In going with the theme of NBC shows that is ever present in my writing, I want to comment on NBC's connection to their show 30 Rock. The whole plot of the show is based in and around NBC's studios and many of the story lines are connected with the company's activities. While this is not really product placement I do find it interesting that almost every episode reinforces the network's image.
I have to wonder whether this is something that factors into viewers opinions of NBC or not. They don't include any of their real-life shows in 30 Rock but they often mention the products of their corporate owners; General Electric. Statistics say that 30 Rock is one of NBC's most successful shows. I can only imagine that there is a slight snowball effect with those people who are drawn to 30 Rock as opposed to NBC's Thursday night programming as a whole. The reinforcement of the networks as an entity and the conglomerate as a whole can only help them.
I am fairly certain that there were no ulterior motives involved when the network planned the show, but I can't help but wonder. They seem to ridicule the establishment as much as they support it but nonetheless they are mentioning it. One could argue that if someone is watching 30 Rock already than they probably already watch NBC shows but I argue that NBC gains from the wider knowledge of the network that comes from the show.
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