A Look at Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip: New Drama Reveals Aspects of TV You Never See

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip is a new series on NBC that combines elements of comedy and drama. The show was created by Aaron Sorkin, the creator of the hit political series, The West Wing. Studio 60 has assembled a star studded ensemble with many celebrities guest starring. The principle actors are Matthew Perry, Bradley Whitford, Amanda Peet and Steven Weber. The show has opened to mixed reviews although I find it to be intelligently written and relevant to many current events.

Studio 60 is centered around an historic and popular comedy variety series similar to Saturday Night Live. Although the show is about a comedy series, it is primarily a drama and deals with many serious themes. The series opens to a scene in which the show's iconic director launches an on air diatribe bemoaning the depths to which the network, NBS, had sunk in its content.

Simultaneously NBS has hired a new maverick president, Jordan McDeere (Amanda Peet), in an effort to correct the flagging revenues of the network. McDeere inherits the problem of Wes' rant during her first day on the job and has to replace Wes and get a new show on the air within a week. Her first reaction is to hire Matt Albie and Danny Tripp (Perry and Whitford) to write and produce the show.

Albie and Tripp are a brilliant creative duo who used to work for Studio 60 but left after Albie became embroiled in a conflict with the religious right over his material. Albie and Tripp have a history with much of the cast and writing staff of the show. Albie used to date Harriet Hayes, the show's female star, but occasionally hooks up with Genie, (Ayda Field), Haye's costar. Albie is also in constant conflict with the Studio 60 writing staff over their failure to support him during his crisis. Tripp, meanwhile, has been had periodic run ins with the law over his drug use, though he has exhibited an unswerving loyalty to Albie.