Update: “An NBC insider” tells TVLine, “We have had no conversations about 30 Rock ending next season.” Okay, well that just means there’s no concrete plan for now, but last time we checked, Baldwin and T.Fey were buds, so maybe there’s something they need to share with their dear network (in case all those NBC digs on the show weren’t enough of an indication of their true feelings). Then again, maybe Alec’s off his rocker. We’ll know for sure if he starts calling people “pigs.”
Earlier: Tina Fey was not on hand when Alec Baldwin claimed that 30 Rock would roll up its cheesy blasters for good, but it’s not all that unbelievable. First of all, he’s kind of a reliable source. Second, we already knew that he’s planning to leave the show in 2012 and come on, what’s 30 Rock without Jack Donaghy? That’s like a monte cristo sandwich without ham. We all know that it’s probably best if the whole gang bows out once ol’ Jackie boy faces his final curtain. Yes, we love Liz Lemon. (I really love Liz Lemon). But you have to admit, without Jack as a foil it’s just not as fun. On that same note, while 30 Rock is and will always be one of my all-time favorite shows and the reason my new world philosophy is based on sandwiches, its time is coming.
Baldwin spilled these beans at the National Dance Institute’s fund-raising gala in New York where he was being honored for his “commitment to art and culture” in the city. Baldwin told his captive audience, “I’ll tell you one thing. And that is that our show next year is the last year of the show.” But apparently, this decision isn’t all about him. Baldwin announced that the end of the show will coincide with mastermind Fey’s future plans. “Our contracts are expired [in 2012], and Tina is gonna have a big career directing films and writing. She’s going to be the next Elaine May. She’ll be great.”
Now before you go warming up donuts in the microwave or scarfing down weird cheese snacks from Mexico in an attempt to drown your sorrows, just think about all the wonderful episodes we can go back and watch! 30 Rock episodes never get old! Okay? Plus, you don’t want the show to go on too long and spiral into some sort of half-assed mess once the best people leave. Ahem, That 70s Show.
