Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

Summary:
Network: NBC
Release: Fall 2006
This is an hour-long drama that takes place behind the scenes of a fictional sketch comedy series (think MADtv and Saturday Night Live). This show has had incredible industry hype since mid-2005 when the project was announced.

Cast and Crew:
Much of the buzz stems from the producer and cast behind this show. Aaron Sorkin, the mastermind behind "Sports Night" and "The West Wing" has put this show together.

The first big name to sign on was Matthew Perry, marking his first major television role since "Friends". Perry will play the lead character named "Matt Albie", who was a writer for the sketch comedy show, and who has recently been asked to return as executive producer.

Amanda Peet will bring some sex appeal to the show as the lead female character "Jordan McDeere", the president of UBS (the fictional tv network).

Bradley Whitford ("The West Wing") will also have a significant role playing "Danny Tripp", Matt Albie's partner. Sorkin is a big Whitford fan and has stated so since his early days on the acclaimed "The West Wing".

Evan Handler (Harry Goldenblatt from "Sex and the City") has been cast as Ron Oswald, an executive producer of the fictional sketch comedy show.

Nate Corddry (younger brother of the very funny Rob Corddry) has been cast as "Tom Jeter", a cast member on the show.

Steven Weber will play "Jack Rudolph", the head of the fictional television network, while the comedian and actor D.L. Hugley will play "Simon Stiles", another cast member of the show.

Our Take:
This is without a doubt the most talked about pilot of the new Fall lineup on ANY network. NBC has reportedly paid Sorkin $3 million for the pilot alone. With that type of price, you can be sure to see this drama next fall. Furthermore, you can expect to see NBC put a LOT of ad-dollars into promotion for this project.

With the current cast, the show looks golden. It is the definition of an "ensemble" cast. I am going to go out on a limb here and say this will be NBC's saving grace next year. Bold statement you say? Yes, but actors like this, and money like this aren't drawn to a mediocre project. This will be good.