Pilot (30 Rock)

The "Pilot" is the first episode of the American television comedy series 30 Rock. It originally aired on NBC on October 11, 2006. Written and created by Tina Fey and directed by Adam Bernstein, the episode introduces the main characters of the series: Liz Lemon (Tina Fey), the head writer of the fictional NBC sketch comedy show TGS with Tracy Jordan, Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin), a high-powered NBC executive, and Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan), the erratic and unpredictable star hired to boost TGS's ratings.

The episode centers around Liz's initial conflict with Jack, who interferes with TGS's creative process by forcing Tracy Jordan into the show. Liz must navigate Jack's corporate directives while trying to maintain the integrity of her writing staff and her own sanity. The "Pilot" establishes the comedic tone and character dynamics that define the series, showcasing the absurdities of corporate television and the personal lives of its employees. It also introduces recurring supporting characters, such as Kenneth Parcell (Jack McBrayer) and Pete Hornberger (Judah Friedlander). The episode received generally positive reviews and helped to launch the critically acclaimed and award-winning 30 Rock.