Al Gore Rocks a Role on NBC Sitcom

Al Gore by Heidi Gutman/NBC Universal Photo

Is NBC's 30 Rock at risk of going the way of stunt-casting addict Will & Grace? A piece in USA Today reveals that in addition to Edie Falco's upcoming three-episode stint (first reported by TVGuide.com), no less than former vice president Al Gore, Friends alum David Schwimmer (as an out-of-work actor, natch), Steve Buscemi (as a PI hired by Jack), Meredith Vieira and Carrie "I Now Guest-star for a Living" Fisher have been booked for appearances during Season 2. America's paper also reveals details on Falco's previously unspecified role: She's playing a Democratic congresswoman from New Hampshire who hooks up with... Jack?!

As for 30 Rock's season-opener, airing tonight: as funny as it is — and it is funny — dare I opine that next week's episode, for me at least, was even more howl-worthy? Will Arnett slays me.

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Posted by

Matt Webb Mitovich

Oct 4, 2007 3:32 PM

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I love Will Arnett too.
Posted by maurine Oct 4, 2007 4:15 PM Report Abuse

Wow - I love 30 Rock and I'm so looking forward to all this!
Posted by CinderAngelkc Oct 4, 2007 4:17 PM Report Abuse

Can't wait for 30 Rock tonight! (And Criminal Intent.)
Posted by anner2 Oct 4, 2007 4:41 PM Report Abuse

I'm not too worried with the stunt casting. Will & Grace's writing was always uneven and awkward, at best (and I say that as someone who liked the show). They never seemed to be able to incorporate the guest stars into the flow of the show; instead, it was more like: "Look who we have on this week!" 30 Rock has successfully used stars in the past, and I think they will be able to play it smart. Friends was able to make the most of guest stars, on quite a few occasions, mostly with positive results.

Posted by scottycmh

Oct 4, 2007 5:32 PM

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Being a show about the entertainment industry, the parade of guest stars on 30 Rock feels a lot more natural than it does on other sitcoms.
Posted by J-Spot Oct 4, 2007 6:09 PM Report Abuse

I agree with scottycmh; there's stunt casting, and then there's just the good fortune of having good actors, and using them wisely. I mean, if you can get the big names to be involved in your show somehow, why not use it, so long as it isn't a spectacle? One of the creative things 30 Rock has done, has been taking big names in putting them casting them in unusual roles; sometimes contradictory to who they're seen in real life, or otherwise a parody of that role, and it's usually done very well and leads to lots of laughs.

Posted by stargazer_1682

Oct 4, 2007 6:19 PM

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They can stunt cast all they want as long as they keep with the funny.
Posted by Jayhawks 2008! Oct 4, 2007 6:29 PM Report Abuse

Wow, they're really pulling out all the stops to boost ratings. But as long as these guest stars continue to be hilarious on the show, that's the most important thing. I love this show! I hope Elaine Stritch comes back as Jack's mom.
Posted by killerhook321 Oct 4, 2007 7:19 PM Report Abuse

The comment about Carrie Fisher only working as a guest star is way off the mark. Carrie Fisher is actually a very busy and well paid screenwriter. I've heard that sometimes studios buy comedy scripts, and then the studio hires Fisher to make the scripts funnier.
Posted by heygirl96 Oct 5, 2007 12:55 PM Report Abuse

Tina Fey was able to get Isabella Rosselini to say, "Damn you, Jack. You know how much I like my Arby's Roast Beef and Cheddar." I am quite confident these guest stars will get similarly great material.

Let me also state that I am not a big fan of Jerry Seinfeld (I can appreciate why people like him, but he just isn't my cup of tea). On last night's episode, Jerry Seinfeld was hysterical! This show is the best sitcom on right now (a title I previously held for How I Met Your Mother, which can sometimes run a little uneven, but I love it anyway).

Posted by Twin7peaks

Oct 5, 2007 12:56 PM

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