefit Feeding Ameri- ca's COVID-19 response. Fey and her fellow "30 Rock" executive producer Robert Car- lock ("Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt") released a joint statement about the up- coming television event when it was announced in June. "We're all hap- py to have this excuse to (re- motely) work to- gether again for NBC," Fey and Carlock said. "To quote Kenneth the Page, there are only two things we love in this world: television and everyone." While specific details about the upcoming special are few and far between, it seems to be akin to traditional network fall preview specials that attempt to entice viewers with sneak peeks at what's ahead in the new TV sea- son. So-called "Upfront" events showcase the network's new slate by providing viewers with a glimpse of its highly anticipated comedies, dramas and more, as well as the talent who star in them. This year's NBC preview may look a little differ- ent than in past years, but it's just another way that television is adapting to the new normal. "Historically, this event is about the future of pro- gramming; this year, it's about the future of our industry — a future where we can meet audi- ences wherever they are with the stories that move them," NBC ex- ecutive Linda Yacca- rino explained. "As the old saying goes ... when life hands you Lemon, have her host the Up- front!" In addition to several "30 Rock" alum, the program will include ap- pearances by talent and personali- ties from across the NBC Universal group's portfolio as it highlights shows from NBC, Telemundo, USA Network, Syfy, E!, Bravo and more. It will blend together vid- eo, advertising and humor, ac- cording to NBC executive Josh Feldman. News of the "30 Rock" special caused a stir among televi- sion pundits and fans, who are all but starving for new material because of massive pro- duction shut- downs and delays worldwide. Many performers, crew members and writ- ers were sent home as the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic rose, throwing a proverbial mon- key wrench into shooting sched- ules across the industry. Fresh "30 Rock" content is partic- ularly exciting for the comedy's fans who will get to see the offbeat char- acters once again, albeit in a very dif- ferent setting. It's unknown whether any of the characters will be seen at 30 Rockefeller Center, NBC's New York home base and the setting of the original series, which premiered in 2006 and ran until 2013. Inspired by Fey's real-life experience writing for the iconic late-night comedy se- ries "Saturday Night Live," "30 Rock" centered around Liz Lemon, the head writer for a sketch comedy series who struggled to balance the needs of her temperamental cast and writers with the demands of her overbearing network executive Jack Donaghy. "30 Rock's" satirical look at the television industry from a true insid- er's perspective made it a hit with critics, even earning praise from Huffington Post's Chris Harnick, who ranked it among television's best comedies along with "I Love Lucy" and "Seinfeld." The show earned re- spectable ratings during its seven- season tenure at NBC as well as nu- merous industry accolades, including 16 Emmys and seven Golden Globes. It holds the record for most Emmy nominations for a comedy in a single season with 17 Emmy nods for its second season. It was also honored with a prestigious Peabody Award in 2007. It's no wonder that "30 Rock" fans remain loyal to this day. Some were probably hopeful that the new special may lead to more Liz Lemon in the fu- ture. However, there doesn't seem to be much hope of that at this point. There were rumors of a "30 Rock" reboot back in 2018, but Fey debunked them when she appeared on "The Tonight Show Star- ring Jimmy Fallon" in April of that year. Lemon aid Liz Lemon and friends tout NBC's new season in '30 Rock' special Feature Story this week Tina Fey stars in NBC's "30 Rock" special

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