In the Season 3 opener, Liz hopes to adopt a child, but first she must impress an adoption evaluator (Megan Mullally). Meanwhile, a demoted Jack tangles yet again with nemesis Devin Banks (Will Arnett) as he tries to climb back up the corporate ladder at 30 Rock.
When Liz is assigned a seat next to Oprah Winfrey (playing herself) on an airplane, she hounds the sage talk-show host for personal advice. Meanwhile, a feuding Tracy and Jenna switch roles to determine whose life is harder; and Jack's value system is tested by Kenneth and an Olympics debacle.
Liz and Jenna receive a visit from their pal (Jennifer Aniston), a romantic prowler who sets her sights on landing Jack. Meanwhile, new page uniforms depress Kenneth, so Tracy tries to raise his spirits with a surprise involving the "Night Court" cast. Appearing: Harry Anderson, Markie Post and Charlie Robinson.
Jack and Liz visit Gavin Volure (Steve Martin), a colorful businessman who has a confidential business proposal---and who promptly falls for Liz. Meanwhile, Tracy fears that his children have concocted sinister plans against him.
Jack cajoles a reluctant Liz to attend her high-school reunion. Meanwhile, GE bigwig Don Geiss (Rip Torn), roused from his prolonged coma, delivers a stunning CEO announcement. Shocked by the news, Jack vents by accompanying Liz to her reunion.
When her parents ditch her during the holidays, a lonely Liz devotes herself to a charity program. Meanwhile, Jack's highly anticipated holiday plans are scratched, and he takes out his frustrations on the crew. And the staffers must drop all their plans to produce a Christmas special. Elaine Stritch guest stars.
Liz's quest to have a baby takes a peculiar turn when she grows attracted to a new fellow (Peter Dinklage). And Jack's a busy man: He woos his mother's nurse (Salma Hayek); helps Jenna score a role as Janis Joplin; and gives marriage pointers to Tracy and his wife (Sherri Shepherd).
When the flu quickly spreads around 30 Rock, Liz works to ensure that the staffers receive their shots. Administering the vaccinations: Dr. Spaceman (Chris Parnell). Meanwhile, Elisa (Salma Hayek) is busy and overworked, but that doesn't stop Jack from using novel approaches to spend time with her.
A nervous Jack coaxes Liz into going to a corporate retreat with him. Meanwhile, Jenna prepares for her role as rock icon Janis Joplin by employing method-acting techniques---with help from Frank. And Kenneth sets out to show Tracy that diet has an impact on diabetes.
Liz discovers that her new neighbor (Jon Hamm) is a handsome, newly single doctor, but the romantically luckless lass fumbles in her efforts to win his favor. Meanwhile, Jack continues to woo Elisa (Salma Hayek) and tries to impress her grandmother, but his stunning likeness to a Spanish soap villain doesn't help matters. Then there's Tracy, who parties with the new interns but can't measure up to their hard-carousing ways.
Romance sweeps over the 30 Rockers on Valentine's Day: Liz demands that her first official date with Drew (Jon Hamm) be on the lovers' holiday; Jack spends an offbeat date at church with Elisa (Salma Hayek); and Tracy helps Kenneth woo a new hire.
Jack hopes to take his romance with Elisa (Salma Hayek) to the next level, but balancing work and love proves difficult. Elsewhere, Tracy's interview with Larry King (appearing as himself) causes New York to spiral into citywide chaos. But that doesn't stop Liz from sending Kenneth into the crazed metropolis to retrieve her lost cell phone. Meredith Vieira also guest stars.
Liz's baby fever rises when she chums up to a pregnant teenage donut-shop staffer in a bid to adopt her baby. At 30 Rock, Jenna pushes for more attention as her birthday approaches. And Jack participates in a guys' night out, only to connect with Frank over their "daddy issues." John Lithgow and Patti LuPone guest star.
When "TGS" den mother Liz is called in to jury duty, the unmanaged cast and crew create havoc at 30 Rock. Meanwhile, Jack fails to heed the staffers when he grows obsessed with launching a new big-money product. Chris Parnell guest stars.
Liz gives attention to her budding relationship with Drew (Jon Hamm), but she discovers that his pleasing appearance has granted him special treatment in life. Meanwhile, Tracy's contract expires, causing Jack to go full throttle in a bid to re-sign him for the show. And Jenna considers getting a new hairstyle in yet another ploy to get public attention. Meredith Vieira guest stars.
As his 50th birthday approaches, a sentimental Jack tries to re-create happy moments from his boyhood after watching old home movies. Meanwhile, Liz's ex-flame Dennis (Dean Winters) returns, confessing about an addiction and activating catty friction between Liz and Jenna. Then there's Tracy, who focuses on fulfilling a childhood dream.
Joy about the 50th "TGS" episode turns to worry when word spreads about imminent budget cuts at 30 Rock. Before long, Jack must distribute pink slips, 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.
Saddled with a suspension from work, a lost Liz misses all the "TGS" chaos and seeks a way to bide her time. Meanwhile, film bigwigs mull over pulling the plug on Jenna's Janis Joplin movie, so Jack and Jenna try (just a little bit harder) to stir up buzz.
Jack and Elisa (Salma Hayek) consider taking their romance to the next level, so Jack shops around for an engagement ring, with Liz in tow. Jack also seeks wisdom about the realities of marriage and consults a very unlikely person---Tracy. Meanwhile, a prank goes awry at "TGS," resulting in an injury and a gushing Jenna's encounter with a sightly emergency responder.
Liz chides Tracy in front of the staffers, which compels Tracy to become more professional and mature. He forfeits all special treatment---but he feels that Liz should do the same. Meanwhile, Jack's tormenting mother (Elaine Stritch) arrives, only to dig up nasty memories about Jack's father. And Jenna adopts a monkey. Steve Buscemi guest stars.
With a reassuring push from Liz and Tracy, Jack begins a quest to find his real father. Meanwhile, Tracy presents his newfound illegitimate son to the "TGS" staffers, but Liz and Pete worry that the son has ulterior motives. And Jenna gets credit for one of Liz's ideas. Alan Alda and Steve Buscemi guest star.
Season 3 closes with Jack trying to connect with his biological father (Alan Alda), but the elder's health begins to suffer. Elsewhere, Liz gains fame as a relationship expert. Among the music artists appearing: Sheryl Crow; Mary J. Blige; Elvis Costello; Clay Aiken; and Adam Levine of Maroon 5.