Jerry Seinfeld returns to NBC in a rare guest-star turn when he appears as himself in the second-season premiere of NBC’s critically acclaimed comedy “30 Rock” on October 4 (Thursday, 8:30-9 p.m. ET), it was announced today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.
“Thursday night is a powerful comedy line up for NBC. To have Jerry join ’30 Rock’ for its second season launch is impressive, to have him return even for one night in his old Thursday night turf — is just classic,” said Silverman.
“I was thrilled to be asked to guest star on NBC’s hit comedy ’30 Rock’. I think it’s going to be so refreshing for me to be playing myself in a show that has nothing to do with neurotic, dysfunctional New York characters,” said Jerry Seinfeld.
“We’re very excited to have Jerry on ’30 Rock’. Finally, my parents have an excuse to watch the show,” added Tina Fey, star/creator/executive producer of “30 Rock.”
Although Golden Globe winner Seinfeld will play himself in the episode, viewers can tune-in to see how he shakes things up with the abrasive network executive Jack Donaghy (Baldwin). He joins an impressive array of actors and personalities who have appeared on “30 Rock,” including Paul Reubens, Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, John McEnroe, Maury Povich, Ghostface Killah, Elaine Stritch, Sean Hayes, Nathan Lane, Molly Shannon, Will Arnett, Chris Parnell, Will Forte and Jason Sudeikis.
Seinfeld’s return to his NBC roots will include not only his guest role on “30 Rock,” but he will also create and star in 20 unique live-action comedy “minisodes” (as previously announced), inspired by his experiences creating the upcoming DreamWorks animated feature film Bee Movie, in theaters November 2. NBC Universal will also have the exclusive U.S. broadcast and cable network rights to the film, which features Seinfeld as the voice of Barry B. Benson, a disillusioned bee. Produced by Seinfeld and DreamWorks, the 20 comedy shorts will give viewers a glimpse at Seinfeld’s behind-the-scenes antics during production of the movie. The minisodes will run on NBC’s primetime schedule this fall, as well as on NBC.com, on designated days before and after the release of the film.
“30 Rock” is told through the comedic voice of Fey (as Liz Lemon) and features Alec Baldwin (Jack Donaghy) as a top network executive and Tracy Morgan (Tracy Jordan) as the unpredictable star of Lemon’s hit variety show, “TGS with Tracy Jordan.” Lemon had her hands full this past season, juggling corporate interference from Donaghy and off-the-handle star antics from Jordan, all while attempting to salvage her own personal life.
Also rounding out the cast in the half-hour comedy are: Jane Krakowski (Jenna Maroney) as the deposed star of “TGS,” struggling to reclaim her top billing on the show; Scott Adsit (Pete Hornberger) as the variety show’s producer whose marriage is seemingly always on the mend; Jack McBrayer (Kenneth the Page) as the over-eager and effortlessly endearing NBC page; Judah Friedlander (Frank) as the sardonic slacker on the writing staff, and Katrina Bowden (Cerie), as the show’s clueless but beautiful receptionist.
“30 Rock” is from Broadway Video & Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios. The executive producers are Lorne Michaels (“Saturday Night Live”), Fey, JoAnn Alfano (“Sons & Daughters”), Marci Klein (“Saturday Night Live”), David Miner (“The Tracy Morgan Show”) and Robert Carlock (“Friends”).
