10 Best Sitcom Casts Of The 21st Century (So Far)
5. 30 Rock
The reason why the 30 Rock cast is one of the best is because each performer brings a distinct comedic energy which contrasts and complements the rest of the cast. Alec Baldwin lends equal parts movie star charisma, seasoned gravitas and versatile comedic chops to Jack Donaghy, one of the best sitcom characters of all time.
Tracey Morgan provides his signature unpredictable, chaotic energy playing a heightened version of his own persona. Jane Krakowski offers her fast-paced dialogue delivery and classically trained theatre chops, as well as nailing the shows hilarious musical numbers.
Jack McBrayer frequently stole the show with his earnest Southern persona as NBC page Kenneth, a role which McBrayer has unfortunately been unable to escape from in the years since 30 Rock ended.
Finally, Tina Fey brings her likeable self-deprecating charm as the frazzled and (relatively) grounded centre of the show Liz Lemon. All of the actors riff brilliantly on their own personas and keep up with Tina Fey and Robert Carlock’s high joke density and the uniquely rigorous rhythm of the shows pace.
That is without mentioning the array of frequently recurring guest stars such as Will Arnett, Elaine Stritch, Jon Hamm, Elizabeth Banks, Chris Parnell and James Marsden. If there is a valid critique of the 30 Rock ensemble it is that Scott Adsit and Judah Friedlander often went underutilized and got lost in all the on screen talent, despite their likeability. However, it says a lot about the strength of this cast that its main issue is how many hilarious performers it has.