‘Studio 60’: Work never looked so fun
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip – NBC, Monday, 10 ET/PT
* * * * (out of four)
By Robert Bianco, USA TODAY
Sometimes, where you’re going is less important than who’s taking you there.
So it doesn’t matter if you have only limited interest in what goes on behind the scenes at a TV show. What matters with Studio 60 is that it stars Matthew Perry, Bradley Whitford and Amanda Peet; it’s directed by Thomas Schlamme; and it’s written by Aaron Sorkin. And they’re all at the top of their games.
Teeming with rich characters and terrific actors, brimming with wit, drama and unexpected urgency, Studio 60 brings its workplace to full, immensely entertaining life. But then, what else would you expect from the team that gave us Sports Night and The West Wing?
Their latest series is set at an SNL-type sketch show (though you may well feel you’re actually backstage at Wing). Already in decline, the fictional Studio 60 is pushed over the edge by the live Network-like rant of the show’s founder (Judd Hirsch).
In rushes the new president of “NBS” entertainment, Jordan McDeere (Peet), who was brought in by network head Jack Rudolph (Steven Weber) to right the ratings ship. Her idea: Bring back the brilliant writer/director team Jack forced out, Matt Albie (Perry) and Danny Tripp (Whitford).
Almost instantly, the news that Matt and Danny might return leaks to the show’s director (Timothy Busfield) and its three stars: Simon (D.L. Hughley), Tommy (Nathan Corddry) and Matt’s ex-girlfriend Harriet (Sarah Paulson). Their reactions are mixed, for reasons that become clearer next Monday.
As is usual with Sorkin, information about these characters and their relationships is parceled out in fits and starts so that we discover things piecemeal, as we might in real life. And, as usual, the lines sparkle even when the writer indulges his fondness for big set speeches.
There are times when Studio 60 is a little too self-important and self-referential. (It’s impossible not to read Sorkin into Perry’s character.) But while it is interested in the issues that are faced and stirred up by TV, it is definitely not a show about show business. This is a beautifully acted drama about the conflicts, pressures and joys that arise when people come together at work. In short, it’s about life.
Who can’t identify with that?
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