I'm really glad “The West Wing” is gone. What an overcooked piece of partisan tripe. (I am whoring for hate mail. I need attention sometimes). Actually, I pretty much hate all political shows since they always resort to pushing their own biased agendas while making the others out to be the bad guys. Yet, there is no denying that Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme can make great television. Their next project for NBC is right up my alley.
“Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” has been been picked up by NBC for 13 episodes which is a pretty standard order for a brand new drama. “Studio 60” is a drama set behind the scenes of a sketch comedy show (like SNL). I think this is an outstanding idea. Some of the most interesting stories I’ve ever heard are from a person who might have worked in an improv act. The drama behind the curtain is sometimes as entertaining as the comedy on the stage.
The ensemble cast includes Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet and Bradley Whitford but the extended cast seems damn strong as well. I am particularly interested in seeing Perry in a roll where he isn’t just zinging one-liners. He’s probably the most talented of the former male “Friends” and he should be great in this role. I am really risking my credibility (stop laughing. I’m serious) but I’m about to quote “Wikipedia” for the character descriptions. God help me. This is the internet equivalent of using the ‘National Enquirer’ as a source. If you see any errors or something I need to know about “Studio 60” drop me an email.
Cast of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (character descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia. Pictures courtesy of me using Google)
Danny Tripp (Bradley Whitford) is a director who takes over show running duties with Matt Albie. He has a history of drug problems as seen in the pilot script. Whitford won an Emmy in 2001 for his portrayal of Josh Lyman on The West Wing.
Matt Albie (Matthew Perry) is an ex-writer for Studio 60 who is asked to return with Danny Tripp to the show when executive producer Wes Mendell is fired. Perry is most famous for his role as Chandler Bing on the sitcom Friends, although he has received Emmy nominations for guest starring on Sorkin's The West Wing.
Jordan McDeere (Amanda Peet) is the recently-promoted president of Studio 60's fictional network UBS. She is described in the pilot as an "instantly likeable 30-something" and "someone whom every man's wife can find an irrational reason to hate;" she is responsible for the hiring of Danny and Matt.
Harriet Hayes (Sarah Paulson) is an "effortlessly sexy", "multi-talented" performer and one of the "Big Three" main stars of Studio 60. In the pilot she and Matt have recently ended a romantic relationship.
Tom Jeter (Nate Corddry) is another of the show's main stars. According to the pilot, "when he's not crafting a joke in his head, he's not sure what he's supposed to be doing".
Simon Stiles (D. L. Hughley) is the final member of the "Big Three". He attended the Yale School of Drama. Tom and Simon are united by their "mutual respect, their dedication to their show and nothing else".
Jack Rudolph (Steven Weber) is the chairman of the fictional network UBS and Jordan's boss. He fired Matt and Danny from Studio 60 four years prior to the pilot and reluctantly allows Jordan to rehire them.(Writer's note: I can't confirm if Weber is still in this show. Some reports say he is not.)
Cal Shanley (Timothy Busfield) is the control-room director of Studio 60. In the pilot he allows Wes to rant unscripted for almost a minute on live TV, despite threats from network executive Jerry. Busfield had a recurring guest role on The West Wing and will also serve as producing director on the show.
Ron Oswald (Evan Handler) and Ricky Beck (Carlos Jacott) are the current co-executive producers of Studio 60. In the pilot they are portrayed as "hacks" and command little professional respect from the stars of the show.
Wes Mendell (Judd Hirsch) begins the pilot as Executive Producer of Studio 60. His power is dwindling and he's becoming furious with the network for bowing down to the FCC and religious groups.
Wilson White is another character that does not seem to have been cast yet..
The show is scheluded to debut during the fall and will be heavily promoted, if you ask me.
