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10 ’30 Rock’ Episodes to Watch Before it Leaves Netflix

10 30 Rock Episodes to Watch Before it Leaves Netflix

Netflix has revealed what content will be leaving the streaming service come October, and unfortunately, the Tina Fey comedy 30 Rock made the list. This is one of my absolute favorite shows and it is sad to see it go. If you’ve never seen it before, or are an avid fan and want to catch a few of the greats before it’s gone, I’ve complied a list of some of the best episodes (in season order), to prepare you for the Liz Lemon viewing party.

10 '30 Rock' Episodes to Watch Before it Leaves Netflix

1. “Pilot” (Season 1, Episode 1)

30 Rock delivered a solid pilot episode, introducing us to the crazy world of the fictional sketch comedy The Girly Show (TGS). We meet Liz Lemon, creator and head writer who wants to have it all, Jack Donaghy, the new executive vice president of NBC, Jenna Maroney, lead actress on TGS, Kenneth Parcel, the eager NBC page, and Tracy Jordan, the man brought in to save the failing sketch comedy. This episode sets up what is in store for the next seven seasons, but even then, it was hard to predict just how crazy and ridiculous the show would get.

2. “Tracy Does Conan” (Season 1, Episode 7)

This is my favorite episode of Season 1 as Tracy is having a mental breakdown prior to an appearance on The Conan O’Brien Show. Liz and Kenneth are running around trying to figure out how to calm him down since the last time he appeared on Conan, Tracy tried to stab him. This introduces recurring character Dr. Leo Spaceman (pronounced spa-che-man). It becomes a running gag of calling him Dr. Space-man.

3. “Rosemary’s Baby” (Season 2, Episode 4)

This episode features guest star Carrie Fisher, who plays a writer on a sketch comedy series in the 60s. Fisher’s Rosemary Howard tries to push the boundaries when she comes on as a guest writer for TGS. Since she is Liz’s childhood idol, she falls in beside Rosemary in trying to get Jack to agree to some of their ideas. Needless to say, things go out of control and all end with the best line. Remember, Liz is a huge Star Wars fan and is always dressing up as Princess Leia in order to get out of jury duty.

10 '30 Rock' Episodes to Watch Before it Leaves Netflix

4. “St. Valentine’s Day” (Season 3, Episode 11)

Season 3’s Valentine’s episode found Liz going on a first date with handsome doctor, Drew Baird (Jon Hamm), Kenneth (and Tracy) going on a literal blind date, and Jack trying to juggle his girlfriend Elisa Padriera (Salma Hayek). The best moment comes when Elisa says that they have to go to church for Valentine’s, ruining Jack’s plan get desert at the fanciest restaurant in New York. Jack makes a call to Jonathan, his secretary, asking if their reservation is still on, altering the words of the prayer that is being spoken by the congregation at church.

5. “The Ones” (Season 3, Episode 19)

Jack finds out that Elisa killed her first husband and is having second thoughts about their relationship. Meanwhile, Tracy’s wife Angie wants him to get a tattoo of her to show his loyalty. Jack goes to Tracy for advice, which actually proves to be a good move. But Tracy is known for being crazy and a wild horse with the ladies. This leads to even more problems with Elisa. Salma Hayek truly shines in this episode.

6. “Dealbreakers Talk Show #0001” (Season 4, Episode 7)

This is probably my absolute favorite episode of the entire series. Liz wrote a book called Dealbreakers based off of a sketch she wrote for TGS, and now it is going to become a talk show hosted by Liz herself. She has never really been in the spotlight, and starts having a mental collapse as she tries to make it the best show ever. It is a hilarious episode from start to finish.

7. “Anna Howard Shaw Day” (Season 4, Episode 13)

My second favorite episode of the series ever, “Anna Howard Shaw Day” finds Liz avoiding the Valentine’s blues by getting a root canal. Unfortunately, it ends up being just like trying to find a date for Valentine’s as she searches for someone to give her a ride home after the surgery. The lead-up to the surgery and the drug-filled moments afterward are so good.

10 '30 Rock' Episodes to Watch Before it Leaves Netflix

8. “Chain Reaction of Mental Anguish” (Season 5, Episode 9)

Jack tells Liz that maybe she should find a therapist in order to unwind. Liz decides that Kenneth should be that person. Everyone ends up coming to Kenneth in order to vent their problems, and though he is a good listen and willing do anything that is asked of him, it may not be for the best. Jack McBrayer is always so good as Kenneth, but this might be one of his best scenes as Kenneth finally gets overwhelmed by everyone else’s problems.

9. “The Tuxedo Begins” (Season 6, Episode 8)

I’m a huge Batman fan, so I love this episode. Jack gets mugged and decides to run for mayor, while Liz grows tired of upholding the rules and manners of the city. Jack and Liz fall into the roles of Batman and Joker and the scene between them where they truly embrace those personas is really funny for those versed in Batman.

10. “Hogcock!/Last Lunch” (Season 7, Episodes 11 & 12)

30 Rock delivered one of the best season finales of all time, in my opinion, so you naturally need to end your 10 episode romp through the series with the two-part finale. I don’t want to ruin too much of what happens, but it is just so good, carefully wrapping up the seven season run. It’s the perfect mixture of both humor and emotion.

10 '30 Rock' Episodes to Watch Before it Leaves Netflix

Ideally, you should find time to binge all seven seasons of 30 Rock before it disappears October 1 because every episode is a good one. But if you don’t have the 3,036 minutes (51 hours) this weekend to watch the entire thing, these are a handful of episodes to watch that give a good idea of the show and will definitely provide some laughs.

UPDATE: Hulu has acquired streaming rights to the series, so it’s not digitally gone forever.

10 '30 Rock' Episodes to Watch Before it Leaves Netflix