Randy Cassingham's Blog

Posted by Juanita, Colorado Springs on January 27, 2007:

I have been a devoted fan of "Studio 60" since the first episode. It is one of the best shows running this season, and I would hate to see it cancelled. Not until it's had a chance to run its course a bit longer.

It's so refreshing to watch a show that doesn't dumb it down for the audience and expects us to have a brain. I can see why it may not get the primo ratings, but I think NBC should keep it in its lineup just to round out the never ending "Law and Order" feast it serves up.

Posted by Betsy, Ayer MA on January 27, 2007:

I have to disagree with you on Studio 60. I'm a big Sorkin fan: I got into him back in the Sports Night days, and watched the West Wing religiously. However, when I tuned into Studio 60, I found it a real disappointment. Too many of his shows and themes read as superficial treatments of issues in the real world, with straw men set up for easy demolition as Sorkin pushes his own personal agenda at people.

Part of the reason that the show's ratings are failing is a large number of fans like me, who started watching because we love Sorkin's style, but are getting turned off by the problems listed above. There's smart TV, and then there's TV that mocks and belittles mainstream ideas. I really feel Studio 60 is increasingly the latter, at the expense of the former. I stopped watching a few episodes back.

Posted by Gordon - Elmhurst, IL on January 27, 2007:

I guess the reason I'm not a Studio 60 fan is that I wasn't a West Wing fan either. I actually didn't know that they were both from the same guy, but my first reaction to Studio 60 was that it seemed to be just West Wing in a different environment.

I watched the first episode, and managed to slog through about half of the second before giving up. It just didn't appeal to me at all. I never did see the Dancing Angels Sketch or whatever it was that they made such a big deal out of, and I don't miss it.

I do miss Firefly, John Doe, and Threshold though.

And I like 30 Rock.

Posted by Shawna on January 29, 2007:

I have loved this show since the premiere, for the exact same reason -- just really smart television, and excellent commentary on the extreme daftness of of "PC" at times.

The John Goodman episodes were among my favorites, not only for his brilliant talent, but also the storyline with Tom playing Jesus Christ in one of the skits -- pure genius! I have replayed the run-through on my DVR about a dozen times, and laugh so hard I cry every single time. If the writers on the real show (SNL) were half this funny, that show would not be in the tank so far as it is. As it stands, it's completely unwatchable right now.

Randy, I would like to get your take on the current storyline regarding the impending fine and time-delay being imposed on NBS (and their subsequent refusal) because of the live interview with a solider under attack. Do you feel like that's something that could be imitated in life, as in art?

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Definitely. While I'm sure this plot point is really referring to the Janet Jackson Superbowl "wardrobe malfunction" (changing it a soldier in the heat of battle makes it more cut and dried), I can see it happening -- and can see the suits upstairs wanting to compromise, rather than fight it. -rc

Posted by Diane, Millersville, PA on January 29, 2007:

I absolutely agree with you that Studio 60 is a show to watch and keep on the air. It's not like the usual, easy, "formula humor" shows (e.g. 30 Rock) that the networks put on. Very entertaining!

I was very pleased that NBC decided to keep it going; it's been frustrating watching them putting their marketing dollars behind 30 Rock instead of Studio 60 and then hearing that the rating show Studio 60 is lagging so they might cancel it. Duh.

Posted by Cynthia, Atlanta, Ga on January 29, 2007:

FYI: Harriet is based on Sorkin's ex-girlfriend, the actress Kristin Chenoweth, who promoted her own album of inspirational music on the Christian television circuit.

Posted by Dave, Moose Jaw, Canada on January 30, 2007:

The great thing about Sorkin shows is that they tackle real issues. I don't agree with his take on things most of the time, but I love well written intelligent dialogue. Unlike many people I don't need my own views shoved back at me (I already know them), I like to hear other points of view. That is probably why I like "This is True" so much: it gives all points of view and tackles stupidity in its many forms.

Keep up the great work Mr. Sorkin and Mr. Cassingham.

Posted by Andrea, Long Beach CA on February 1, 2007:

Thank God someone who can reach a lot of people has finally plugged Studio 60. Perhaps the people that don't like it are not hearing or grasping the dialogue. We can't be "spoon fed" all the time--sometimes you have to pay attention to get the marvelous humor. Almost all the characters on this show are so interesting and likeable that one actually cares about what happens to them. Guest spots have been great as well.

I loved Sports Night--fast-paced and witty with, again, very likeable characters (it's avail. on DVD in case you missed it). TV reception so bad I had to miss West Wing but will someday watch the DVD's.

Posted by Grace, Oak Lawn, IL on February 19, 2007:

I do watch a lot of TV and what you said is just what I have thought for many years. Shows like 60 Minutes, The West Wing and now Studio 60 require the viewer to think and pay close attention to the issues. Apparently, this is too taxing for most people. Studio 60 is not on the same level as The West Wing, but it comes close. The acting is outstanding.

Posted by Allen Nagoya, Japan on March 21, 2007:

Since I'm an ex-pat and been living overseas (currently Japan) for the last decade plus, I'm not able to see much of what passes for network tv, and haven't really been interested for much of the reasons you mentioned.

That said, I've been a fan of getting many of the better/best tv programs on dvd and have most of the WestWing series, and agree, if Studio60 is like that, it's probably for me so I hope it lasts at least long enough to make it to dvd :-)

So, with all the talk about whether it's good, will survive, etc, I went to see what kinds of comments reviews it's garnering at imdb.

Shock! It's still awaiting enough reviews to get a rating.

Look folks, if other people are so enamored with this program some of them, someone, a few someones, should be doing as Randy has done here and post about it.

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And I support that in general -- word of mouth (or mouse) is important for quality to survive, whether it's a TV show, a good mechanic, or an e-mail newsletter. If it's good, talk about it -- online and off. It helps ensure survival for what you find worthwhile. -rc