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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox television season
{{Infobox television season
| season_number = 3
| season_number = 3
| bgcolour = #0257AC
| bgcolour = #0257AC
| image = 30 Rock Season Three DVD Cover.jpg
| image = 30 Rock Season Three DVD Cover.jpg
| image_alt = Two men in suits, a black man in a yellow jacket, a blond woman in green, and a brunette woman in black with glasses on a box labeled "30 ROCK SEASON 3"
| image_alt = Two men in suits, a black man in a yellow jacket, a blond woman in green, and a brunette woman in black with glasses on a box labeled "30 ROCK SEASON 3"
| caption = DVD cover
| caption = DVD cover
| starring = {{Plainlist|
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[Tina Fey]]
* [[Tina Fey]]
* [[Tracy Morgan]]
* [[Tracy Morgan]]
Line 20: Line 21:
* [[Lonny Ross]]
* [[Lonny Ross]]
}}
}}
| num_episodes = 22
| country = United States
| num_episodes = 22
| network = [[NBC]]
| first_aired = {{start date|2008|10|30}}
| network = [[NBC]]
| first_aired = {{start date|2008|10|30}}
| last_aired = {{end date|2009|5|14}}
| episode_list = List of 30 Rock episodes
| last_aired = {{end date|2009|5|14}}
| episode_list = List of 30 Rock episodes
}}
}}


The third season of ''[[30 Rock]]'', an American [[television comedy]] series, consists of 22 episodes and began airing on October 30, 2008 on the [[NBC]] network in the United States.<ref name="season3_1">{{cite news |first=Kristin |last=Dos Santos |author-link=Kristin Dos Santos |title=Breaking: ''30 Rock'' Picked Up! |url=http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b13355_breaking_30_rock_picked_up.html|publisher=[[E! Online]] |date=April 2, 2008 |access-date=August 19, 2008}}</ref><ref name="begin">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/a96837/nbc-sets-2008-09-premiere-dates.html |title=NBC sets 2008–09 premiere dates |access-date=August 20, 2008 |last=West |first=Dave |date=May 28, 2008 |website=[[Digital Spy]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080802103031/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/a96837/nbc-sets-2008-09-premiere-dates.html| archive-date= 2 August 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The season was produced by [[Broadway Video]], [[Little Stranger (film company)|Little Stranger]], and [[NBC Universal]]; the executive producers were series creator [[Tina Fey]], [[Lorne Michaels]], [[Marci Klein]], [[David Miner (television producer)|David Miner]], and [[Robert Carlock]].
The third season of ''[[30 Rock]]'', an American [[television comedy]] series, consists of 22 episodes and began airing on October 30, 2008, on the [[NBC]] network in the United States.<ref name="season3_1">{{cite news |first=Kristin |last=Dos Santos |author-link=Kristin Dos Santos |title=Breaking: ''30 Rock'' Picked Up! |url=http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b13355_breaking_30_rock_picked_up.html |publisher=[[E! Online]] |date=April 2, 2008 |access-date=August 19, 2008 |archive-date=April 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418053247/http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b13355_breaking_30_rock_picked_up.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="begin">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/a96837/nbc-sets-2008-09-premiere-dates.html |title=NBC sets 2008–09 premiere dates |access-date=August 20, 2008 |last=West |first=Dave |date=May 28, 2008 |website=[[Digital Spy]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080802103031/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/a96837/nbc-sets-2008-09-premiere-dates.html| archive-date= August 2, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The season was produced by [[Broadway Video]], [[Little Stranger (film company)|Little Stranger]], and [[NBC Universal]]; the executive producers were series creator [[Tina Fey]], [[Lorne Michaels]], [[Marci Klein]], [[David Miner (television producer)|David Miner]], and [[Robert Carlock]].


In this season, Liz focuses heavily on her personal life, trying to adopt a child and find a new romantic partner. Meanwhile, [[Jack Donaghy]] pursues a new relationship, [[Jenna Maroney]] undertakes a new [[Janis Joplin]]-based film project, and [[Tracy Jordan]] enjoys the success of his video game developed at the end of the previous season.
In this season, Liz focuses heavily on her personal life, trying to adopt a child and find a new romantic partner. Meanwhile, [[Jack Donaghy]] pursues a new relationship, [[Jenna Maroney]] undertakes a new [[Janis Joplin]]-based film project, and [[Tracy Jordan]] enjoys the success of his video game developed at the end of the previous season.


The third season aired under NBC's promotional banner "[[Must See TV#Decline|Comedy Night Done Right]]" on Thursdays at 9:30&nbsp;p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern Time]].<ref name="timeslot_1">{{cite press release |title=NBC's Returning Drama ''Life'' Gets Four Hours Of Primetime Originals In Two Weeks On September 29, October 3, 6 And 10 And New Drama ''My Own Worst Enemy'' Premieres October 13 For A Run Of Originals In Fall |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=July 21, 2008 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20080721nbc02 |access-date=August 19, 2008 |quote=In Other Changes, New Comedy ''[[Kath & Kim (U.S. TV series)|Kath & Kim]]'' (now 8:30–9 p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|ET]]) Switches Time Periods with ''[[30 Rock]]'' (Now 9:30–10 p.m. ET) on Thursdays.}}</ref><ref name="cndr">{{cite news |first=Jon |last=Hein |title=Is Comedy Night Being Done Right? |url=http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Hein-Sight/Comedy-Night-Right/800038049 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529141908/http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Hein-Sight/Comedy-Night-Right/800038049|archive-date=May 29, 2008 |work= [[TV Guide]]|date=April 22, 2008 |access-date=July 30, 2008}}</ref> The season was critically acclaimed and received 22 [[Emmy Award]] nominations, the most for a single show in 2009.<ref name="09emmynoms">{{cite press release |title=61st Primetime Emmy Award Nominations|publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]|date=September 20, 2009 |url=http://cdn.emmys.tv/downloads/2009/61stemmys_noms.pdf |access-date=September 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806092641/http://cdn.emmys.tv/downloads/2009/61stemmys_noms.pdf |archive-date=2009-08-06}}</ref> The nominations broke ''30 Rock''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s own record (17) for the most nominated comedy in a single [[Primetime Emmy Award]] ceremony.<ref name="09nbcsemmy">{{cite press release |title=Emmy Awards: Top-nominated Broadcast Network |publisher=[[NBC]] |date=July 16, 2009 |url=http://www.nbc.com/news/2009/07/16/emmy-awards-nbc-top-nominated-broadcast-network/ |access-date=September 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719101925/http://www.nbc.com/news/2009/07/16/emmy-awards-nbc-top-nominated-broadcast-network |archive-date=2009-07-19}}</ref> The season was released on DVD as a three-disc boxed set under the title ''30 Rock: Season 3'' on September 22, 2009, by [[Universal Studios]].<ref name="dvddate">{{cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |title=''30 Rock'' - 3rd Season of the Tina Fey/Alec Baldwin Show is Officially Announced |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/30-Rock-Season-3/12112 |date=June 16, 2009 |publisher=[[TVShowsOnDVD.com]] |access-date=September 17, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925095217/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/30-Rock-Season-3/12112 |archive-date=September 25, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="amazondvd">{{ASIN|B0024FAD9M|title=Amazon.com: 30 Rock - Season Three}}</ref>
The third season aired under NBC's promotional banner "[[Must See TV#Decline|Comedy Night Done Right]]" on Thursdays at 9:30&nbsp;p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern Time]].<ref name="timeslot_1">{{cite press release |title=NBC's Returning Drama ''Life'' Gets Four Hours Of Primetime Originals In Two Weeks On September 29, October 3, 6 And 10 And New Drama ''My Own Worst Enemy'' Premieres October 13 For A Run Of Originals In Fall |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=July 21, 2008 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20080721nbc02 |access-date=August 19, 2008 |quote=In Other Changes, New Comedy ''[[Kath & Kim (American TV series)|Kath & Kim]]'' (now 8:30–9 p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|ET]]) Switches Time Periods with ''[[30 Rock]]'' (Now 9:30–10 p.m. ET) on Thursdays.}}</ref><ref name="cndr">{{cite news |first=Jon |last=Hein |title=Is Comedy Night Being Done Right? |url=http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Hein-Sight/Comedy-Night-Right/800038049 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529141908/http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Hein-Sight/Comedy-Night-Right/800038049|archive-date=May 29, 2008 |work= [[TV Guide]]|date=April 22, 2008 |access-date=July 30, 2008}}</ref> The season was critically acclaimed and received 22 [[Emmy Award]] nominations, the most for a single show in 2009.<ref name="09emmynoms">{{cite press release |title=61st Primetime Emmy Award Nominations|publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]|date=September 20, 2009 |url=http://cdn.emmys.tv/downloads/2009/61stemmys_noms.pdf |access-date=September 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806092641/http://cdn.emmys.tv/downloads/2009/61stemmys_noms.pdf |archive-date=August 6, 2009}}</ref> The nominations broke ''30 Rock''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s own record (17) for the most nominated comedy in a single [[Primetime Emmy Award]] ceremony.<ref name="09nbcsemmy">{{cite press release |title=Emmy Awards: Top-nominated Broadcast Network |publisher=[[NBC]] |date=July 16, 2009 |url=http://www.nbc.com/news/2009/07/16/emmy-awards-nbc-top-nominated-broadcast-network/ |access-date=September 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719101925/http://www.nbc.com/news/2009/07/16/emmy-awards-nbc-top-nominated-broadcast-network |archive-date=July 19, 2009}}</ref> The season was released on DVD as a three-disc boxed set under the title ''30 Rock: Season 3'' on September 22, 2009, by [[Universal Pictures|Universal Studios]].<ref name="dvddate">{{cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |title=''30 Rock'' - 3rd Season of the Tina Fey/Alec Baldwin Show is Officially Announced |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/30-Rock-Season-3/12112 |date=June 16, 2009 |publisher=[[TVShowsOnDVD.com]] |access-date=September 17, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925095217/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/30-Rock-Season-3/12112 |archive-date=September 25, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="amazondvd">{{ASIN|B0024FAD9M|title=Amazon.com: 30 Rock - Season Three}}</ref>


==Synopsis==
==Synopsis==
Season 3 continues from the epilogue of the Season 2 finale, [[Cooter (30 Rock)|Cooter]]. Jack tries to get his job -- and his promotion -- back. Meanwhile, Liz tries to adopt a baby, while Tracy enjoys the success of his pornographic video game as Jenna sues him for not properly compensating her.
Season 3 continues from the epilogue of the Season 2 finale, [[Cooter (30 Rock)|Cooter]]. Jack tries to get his job—and his promotion—back. Meanwhile, Liz tries to adopt a baby, while Tracy enjoys the success of his pornographic video game as Jenna sues him for not properly compensating her.


Season-long plots include Jack meeting a new love interest, Elisa ([[Salma Hayek]]), and the search for his real father (portrayed by [[Alan Alda]]). Liz also finds a new love interest, Dr. Drew Baird ([[Jon Hamm]]), while going through cutbacks and discovering her potential to host a [[talk show]]. Jenna is cast as a [[Janis Joplin]]-type character since the life rights to Janis Joplin could not be obtained. [[Kenneth Parcell|Kenneth Parcell's]] ([[Jack McBrayer]]) age is also revealed to be questionable. It is also revealed, in the penultimate episode of season 7, that Jack and Jenna were romantically involved throughout season 3.
Season-long plots include Jack meeting a new love interest, Elisa ([[Salma Hayek]]), and the search for his real father (portrayed by [[Alan Alda]]). Liz also finds a new love interest, Dr. Drew Baird ([[Jon Hamm]]), while going through cutbacks and discovering her potential to host a [[talk show]]. Jenna is cast as a [[Janis Joplin]]-type character since the life rights to Janis Joplin could not be obtained. [[Kenneth Parcell|Kenneth Parcell's]] ([[Jack McBrayer]]) age is also revealed to be questionable. It is also revealed, in the penultimate episode of season 7, that Jack and Jenna were romantically involved throughout season 3.


==Crew==
==Crew==
The third season was produced by [[Broadway Video]], [[Little Stranger (film company)|Little Stranger, Inc.]], and [[Universal Television|Universal Media Studios]] and aired on NBC. The executive producers were series creator [[Tina Fey]], [[Lorne Michaels]], [[Marci Klein]], [[David Miner (television producer)|David Miner]], and [[Robert Carlock]]. [[Jack Burditt]], [[John Riggi]], and [[Ron Weiner]] acted as co-executive producers. The producers for the season were [[Alec Baldwin]], [[Jerry Kupfer]], and [[Don Scardino]] with Diana Schmidt and Irene Burns as co-producers. [[Joann Alfano]] had been the executive producer for the first and second seasons and vacated that position afterward. Ron Weiner became a co-executive producer after being a story editor for the second season. Alec Baldwin, who plays Jack Donaghy in the series, became a producer for the third season.<ref name="nbcmv_crew">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcumv.com/mv/ |title=''30 Rock'': Credits |access-date=September 17, 2009 |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717005921/http://www.nbcumv.com/mv/ |archive-date=July 17, 2010 }} (No direct link. Browse to "Networks & Programs", "NBC Entertainment", "30 Rock" and click "Credits.")</ref>
The third season was produced by [[Broadway Video]], [[Little Stranger (film company)|Little Stranger, Inc.]], and [[Universal Television|Universal Media Studios]] and aired on NBC. The executive producers were series creator [[Tina Fey]], [[Lorne Michaels]], [[Marci Klein]], [[David Miner (television producer)|David Miner]], and [[Robert Carlock]]. [[Jack Burditt]], [[John Riggi]], and [[Ron Weiner]] acted as co-executive producers. The producers for the season were [[Alec Baldwin]], [[Jerry Kupfer]], and [[Don Scardino]] with Diana Schmidt and Irene Burns as co-producers. [[JoAnn Alfano]] had been the executive producer for the first and second seasons and vacated that position afterward. Ron Weiner became a co-executive producer after being a story editor for the second season. Alec Baldwin, who plays Jack Donaghy in the series, became a producer for the third season.<ref name="nbcmv_crew">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcumv.com/mv/ |title=''30 Rock'': Credits |access-date=September 17, 2009 |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717005921/http://www.nbcumv.com/mv/ |archive-date=July 17, 2010 }} (No direct link. Browse to "Networks & Programs", "NBC Entertainment", "30 Rock" and click "Credits.")</ref>


There were 11 directors through the season. Those who directed multiple episodes were series producer Don Scardino, [[Gail Mancuso]], and [[Beth McCarthy-Miller|Beth McCarthy]]. There were eight directors who each directed one episode throughout the season: [[Steve Buscemi]], [[Todd Holland]], [[Constantine Makris]], John Riggi, [[Ken Whittingham]], [[Tricia Brock (director)|Tricia Brock]], [[Millicent Shelton]], and [[Scott Ellis]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.variety.com/profiles/Season/main/74215/3/171713/30%20Rock.html?dataSet=1 |title=''30 Rock'' - Season 3 - Episode Breakdown |access-date=September 17, 2009 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] }} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> Series writers who penned episodes this season include Tina Fey,<ref>{{cite news |title=''30 Rock'' – "Do Over" |url=https://www.variety.com/profiles/Episode/main/171713/74215/3/81831/4/Do%20Over.html?dataSet=1 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=September 17, 2009 }} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> Robert Carlock,<ref>{{cite news |title=''30 Rock'' – "Believe In The Stars" |url=https://www.variety.com/profiles/Episode/main/171713/74215/3/82256/3/Believe%20In%20The%20Stars.html?dataSet=1 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=September 17, 2009 }} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> Jack Burditt,<ref>{{cite news |title=''30 Rock'' – "The One With The Cast Of ''Night Court''" |url=https://www.variety.com/profiles/Episode/main/171713/74215/3/82654/2/The%20One%20With%20The%20Cast%20Of%20'Night%20Court'.html?dataSet=1 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=September 17, 2009 }} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> John Riggi,<ref>{{cite news |title=''30 Rock'' – "Gavin Volure" |url=https://www.variety.com/profiles/Episode/main/171713/74215/3/82935/1/Gavin%20Volure.html?dataSet=1 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=September 17, 2009 }} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> and [[Matt Hubbard]].<ref>{{cite news |title=''30 Rock'' – "Reunion" |url=https://www.variety.com/profiles/Episode/main/171713/74215/3/83608/18/Reunion.html?dataSet=1 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=September 17, 2009 }} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref>
There were 11 directors through the season. Those who directed multiple episodes were series producer Don Scardino, [[Gail Mancuso]], and [[Beth McCarthy-Miller|Beth McCarthy]]. There were eight directors who each directed one episode throughout the season: [[Steve Buscemi]], [[Todd Holland]], [[Constantine Makris]], John Riggi, [[Ken Whittingham]], [[Tricia Brock (director)|Tricia Brock]], [[Millicent Shelton]], and [[Scott Ellis]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.variety.com/profiles/Season/main/74215/3/171713/30%20Rock.html?dataSet=1 |title=''30 Rock'' - Season 3 - Episode Breakdown |access-date=September 17, 2009 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] }} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> Series writers who penned episodes this season include Tina Fey,<ref>{{cite news |title=''30 Rock'' – "Do Over" |url=https://www.variety.com/profiles/Episode/main/171713/74215/3/81831/4/Do%20Over.html?dataSet=1 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=September 17, 2009 }} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> Robert Carlock,<ref>{{cite news |title=''30 Rock'' – "Believe In The Stars" |url=https://www.variety.com/profiles/Episode/main/171713/74215/3/82256/3/Believe%20In%20The%20Stars.html?dataSet=1 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=September 17, 2009 }} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> Jack Burditt,<ref>{{cite news |title=''30 Rock'' – "The One With The Cast Of ''Night Court''" |url=https://www.variety.com/profiles/Episode/main/171713/74215/3/82654/2/The%20One%20With%20The%20Cast%20Of%20%27Night%20Court%27.html?dataSet=1 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=September 17, 2009 }} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> John Riggi,<ref>{{cite news |title=''30 Rock'' – "Gavin Volure" |url=https://www.variety.com/profiles/Episode/main/171713/74215/3/82935/1/Gavin%20Volure.html?dataSet=1 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=September 17, 2009 }} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> and [[Matt Hubbard]].<ref>{{cite news |title=''30 Rock'' – "Reunion" |url=https://www.variety.com/profiles/Episode/main/171713/74215/3/83608/18/Reunion.html?dataSet=1 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=September 17, 2009 }} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref>


==Cast==
==Cast==
{{see also|List of 30 Rock cast members}}
{{see also|List of 30 Rock characters}}
[[File:Salma Hayek 2, 2012.jpg|thumb|upright|180px|alt=Salma Hayek in 2012.|[[Salma Hayek]] appeared in six episodes as Jack's mother's nurse, Elisa Pedrera]]
[[File:Salma Hayek 2, 2012.jpg|thumb|upright|180px|alt=Salma Hayek in 2012.|[[Salma Hayek]] appeared in six episodes as Jack's mother's nurse, Elisa Pedriera]]


Ten actors received star [[billing (film)|billing]]. Tina Fey portrayed [[Liz Lemon]], the [[head writer]] of a fictitious live-sketch-comedy television series ''TGS''.<ref name="cast_1">{{cite web |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/tina-fey-channels-snl-30-rock-wbna15206996 |title=Tina Fey channels ''SNL'' on ''30 Rock'' |access-date=March 23, 2008 |date=October 11, 2006 |publisher=[[Today.com]]}}</ref> The ''TGS'' cast consists of three actors. The lead actor is the loose cannon movie star [[Tracy Jordan]], portrayed by [[Tracy Morgan]].<ref name="cast_1" /> The co-stars are the dense [[Jenna Maroney]], portrayed by [[Jane Krakowski]] and [[Josh Girard]], who is also a writer for ''TGS'', portrayed by [[Lonny Ross]].<ref name="nbcmv_crew"/><ref name="about30rock">{{cite web |url=http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/about/ |title=About 30 Rock |access-date=October 23, 2009 |publisher=[[NBC]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091011082628/http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/about/| archive-date= 11 October 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> [[Jack McBrayer]] played the naïve [[NBC page]] [[Kenneth Parcell]].<ref name="about30rock"/><ref name="cast_3">{{cite news|first=Rick |last=Porter |title=''30 Rock'' talk with Jane Krakowski and Jack McBrayer |url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2007/10/30-rock-talk-with-jane-krakowski-and-jack-mcbrayer.html |publisher=Zap2it |date=October 3, 2007 |access-date=March 24, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212084512/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2007/10/30-rock-talk-with-jane-krakowski-and-jack-mcbrayer.html |archive-date=December 12, 2013 }}</ref> [[Scott Adsit]] acted as the witty and wise ''TGS'' producer, [[Pete Hornberger]].<ref name="about30rock"/><ref name="cast_4">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/profiles/people/Biography/110233/Scott+Adsit.html?dataSet=1 |title=Scott Adsit - Biography |access-date=October 23, 2009 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] }} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> [[Judah Friedlander]] portrayed [[trucker hat]]-wearing staff writer [[Frank Rossitano]].<ref name="about30rock"/><ref name="cast_5">{{cite news|first=Lindsay |last=Robertson |title=Q&A with 30 Rock's Judah Friedlander |url=http://www.snmag.com/INTERVIEWS/Celebrity-Interviews/QA-with-30-Rock-s-Judah-Friedlander.html |work=[[Saturday Night Magazine (US)|Saturday Night Magazine]] |access-date=October 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015060056/http://www.snmag.com/INTERVIEWS/Celebrity-Interviews/QA-with-30-Rock-s-Judah-Friedlander.html |archive-date=15 October 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Alec Baldwin]] played the NBC network executive [[Jack Donaghy]].<ref name="about30rock"/> Donaghy's full corporate title for the majority of the season is "Head of East Coast Television and Microwave Oven Programming".<ref name="about30rock"/><ref name="pilot">{{cite episode |title=Pilot |episode-link=Pilot (30 Rock) |series=30 Rock |series-link=30 Rock |credits=Writer(s): [[Tina Fey]]; Director: [[Adam Bernstein]] |network=[[NBC Universal]] |station=[[NBC]] |airdate=October 11, 2006 |season=1 |number=1}}</ref> [[Keith Powell]] played the [[Harvard University]] alumnus and ''TGS'' staff writer [[James "Toofer" Spurlock]].<ref name="nbcmv_crew"/><ref name="about30rock"/> [[Katrina Bowden]] acted as writers' assistant [[Cerie Xerox]].<ref name="nbcmv_crew"/><ref name="about30rock"/> Other cast members include, [[Maulik Pancholy]] as [[List of recurring characters on 30 Rock#Jonathan|Jonathan]],<ref name="maulik">{{cite news|first=Gregory |last=Kirschling |title=Maulik Pancholy: You Might Know Me From... |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20037736,00.html |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=May 4, 2007 |access-date=July 30, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830032418/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20037736%2C00.html |archive-date=30 August 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Grizz Chapman]] as [[List of recurring characters on 30 Rock#Grizz and Dot Com|Grizz Griswold]],<ref name="grizz">{{cite web |url= https://www.nytimes.com/movies/person/1472958/Grizz-Chapman |title= Grizz Chapman |work= NYTimes.com Movies & TV |publisher= [[The New York Times]] ([[AllMovie|All Movie Guide]] and [[Baseline (database)|Baseline]]) |access-date= July 30, 2008}}</ref> and [[Kevin Brown (actor)|Kevin Brown]] as [[List of recurring characters on 30 Rock#Grizz and Dot Com|"Dot Com" Slattery]].<ref name="kevin">{{cite news|first=Gillian |last=Reagan |title=''30 Rock''s Kevin Brown to ''Die Laughing'' |url=http://www.observer.com/2008/30-rocks-kevin-brown-die-laughing |newspaper=[[The New York Observer]] |date=February 18, 2008 |access-date=July 30, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803131404/http://www.observer.com/2008/30-rocks-kevin-brown-die-laughing |archive-date=August 3, 2009 }}</ref> The cast featured recurring characters, including [[John Lutz]] as [[J.D. Lutz]],<ref name="john">{{cite news |first=Rachel |last=Sklar |title=''30 Rock'' Live! Dry-Humping, Boob-Grabbing And Other Fun Times At The UCB |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/11/20/30-rock-live-dryhumping_n_73470.html |work=[[The Huffington Post]] |date=November 20, 2007 |access-date=July 30, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080723184421/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/11/20/30-rock-live-dryhumping_n_73470.html| archive-date= 23 July 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> and [[Chris Parnell]] as [[Dr. Leo Spaceman]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/chris-parnell/credits/196232 |title=Chris Parnell - Credits |access-date=September 18, 2009 |magazine=[[TV Guide]]}}</ref>
Ten actors received star [[billing (film)|billing]]. Tina Fey portrayed [[Liz Lemon]], the [[head writer]] of a fictitious live-sketch-comedy television series ''TGS''.<ref name="cast_1">{{cite web |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/tina-fey-channels-snl-30-rock-wbna15206996 |title=Tina Fey channels ''SNL'' on ''30 Rock'' |access-date=March 23, 2008 |date=October 11, 2006 |publisher=[[Today.com]] |archive-date=August 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803211854/http://www.today.com/popculture/tina-fey-channels-snl-30-rock-wbna15206996 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ''TGS'' cast consists of three actors. The lead actor is the loose cannon movie star [[Tracy Jordan]], portrayed by [[Tracy Morgan]].<ref name="cast_1" /> The co-stars are the dense [[Jenna Maroney]], portrayed by [[Jane Krakowski]] and [[Josh Girard]], who is also a writer for ''TGS'', portrayed by [[Lonny Ross]].<ref name="nbcmv_crew"/><ref name="about30rock">{{cite web |url=http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/about/ |title=About 30 Rock |access-date=October 23, 2009 |publisher=[[NBC]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091011082628/http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/about/| archive-date= October 11, 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> [[Jack McBrayer]] played the naïve [[NBC page]] [[Kenneth Parcell]].<ref name="about30rock"/><ref name="cast_3">{{cite news|first=Rick |last=Porter |title=''30 Rock'' talk with Jane Krakowski and Jack McBrayer |url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2007/10/30-rock-talk-with-jane-krakowski-and-jack-mcbrayer.html |publisher=Zap2it |date=October 3, 2007 |access-date=March 24, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212084512/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2007/10/30-rock-talk-with-jane-krakowski-and-jack-mcbrayer.html |archive-date=December 12, 2013 }}</ref> [[Scott Adsit]] acted as the witty and wise ''TGS'' producer, [[Pete Hornberger]].<ref name="about30rock"/><ref name="cast_4">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/profiles/people/Biography/110233/Scott+Adsit.html?dataSet=1 |title=Scott Adsit - Biography |access-date=October 23, 2009 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] }} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> [[Judah Friedlander]] portrayed [[trucker hat]]-wearing staff writer [[Frank Rossitano]].<ref name="about30rock"/><ref name="cast_5">{{cite news|first=Lindsay |last=Robertson |title=Q&A with 30 Rock's Judah Friedlander |url=http://www.snmag.com/INTERVIEWS/Celebrity-Interviews/QA-with-30-Rock-s-Judah-Friedlander.html |work=[[Saturday Night Magazine (US)|Saturday Night Magazine]] |access-date=October 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015060056/http://www.snmag.com/INTERVIEWS/Celebrity-Interviews/QA-with-30-Rock-s-Judah-Friedlander.html |archive-date=October 15, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Alec Baldwin]] played the NBC network executive [[Jack Donaghy]].<ref name="about30rock"/> Donaghy's full corporate title for the majority of the season is "Head of East Coast Television and Microwave Oven Programming".<ref name="about30rock"/><ref name="pilot">{{cite episode |title=Pilot |episode-link=Pilot (30 Rock) |series=30 Rock |series-link=30 Rock |credits=Writer(s): [[Tina Fey]]; Director: [[Adam Bernstein]] |network=[[NBC Universal]] |station=[[NBC]] |airdate=October 11, 2006 |season=1 |number=1}}</ref> [[Keith Powell]] played the [[Harvard University]] alumnus and ''TGS'' staff writer [[James "Toofer" Spurlock]].<ref name="nbcmv_crew"/><ref name="about30rock"/> [[Katrina Bowden]] acted as writers' assistant [[Cerie Xerox]].<ref name="nbcmv_crew"/><ref name="about30rock"/> Other cast members include, [[Maulik Pancholy]] as [[List of recurring characters on 30 Rock#Jonathan|Jonathan]],<ref name="maulik">{{cite magazine|first=Gregory |last=Kirschling |title=Maulik Pancholy: You Might Know Me From... |url=http://www.ew.com/article/2007/05/04/you-might-know-maulik-pancholy |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=May 4, 2007 |access-date=July 30, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830032418/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20037736%2C00.html |archive-date=August 30, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Grizz Chapman]] as [[List of recurring characters on 30 Rock#Grizz and Dot Com|Grizz Griswold]],<ref name="grizz">{{cite web |url= https://www.nytimes.com/movies/person/1472958/Grizz-Chapman/biography |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150805171618/http://www.nytimes.com/movies/person/1472958/Grizz-Chapman/biography |url-status= dead |archive-date= August 5, 2015 |department= Movies & TV Dept. |work= [[The New York Times]] |date= 2015 |title= Grizz Chapman |access-date= July 30, 2008}}</ref> and [[Kevin Brown (actor)|Kevin Brown]] as [[List of recurring characters on 30 Rock#Grizz and Dot Com|"Dot Com" Slattery]].<ref name="kevin">{{cite news|first=Gillian |last=Reagan |title=''30 Rock''s Kevin Brown to ''Die Laughing'' |url=http://www.observer.com/2008/30-rocks-kevin-brown-die-laughing |newspaper=[[The New York Observer]] |date=February 18, 2008 |access-date=July 30, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803131404/http://www.observer.com/2008/30-rocks-kevin-brown-die-laughing |archive-date=August 3, 2009 }}</ref> The cast featured recurring characters, including [[John Lutz]] as [[J.D. Lutz]],<ref name="john">{{cite news |first=Rachel |last=Sklar |title=''30 Rock'' Live! Dry-Humping, Boob-Grabbing And Other Fun Times At The UCB |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/11/20/30-rock-live-dryhumping_n_73470.html |work=[[The Huffington Post]] |date=November 20, 2007 |access-date=July 30, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080723184421/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/11/20/30-rock-live-dryhumping_n_73470.html| archive-date= July 23, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> and [[Chris Parnell]] as [[Dr. Leo Spaceman]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/chris-parnell/credits/196232 |title=Chris Parnell - Credits |access-date=September 18, 2009 |magazine=[[TV Guide]] |archive-date=February 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201061655/http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/chris-parnell/credits/196232 |url-status=live }}</ref>


[[Salma Hayek]] had a recurring [[guest appearance]] in six episodes as [[List of recurring characters on 30 Rock#Elisa|Elisa]], a nurse for Jack Donaghy's mother and Donaghy's eventual love interest.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Salma Hayek to Recur on NBC'S Two-time Emmy-Winning '30 Rock' |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=October 10, 2008 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20081010nbc01 |access-date=September 17, 2009}}</ref> She first appeared in "[[Señor Macho Solo]]" and made her final appearance in "[[The Ones (30 Rock)|The Ones]]". [[Steve Buscemi]] appeared in the episodes "[[The Natural Order]]" and "[[Mamma Mia (30 Rock)|Mamma Mia]]" as [[List of 30 Rock characters#Lenny Wosniak|Lenny Wosniak]], a [[private detective]] occasionally hired by Donaghy.<ref name="natorder">{{cite press release |title=The Natural Order |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=April 30, 2009 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings.aspx?id=20090420nbc12 |access-date=September 17, 2009}}</ref><ref name="mammamia">{{cite press release |title=Mamma Mia! |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=May 7, 2009 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings.aspx?id=20090427nbc15 |access-date=September 17, 2009}}</ref> [[Alan Alda]] appeared in the episodes "Mamma Mia" and "[[Kidney Now!]]" as [[List of 30 Rock characters#Milton Greene|Milton Greene]], a man believed to be Jack Donaghy's father.<ref name="mammamia"/><ref name="kidneynow">{{cite press release |title=Kidney Now! |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=May 14, 2009 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings.aspx?id=20090504nbc11 |access-date=September 17, 2009}}</ref>
[[Salma Hayek]] had a recurring [[guest appearance]] in six episodes as [[List of recurring characters on 30 Rock#Elisa|Elisa]], a nurse for Jack Donaghy's mother and Donaghy's eventual love interest.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Salma Hayek to Recur on NBC'S Two-time Emmy-Winning '30 Rock' |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=October 10, 2008 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20081010nbc01 |access-date=September 17, 2009}}</ref> She first appeared in "[[Señor Macho Solo]]" and made her final appearance in "[[The Ones (30 Rock)|The Ones]]". [[Steve Buscemi]] appeared in the episodes "[[The Natural Order]]" and "[[Mamma Mia (30 Rock)|Mamma Mia]]" as [[List of 30 Rock characters#Lenny Wosniak|Lenny Wosniak]], a [[private detective]] occasionally hired by Donaghy.<ref name="natorder">{{cite press release |title=The Natural Order |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=April 30, 2009 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings.aspx?id=20090420nbc12 |access-date=September 17, 2009}}</ref><ref name="mammamia">{{cite press release |title=Mamma Mia! |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=May 7, 2009 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings.aspx?id=20090427nbc15 |access-date=September 17, 2009}}</ref> [[Alan Alda]] appeared in the episodes "Mamma Mia" and "[[Kidney Now!]]" as [[List of 30 Rock characters#Milton Greene|Milton Greene]], a man believed to be Jack Donaghy's father.<ref name="mammamia"/><ref name="kidneynow">{{cite press release |title=Kidney Now! |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=May 14, 2009 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings.aspx?id=20090504nbc11 |access-date=September 17, 2009}}</ref>
Line 69: Line 69:
===Recurring cast===
===Recurring cast===
* [[John Lutz]] as J.D. Lutz, a lazy, overweight ''TGS'' writer who is often ridiculed by his co-workers. (13 episodes)
* [[John Lutz]] as J.D. Lutz, a lazy, overweight ''TGS'' writer who is often ridiculed by his co-workers. (13 episodes)
* [[Salma Hayek]] as Elisa Pedrera, a [[Puerto Ricans|Puerto Rican]] nurse and Jack's love interest. (6 episodes)
* [[Salma Hayek]] as Elisa Pedreira, a [[Puerto Ricans|Puerto Rican]] nurse and Jack's love interest. (6 episodes)
* [[Chris Parnell]] as Dr. Leo Spaceman, a physician who practices questionable medical techniques. (4 episodes)
* [[Chris Parnell]] as Dr. Leo Spaceman, a physician who practices questionable medical techniques. (4 episodes)
*Todd Buonopane as Jeffrey Weinerslav, an employee in [[General Electric|GE's]] human resources department. (3 episodes)
*Todd Buonopane as Jeffrey Weinerslav, an employee in [[General Electric|GE's]] human resources department. (3 episodes)
Line 86: Line 86:
* [[Harry Anderson]] as himself (Episode: "The One with the Cast of Night Court")
* [[Harry Anderson]] as himself (Episode: "The One with the Cast of Night Court")
* [[Jennifer Aniston]] as Claire Harper, Liz and Jenna's old roommate from college. (Episode: "The One with the Cast of Night Court")
* [[Jennifer Aniston]] as Claire Harper, Liz and Jenna's old roommate from college. (Episode: "The One with the Cast of Night Court")
* [[Will Arnett]] as Devon Banks, [[National Broadcasting Corporation|NBC's]] Vice President of West Coast News, Web Content and Theme Park Talent Relations and Jack's nemesis. (Episode: "Do-Over")
* [[Will Arnett]] as Devon Banks, [[National Broadcasting Company|NBC's]] Vice President of West Coast News, Web Content and Theme Park Talent Relations and Jack's nemesis. (Episode: "Do-Over")
* [[Sara Bareilles]] as herself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
* [[Sara Bareilles]] as herself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
* [[Roger Bart]] as Brad Halster, a consultant hired to slash ''TGS's'' budget. (Episode: "Cutbacks")
* [[Roger Bart]] as Brad Halster, a consultant hired to slash ''TGS's'' budget. (Episode: "Cutbacks")
Line 128: Line 128:
* [[Dean Winters]] as Dennis Duffy, Liz's immature ex-boyfriend. (Episode: "Apollo, Apollo")
* [[Dean Winters]] as Dennis Duffy, Liz's immature ex-boyfriend. (Episode: "Apollo, Apollo")
* [[Rachael Yamagata]] as herself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
* [[Rachael Yamagata]] as herself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")

==Reception==

===Critical reception===
Robert Canning of [[IGN]] called the third season "a series at the top of its game", scoring the season a 9.3 out of 10. In particular, Canning noted that the "first half of the year&nbsp;... had the most focus."<ref name="ignseasondvdreview">{{cite web |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/985/985367p1.html |title=30 Rock: Season 3 Review |access-date=September 23, 2009 |last=Canning |first=Robert |date=May 21, 2009 |website=IGN}}</ref> Canning said the premiere episode "[[Do-Over]]" was "filled to capacity with comedy",<ref name="dooverign">{{cite web |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/923/923899p1.html |title=Do-Over Review |access-date=September 23, 2009 |last=Canning |first=Robert |date=October 28, 2008 |website=IGN}}</ref> called "[[Señor Macho Solo]]" "near perfect",<ref name="senormachoign">{{cite web |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/943/943418p1.html |title=Senor Macho Solo Review |access-date=September 23, 2009 |last=Canning |first=Robert |date=January 9, 2009 |website=IGN}}</ref> but said the story for the finale "[[Kidney Now!]]" was "fun" but "average for a season finale."<ref name="kidneyign">{{cite web |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/983/983173p1.html |title=Kidney Now! Review |access-date=September 23, 2009 |last=Canning |first=Robert |date=May 15, 2009 |website=IGN}}</ref> Alynda Wheat of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'', reviewing the DVD release, gave the season an A−.<ref name="ewseason">{{cite news |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20304595,00.html |title=30 Rock: Season 3 |access-date=September 23, 2009 |last=Wheat |first=Alynda |date=September 15, 2009 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> Jeremy Medina of [[Paste (magazine)|''Paste'' magazine]] also reviewed the premiere, saying it was "sort of like the first day of school after summer vacation: sort of awkward at times, but fast and buoyant and warmly familiar all the same".<ref name="paste">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/tv_detail/2008/10/30-rock-review-season-three-premire-do-over.html |title=30 Rock review. Season 3 Premiere—"Do-Over" |access-date=September 23, 2009 |last=Medina |first=Jeremy |date=October 30, 2008 |magazine=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]}}</ref> Brian Lowry of ''Variety'' was more critical, calling the third season "wildly uneven" and saying ''30 Rock'' was "merely a good comedy whose shortcomings prevent it from joining the ranks of great ones."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117938733.html?categoryid=32&cs=1 |title=30 Rock Review - TV Show Reviews |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Lowry |first=Brian |date=October 16, 2008 |access-date=October 6, 2009}}</ref> The season is also noted by critics positively due to the praise of [[Tracy Morgan]] and [[Jack McBrayer]]'s performance. [[Metacritic]], which gives a score based on critical reviews, gave the season a rating of 84% from 17 reviews, signifying "universal acclaim".<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/shows/30rockseason3 |title=30 Rock Season 3 |access-date=September 23, 2009 |website=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref>

===Ratings===
The season premiere, "[[Do-Over]]", received 8.7&nbsp;million viewers and was the highest-rated episode of the series.<ref name="301ratings"/> The sixth episode "[[Christmas Special (30 Rock)|Christmas Special]]" would break that mark, garnering 8.9&nbsp;million viewers.<ref name="306ratings"/> [[Digital Video Recorder]] (DVR) accounted for an average additional 1.2&nbsp;million viewers for episodes of the third season. ''30 Rock'' is the most popular series among upscale viewers, defined as those who have an income higher than $100,000 a year, on the broadcast networks.<ref name="ratings_1">{{cite press release |title=NBC Results For The Primetime Week Of November 17–23 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?date=11/25/08&id=20081125nbc01 |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=November 25, 2008 |access-date=December 2, 2008 |quote=''[[30 Rock]]'' has been adding an average 1.2 million viewers to its previously reported "live plus same day" numbers when "live plus seven day" viewing is counted. ''30 Rock'' is the most upscale show in primetime network television, with a 147 index of adults 18–49 living in homes with $100,000+ incomes.}}</ref> The show averaged 7.7&nbsp;million viewers through the first ten episodes, a ratings level that ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' called "solid" and credited to pairing the show with ''[[The Office (U.S. TV series)|The Office]]'' on NBC's Thursday schedule.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002109.html?categoryid=2522&cs=1 |title='30 Rock' brings solid ratings |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Kissell |first=Rick |date=April 3, 2009 |access-date=September 17, 2009}}</ref> The season finale, "[[Kidney Now!]]", aired on May 14, 2009 and was viewed by 5.7&nbsp;million viewers.<ref name="322ratings"/>

===Awards and nominations===
This season of ''30 Rock'' received 22 [[Emmy Award]] nominations, the most for a show in 2009,<ref name="09emmynoms"/> breaking ''30 Rock''{{'s}} own record for the most nominated comedy in a single Primetime Emmy Award year (previously 17).<ref name="09nbcsemmy"/> At the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards, ''30 Rock'' won two [[Creative Arts Emmy Award]]s, "Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series" and "Outstanding Picture Editing for a Comedy Series", for the episode "[[Apollo, Apollo]]".<ref name="09artsemmy">{{cite press release |title=61st Creative Arts Emmy Award winners|publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]|date=September 12, 2009 |url=http://cdn.emmys.tv/downloads/2009/CRTV09winners_pressrel.pdf |access-date=September 17, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091007021400/http://cdn.emmys.tv/downloads/2009/CRTV09winners_pressrel.pdf| archive-date= 7 October 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> The show won three Primetime Emmy Awards: "[[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series|Outstanding Comedy Series]]", Alec Baldwin won "[[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor – Comedy Series|Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series]]" for his role as Jack Donaghy, and [[Matt Hubbard]] won "[[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing - Comedy Series|Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series]]" for his work on "[[Reunion (30 Rock)|Reunion]]".<ref name="09primeemmy">{{cite press release |title=61st Primetime Emmy Award winners|publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]|date=September 20, 2009 |url=http://cdn.emmys.tv/downloads/2009/ptemmys09winners_pressrel.pdf |access-date=September 17, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091007021501/http://cdn.emmys.tv/downloads/2009/ptemmys09winners_pressrel.pdf| archive-date= 7 October 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> Tina Fey, though nominated, did not win "[[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress – Comedy Series|Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series]]", which she had won the previous year; [[Toni Collette]] from ''[[The United States of Tara]]'' won instead. [[CNN]] called the decision a "mild surprise", saying Fey was the "heavy favorite".<ref name="cnnemmy">{{cite news| url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/20/emmy.night/index.html| title='Mad Men,' '30 Rock' top Emmy Awards| last=Duke| first=Alan| work=CNN| date=September 20, 2009| access-date=September 17, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091004093720/http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/20/emmy.night/index.html| archive-date= 4 October 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

==Distribution==
''30 Rock'' is broadcast in Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia, in addition to the United States. The show was [[simulcast]] in Canada on [[Citytv]].<ref name="canada">{{cite web|title=Do-Over - 30 ROCK |publisher=[[Citytv]] |date=October 30, 2008 |access-date=October 8, 2009 |url=http://www.citytv.com/toronto/show/micro/episode/599 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105184435/http://www.citytv.com/toronto/show/micro/episode/599 |archive-date=5 November 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This season of ''30 Rock'' was shown in Australia on the [[Seven Network]] at 11:30&nbsp;p.m. [[Time in Australia|local time]]<ref name="1130australia">{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv-reviews/30-rock/2008/07/18/1216163131731.html |title=''30 Rock'' — TV Reviews |access-date=October 27, 2009 |last=Cooke |first=Dewi |date=July 21, 2008 |newspaper=[[The Age]] | location=Melbourne}}</ref> starting on February 2, 2009.<ref name="australia2">{{cite web |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2009/02/week-7-2.html |title=Week 7:TV Tonight |access-date=October 8, 2009 |last=Knox |first=David |date=February 9, 2009 |website=TV Tonight}}</ref> The third season began in the UK on October 5, 2009, on [[Comedy Central]], moving from [[Five (TV channel)|Five]] where the previous season had aired.<ref name="ukfive">{{cite news|title=US hit comedy 30 Rock to move to the Comedy Central channel|work=[[guardian.co.uk]]|publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited 2009 |date=September 30, 2009 |access-date=October 8, 2009 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/sep/30/30-rock-comedy-central | location=London | first=Leigh | last=Holmwood| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091003104803/http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/sep/30/30-rock-comedy-central| archive-date= 3 October 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

The season was released on DVD by [[Universal Studios]] on September 22, 2009 in the United States and Canada after it had completed an initial broadcast run on NBC.<ref name="dvddate"/><ref name="amazondvd"/> The DVD set is scheduled for Australian release on November 11, 2009.<ref name="region4dvd">{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdorchard.com.au/ProductS1TV.asp?PND=167563&CS=1&NoCache=0.6329462|title=Buy 30 Rock - Season 3 DVD|publisher=DVD Orchard|access-date=October 7, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706104049/http://www.dvdorchard.com.au/ProductS1TV.asp?PND=167563&CS=1&NoCache=0.6329462|archive-date=July 6, 2011}}</ref> The 3-disc set of 22 episodes has a [[Aspect ratio (image)#16:9 standard|1.78:1 aspect ratio]], [[Dolby Surround]] 2.0 and 5.1, and English and Spanish subtitles.<ref name="universaldvd">{{cite web |url=http://www.nbcuniversalstore.com/detail.php?p=104620&v=nbc_tv-on-dvd#tabs|title=30 Rock: Season 3, NBC Universal Store|publisher=[[Universal Studios]]|access-date=October 5, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227135952/http://www.nbcuniversalstore.com/detail.php?p=104620&v=nbc_tv-on-dvd |archive-date=2012-02-27}}</ref> In addition to the episodes, the DVD set special features included [[deleted scene|unaired scenes]], featurettes, and audio commentary on the select episodes, "Flu Shot", "Goodbye, My Friend", "The Bubble", "Apollo, Apollo", "The Ones", "Mamma Mia" and "Kidney Now!".<ref name="universaldvd"/>


==Episodes==
==Episodes==
{{See also|List of 30 Rock episodes}}
{{See also|List of 30 Rock episodes}}
<onlyinclude>{{Episode table |background=#0257AC |overall=5 |season=5 |title=24 |director=14 |writer=23 |airdate=13 |prodcode=7 |viewers=9 |country=U.S. |episodes=
<onlyinclude>{{Episode table |background=#0257AC |overall=5 |season=5 |title=24 |director=14 |writer=23 |airdate=13 |prodcode=7 |viewers=9 |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
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|EpisodeNumber=37
|EpisodeNumber=37
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|DirectedBy=[[Don Scardino]]
|DirectedBy=[[Don Scardino]]
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|10|30}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|10|30}}
|Viewers=8.7<ref name="301ratings">{{Cite news |title='30 Rock' ratings rise |newspaper=[[Deseret News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=November 6, 2008 |access-date=October 21, 2009 |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20081106/ai_n30971943/ }} {{Dead link|date=February 2012|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref>
|Viewers=8.66<ref name="301ratings">{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=November 4, 2008|url=https://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=110408_05|title=Weekly Program Rankings (Oct. 27-Nov. 2)|work=ABC Medianet|access-date=June 2, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527141935/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=110408_05|archive-date=May 27, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Liz tries to stop the ''TGS'' staff from ruining her chances at adoption when an adoption agency evaluator, named Bev ([[Megan Mullally]]), comes to 30 Rock to determine whether Liz would make a good mother. Jack returns from [[Washington, D.C.]] and starts his job again at NBC, only to discover he has been demoted. Jack tries to get his old job and office back from [[List of 30 Rock characters#Devon Banks|Devon Banks]] ([[Will Arnett]]) and [[List of 30 Rock characters#Kathy Geiss|Kathy Geiss]] (Marceline Hugot). A feud between Tracy and Jenna wreaks havoc among the ''TGS'' staff.
|ShortSummary=Liz tries to stop the ''TGS'' staff from ruining her chances at adoption when an adoption agency evaluator, named Bev ([[Megan Mullally]]), comes to 30 Rock to determine whether Liz would make a good mother. Jack returns from [[Washington, D.C.]], and starts his job again at NBC, only to discover he has been demoted. Jack tries to get his old job and office back from [[List of 30 Rock characters#Devon Banks|Devon Banks]] ([[Will Arnett]]) and [[List of 30 Rock characters#Kathy Geiss|Kathy Geiss]] (Marceline Hugot). A feud between Tracy and Jenna wreaks havoc among the ''TGS'' staff.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
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|EpisodeNumber=38
|EpisodeNumber=38
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|DirectedBy=Don Scardino
|DirectedBy=Don Scardino
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|11|6}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|11|6}}
|Viewers=8.0<ref name="302ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117995457.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title=CBS, ABC top Thursday ratings |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Kissell |first=Rick |date=November 7, 2008 |access-date=October 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710211212/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117995457.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |archive-date=July 10, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|Viewers=8.07<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=November 11, 2008|url=https://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=111108_04|title=Weekly Program Rankings (Nov. 3-9)|work=ABC Medianet|access-date=June 2, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530020836/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=111108_04|archive-date=May 30, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=To get out of [[Jury selection|jury duty]], Liz flies to Chicago only to be seated next to [[Oprah Winfrey]] on her return flight to New York. An argument between Tracy and Jenna leads to a "social experiment" to prove who is right. Kenneth challenges Jack's morality after it is found out that NBC faked some Olympic events during the summer as a ratings stunt.
|ShortSummary=To get out of [[Jury selection|jury duty]], Liz flies to Chicago only to be seated next to [[Oprah Winfrey]] on her return flight to New York. Meanwhile, Kenneth challenges Jack's morality after it is found out that NBC faked some Olympic events during the summer as a ratings stunt, and Jenna and Tracy switch race and gender to see who has it tougher.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
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|EpisodeNumber=39
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|DirectedBy=[[Gail Mancuso]]
|DirectedBy=[[Gail Mancuso]]
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|11|13}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|11|13}}
|Viewers=7.60<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=November 18, 2008|url=https://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=111808_03|title=Weekly Program Rankings (Nov. 10-16)|work=ABC Medianet|access-date=June 2, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529032200/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=111808_03|archive-date=May 29, 2009}}</ref>
|Viewers=7.5<ref name="303ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117995861.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title=CBS takes another Thursday |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Kissell |first=Rick |date=November 14, 2008 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Liz's former roommate from Chicago, Claire Harper ([[Jennifer Aniston]]), comes to visit her and Jenna. She develops a stalker-like obsession with Jack. Kenneth is unhappy with the new [[NBC page]] uniform so Tracy decides to cheer him up with the help of ''[[Night Court]]'' cast members [[Harry Anderson]], [[Markie Post]], and [[Charlie Robinson (actor)|Charlie Robinson]].
|ShortSummary=Liz's former roommate from Chicago, Claire Harper ([[Jennifer Aniston]]), comes to visit her and Jenna, but Charlie ends up clinging to Jack. Meanwhile, Kenneth is unhappy with the new [[NBC page]] uniform, so Tracy decides to cheer him up by bringing on [[Harry Anderson]], [[Markie Post]], and [[Charlie Robinson (actor)|Charlie Robinson]] from the original 1980s version of ''[[Night Court]]'', prompting Kenneth to write and have Anderson, Post, and Robinson act out the series finale that most fans felt should have happened.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
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|DirectedBy=Gail Mancuso
|DirectedBy=Gail Mancuso
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|11|20}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|11|20}}
|Viewers=7.08<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=November 25, 2008|url=https://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=112508_05|title=Weekly Program Rankings (Nov. 17-23)|work=ABC Medianet|access-date=June 2, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090118060652/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=112508_05|archive-date=January 18, 2009}}</ref>
|Viewers=7.3<ref name="304ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117996298.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title=CBS wins another Thursday |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Kissell |first=Rick |date=November 21, 2008 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Liz meets one of Jack's friends, the eccentric businessman Gavin Volure ([[Steve Martin]]), when the pair attend a dinner party with guests including [[John McEnroe]]. Gavin, after offering Jack a secret business opportunity, becomes enamored with Liz. Jack encourages the relationship until he discovers Gavin is not as successful as he claimed. Also, Kenneth invests his money in Gavin's business. Meanwhile, after learning about [[Lyle and Erik Menendez]] murdering their parents, Tracy fears that his children, Tracy Jr. and George Foreman Jordan, are trying to kill him.
|ShortSummary=Liz meets one of Jack's friends, the eccentric businessman Gavin Volure ([[Steve Martin]]), who falls for her...until Gavin tells her why he's become a recluse. Meanwhile, after learning about [[Lyle and Erik Menendez|The Menendez brothers]] murdering their parents, Tracy fears his children, Tracy Jr. and George Foreman Jordan, are out to get him, and Kenneth loses his money investing in Gavin Volure.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
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|EpisodeNumber=41
|EpisodeNumber=41
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|DirectedBy=[[Beth McCarthy-Miller|Beth McCarthy]]
|DirectedBy=[[Beth McCarthy-Miller|Beth McCarthy]]
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|12|4}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|12|4}}
|Viewers=7.1<ref name="305ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117996888.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title=Walters special lifts ABC to win |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Levine |first=Stuart |date=December 5, 2008 |access-date=October 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230003838/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117996888.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |archive-date=December 30, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|Viewers=7.18<ref>{{cite web|last=Seidman|first=Robert|url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/12/09/top-nbc-primetime-shows-december-1-7-2008/9380|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226191213/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/12/09/top-nbc-primetime-shows-december-1-7-2008/9380|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 26, 2009|title=Top NBC Primetime Shows December 1-7, 2008|publisher=TV by the Numbers|date=December 9, 2008|access-date=June 2, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=[[List of 30 Rock characters#Don Geiss|Don Geiss]] ([[Rip Torn]]) finally wakes up from his coma and shocks Jack with his announcement that he will be remaining CEO of General Electric (GE). Jack offers to fly Liz to her high school reunion en route to his vacation, but is stuck with her following bad weather. Once there Liz finds that her high school classmates do not remember their school years the same way she does.
|ShortSummary=[[List of 30 Rock characters#Don Geiss|Don Geiss]] ([[Rip Torn]]) finally wakes up from his coma and shocks Jack with his announcement that he will be remaining CEO of GE (General Electric). Meanwhile, Jenna and Tracy worry that Kenneth the Page is getting more attention than them and Liz reluctantly goes to her high school reunion, and discovers that, while she remembers her high school days as being the shy nerd girl who got bullied by the pretty, popular crowd, everyone else remembers her as the abrasive, antisocial nerd girl who insulted and belittled people.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
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|LineColor=0257AC
|EpisodeNumber=42
|EpisodeNumber=42
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|DirectedBy=Don Scardino
|DirectedBy=Don Scardino
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|12|11}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|12|11}}
|Viewers=8.9<ref name="306ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117997286.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120918125836/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117997286.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |title=CBS scores big on Thursday |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Kissell |first=Rick |date=December 12, 2008 |access-date=October 7, 2009 }}</ref>
|Viewers=7.38<ref name="306ratings">{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=December 16, 2008|url=https://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=121608_03|title=Weekly Program Rankings (Dec. 8-14)|work=ABC Medianet|access-date=June 2, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218012807/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=121608_03|archive-date=December 18, 2008}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=In the Christmas episode, Liz decides to help a charity for underprivileged children after her parents ditch their holiday plans. Jack's mother, [[List of 30 Rock characters#Colleen Donaghy|Colleen]] ([[Elaine Stritch]]), stops Jack from going on a Christmas vacation so he ends up taking his frustration out on the ''TGS'' staff. The ''TGS'' crew have to ditch their own plans for a holiday-themed episode of the show.
|ShortSummary=In the Christmas episode, Liz decides to deliver presents to underprivileged children after her own family ditches their holiday plans with her. Jack's mother, [[List of 30 Rock characters#Colleen Donaghy|Colleen]] ([[Elaine Stritch]]), stops Jack from going on a Christmas vacation so he ends up taking his frustration out on the ''TGS'' staff by forcing them to produce a Christmas episode.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
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|LineColor=0257AC
|EpisodeNumber=43
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|DirectedBy=Beth McCarthy
|DirectedBy=Beth McCarthy
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|1|8}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|1|8}}
|Viewers=5.37<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=January 13, 2009|url=https://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=011309_04|title=Weekly Program Rankings (Jan. 5-11)|work=ABC Medianet|access-date=June 2, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329110315/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=011309_04|archive-date=March 29, 2012}}</ref>
|Viewers=5.4<ref name="307ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117998264.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title=Football gives Fox easy win |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Levine |first=Stuart |date=January 9, 2009 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Jenna is concerned when Liz becomes attracted to a new man ([[Peter Dinklage]]). Jack tries to help Tracy and Angie Jordan ([[Sherri Shepherd]]) organize a [[postnuptial agreement]] and Jenna auditions for a [[Janis Joplin]] biographical film. Jack finds a new love in the form of Elisa ([[Salma Hayek]]), his mother's nurse.
|ShortSummary=Jenna is concerned when Liz becomes attracted to a new man ([[Peter Dinklage]]). Jack tries to help Tracy and Angie Jordan ([[Sherri Shepherd]]) organize a [[postnuptial agreement]] and Jenna auditions for a [[Janis Joplin]] biographical film. Meanwhile, Jack finds a new love in the form of Elisa ([[Salma Hayek]]), his mother's nurse.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
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|DirectedBy=Don Scardino
|DirectedBy=Don Scardino
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|1|15}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|1|15}}
|Viewers=6.6<ref name="308ratings">{{cite press release |title=NBC Primetime Results for the week of Jan. 12-18 |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=January 21, 2009 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?date=01/21/09&id=20090121nbc01 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|Viewers=6.63<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=January 21, 2009|url=http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=012109_07|title=Weekly Program Rankings (Jan. 12-18)|work=ABC Medianet|access-date=October 22, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530015412/http://www.abcmedianet.com:80/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=012109_07|archive-date=May 30, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Liz campaigns for her staff's right to get flu shots from Dr. Spaceman, but Jack will not allow it due to a limited supply. Jack tries to think of creative ways to spend time with Elisa as she works seven days a week. Meanwhile, Jenna and Tracy try to do something nice for the crew.
|ShortSummary=Liz campaigns for her staff's right to get flu shots from Dr. Spaceman, but Jack will not allow it due to a limited supply. Jack tries to think of creative ways to spend time with Elisa as she works seven days a week. Meanwhile, Jenna and Tracy try to do something nice for the crew.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
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|DirectedBy=[[Steve Buscemi]]
|DirectedBy=[[Steve Buscemi]]
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|1|22}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|1|22}}
|Viewers=6.41<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=January 27, 2009|url=https://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=012709_06|title=Weekly Program Rankings (Jan. 19-25)|work=ABC Medianet|access-date=June 2, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131164202/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=012709_06|archive-date=January 31, 2009}}</ref>
|Viewers=6.4<ref name="309ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117998987.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title=ABC wins a close Thursday night |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Levine |first=Stuart |date=January 23, 2009 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Nervous about his performance at a corporate retreat following his Bush administration and CEO debacles, Jack invites Liz to the retreat for moral support. Jenna employs method acting for her Janis Joplin role, which Frank quickly takes advantage of. After Tracy is diagnosed with [[diabetes]] Kenneth attempts to find a way to dissuade Tracy from eating sugary food.
|ShortSummary=Nervous about his performance at a corporate retreat following his Bush administration and CEO debacles, Jack invites Liz to the retreat for moral support. Jenna employs method acting for her Janis Joplin role, which Frank quickly takes advantage of. After Tracy is diagnosed with [[diabetes]] Kenneth attempts to find a way to dissuade Tracy from eating sugary food.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
|LineColor=0257AC
|LineColor=0257AC
|EpisodeNumber=46
|EpisodeNumber=46
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|DirectedBy=[[Todd Holland]]
|DirectedBy=[[Todd Holland]]
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|2|5}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|2|5}}
|Viewers=6.39<ref>{{cite web|last=Seidman|first=Robert|url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/02/10/top-nbc-primetime-shows-february-2-8-2009/12529|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318102035/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/02/10/top-nbc-primetime-shows-february-2-8-2009/12529|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 18, 2009|title=Top NBC Primetime Shows, February 2-8, 2009|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=February 10, 2009|access-date=June 2, 2023}}</ref>
|Viewers=6.4<ref name="310ratings">{{cite press release |title='The Office,' 'Biggest Loser' and 'Heroes' lead NBC's Primetime week of Feb. 2-8 |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=February 10, 2009 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?date=02/10/09&id=20090210nbc01 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Former Wall Street hotheads become interns at the ''TGS'' studios, much to Tracy's exhaustion. Jack deals with Elisa's grandmother's hatred due to a strange lookalike coincidence. Liz schemes to win over her new neighbor, Dr. Drew Baird ([[Jon Hamm]]) after accidentally receiving his mail.
|ShortSummary=Former Wall Street hotheads become interns at the ''TGS'' studios, much to Tracy's exhaustion. Jack deals with Elisa's grandmother's hatred due to a strange lookalike coincidence. Liz schemes to win over her new neighbor, Dr. Drew Baird ([[Jon Hamm]]) after accidentally receiving his mail.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
|LineColor=0257AC
|LineColor=0257AC
|EpisodeNumber=47
|EpisodeNumber=47
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|DirectedBy=Don Scardino
|DirectedBy=Don Scardino
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|2|12}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|2|12}}
|Viewers=7.6<ref name="311ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118000126.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title=Crossover episodes give ABC a win |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Levine |first=Stuart |date=February 13, 2009 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|Viewers=7.68<ref>{{cite web|last=Seidman|first=Robert|url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/02/18/top-nbc-primetime-shows-february-9-15-2009/13041|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318161617/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/02/18/top-nbc-primetime-shows-february-9-15-2009/13041|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 18, 2009|title=Top NBC Primetime Shows, February 9-15, 2009|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=February 18, 2009|access-date=June 2, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Liz invites Dr. Baird on their first date, accidentally scheduling it for [[Valentine's Day]]. While she tries to plan a date that will not be awkward, Jack's Valentine's dinner plans with Elisa must be postponed to attend church with her. Kenneth falls for a new staffer ([[Maria Thayer]]) and Tracy tries to help him with the romance.
|ShortSummary=Liz invites Dr. Baird on their first date, accidentally scheduling it for [[Valentine's Day]]. While she tries to plan a date that will not be awkward, Jack's Valentine's dinner plans with Elisa must be postponed to attend church with her. Kenneth falls for a new staffer ([[Maria Thayer]]) and Tracy tries to help him with the romance.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
|LineColor=0257AC
|LineColor=0257AC
|EpisodeNumber=48
|EpisodeNumber=48
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|ProdCode=312
|ProdCode=312
|Title=[[Larry King (30 Rock)|Larry King]]
|Title=[[Larry King (30 Rock)|Larry King]]
|RTitle=
|WrittenBy=Matt Hubbard
|WrittenBy=Matt Hubbard
|DirectedBy=[[Constantine Makris]]
|DirectedBy=[[Constantine Makris]]
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|2|26}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|2|26}}
|Viewers=6.36<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=March 3, 2009|url=https://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=030309_04|title=Weekly Program Rankings (Feb. 23-Mar. 1)|work=ABC Medianet|access-date=June 2, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925075147/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=030309_04|archive-date=September 25, 2012}}</ref>
|Viewers=6.4<ref name="312ratings">{{cite press release |title='Celebrity Apprentice,' 'Biggest Loser,' 'Heroes' and 'ER' pace NBC's Primetime week of Feb. 23-March 1 |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=March 3, 2009 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?date=03/03/09&id=20090303nbc01 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Jack considers taking the next step in his relationship with Elisa. Tracy appears on ''[[Larry King Live]]'' and inadvertently triggers mayhem in New York City in responding to questions about the economy. In addition, Tracy's interview sends the ''TGS'' crew on a search of the 30 Rock building for a treasure. Liz loses her phone and must go with Kenneth to [[Queens]] to recover her phone which is being held for ransom.
|ShortSummary=Jack considers taking the next step in his relationship with Elisa. Tracy appears on ''[[Larry King Live]]'' and inadvertently triggers mayhem in New York City in responding to questions about the economy. In addition, Tracy's interview sends the ''TGS'' crew on a search of the 30 Rock building for a treasure. Liz loses her phone and must go with Kenneth to [[Queens]] to recover her phone which is being held for ransom.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
|LineColor=0257AC
|LineColor=0257AC
|EpisodeNumber=49
|EpisodeNumber=49
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|ProdCode=313
|ProdCode=313
|Title=[[Goodbye, My Friend]]
|Title=[[Goodbye, My Friend]]
|RTitle=
|WrittenBy=Ron Weiner
|WrittenBy=Ron Weiner
|DirectedBy=John Riggi
|DirectedBy=John Riggi
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|3|5}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|3|5}}
|Viewers=7.25<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=March 10, 2009|url=https://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=031009_06|title=Weekly Program Rankings (Mar. 2-8)|work=ABC Medianet|access-date=June 2, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329110321/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=031009_06|archive-date=March 29, 2012}}</ref>
|Viewers=7.3<ref name="313ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118000916.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title=Fox coasts to Thursday victory |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Levine |first=Stuart |date=March 6, 2009 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Liz tries to adopt the baby of a pregnant teen she meets in a donut shop. Kenneth learns that Tracy has never celebrated his birthday and ends up asking Jenna to share her birthday celebration with Tracy. Jack goes on a "guy's night out" with some of the ''TGS'' writers and Frank tells Jack about his [[father complex|daddy issues]].
|ShortSummary=Liz tries to adopt the baby of a pregnant teen she meets in a donut shop. Kenneth learns that Tracy has never celebrated his birthday and ends up asking Jenna to share her birthday celebration with Tracy. Jack goes on a "guy's night out" with some of the ''TGS'' writers and Frank tells Jack about his [[father complex|daddy issues]].
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
|LineColor=0257AC
|LineColor=0257AC
|EpisodeNumber=50
|EpisodeNumber=50
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|ProdCode=314
|ProdCode=314
|Title=[[The Funcooker]]
|Title=[[The Funcooker]]
|RTitle=
|WrittenBy=[[Donald Glover]] & Tom Ceraulo
|WrittenBy=[[Donald Glover]] & Tom Ceraulo
|DirectedBy=[[Ken Whittingham]]
|DirectedBy=[[Ken Whittingham]]
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|3|12}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|3|12}}
|Viewers=6.43<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=March 17, 2009|url=https://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=031709_07|title=Weekly Program Rankings (Mar. 9-15)|work=ABC Medianet|access-date=June 2, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405084727/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=031709_07|archive-date=April 5, 2012}}</ref>
|Viewers=6.4<ref name="314ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118001202.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title=Clooney helps 'ER' win the hour |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Levine |first=Stuart |date=March 13, 2009 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Liz leaves the ''TGS'' crew unmanaged as she must participate in jury duty for the trial of an oddly familiar woman. Kenneth tries to assert control over the crew in her stead and Jack uses the writers to develop a new name for a GE product. Meanwhile, Jenna seeks Dr. Spaceman's help so she can work on ''TGS'' and her movie. Elsewhere, Tracy comes to the conclusion that being able to afford [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]] fines is a license to swear on television. When TGS' ad sponsors threaten to pull out due to Tracy's behavior, Tracy buys the ad time himself.
|ShortSummary=Liz leaves the ''TGS'' crew unmanaged as she must participate in jury duty for the trial of an oddly familiar woman. Kenneth tries to assert control over the crew in her stead and Jack uses the writers to develop a new name for a GE product. Meanwhile, Jenna seeks Dr. Spaceman's help so she can work on ''TGS'' and her movie. Elsewhere, Tracy comes to the conclusion that being able to afford [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]] fines is a license to swear on television. When TGS' ad sponsors threaten to pull out due to Tracy's behavior, Tracy buys the ad time himself.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
|LineColor=0257AC
|LineColor=0257AC
|EpisodeNumber=51
|EpisodeNumber=51
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|ProdCode=315
|ProdCode=315
|Title=[[The Bubble (30 Rock)|The Bubble]]
|Title=[[The Bubble (30 Rock)|The Bubble]]
|RTitle=
|WrittenBy=Tina Fey
|WrittenBy=Tina Fey
|DirectedBy=[[Tricia Brock (director)|Tricia Brock]]
|DirectedBy=[[Tricia Brock (director)|Tricia Brock]]
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|3|19}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|3|19}}
|Viewers=7.13<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=March 24, 2009|url=https://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=032409_04|title=Weekly Program Rankings (Mar. 16-22)|work=ABC Medianet|access-date=June 2, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405084741/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=032409_04|archive-date=April 5, 2012}}</ref>
|Viewers=7.1<ref name="315ratings">{{cite press release |title='The Office,' 'Biggest Loser,' '30 Rock,' 'ER' and 'SVU' lead NBC's Primetime week for March 16–22 |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=March 24, 2009 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?date=03/24/09&id=20090324nbc01 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Liz learns that Drew's attractiveness has led to society giving him special treatment and Liz tries to bring this to his attention. Meanwhile Jack attempts to renegotiate Tracy Jordan's contract but hits a snag when Tracy realizes he no longer needs money thanks to his video game success. Finally Jenna gets a new hairstyle to try to capture the public's attention.
|ShortSummary=Liz learns that Drew's attractiveness has led to society giving him special treatment and Liz tries to bring this to his attention. Meanwhile, Jack attempts to renegotiate Tracy Jordan's contract but hits a snag when Tracy realizes he no longer needs money thanks to his video game success. Finally Jenna gets a new hairstyle to try to capture the public's attention.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
|LineColor=0257AC
|LineColor=0257AC
|EpisodeNumber=52
|EpisodeNumber=52
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|ProdCode=316
|ProdCode=316
|Title=[[Apollo, Apollo]]
|Title=[[Apollo, Apollo]]
|RTitle=
|WrittenBy=Robert Carlock
|WrittenBy=Robert Carlock
|DirectedBy=[[Millicent Shelton]]
|DirectedBy=[[Millicent Shelton]]
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|3|26}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|3|26}}
|Viewers=7.17<ref>{{cite web|last=Seidman|first=Robert|url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/03/31/top-nbc-primetime-shows-march-23-29-2009/15602|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410210652/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/03/31/top-nbc-primetime-shows-march-23-29-2009/15602|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 10, 2009|title=Top NBC Primetime Shows, March 23-29, 2009|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=March 31, 2009|access-date=June 2, 2023}}</ref>
|Viewers=7.2<ref name="316ratings">{{cite press release |title='Biggest Loser' and 'The Office' pace NBC's Primetime week of March 23–29|publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=March 31, 2009 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?date=03/31/09&id=20090331nbc01 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=While Jack plans the perfect 50th birthday party for himself he watches old home videos that inspire him to recreate one of the happiest moments he had as a young boy. Liz's ex-boyfriend [[List of 30 Rock characters#Dennis Duffy|Dennis]] ([[Dean Winters]]) decides to come clean to Liz about an addiction, stirring up drama between Liz and Jenna. Kenneth and Pete team up to make Tracy's childhood dream come true.
|ShortSummary=While Jack plans the perfect 50th birthday party for himself he watches old home videos that inspire him to recreate one of the happiest moments he had as a young boy. Liz's ex-boyfriend [[List of 30 Rock characters#Dennis Duffy|Dennis]] ([[Dean Winters]]) decides to come clean to Liz about an addiction, stirring up drama between Liz and Jenna. Kenneth and Pete team up to make Tracy's childhood dream come true.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
|LineColor=0257AC
|LineColor=0257AC
|EpisodeNumber=53
|EpisodeNumber=53
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|ProdCode=317
|ProdCode=317
|Title=[[Cutbacks (30 Rock)|Cutbacks]]
|Title=[[Cutbacks (30 Rock)|Cutbacks]]
|RTitle=
|WrittenBy=Matt Hubbard
|WrittenBy=Matt Hubbard
|DirectedBy=Gail Mancuso
|DirectedBy=Gail Mancuso
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|4|9}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|4|9}}
|Viewers=6.81<ref>{{cite web|last=Seidman|first=Robert|url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/04/14/top-nbc-primetime-shows-april-6-12-2009/16726|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419044346/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/04/14/top-nbc-primetime-shows-april-6-12-2009/16726|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 19, 2009|title=Top NBC Primetime Shows, April 6-12, 2009|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=April 14, 2009|access-date=June 2, 2023}}</ref>
|Viewers=6.8<ref name="317ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002322.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title='Southland' tops Thursday premieres |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Levine |first=Stuart |date=April 10, 2009 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary= Joy about the 50th ''TGS'' episode turns to worry when word spreads about imminent budget cuts at 30 Rock. Before long, Jack must fire several employees to save money, Kenneth takes on new responsibilities, and Liz wheels and deals to spare her staffers from layoffs. Meanwhile, Jenna and Tracy suspect that Kenneth is masking a deep dark secret.
|ShortSummary= Joy about the 50th ''TGS'' episode turns to worry when word spreads about imminent budget cuts at 30 Rock. Before long, Jack must fire several employees to save money, Kenneth takes on new responsibilities, and Liz wheels and deals to spare her staffers from layoffs. Meanwhile, Jenna and Tracy suspect that Kenneth is masking a deep dark secret.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
|LineColor=0257AC
|LineColor=0257AC
|EpisodeNumber=54
|EpisodeNumber=54
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|DirectedBy=Don Scardino
|DirectedBy=Don Scardino
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|4|16}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|4|16}}
|Viewers=7.32<ref>{{cite web|last=Seidman|first=Robert|url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/04/21/top-nbc-primetime-shows-april-13-19-2009/17143|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505074717/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/04/21/top-nbc-primetime-shows-april-13-19-2009/17143|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 5, 2009|title=Top NBC Primetime Shows, April 13-19, 2009|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=April 21, 2009|access-date=June 2, 2023}}</ref>
|Viewers=7.3<ref name="318ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002544.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title='Southland' ratings to be tested |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Kissell |first=Rick |date=April 17, 2009 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Liz meets a new group of friends while on suspension from work. Meanwhile Jack is worried that Jenna's [[Janis Joplin]] [[biographical film]] will not get released and tries to promote the movie at the [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]]. However, following a mix-up, the world believes Jenna is dead and Jack tries to use her death to further hype the film.
|ShortSummary=Liz meets a new group of friends while on suspension from work. Meanwhile, Jack is worried that Jenna's [[Janis Joplin]] [[biographical film]] will not get released and tries to promote the movie at the [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]]. However, following a mix-up, the world believes Jenna is dead and Jack tries to use her death to further hype the film.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
|LineColor=0257AC
|LineColor=0257AC
|EpisodeNumber=55
|EpisodeNumber=55
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|ProdCode=319
|ProdCode=319
|Title=[[The Ones (30 Rock)|The Ones]]
|Title=[[The Ones (30 Rock)|The Ones]]
|RTitle=
|WrittenBy=Jack Burditt
|WrittenBy=Jack Burditt
|DirectedBy=Beth McCarthy
|DirectedBy=Beth McCarthy
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|4|23}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|4|23}}
|Viewers=6.3<ref name="319ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002812.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title=ABC opens sweeps with narrow win |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Weisman |first=Jon |date=April 24, 2009 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|Viewers=6.30<ref>{{cite web|last=Seidman|first=Robert|url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/04/28/top-nbc-primetime-shows-april-20-26-2009/17584|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516031049/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/04/28/top-nbc-primetime-shows-april-20-26-2009/17584|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 16, 2010|title=Top NBC Primetime Shows, April 20-26, 2009|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=April 28, 2009|access-date=June 2, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Jack goes shopping with Liz for an engagement ring for Elisa. Jack grows worried about whether he and Elisa's potential marriage would survive in the real world, but Tracy counsels him on married life. Meanwhile, Elisa tells Liz that she is keeping a secret. A prank results in an injury back at ''TGS'' and Jenna falls in love with an attractive [[emergency medical technician]] who comes to help.
|ShortSummary=Jack goes shopping with Liz for an engagement ring for Elisa. Jack grows worried about whether he and Elisa's potential marriage would survive in the real world, but Tracy counsels him on married life. Meanwhile, Elisa tells Liz that she is keeping a secret. A prank results in an injury back at ''TGS'' and Jenna falls in love with an attractive [[emergency medical technician]] who comes to help.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
|LineColor=0257AC
|LineColor=0257AC
|EpisodeNumber=56
|EpisodeNumber=56
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|ProdCode=320
|ProdCode=320
|Title=[[The Natural Order]]
|Title=[[The Natural Order]]
|RTitle=
|WrittenBy=John Riggi & Tina Fey
|WrittenBy=John Riggi & Tina Fey
|DirectedBy=[[Scott Ellis]]
|DirectedBy=[[Scott Ellis]]
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|4|30}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|4|30}}
|Viewers=5.95<ref>{{cite web|last=Seidman|first=Robert|url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/05/06/top-nbc-primetime-shows-april-27-may-3-2009/18178|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525054938/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/05/06/top-nbc-primetime-shows-april-27-may-3-2009/18178|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 25, 2009|title=Top NBC Primetime Shows, April 27 - May 3, 2009|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=May 6, 2009|access-date=June 2, 2023}}</ref>
|Viewers=6.0<ref name="320ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118003081.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title=ABC, 'Grey's' pace rating race |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Weisman |first=Jon |date=May 1, 2009 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Liz reprimands Tracy in front of the staff for not acting professionally. Liz worries, expecting Tracy to act out, but he surprises her by instead acting very professionally. Tracy says that because he no longer requests special treatment as an actor, Liz should give up any privileges she is given as a woman. Jack's mother, Colleen ([[Elaine Stritch]]), comes to visit revealing memories about Jack's father. Jenna adopts a pet [[gibbon]] and learns about motherhood.
|ShortSummary=Liz reprimands Tracy in front of the staff for not acting professionally. Liz worries, expecting Tracy to act out, but he surprises her by instead acting very professionally. Tracy says that because he no longer requests special treatment as an actor, Liz should give up any privileges she is given as a woman. Jack's mother, Colleen ([[Elaine Stritch]]), comes to visit revealing memories about Jack's father. Jenna adopts a pet [[gibbon]] and learns about motherhood.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
|LineColor=0257AC
|LineColor=0257AC
|EpisodeNumber=57
|EpisodeNumber=57
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|ProdCode=321
|ProdCode=321
|Title=[[Mamma Mia (30 Rock)|Mamma Mia]]
|Title=[[Mamma Mia (30 Rock)|Mamma Mia]]
|RTitle=
|WrittenBy=Ron Weiner
|WrittenBy=Ron Weiner
|DirectedBy=Don Scardino
|DirectedBy=Don Scardino
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|5|7}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|5|7}}
|Viewers=6.13<ref>{{cite web|last=Seidman|first=Robert|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/05/12/top-nbc-primetime-shows-may-4-10-2009/18555/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927232708/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/05/12/top-nbc-primetime-shows-may-4-10-2009/18555/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 27, 2012|title=Top NBC Primetime Shows, May 4-10, 2009|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=May 12, 2009|access-date=June 2, 2023}}</ref>
|Viewers=6.2<ref name="321ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118003382.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title=ABC's 'Anatomy' makes ratings gains |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Weisman |first=Jon |date=May 8, 2009 |access-date=October 7, 2009}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Jack begins to search for his biological father with help from Liz. Meanwhile Tracy introduces his supposedly illegitimate son to the cast and crew of ''TGS'', but some question his intentions. Meanwhile, Jenna and Liz fight for attention when Jenna gets public recognition for a comedic sketch Liz wrote.
|ShortSummary=Jack begins to search for his biological father with help from Liz. Meanwhile, Tracy introduces his supposedly illegitimate son to the cast and crew of ''TGS'', but some question his intentions. Meanwhile, Jenna and Liz fight for attention when Jenna gets public recognition for a comedic sketch Liz wrote.
}}
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock (season 3)
{{Episode list/sublist|30 Rock season 3
|LineColor=0257AC
|LineColor=0257AC
|EpisodeNumber=58
|EpisodeNumber=58
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|ProdCode=322
|ProdCode=322
|Title=[[Kidney Now!]]
|Title=[[Kidney Now!]]
|RTitle=
|WrittenBy=Jack Burditt & Robert Carlock
|WrittenBy=Jack Burditt & Robert Carlock
|DirectedBy=Don Scardino
|DirectedBy=Don Scardino
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|5|14}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|5|14}}
|Viewers=5.7<ref name="322ratings">{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118003708.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 |title='Grey's Anatomy' tops Thursday ratings |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Weisman |first=Jon |date=May 15, 2009 |access-date=September 17, 2009}}</ref>
|Viewers=5.70<ref name="322ratings">{{cite web|last=Seidman|first=Robert|url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/05/19/top-nbc-primetime-shows-may-11-17-2009/19091|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091118060340/http://tvbythenumbers.com:80/2009/05/19/top-nbc-primetime-shows-may-11-17-2009/19091|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 18, 2009|title=Top NBC Primetime Shows, May 11-17, 2009|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=May 19, 2009|access-date=June 2, 2023}}</ref>
|ShortSummary=Jack gets to know his newly discovered father, but soon discovers Milton ([[Alan Alda]]) has a serious medical condition to contend with. Liz gains notoriety as a relationship expert for a sketch she wrote. Meanwhile, Tracy is invited to speak at his former high school's graduation and Kenneth tries to help him overcome troubling memories from his high school experience. Guest stars included [[Elvis Costello]], [[Mary J. Blige]], [[Sheryl Crow]], [[Clay Aiken]], [[Adam Levine]], [[Ad-Rock]] and [[Mike D]] of [[Beastie Boys]], [[Michael McDonald (musician)|Michael McDonald]], [[Rhett Miller]], [[Wyclef Jean]], [[Steve Earle]], [[Moby]], [[Cyndi Lauper]], [[Sara Bareilles]], [[Robert Randolph and the Family Band|Robert Randolph]], [[Rachael Yamagata]], [[Talib Kweli]], [[Donald Glover]] and [[Norah Jones]].
|ShortSummary=Jack gets to know his newly discovered father, but soon discovers Milton ([[Alan Alda]]) has a serious medical condition to contend with. Liz gains notoriety as a relationship expert for a sketch she wrote. Meanwhile, Tracy is invited to speak at his former high school's graduation and Kenneth tries to help him overcome troubling memories from his high school experience. Guest stars included [[Elvis Costello]], [[Mary J. Blige]], [[Sheryl Crow]], [[Clay Aiken]], [[Adam Levine]], [[Ad-Rock]] and [[Mike D]] of [[Beastie Boys]], [[Michael McDonald (musician)|Michael McDonald]], [[Rhett Miller]], [[Wyclef Jean]], [[Steve Earle]], [[Moby]], [[Cyndi Lauper]], [[Sara Bareilles]], [[Robert Randolph and the Family Band|Robert Randolph]], [[Rachael Yamagata]], [[Talib Kweli]], [[Donald Glover]] and [[Norah Jones]].
}}
}}
}}</onlyinclude>
}}</onlyinclude>

==Reception==

===Critical reception===
On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the season has an approval rating of 92% with an average score of 8.3 out of 10 based on 38 reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "Brandishing its trademark silliness with vigor, ''30 Rock''{{'}}s third season hits the ground running and cements its reputation as one of the smartest, funniest comedies on television."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/30-rock/s03 |title=30 Rock: Season 3 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=November 13, 2021 |archive-date=November 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113132133/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/30-rock/s03 |url-status=live }}</ref> Robert Canning of [[IGN]] called the third season "a series at the top of its game", scoring the season a 9.3 out of 10. In particular, Canning noted that the "first half of the year&nbsp;... had the most focus."<ref name="ignseasondvdreview">{{cite web |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/985/985367p1.html |title=30 Rock: Season 3 Review |access-date=September 23, 2009 |last=Canning |first=Robert |date=May 21, 2009 |website=IGN |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021151714/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/05/21/30-rock-season-3-review |url-status=live }}</ref> Canning said the premiere episode "[[Do-Over]]" was "filled to capacity with comedy",<ref name="dooverign">{{cite web |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/923/923899p1.html |title=Do-Over Review |access-date=September 23, 2009 |last=Canning |first=Robert |date=October 28, 2008 |website=IGN |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021151720/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/28/30-rock-do-over-review |url-status=live }}</ref> called "[[Señor Macho Solo]]" "near perfect",<ref name="senormachoign">{{cite web |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/943/943418p1.html |title=Senor Macho Solo Review |access-date=September 23, 2009 |last=Canning |first=Robert |date=January 9, 2009 |website=IGN |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021151727/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/01/09/30-rock-senor-macho-solo-review |url-status=live }}</ref> but said the story for the finale "[[Kidney Now!]]" was "fun" but "average for a season finale."<ref name="kidneyign">{{cite web |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/983/983173p1.html |title=Kidney Now! Review |access-date=September 23, 2009 |last=Canning |first=Robert |date=May 15, 2009 |website=IGN |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021151734/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/05/15/30-rock-kidney-now-review |url-status=live }}</ref> Alynda Wheat of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'', reviewing the DVD release, gave the season an A−.<ref name="ewseason">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.ew.com/article/2009/09/18/30-rock-season-3 |title=30 Rock: Season 3 |access-date=September 23, 2009 |last=Wheat |first=Alynda |date=September 15, 2009 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |archive-date=May 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525115946/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20304595,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Jeremy Medina of [[Paste (magazine)|''Paste'' magazine]] also reviewed the premiere, saying it was "sort of like the first day of school after summer vacation: sort of awkward at times, but fast and buoyant and warmly familiar all the same".<ref name="paste">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/tv_detail/2008/10/30-rock-review-season-three-premire-do-over.html |title=30 Rock review. Season 3 Premiere—"Do-Over" |access-date=September 23, 2009 |last=Medina |first=Jeremy |date=October 30, 2008 |magazine=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] |archive-date=June 12, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612085659/http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/tv_detail/2008/10/30-rock-review-season-three-premire-do-over.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Brian Lowry of ''Variety'' was more critical, calling the third season "wildly uneven" and saying ''30 Rock'' was "merely a good comedy whose shortcomings prevent it from joining the ranks of great ones."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117938733.html?categoryid=32&cs=1 |title=30 Rock Review - TV Show Reviews |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Lowry |first=Brian |date=October 16, 2008 |access-date=October 6, 2009 |archive-date=April 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430104523/http://variety.com/review/VE1117938733.html?categoryid=32&cs=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The season is also noted by critics positively due to the praise of [[Tracy Morgan]] and [[Jack McBrayer]]'s performance. [[Metacritic]], which gives a score based on critical reviews, gave the season a rating of 84/100 from 17 reviews, signifying "universal acclaim".<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/30-rock/season-3/ |title=30 Rock: Season 3 |access-date=September 23, 2009 |website=[[Metacritic]] |archive-date=August 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822183129/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/30-rock/season-3 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Ratings===
The season premiere, "[[Do-Over]]", received 8.7&nbsp;million viewers and was the highest-rated episode of the series.<ref name="301ratings"/> The sixth episode "[[Christmas Special (30 Rock)|Christmas Special]]" would break that mark, garnering 8.9&nbsp;million viewers.<ref name="306ratings"/> [[Digital Video Recorder]] (DVR) accounted for an average additional 1.2&nbsp;million viewers for episodes of the third season. ''30 Rock'' is the most popular series among upscale viewers, defined as those who have an income higher than $100,000 a year, on the broadcast networks.<ref name="ratings_1">{{cite press release |title=NBC Results For The Primetime Week Of November 17–23 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?date=11/25/08&id=20081125nbc01 |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] Media Village |date=November 25, 2008 |access-date=December 2, 2008 |quote=''[[30 Rock]]'' has been adding an average 1.2 million viewers to its previously reported "live plus same day" numbers when "live plus seven day" viewing is counted. ''30 Rock'' is the most upscale show in primetime network television, with a 147 index of adults 18–49 living in homes with $100,000+ incomes.}}</ref> The show averaged 7.7&nbsp;million viewers through the first ten episodes, a ratings level that ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' called "solid" and credited to pairing the show with ''[[The Office (American TV series)|The Office]]'' on NBC's Thursday schedule.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2009/tv/features/30-rock-brings-solid-ratings-1118002109/ |title='30 Rock' brings solid ratings |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Kissell |first=Rick |date=April 3, 2009 |access-date=September 17, 2009 |archive-date=April 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410150818/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002109.html?categoryId=2522&cs=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The season finale, "[[Kidney Now!]]", aired on May 14, 2009, and was viewed by 5.7&nbsp;million viewers.<ref name="322ratings"/>

===Awards and nominations===
This season of ''30 Rock'' received 22 [[Emmy Award]] nominations, the most for a show in 2009,<ref name="09emmynoms"/> breaking ''30 Rock''{{'s}} own record for the most nominated comedy in a single Primetime Emmy Award year (previously 17).<ref name="09nbcsemmy"/> At the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards, ''30 Rock'' won two [[Creative Arts Emmy Award]]s, "Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series" and "Outstanding Picture Editing for a Comedy Series", for the episode "[[Apollo, Apollo]]".<ref name="09artsemmy">{{cite press release |title=61st Creative Arts Emmy Award winners|publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]|date=September 12, 2009 |url=http://cdn.emmys.tv/downloads/2009/CRTV09winners_pressrel.pdf |access-date=September 17, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091007021400/http://cdn.emmys.tv/downloads/2009/CRTV09winners_pressrel.pdf| archive-date= October 7, 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> The show won three Primetime Emmy Awards: "[[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series|Outstanding Comedy Series]]", Alec Baldwin won "[[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor – Comedy Series|Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series]]" for his role as Jack Donaghy, and [[Matt Hubbard]] won "[[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing - Comedy Series|Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series]]" for his work on "[[Reunion (30 Rock)|Reunion]]".<ref name="09primeemmy">{{cite press release |title=61st Primetime Emmy Award winners|publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]|date=September 20, 2009 |url=http://cdn.emmys.tv/downloads/2009/ptemmys09winners_pressrel.pdf |access-date=September 17, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091007021501/http://cdn.emmys.tv/downloads/2009/ptemmys09winners_pressrel.pdf| archive-date= October 7, 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> Tina Fey, though nominated, did not win "[[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress – Comedy Series|Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series]]", which she had won the previous year; [[Toni Collette]] from ''[[The United States of Tara]]'' won instead. [[CNN]] called the decision a "mild surprise", saying Fey was the "heavy favorite".<ref name="cnnemmy">{{cite news| url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/20/emmy.night/index.html| title='Mad Men,' '30 Rock' top Emmy Awards| last=Duke| first=Alan| work=CNN| date=September 20, 2009| access-date=September 17, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091004093720/http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/20/emmy.night/index.html| archive-date= October 4, 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

==Distribution==
''30 Rock'' is broadcast in Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia, in addition to the United States. The show was [[simulcast]] in Canada on [[Citytv]].<ref name="canada">{{cite web|title=Do-Over - 30 ROCK |publisher=[[Citytv]] |date=October 30, 2008 |access-date=October 8, 2009 |url=http://www.citytv.com/toronto/show/micro/episode/599 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105184435/http://www.citytv.com/toronto/show/micro/episode/599 |archive-date=November 5, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This season of ''30 Rock'' was shown in Australia on the [[Seven Network]] at 11:30&nbsp;p.m. [[Time in Australia|local time]]<ref name="1130australia">{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv-reviews/30-rock/2008/07/18/1216163131731.html |title=''30 Rock'' — TV Reviews |access-date=October 27, 2009 |last=Cooke |first=Dewi |date=July 21, 2008 |newspaper=[[The Age]] |location=Melbourne |archive-date=July 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090720133430/http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv-reviews/30-rock/2008/07/18/1216163131731.html |url-status=live }}</ref> starting on February 2, 2009.<ref name="australia2">{{cite web |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2009/02/week-7-2.html |title=Week 7:TV Tonight |access-date=October 8, 2009 |last=Knox |first=David |date=February 9, 2009 |website=TV Tonight |archive-date=September 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917074913/https://tvtonight.com.au/2009/02/week-7-2.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The third season began in the UK on October 5, 2009, on [[Comedy Central]], moving from [[Five (TV channel)|Five]] where the previous season had aired.<ref name="ukfive">{{cite news|title=US hit comedy 30 Rock to move to the Comedy Central channel|work=[[guardian.co.uk]]|publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited 2009 |date=September 30, 2009 |access-date=October 8, 2009 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/sep/30/30-rock-comedy-central | location=London | first=Leigh | last=Holmwood| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091003104803/http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/sep/30/30-rock-comedy-central| archive-date= October 3, 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

The season was released on DVD by [[Universal Pictures|Universal Studios]] on September 22, 2009, in the United States and Canada after it had completed an initial broadcast run on NBC.<ref name="dvddate"/><ref name="amazondvd"/> The DVD set is scheduled for Australian release on November 11, 2009.<ref name="region4dvd">{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdorchard.com.au/ProductS1TV.asp?PND=167563&CS=1&NoCache=0.6329462|title=Buy 30 Rock - Season 3 DVD|publisher=DVD Orchard|access-date=October 7, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706104049/http://www.dvdorchard.com.au/ProductS1TV.asp?PND=167563&CS=1&NoCache=0.6329462|archive-date=July 6, 2011}}</ref> The 3-disc set of 22 episodes has a [[Aspect ratio (image)#1.66:1, 1.75:1, 1.77:1, 1.78:1 and 16:9 standard widescreen|1.78:1 aspect ratio]], [[Dolby Surround]] 2.0 and 5.1, and English and Spanish subtitles.<ref name="universaldvd">{{cite web |url=http://www.nbcuniversalstore.com/detail.php?p=104620&v=nbc_tv-on-dvd#tabs|title=30 Rock: Season 3, NBC Universal Store|publisher=[[Universal Pictures|Universal Studios]]|access-date=October 5, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227135952/http://www.nbcuniversalstore.com/detail.php?p=104620&v=nbc_tv-on-dvd |archive-date=February 27, 2012}}</ref> In addition to the episodes, the DVD set special features included [[deleted scene|unaired scenes]], featurettes, and audio commentary on the select episodes, "Flu Shot", "Goodbye, My Friend", "The Bubble", "Apollo, Apollo", "The Ones", "Mamma Mia" and "Kidney Now!".<ref name="universaldvd"/>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
;General
* {{cite web |url=http://uk.tv.ign.com/objects/142/14244643.html|title=''30 Rock'' Season 3|website=IGN|access-date=October 22, 2009}}
* {{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/profiles/Season/main/74215/3/171713/30%20Rock.html?dataSet=1|title=''30 Rock'' episodes|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=October 22, 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}
;Specific
{{reflist|30em}}


== External links ==
{{Wikiquote|30 Rock#Season 3|30 Rock Season 3}}
{{Wikiquote|30 Rock#Season 3|30 Rock Season 3}}
* {{Official website|http://www.nbc.com/30-rock}}
* {{IMDb episodes|0496424|30 Rock|season=3}}


{{30 Rock}}
{{30 Rock}}
{{Navboxes
{{EmmyAward ComedySeries 2001–2025}}
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by 30 Rock|Awards for ''30 Rock'' season 3]]
{{GoldenGlobeTVComedy 1990–2009}}
|list =
{{ScreenActorsGuildAwards EnsembleTVComedy 2000–2009}}
{{EmmyAward ComedySeries}}
{{GoldenGlobeTVComedy}}
{{Producers Guild of America Award for Best Episodic Comedy}}
{{ScreenActorsGuildAwards EnsembleTVComedy}}
{{Writers Guild of America Award for Television: Comedy Series}}
}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:30 Rock (Season 3)}}
{{featured list}}
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[[Category:30 Rock (season 3) episodes| ]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:30 Rock Season 3}}
[[Category:30 Rock season 3 episodes| ]]
[[Category:2008 American television seasons]]
[[Category:2008 American television seasons]]
[[Category:2009 American television seasons]]
[[Category:2009 American television seasons]]

Latest revision as of 10:09, 7 December 2024

30 Rock
Season 3
Two men in suits, a black man in a yellow jacket, a blond woman in green, and a brunette woman in black with glasses on a box labeled "30 ROCK SEASON 3"
DVD cover
Starring
No. of episodes22
Release
Original networkNBC
Original releaseOctober 30, 2008 (2008-10-30) –
May 14, 2009 (2009-05-14)
Season chronology
← Previous
Season 2
Next →
Season 4
List of episodes

The third season of 30 Rock, an American television comedy series, consists of 22 episodes and began airing on October 30, 2008, on the NBC network in the United States.[1][2] The season was produced by Broadway Video, Little Stranger, and NBC Universal; the executive producers were series creator Tina Fey, Lorne Michaels, Marci Klein, David Miner, and Robert Carlock.

In this season, Liz focuses heavily on her personal life, trying to adopt a child and find a new romantic partner. Meanwhile, Jack Donaghy pursues a new relationship, Jenna Maroney undertakes a new Janis Joplin-based film project, and Tracy Jordan enjoys the success of his video game developed at the end of the previous season.

The third season aired under NBC's promotional banner "Comedy Night Done Right" on Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time.[3][4] The season was critically acclaimed and received 22 Emmy Award nominations, the most for a single show in 2009.[5] The nominations broke 30 Rock's own record (17) for the most nominated comedy in a single Primetime Emmy Award ceremony.[6] The season was released on DVD as a three-disc boxed set under the title 30 Rock: Season 3 on September 22, 2009, by Universal Studios.[7][8]

Synopsis

[edit]

Season 3 continues from the epilogue of the Season 2 finale, Cooter. Jack tries to get his job—and his promotion—back. Meanwhile, Liz tries to adopt a baby, while Tracy enjoys the success of his pornographic video game as Jenna sues him for not properly compensating her.

Season-long plots include Jack meeting a new love interest, Elisa (Salma Hayek), and the search for his real father (portrayed by Alan Alda). Liz also finds a new love interest, Dr. Drew Baird (Jon Hamm), while going through cutbacks and discovering her potential to host a talk show. Jenna is cast as a Janis Joplin-type character since the life rights to Janis Joplin could not be obtained. Kenneth Parcell's (Jack McBrayer) age is also revealed to be questionable. It is also revealed, in the penultimate episode of season 7, that Jack and Jenna were romantically involved throughout season 3.

Crew

[edit]

The third season was produced by Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc., and Universal Media Studios and aired on NBC. The executive producers were series creator Tina Fey, Lorne Michaels, Marci Klein, David Miner, and Robert Carlock. Jack Burditt, John Riggi, and Ron Weiner acted as co-executive producers. The producers for the season were Alec Baldwin, Jerry Kupfer, and Don Scardino with Diana Schmidt and Irene Burns as co-producers. JoAnn Alfano had been the executive producer for the first and second seasons and vacated that position afterward. Ron Weiner became a co-executive producer after being a story editor for the second season. Alec Baldwin, who plays Jack Donaghy in the series, became a producer for the third season.[9]

There were 11 directors through the season. Those who directed multiple episodes were series producer Don Scardino, Gail Mancuso, and Beth McCarthy. There were eight directors who each directed one episode throughout the season: Steve Buscemi, Todd Holland, Constantine Makris, John Riggi, Ken Whittingham, Tricia Brock, Millicent Shelton, and Scott Ellis.[10] Series writers who penned episodes this season include Tina Fey,[11] Robert Carlock,[12] Jack Burditt,[13] John Riggi,[14] and Matt Hubbard.[15]

Cast

[edit]
Salma Hayek in 2012.
Salma Hayek appeared in six episodes as Jack's mother's nurse, Elisa Pedriera

Ten actors received star billing. Tina Fey portrayed Liz Lemon, the head writer of a fictitious live-sketch-comedy television series TGS.[16] The TGS cast consists of three actors. The lead actor is the loose cannon movie star Tracy Jordan, portrayed by Tracy Morgan.[16] The co-stars are the dense Jenna Maroney, portrayed by Jane Krakowski and Josh Girard, who is also a writer for TGS, portrayed by Lonny Ross.[9][17] Jack McBrayer played the naïve NBC page Kenneth Parcell.[17][18] Scott Adsit acted as the witty and wise TGS producer, Pete Hornberger.[17][19] Judah Friedlander portrayed trucker hat-wearing staff writer Frank Rossitano.[17][20] Alec Baldwin played the NBC network executive Jack Donaghy.[17] Donaghy's full corporate title for the majority of the season is "Head of East Coast Television and Microwave Oven Programming".[17][21] Keith Powell played the Harvard University alumnus and TGS staff writer James "Toofer" Spurlock.[9][17] Katrina Bowden acted as writers' assistant Cerie Xerox.[9][17] Other cast members include, Maulik Pancholy as Jonathan,[22] Grizz Chapman as Grizz Griswold,[23] and Kevin Brown as "Dot Com" Slattery.[24] The cast featured recurring characters, including John Lutz as J.D. Lutz,[25] and Chris Parnell as Dr. Leo Spaceman.[26]

Salma Hayek had a recurring guest appearance in six episodes as Elisa, a nurse for Jack Donaghy's mother and Donaghy's eventual love interest.[27] She first appeared in "Señor Macho Solo" and made her final appearance in "The Ones". Steve Buscemi appeared in the episodes "The Natural Order" and "Mamma Mia" as Lenny Wosniak, a private detective occasionally hired by Donaghy.[28][29] Alan Alda appeared in the episodes "Mamma Mia" and "Kidney Now!" as Milton Greene, a man believed to be Jack Donaghy's father.[29][30]

Main cast

[edit]
  • Tina Fey as Liz Lemon, the head writer of TGS, a live sketch comedy television show. (22 episodes)
  • Tracy Morgan as Tracy Jordan, a loose cannon movie star and cast member of TGS. (22 episodes)
  • Jane Krakowski as Jenna Maroney, a vain, fame-obsessed TGS cast member and Liz's best friend. (20 episodes, does not appear in “Gavin Volure”, “Larry King”)
  • Jack McBrayer as Kenneth Parcell, a naïve, television-loving NBC page from Georgia. (22 episodes)
  • Scott Adsit as Pete Hornberger, the witty and wise producer of TGS. (14 episodes)
  • Judah Friedlander as Frank Rossitano, an immature staff writer for TGS. (18 episodes)
  • Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy, a high-flying NBC network executive and Liz's mentor. (22 episodes)
  • Katrina Bowden as Cerie Xerox, the young, attractive TGS general assistant. (16 episodes)
  • Keith Powell as James "Toofer" Spurlock, a proud African-American staff writer for TGS. (11 episodes)
  • Lonny Ross as Josh Girard, a young, unintelligent TGS cast member. (4 episodes)
  • Kevin Brown as Walter "Dot Com" Slattery, a member of Tracy's entourage. (14 episodes)
  • Grizz Chapman as Warren "Grizz" Griswold, a member of Tracy's entourage. (14 episodes)
  • Maulik Pancholy as Jonathan, Jack's assistant who is obsessed with him. (9 episodes)

Recurring cast

[edit]
  • John Lutz as J.D. Lutz, a lazy, overweight TGS writer who is often ridiculed by his co-workers. (13 episodes)
  • Salma Hayek as Elisa Pedreira, a Puerto Rican nurse and Jack's love interest. (6 episodes)
  • Chris Parnell as Dr. Leo Spaceman, a physician who practices questionable medical techniques. (4 episodes)
  • Todd Buonopane as Jeffrey Weinerslav, an employee in GE's human resources department. (3 episodes)
  • Jon Hamm as Dr. Andrew "Drew" Baird, a pediatrician and Liz's neighbor who she takes a romantic interest in. (3 episodes)
  • Elaine Stritch as Colleen Donaghy, Jack's cold and overbearing mother. (3 episodes)
  • Alan Alda as Milton Greene, Jack's biological father. (2 episodes)
  • Steve Buscemi as Lenny Wosniak, a private investigator hired by Jack. (2 episodes)
  • Marceline Hugot as Kathy Geiss, Don Geiss' socially awkward middle-aged daughter. (2 episodes)
  • Nancy O'Dell as herself (2 episodes)
  • Sherri Shepherd as Angie Jordan, Tracy's no-nonsense wife. (2 episodes)
  • Rip Torn as Don Geiss, CEO of GE and Jack's boss and mentor. (2 episodes)
  • Meredith Viera as herself (2 episodes)

Guest stars

[edit]
  • Clay Aiken as himself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Harry Anderson as himself (Episode: "The One with the Cast of Night Court")
  • Jennifer Aniston as Claire Harper, Liz and Jenna's old roommate from college. (Episode: "The One with the Cast of Night Court")
  • Will Arnett as Devon Banks, NBC's Vice President of West Coast News, Web Content and Theme Park Talent Relations and Jack's nemesis. (Episode: "Do-Over")
  • Sara Bareilles as herself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Roger Bart as Brad Halster, a consultant hired to slash TGS's budget. (Episode: "Cutbacks")
  • Beastie Boys as themselves (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Mary J. Blige as herself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Billy Bush as himself (Episode: "Señor Macho Solo")
  • Elvis Costello as himself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Sheryl Crow as herself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Peter Dinklage as Stewart LaGrange, a diplomatic attaché at the United Nations who Liz dates. (Episode: "Señor Macho Solo")
  • Steve Earle as himself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Donald Glover as a gay kid. (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Jackie Hoffman as Rochelle Gaulke, the defendant in a case in which Liz is on the jury. (Episode: "The Funcooker")
  • Wyclef Jean as himself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Norah Jones as herself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Calvin Klein as himself (Episode: "The Bubble")
  • Larry King as himself (Episode: "Larry King")
  • Talib Kweli as himself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Matt Lauer as himself (Episode: "Generalissimo")
  • Cyndi Lauper as herself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Adam Levine as himself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • John Lithgow as himself (Episode: "Goodbye, My Friend")
  • Patti LuPone as Sylvia Rossitano, Frank's stereotypical Italian-American mother. (Episode: "Goodbye, My Friend")
  • Steve Martin as Gavin Volure, an agoraphobic entrepreneur who takes an interest in Liz. (Episode: "Gavin Volure")
  • Michael McDonald as himself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • John McEnroe as himself (Episode: "Gavin Volure")
  • Rhett Miller as himself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Moby as himself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Janel Moloney as Jessica, a member of Liz's graduating class from high school. (Episode: "Reunion")
  • Megan Mullally as Bev, Liz's hostile adoption agent. (Episode: "Do-Over")
  • Diane Neal as Erin, a member of Liz's graduating class from high school. (Episode: "Reunion")
  • Don Pardo as Sid, the TGS announcer. (Episode: "Cutbacks")
  • Paula Pell as Paula Hornberger, Pete's wife. (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Markie Post as herself (Episode: "The One with the Cast of Night Court")
  • Robert Randolph as himself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")
  • Charlie Robinson as himself (Episode: "The One with the Cast of Night Court")
  • Amy Schumer as a stylist. (Episode: "Mamma Mia")
  • Maria Thayer as Jennifer Rogers, a blind woman who Kenneth has a crush on. (Episode: "St. Valentine's Day")
  • Adam West as himself (Episode: "Apollo, Apollo")
  • Brian Williams as himself (Episode: "The Ones")
  • Oprah Winfrey as herself (Episode: "Believe in the Stars")
  • Dean Winters as Dennis Duffy, Liz's immature ex-boyfriend. (Episode: "Apollo, Apollo")
  • Rachael Yamagata as herself (Episode: "Kidney Now!")

Episodes

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
371"Do-Over"Don ScardinoTina FeyOctober 30, 2008 (2008-10-30)3018.66[31]
Liz tries to stop the TGS staff from ruining her chances at adoption when an adoption agency evaluator, named Bev (Megan Mullally), comes to 30 Rock to determine whether Liz would make a good mother. Jack returns from Washington, D.C., and starts his job again at NBC, only to discover he has been demoted. Jack tries to get his old job and office back from Devon Banks (Will Arnett) and Kathy Geiss (Marceline Hugot). A feud between Tracy and Jenna wreaks havoc among the TGS staff.
382"Believe in the Stars"Don ScardinoRobert CarlockNovember 6, 2008 (2008-11-06)3028.07[32]
To get out of jury duty, Liz flies to Chicago only to be seated next to Oprah Winfrey on her return flight to New York. Meanwhile, Kenneth challenges Jack's morality after it is found out that NBC faked some Olympic events during the summer as a ratings stunt, and Jenna and Tracy switch race and gender to see who has it tougher.
393"The One with the Cast of Night Court"Gail MancusoJack BurdittNovember 13, 2008 (2008-11-13)3037.60[33]
Liz's former roommate from Chicago, Claire Harper (Jennifer Aniston), comes to visit her and Jenna, but Charlie ends up clinging to Jack. Meanwhile, Kenneth is unhappy with the new NBC page uniform, so Tracy decides to cheer him up by bringing on Harry Anderson, Markie Post, and Charlie Robinson from the original 1980s version of Night Court, prompting Kenneth to write and have Anderson, Post, and Robinson act out the series finale that most fans felt should have happened.
404"Gavin Volure"Gail MancusoJohn RiggiNovember 20, 2008 (2008-11-20)3047.08[34]
Liz meets one of Jack's friends, the eccentric businessman Gavin Volure (Steve Martin), who falls for her...until Gavin tells her why he's become a recluse. Meanwhile, after learning about The Menendez brothers murdering their parents, Tracy fears his children, Tracy Jr. and George Foreman Jordan, are out to get him, and Kenneth loses his money investing in Gavin Volure.
415"Reunion"Beth McCarthyMatt HubbardDecember 4, 2008 (2008-12-04)3057.18[35]
Don Geiss (Rip Torn) finally wakes up from his coma and shocks Jack with his announcement that he will be remaining CEO of GE (General Electric). Meanwhile, Jenna and Tracy worry that Kenneth the Page is getting more attention than them and Liz reluctantly goes to her high school reunion, and discovers that, while she remembers her high school days as being the shy nerd girl who got bullied by the pretty, popular crowd, everyone else remembers her as the abrasive, antisocial nerd girl who insulted and belittled people.
426"Christmas Special"Don ScardinoKay Cannon & Tina FeyDecember 11, 2008 (2008-12-11)3067.38[36]
In the Christmas episode, Liz decides to deliver presents to underprivileged children after her own family ditches their holiday plans with her. Jack's mother, Colleen (Elaine Stritch), stops Jack from going on a Christmas vacation so he ends up taking his frustration out on the TGS staff by forcing them to produce a Christmas episode.
437"Señor Macho Solo"Beth McCarthyRon WeinerJanuary 8, 2009 (2009-01-08)3075.37[37]
Jenna is concerned when Liz becomes attracted to a new man (Peter Dinklage). Jack tries to help Tracy and Angie Jordan (Sherri Shepherd) organize a postnuptial agreement and Jenna auditions for a Janis Joplin biographical film. Meanwhile, Jack finds a new love in the form of Elisa (Salma Hayek), his mother's nurse.
448"Flu Shot"Don ScardinoJon PollackJanuary 15, 2009 (2009-01-15)3086.63[38]
Liz campaigns for her staff's right to get flu shots from Dr. Spaceman, but Jack will not allow it due to a limited supply. Jack tries to think of creative ways to spend time with Elisa as she works seven days a week. Meanwhile, Jenna and Tracy try to do something nice for the crew.
459"Retreat to Move Forward"Steve BuscemiTami SagherJanuary 22, 2009 (2009-01-22)3096.41[39]
Nervous about his performance at a corporate retreat following his Bush administration and CEO debacles, Jack invites Liz to the retreat for moral support. Jenna employs method acting for her Janis Joplin role, which Frank quickly takes advantage of. After Tracy is diagnosed with diabetes Kenneth attempts to find a way to dissuade Tracy from eating sugary food.
4610"Generalissimo"Todd HollandRobert CarlockFebruary 5, 2009 (2009-02-05)3106.39[40]
Former Wall Street hotheads become interns at the TGS studios, much to Tracy's exhaustion. Jack deals with Elisa's grandmother's hatred due to a strange lookalike coincidence. Liz schemes to win over her new neighbor, Dr. Drew Baird (Jon Hamm) after accidentally receiving his mail.
4711"St. Valentine's Day"Don ScardinoJack Burditt & Tina FeyFebruary 12, 2009 (2009-02-12)3117.68[41]
Liz invites Dr. Baird on their first date, accidentally scheduling it for Valentine's Day. While she tries to plan a date that will not be awkward, Jack's Valentine's dinner plans with Elisa must be postponed to attend church with her. Kenneth falls for a new staffer (Maria Thayer) and Tracy tries to help him with the romance.
4812"Larry King"Constantine MakrisMatt HubbardFebruary 26, 2009 (2009-02-26)3126.36[42]
Jack considers taking the next step in his relationship with Elisa. Tracy appears on Larry King Live and inadvertently triggers mayhem in New York City in responding to questions about the economy. In addition, Tracy's interview sends the TGS crew on a search of the 30 Rock building for a treasure. Liz loses her phone and must go with Kenneth to Queens to recover her phone which is being held for ransom.
4913"Goodbye, My Friend"John RiggiRon WeinerMarch 5, 2009 (2009-03-05)3137.25[43]
Liz tries to adopt the baby of a pregnant teen she meets in a donut shop. Kenneth learns that Tracy has never celebrated his birthday and ends up asking Jenna to share her birthday celebration with Tracy. Jack goes on a "guy's night out" with some of the TGS writers and Frank tells Jack about his daddy issues.
5014"The Funcooker"Ken WhittinghamDonald Glover & Tom CerauloMarch 12, 2009 (2009-03-12)3146.43[44]
Liz leaves the TGS crew unmanaged as she must participate in jury duty for the trial of an oddly familiar woman. Kenneth tries to assert control over the crew in her stead and Jack uses the writers to develop a new name for a GE product. Meanwhile, Jenna seeks Dr. Spaceman's help so she can work on TGS and her movie. Elsewhere, Tracy comes to the conclusion that being able to afford FCC fines is a license to swear on television. When TGS' ad sponsors threaten to pull out due to Tracy's behavior, Tracy buys the ad time himself.
5115"The Bubble"Tricia BrockTina FeyMarch 19, 2009 (2009-03-19)3157.13[45]
Liz learns that Drew's attractiveness has led to society giving him special treatment and Liz tries to bring this to his attention. Meanwhile, Jack attempts to renegotiate Tracy Jordan's contract but hits a snag when Tracy realizes he no longer needs money thanks to his video game success. Finally Jenna gets a new hairstyle to try to capture the public's attention.
5216"Apollo, Apollo"Millicent SheltonRobert CarlockMarch 26, 2009 (2009-03-26)3167.17[46]
While Jack plans the perfect 50th birthday party for himself he watches old home videos that inspire him to recreate one of the happiest moments he had as a young boy. Liz's ex-boyfriend Dennis (Dean Winters) decides to come clean to Liz about an addiction, stirring up drama between Liz and Jenna. Kenneth and Pete team up to make Tracy's childhood dream come true.
5317"Cutbacks"Gail MancusoMatt HubbardApril 9, 2009 (2009-04-09)3176.81[47]
Joy about the 50th TGS episode turns to worry when word spreads about imminent budget cuts at 30 Rock. Before long, Jack must fire several employees to save money, Kenneth takes on new responsibilities, and Liz wheels and deals to spare her staffers from layoffs. Meanwhile, Jenna and Tracy suspect that Kenneth is masking a deep dark secret.
5418"Jackie Jormp-Jomp"Don ScardinoKay Cannon & Tracey WigfieldApril 16, 2009 (2009-04-16)3187.32[48]
Liz meets a new group of friends while on suspension from work. Meanwhile, Jack is worried that Jenna's Janis Joplin biographical film will not get released and tries to promote the movie at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. However, following a mix-up, the world believes Jenna is dead and Jack tries to use her death to further hype the film.
5519"The Ones"Beth McCarthyJack BurdittApril 23, 2009 (2009-04-23)3196.30[49]
Jack goes shopping with Liz for an engagement ring for Elisa. Jack grows worried about whether he and Elisa's potential marriage would survive in the real world, but Tracy counsels him on married life. Meanwhile, Elisa tells Liz that she is keeping a secret. A prank results in an injury back at TGS and Jenna falls in love with an attractive emergency medical technician who comes to help.
5620"The Natural Order"Scott EllisJohn Riggi & Tina FeyApril 30, 2009 (2009-04-30)3205.95[50]
Liz reprimands Tracy in front of the staff for not acting professionally. Liz worries, expecting Tracy to act out, but he surprises her by instead acting very professionally. Tracy says that because he no longer requests special treatment as an actor, Liz should give up any privileges she is given as a woman. Jack's mother, Colleen (Elaine Stritch), comes to visit revealing memories about Jack's father. Jenna adopts a pet gibbon and learns about motherhood.
5721"Mamma Mia"Don ScardinoRon WeinerMay 7, 2009 (2009-05-07)3216.13[51]
Jack begins to search for his biological father with help from Liz. Meanwhile, Tracy introduces his supposedly illegitimate son to the cast and crew of TGS, but some question his intentions. Meanwhile, Jenna and Liz fight for attention when Jenna gets public recognition for a comedic sketch Liz wrote.
5822"Kidney Now!"Don ScardinoJack Burditt & Robert CarlockMay 14, 2009 (2009-05-14)3225.70[52]
Jack gets to know his newly discovered father, but soon discovers Milton (Alan Alda) has a serious medical condition to contend with. Liz gains notoriety as a relationship expert for a sketch she wrote. Meanwhile, Tracy is invited to speak at his former high school's graduation and Kenneth tries to help him overcome troubling memories from his high school experience. Guest stars included Elvis Costello, Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow, Clay Aiken, Adam Levine, Ad-Rock and Mike D of Beastie Boys, Michael McDonald, Rhett Miller, Wyclef Jean, Steve Earle, Moby, Cyndi Lauper, Sara Bareilles, Robert Randolph, Rachael Yamagata, Talib Kweli, Donald Glover and Norah Jones.

Reception

[edit]

Critical reception

[edit]

On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has an approval rating of 92% with an average score of 8.3 out of 10 based on 38 reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "Brandishing its trademark silliness with vigor, 30 Rock's third season hits the ground running and cements its reputation as one of the smartest, funniest comedies on television."[53] Robert Canning of IGN called the third season "a series at the top of its game", scoring the season a 9.3 out of 10. In particular, Canning noted that the "first half of the year ... had the most focus."[54] Canning said the premiere episode "Do-Over" was "filled to capacity with comedy",[55] called "Señor Macho Solo" "near perfect",[56] but said the story for the finale "Kidney Now!" was "fun" but "average for a season finale."[57] Alynda Wheat of Entertainment Weekly, reviewing the DVD release, gave the season an A−.[58] Jeremy Medina of Paste magazine also reviewed the premiere, saying it was "sort of like the first day of school after summer vacation: sort of awkward at times, but fast and buoyant and warmly familiar all the same".[59] Brian Lowry of Variety was more critical, calling the third season "wildly uneven" and saying 30 Rock was "merely a good comedy whose shortcomings prevent it from joining the ranks of great ones."[60] The season is also noted by critics positively due to the praise of Tracy Morgan and Jack McBrayer's performance. Metacritic, which gives a score based on critical reviews, gave the season a rating of 84/100 from 17 reviews, signifying "universal acclaim".[61]

Ratings

[edit]

The season premiere, "Do-Over", received 8.7 million viewers and was the highest-rated episode of the series.[31] The sixth episode "Christmas Special" would break that mark, garnering 8.9 million viewers.[36] Digital Video Recorder (DVR) accounted for an average additional 1.2 million viewers for episodes of the third season. 30 Rock is the most popular series among upscale viewers, defined as those who have an income higher than $100,000 a year, on the broadcast networks.[62] The show averaged 7.7 million viewers through the first ten episodes, a ratings level that Variety called "solid" and credited to pairing the show with The Office on NBC's Thursday schedule.[63] The season finale, "Kidney Now!", aired on May 14, 2009, and was viewed by 5.7 million viewers.[52]

Awards and nominations

[edit]

This season of 30 Rock received 22 Emmy Award nominations, the most for a show in 2009,[5] breaking 30 Rock's own record for the most nominated comedy in a single Primetime Emmy Award year (previously 17).[6] At the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards, 30 Rock won two Creative Arts Emmy Awards, "Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series" and "Outstanding Picture Editing for a Comedy Series", for the episode "Apollo, Apollo".[64] The show won three Primetime Emmy Awards: "Outstanding Comedy Series", Alec Baldwin won "Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series" for his role as Jack Donaghy, and Matt Hubbard won "Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series" for his work on "Reunion".[65] Tina Fey, though nominated, did not win "Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series", which she had won the previous year; Toni Collette from The United States of Tara won instead. CNN called the decision a "mild surprise", saying Fey was the "heavy favorite".[66]

Distribution

[edit]

30 Rock is broadcast in Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia, in addition to the United States. The show was simulcast in Canada on Citytv.[67] This season of 30 Rock was shown in Australia on the Seven Network at 11:30 p.m. local time[68] starting on February 2, 2009.[69] The third season began in the UK on October 5, 2009, on Comedy Central, moving from Five where the previous season had aired.[70]

The season was released on DVD by Universal Studios on September 22, 2009, in the United States and Canada after it had completed an initial broadcast run on NBC.[7][8] The DVD set is scheduled for Australian release on November 11, 2009.[71] The 3-disc set of 22 episodes has a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, Dolby Surround 2.0 and 5.1, and English and Spanish subtitles.[72] In addition to the episodes, the DVD set special features included unaired scenes, featurettes, and audio commentary on the select episodes, "Flu Shot", "Goodbye, My Friend", "The Bubble", "Apollo, Apollo", "The Ones", "Mamma Mia" and "Kidney Now!".[72]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Dos Santos, Kristin (April 2, 2008). "Breaking: 30 Rock Picked Up!". E! Online. Archived from the original on April 18, 2009. Retrieved August 19, 2008.
  2. ^ West, Dave (May 28, 2008). "NBC sets 2008–09 premiere dates". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on August 2, 2008. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
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