The Netflix Binge: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (’06-’07)
April 1, 2013 —
While this wasn’t listed on my original binge list*, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip was my main entertainment attraction over Spring Break, so I felt that now was the time for me to praise the series. An Aaron Sorkin baby, this series never stood a chance and it was cancelled after only one season. WHY, you might ask? You would think a show featuring a bromance between Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford, along with a self-important behind the scenes of showbiz would engage and excite viewers! Alas, the show debuted just as 30 Rock picking up and played on Mondays against football and 24.
The characters are witty, wise-cracking TV execs running a late night sketch comedy show, infused with the fast pace of The West Wing and the work friendship development of Sports Night. The show romanticizes the world of entertainment, yet broaches some tough topics as well (obviously not as directly as did TWW). The show is a little arrogant, which some critics cite as a reason for its early failure, but each episode was written by Sorkin himself, and …Sorkin does Sorkin well.
The show had all the potential in the world-it could have been insightful, inspiring, and intellectual. Perhaps it wasn’t funny enough for a show about comedy writing, or perhaps it was too self-aware for the time in which it was produced and for the people who were tuning in.
Additionally, the combination of Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford, to me, is pure gold. Part of me convinced myself I was watching Chandler Bing and Josh Lyman write a late-night comedy show, but actually, I kind of was. Their names might be different, and so may the city they live in, but their humor really remains the same.
For someone who loves entertainment more than the average folk, Studio 60 supplied me with what I call ‘the good old days’ of television. For me, it wasn’t hard to care about a group of people writing for a television show. It had almost the same “behind the scenes” appeal to me as did The West Wing.
In summation: If you’re a Sorkin fan, you’ll probably love Studio 60, and I highly suggest you take the time to watch its only season.
*note: this is not currently on Netflix, but is very easy to access on the Internet..
AND THERE IS ROMANCE: