the very model of a modern network tv show

Tonight I watched the first and second episodes of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. The former is available on NBC's website and the latter just aired in the show’s regular timeslot, Monday 10p on NBC. Created by Aaron Sorkin (West Wing), Studio 60 chronicles the politics, pressure and romance behind the production of Studio 60, the NBS television network’s live Friday night sketch comedy show. Like the best shows about television (It’s Gary Shandling’s Show, Sports Night), it’s funny, edgy and captivating.

Studio 60 has great sets, sharp writing and a very deep cast. The stars are West Wing veteran Bradley Whitford as Danny Tripp, executive producer of Studio 60, and Friends' Matthew Perry as Matt Albie, head writer. Whitford is always entertaining, and Perry's great lines make him not annoying as I feared he would be.

Supporting them are the attractive Amanda Peet as the super smart, risk-averse President of NBS, Timothy Busfield (another West Wing alum) as the live show’s director and Sarah Paulson and D.L. Hughley as cast members. Ed Asner, Judd Hirsh and Felicity Huffman (of Sports Night fame, among other shows) appear in the pilot and co-executive producer Thomas Schlamme directs the first two episodes. Schlamme was intimately involved with both West Wing and Sports Night.

Stream the first show or download all 588MB for later viewing.

Bonus humor: play the Studio 60 drinking game