7. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
In a departure from his Friends character, Matthew Perry starred in this drama/comedy about a sketch comedy show (think Saturday Night Live) for the NBC network. The show within a show was the most highly anticipated of the 2006-07 television season and prompted a bidding war between NBC and CBS for its licensing. Ultimately NBC won and placed the hour long drama in rotation with competing show 30 Rock-a comedy about the same subject. Where Studio 60 focused on the drama and more stress related aspects of running a television show and dealing with the Network and FCC-30 Rock focused on the comedy with star Alec Baldwin saying of 30 Rock, "I'd be stunned if NBC picked up both shows. And ours has the tougher task, as a comedy, because, if it's not funny, that's it." For viewers of Studio 60 it was the storylines dealing with FCC censorship of Afghan war veterans and an actors choice to speak out vocally about religious matters that could damage ratings that drew them in. It was a slice of life in a world that is a curiosity, and an insight into the lives of people watched by millions. Ultimately, the shows declining ratings and hefty production costs sealed the shows fate and after one season Studio 60 was cancelled-meanwhile, 30 Rock achieved 7 seasons with the 2012-13 season being its final outing.