JPTV: What I'm Watching Tonight

By James Poniewozik | @poniewozik | October 11, 2007 | +

NBC Photo: Justin Lubin

I will be watching 30 Rock live, or almost live, this evening, even though, for the second week in a row, I have the DVD sitting right here, begging me to watch it now. I have the self-control of the Buddha, really I do.

We’ll also be seeing yet another hourlong episode of The Office. What does everyone think of the beyond-supersizing of the show? The first episode of the season seemed bloated, although last week’s seemed to fit its size. But though I realize that complaining about an extra half hour of The Office is like cussing out the pizza delivery guy for bringing you an extra free pie, would it have killed NBC to just run The I.T. Crowd already?

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Ronnie

I’m not a big fan of the hour long Office shows. I would rather they run a half hour show and, after separating the wheat from the chaff, put some choice deleted scenes online. One hour is too long, UNLESS they’re trying to turn it into a dramedy. I hope not. I’m not invested in the hopes and dreams of these characters. I just want to laugh.
SpotWeld

Hopefully this is not a dumb question, but is there any real reason why a network couldn’t just buy the rights for the US broadcast of a BBC show… and y’know, show it?
James Poniewozik

@SpotWeld: Americans hate furriners.

There has been talk of networks trying exactly that in the event of a writers’ strike.
palver

I loved both hourlong episodes of “The Office” so far this season, and can’t wait for the episode tonight; more is more in my book, at least where “The Office” is concerned :) That said, I also love the show in its traditional half-hour format.

However, could I ask what the rationale is for starting this season of “The Office” with 4 hourlong episodes? I would have thought that they would be spread more evenly throughout the season when NBC made the initial announcement back in May. Thanks :)
Intrepyd

“The Office” is definitely an hour show. Compare the depth of the cast with any show on TV. There’s too much talent to do them justice in 22 minutes. The quality and abundance of the deleted scenes is further evidence that the show needs a wider time slot.
Schneid

While I am watching 30 Rock for sheez, another Thursday nite show i dare not miss is Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Funniest stuff on TV right now
Mary

I love Always Sunny, but those McPooles make me sick to my stomach! The bravest, funniest show.

I also love the Office, so it pains me to admit that the hour long feels overstuffed. Like they ran out of funny 3/4 of the way in.

Did anyone notice, when Jim signed Meredith’s cast, I think John signed his real name rather than the character’s name.