Radio Times

Episode 1/22 Pilot

One-time hit comedy sketch show Studio 60 is on the ropes. The jokes are wearing thin, and to make matters worse, the executive producer's just had a breakdown live on air. Enter NBS Chairman Jack Rudolph and new network president Jordan McDeere, whose first act is to re-hire award-winning writer Matt Albie and his drug-addicted partner Danny Tripp as executive producers. Between them, can they stop the show from going under?

RT Choice (Ruth Margolis, 26 June 2007)

A drama that nestles in an elitist setting - in this case behind the scenes of the US TV industry - shouldn't work. Who cares, apart from people who work in TV? And not even many of them. It sounds smug and wholly ignorable, but the man who created The West Wing, Aaron Sorkin, has birthed a thing of equal beauty with Studio 60 (even if US audiences failed to show it the love it fully deserved).

Admittedly, it does appear terribly pleased with itself. But the writing is diamond-tipped, and the cast are fierce.

Episode 2/22 The Cold Open

With five days to write a winning first show, Matt and Danny are feeling the pressure. Following her recent break-up with Matt, Harriet, one of the "big three" stars of the show, does her best to work alongside him. Writer and performer Jeannie's stressed too, after a sketch she wrote is badly received. Meanwhile, the team struggles to find a replacement music guest when the White Stripes' lead singer gets tonsillitis.

RT Choice (Ruth Margolis, 2 August 2007)

It's a witty set-up: a comedy sketch show (also called Studio 60) within a drama about the rebirth of the comedy sketch show. The real Studio 60 (featuring Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford) is heavenly. But the sketch show - the one starring stupidly pretty, supposed comic actors - is not so special. Though we only get snippets of the internal show, you need to buy into both for maximum enjoyment of the whole.

So far, writer Aaron Sorkin has nailed the outer parent programme - fabulous writing, smoking principal cast, plenty of fancy, choppy camerawork. But the other Studio 60 (we glimpse some of its supposed magic [in this episode]) is a cool comedown. Sorkin has channelled his talent into the Perry/Whitford dynamic and neglected the Saturday Night Live spoof. It's a sliver of sloppiness that will hopefully sort itself out soon.

Episode 3/22 The Focus Group

The findings of a network focus group provoke fears that the success of Matt and Danny's first show was a fluke. One of Jeannie's sketches went down particularly badly with the group but Matt makes a deal with her and keeps it in the show. Meanwhile, Harriet's hurt that Matt slept with Jeannie so soon after their break-up, and makes sure he knows it. Rob Reiner stars as the guest host.

RT Choice (Ruth Margolis, 9 August 2007)

With its snappy, sharp writing that's so beautifully sure of itself, in some respects Studio 60 continues to sparkle. Sadly, dialogue is only one piece of the pie, and the US drama set behind the scenes of a live TV sketch show has lost most of the pace of that blissful first episode. Plus, the show within the show is still distinctly un-hilarious, and nowhere near as edgy as it should be.

Perhaps, as British viewers, we expect comedy - even mainstream, primetime stuff - to mock our authority figures and institutions. It's hard for us to understand or get turned on by gently anti-establishment material causing national outrage. For this show to work, we need to buy into the notion that Studio 60's maverick writers are risking their careers by broadcasting mildly Bush-bashing sketches. Perhaps this resonates in America. Over here, not so much…

Episode 4/22 The West Coast Delay

After inadvertently plagiarising another comedian's material, the team race to break into the pre-recorded West Coast feed and cut the offending sketch before it's aired. Meanwhile, Jordan allows high-profile columnist Martha O'Dell access to Studio 60, hoping for some good publicity for the show. And Harriet passes a gift from a major league baseball player on to Matt, unaware that it has the sportsman's phone number on it.

Episode 5/22 The Long Lead Story

While the cast goes through rehearsals with guests Lauren Graham and Sting, Matt worries that the show isn't funny enough. Reporter Martha O'Dell stalks the studio in search of the inside story on Matt and Harriet's relationship; Tom - deliberately - and Simon - inadvertently - dish the dirt. Jordan clashes with Jack after turning down a lucrative but tasteless reality series, and is forced into a meeting with group chairman Wilson White (Ed Asner). Sting (left) also guest-stars.

RT Choice (Ruth Margolis, 23 August 2007)

Studio 60 is a curious cocktail of handsome writing, some ferocious two-handers, and a premise (behind the scenes of a live TV sketch show) that I just can't persuade myself to care about. I've tried, but it's like trying to get worked up about a convention for paper-clip enthusiasts. Irritatingly, however, I can't seem to cut the cord… Perhaps it's Matthew Perry's sparkling eyes. Or my peculiar compulsion to punch Sarah Paulson (who plays Harriet) on the pout.

Episode 6/22 The Wrap Party

At the after-show party, Jordan gets drunk and makes friends with the cast, while Danny hires some girls in an attempt to take Matt's mind off Harriet. Meanwhile, Tom takes his conservative small-town parents on a behind-the-scenes tour of the show, and Cal meets a mysterious man backstage. Following a plea from Simon, Matt and Danny go to an "improv" night to scout for new black writing talent.

RT Choice (Claire Webb, 30 August 2007)

Simon accuses Matt of not writing adequately for him - could this be a cry for help from scriptwriter Aaron Sorkin? Well, write a TV show about a TV show and conclusions will be drawn… Luckily, there's plenty of jokes to make up for the postmodern mumbo jumbo.

Episode 7/22 Nevada Day (Part 1)

Harriet's supposedly anti-gay comments in an interview lead to an altercation in the street, during which Tom is arrested. When the police discover he also has an outstanding speeding ticket, Tom - dressed as Jesus for a sketch - finds himself up in front of a difficult judge (John Goodman) who's clearly not the show's biggest fan. Can the team get Tom back to the studio in time to record the show?

RT Choice (Ruth Margolis, 6 September 2007)

It's romping, farcical and everything we'd love Studio 60 to be all the time. Too little too late? Well, yes - it was axed. Still, enjoy this rare high.

Episode 8/22 Nevada Day (Part 2)

With Tom still stuck in a Nevada jail, Matt and Jeannie convince Dylan to cover the news slot. Meanwhile, the debate about Harriet's supposed homophobia rumbles on. In Nevada, the judge (John Goodman) takes Simon and Jack out for lunch, as they await the return of the assistant district attorney from his paintball game. When the real reason Tom was speeding is finally revealed, they view the case in a new light.

RT Choice (Ruth Margolis, 13 September 2007)

Surprisingly, [this] conclusion of a chaotic double bill delivers some throbbingly fine drama.

Episode 9/22 The Option Period

Ratings are falling, and to make matters worse Ricky and Ron are planning to leave the show to pen a sitcom, taking the writing staff with them. Concerned that their idea will fail, Matt tries to discourage them, but Ricky just thinks he wants to hold him back. Meanwhile, Harriet's asked to pose for a men's magazine, and Jordan and Danny consider product placement and job losses as possible solutions to a budget cut.

RT Choice (Ruth Margolis, 20 September 2007)

Two super fresh, funny episodes spent away from the studio bowels was judged to be enough. Now it's back to the usual set-up, and not caring about characters or their so-what-ish predicaments. [In this episode], it looks like most of the show's writers will walk. Whatever, Sorkin.

Episode 10/22 B-12

With the studio ravaged by a virulent virus, and Ricky and Ron having absconded with most of the writing talent, Matt calls in old hand Andy Mackinaw. Inexperienced writers Darius and Lucy also get their first sketch approved - until a tragic real-life event forces the studio to cut it. Meanwhile, Jack orders Jordan to agree to a magazine interview to deal with the controversies surrounding her, and she reveals to Danny that she's pregnant.

• Download Episode 10/22 - B-12 via Channel 4 - 4oD

Episode 11/22 The Christmas Show

It's Christmas, and Matt is determined to bring the spirit of the season to LA. Tom and Simon jump at the opportunity to assist the writers, keen to spend time with one member of the team in particular. Following a visit to the obstetrician, Danny is forced to confront his feelings for Jordan. Meanwhile, Harriet is offered a career-changing opportunity, and some homeless musicians fill in when the house band call in "sick."

• Download Episode 11/22 - The Christmas Show via Channel 4 - 4oD

Episode 12/22 Monday

The cast and writers return from their seasonal break to prepare for the first show of the new year, and love is in the air. Lucy agrees to go out with Tom, Matt bids in an online auction for a date with Harriet, and Danny's pursuit of Jordan is entering the realms of stalking. Meanwhile, Jordan's nemesis Hallie Galloway, the head of alternative programming, pitches an idea for a near-the-knuckle reality show.

RT Choice (William Gallagher)

We're used to how the comedy show is never funny and we've seen characters like Jack be practically rewritten in front of our eyes because they just weren't going anywhere. Somehow you can still love the show because so much of it is so good but it gets harder for a few episodes now because the story of Danny pursuing Jordan is a mis-fire. It's clearly meant to be romantic and funny, and you do want the pair to get together, but it rapidly escalates into truly uncomfortable stalking and it takes weeks to get back to liking Danny.

• Download Episode 12/22 - Monday via Channel 4 - 4oD

Episode 13/22 The Harriet Dinner (Part 1)

Matt's in a frenzy trying to outbid his rival and win the auction to be Harriet's dinner date. Meanwhile, Tom's nascent relationship with Lucy is threatened not only by some harsh Hollywood truths but also by Jack leaning on Tom for a favour. Then Cal has a truly bad night, Jordan learns the strength of her new rival - and two people are going to get stuck on the roof.

• Download Episode 13/22 - The Harriet Dinner (Part 1) via Channel 4 - 4oD

Episode 14/22 The Harriet Dinner (Part 2)

It looks as if Matt and Harriet's convoluted, on/off relationship is heading to a new level - but one of them has had enough. Danny and Jordan are still stuck on the roof and Cal is tearing up the studio floor to get the coyote to catch the ferret that was sent in after the snake he lost.

• Download Episode 14/22 - The Harriet Dinner (Part 2) via Channel 4 - 4oD

Episode 15/22 The Friday Night Slaughter

While Jordan and Danny's relationship gets ever closer, Matt is too damaged by this latest and seemingly final row with Harriet to write the week's comedy. Withdrawing from everyone, he fixates on the time he first met her - when he was a junior writer on Studio 60.

RT Choice (William Gallagher)

A tour-de-force episode both for Matthew Perry as the younger Matt and also for writer/creator Aaron Sorkin. What could have been a simple flashback episode is much richer than that, with moments in past and present playing off each other, and a very nice line in how we all reshape the past in our memories.

• Download Episode 15/22 - The Friday Night Slaughter via Channel 4 - 4oD

Episode 16/22 4am Miracle

Attorney Mary Tate interviews Matt and Danny about a writer who was fired long before they took over the show - and is now suing over sexual harrassment. Matt's drinking and drugs problem continue to affect the show while Harriet is off shooting her film. Jordan and Danny practise looking after an animatronic baby.

RT Choice (William Gallagher)

Studio 60 was cancelled about now. Rumours of its death and then rumours of its resurrection flew so much it's hard to pin a date on it, but this was the last episode aired in the show's normal slot in America. It was replaced by new drama The Black Donnellys, which did even worse in the ratings and was also cancelled. That was replaced by a reality series which did fine.

Very unusually, production was not stopped on Studio 60 even after the official cancellation, so six more episodes were made and they aired a few months later.

• Download Episode 16/22 - 4am Miracle via Channel 4 - 4oD

Episode 17/22 The Disaster Show

The prop department staff stage a wildcat strike with just minutes to go before this week's Studio 60 comedy. Then the cue-card teams follow suit and everything that could conceivably go wrong, does. Trying to hold it together is director Cal, faced with striking crews, panicked actors, and no sign of Matt and Danny.

RT Choice (William Gallagher)

Perhaps it's my imagination but the first of Studio 60's final episodes, written and filmed after the series was cancelled, feels less pressured. It's also the first one to give Cal (Timothy Busfield) enough to do as Matt, Danny and Jordan are all absent. Plus there are very self-aware scenes between him and his old West Wing colleague Allison Janney that are a delight.

If you've ever been involved in any show, from school to the West End, you will feel deeply for the characters as they suffer through a gloriously calamitous night. It's wonderful - yet rather than making you think Studio 60 shouldn't have been cancelled, it makes you think it should always have been like this.

• Download Episode 17/22 - The Disaster Show via Channel 4 - 4oD

Episode 18/22 Breaking News

Bad news waits for nothing, not even a live comedy show. So it's during the latest edition of Studio 60 - one that's still below par because of Matt's drug habit - Jordan starts to have problems with her pregnancy. And the after-show wrap party is interrupted by terrible news for Tom.

RT Choice (William Gallagher)

Officially the next three episodes are a trilogy: they're even called parts one, two and three. But all the episodes from now to the finale are really the same two key stories of Jordan's labour and the trouble for Tom.

They both add a little meat to the series but they're also leaning toward soap opera, which this show is not good at. You'll wonder afterwards why it took five episodes to tell this tale, but along the way it's an absorbing journey.

Episode 19/22 K & R (Part 1)

It stands for Kidnap & Rescue: Tom's brother, a soldier in Iraq, is one of several who have been taken hostage. The US military has plans and processes it goes through in these situations, but they may be scuttled: the kidnappers want millions of dollars, and Matt and Danny can pay. Jordan is taken into hospital as the problems with her pregnancy worsen.

Episode 20/22 K & R (Part 2)

Simon loses his temper with journalists reporting on Tom's brother being taken hostage - and his anger may get him the sack. While Jack tries to persuade him to apologise and Danny waits by an ever-worsening Jordan, we also learn just how Matt and Danny came to be fired from Studio 60 years before.

Episode 21/22 K & R (Part 3)

It looks like the kidnapping of Tom's soldier brother is going to be over soon - but just because it's ending, it doesn't mean it's going to end well. Meanwhile in the hospital, Danny is being forced to face some very unpleasant possibilities regarding both Jordan and her unborn child.

Episode 22/22 What Kind of Day Has It Been

It's the end of the series but the characters are all facing new beginnings: Tom with his family, Danny with Jordan - and perhaps most surprisingly, Matt with Harriet. Though neither of them are expecting it to be long before their next relationship-destroying row…

RT Choice (William Gallagher)

There's a certain sadness to the happy endings in this episode: while there's little question that the show was not good enough, it's still going to be missed.

Incidentally, Aaron Sorkin's first TV series, the great comedy Sports Night, ended its first season with an episode called What Kind of Day Has It Been. And then his second, the superb The West Wing, did exactly the same.