30 Rock is an American television comedy series created by Tina Fey that airs on NBC. The series is loosely based on Fey's experiences as head writer for Saturday Night Live. 30 Rock takes place behind the scenes of a fictional live sketch comedy series depicted as airing on NBC; the name "30 Rock" refers to the address of the GE Building where NBC Studios is located, 30 Rockefeller Plaza. This series is produced by Broadway Video and Little Stranger, Inc., in association with NBC Universal.
30 Rock is produced in a single camera setup, and is primarily filmed at Silvercup Studios in Long Island City, Queens, New York, with some scenes filmed on location at Rockefeller Center. The pilot episode premiered on October 11, 2006. Four full seasons have aired since, comprising 21, 15, 22, and 22 episodes respectively. The fourth season began airing on October 15, 2009, and ended on May 20, 2010. The series has an ensemble cast that currently consists of 13 regular cast members, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer, Scott Adsit, Judah Friedlander, Alec Baldwin, Katrina Bowden, Keith Powell, John Lutz, Kevin Brown, Grizz Chapman and Maulik Pancholy.
30 Rock has been a critical success, winning several major awards (including Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2007, 2008, and 2009), and achieving the top ranking on myriad critics' year-end best of 2006 and 2007 lists. On July 14, 2009, the series was nominated for 22 Emmy Awards, the most in a single year for a comedy series. Despite these accolades, the series averaged a low 5.8 million viewers in the United States during its first season, according to the Nielsen ratings system, and ranked 102 out of 142 television series. TV commentators have pointed out that 30 Rock is a low rated show, but it has gained viewers throughout its run. As of March 5, 2010 NBC renewed 30 Rock for a fifth season.