Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip: The Complete Series (DVD, 2007)

I am that person... the one who falls in love with a type of skin cream just before they pull it off the market, the one addicted to foods no longer available at the corner store, the one who discovers an AMAZING series after it has been yanked from the roster. I found this series on Netflix and (hate to admit this part) watched the WHOLE thing in a day. This series is smart, funny, poignant, interesting and everything else broadcast television abhors. The characters are rich, memorable, and well-rounded. If you like Sorkin's work (West End, A Few Good Men) or Matthew Perry, or sketch comedy like Saturday Night Live, you MUST watch these 22 episodes (and then, like me, weep for the loss). If you don't like any of those things but enjoy smart wit and social commentary (that admittedly leans to the Left), you STILL must watch it.

The only folks who probably should avoid this series are deeply religious fundamentalists and rigidly Right Wing individuals of all varieties (unless they can laugh at their own foibles). There is a Christian character (based on Sorkin's real ex-girlfriend) who stands up for the other side but perhaps not enough to please individuals sensitive to these things. Just thought I should warn you lest you be offended or surprised.

Also, this is a dramedy, not a sit-com so much like life there is sadness interwoven with the laughs. Don't come here expecting Matthew Perry to reprise Chandler Bing. He is all grown up and riddled with short-comings and challenges. He is at once funny and melancholy.

This is the kind of TV we should all be demanding replace Reality Trash and Pop Dribble.

I remember waiting with anticipation for the first episode of Studio 60 when NBC was teasing for it. I wasn't disappointed when the first episode was finally broadcast. It was "appointment TV" for me from the first show on. I'm so glad I could get a copy of the whole series. This is engaging stuff with rich layers of stories that appeal to your intelligence with drama, comedic sensibility, irony and leaves me wanting more. Aaron Sorkin is responsible for "the West Wing" and "Sports Night" 2 more favorites of mine. The dialogue in all of these series is nothing short of brilliant.

This is another stroke of casting genius as well. This ensemble of actors are on top of their game and give the impression they love doing this show as much as I love watching it. And, with almost every episode you learn a new word and what it means. If you like intelligent writing by men and women who love words and rich stories, if you love great acting by great actors, If you like to be talked to as opposed to being talked DOWN to, YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS SERIES!
I couldn't be happier with it unless there were more episodes!

Aaron Sorkin, believes that "the people who watch television shows aren't dumber than the people who make television shows." This may hold true for some of the other crap that is shown on tv but not for Studio 60. It was too smart and didn't have enough mindless stupidity which lead to the viewers not watching and eventually the series being cancelled. While I do believe this series had some flaws and was not at the same level as The West Wing, this was a good series. I don't watch much tv anymore because the quality in general has gone down hill. The series I do watch I watch religiously. I'm glad I purchased this DVD boxset since it does have replay value. It is not only a smart but a funny series and after marathoning the series, I laughed, I cried and best of all my brain was firing. I like my tv to make me think. There are times that I do watch tv just for the mindless release, but primarily I enjoy tv that is a complete package and not just "fart jokes" over and over. This series had a lot of potential and I wish NBC had given it another year since there were so much left hanging and unresolved. NBC you use to be the king of quality tv but your peacock has lost most of it's feathers. If you haven't seen this series go see it but after you watch it you'll regret that you can't get anymore.

Studio 60 is an intelligent, thought provoking comedy series. Like most Alan Sorkin projects you need to pay attention! Listen! Think a little! The more your involved the more you get out of it and are entertained. Studio 60 gives us an insight into the corporate, personal and backstage happenings of a weekly "Saturday Night Live" style show. Great acting, great script, great topics and all combined into a mix that is fun and captivating! Love it! It's a crime that it didn't last longer.

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip began as one of the best comedy/dramas produced in the last few years. What Sports Night did for sports shows and The West Wing did for understanding the political process, this did for network television. Sadly if never was given a chance to find its audience. Had it, this would have run for a decade.