I started this show a few months ago actually. I was a couple episodes in before I got way too busy with university commitments, so here’s take two. Studio 60’s Pilot is equally as strong on a rewatch. It’s got all the bulk standard Aaron Sorkin traits. A character incensed and morally incentivised to stoke reactionary controversy, sending shockwaves throughout their field/profession. Sorkin doesn’t attempt to hide how blatantly he’s riffing off of Paddy Chayefsky’s movie Network, and Judd Hirsch’s introductory monologue fiercely sells the premise of the show. A workplace drama about an SNL twin sketch show is 100% a compelling genre pairing for a series. Sorkin’s focus on Hollywood/show business politics in order to imbue Studio 60 with The West Wing’s high stakes prestige, is as sanctimoniously belligerent and as much of an earnest cacophony as anything he’s written. The mission of the show being a lobotomised formula under new management has gotta tow a fine balance between the inner workings not killing momentum, and not overdoing the drama to compensate for the humour or vice versa. Although we’ve only just met the core cast, a few of whom are mainly headless during the leadership shakeup, Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford are such a convincing dynamic duo right off the bat. You settle in straight away like you’re already aware of these years long offscreen relationships. All the more credit to Sorkin’s boldness establishing his vision. Briskly edited, tightly witted and optimistically lionising, Studio 60’s Pilot is quality setup from start to finish. Can’t wait to see where Sorkin progresses the premise and discover why this didn’t connect with audiences compared to 30 Rock! Thanks for tagging along :)