Movies

All 6 Tina Fey/Robert Carlock Shows Ranked from Best to Worst

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Tina Fey’s name is quite familiar, whereas Robert Carlock may not be as recognizable. Since 1997, these two have been collaborating and have produced some of the most iconic sitcoms and shows during the past quarter-century. Initially, they penned for Saturday Night Live from 1997 to 2001, with Carlock departing in 2001 to write for Friends. Fey continued at SNL until 2006.

After Fey completed her tenure on SNL, these two writers collaborated for the first time on a successful show. They didn’t stop there; they have been an unforgettable comedy writing duo ever since. In fact, they even received the Herb Sargent Award for Comedy Excellence at the 2018 Writers Guild of America Awards.

At present, Fey is appearing in the series she also co-created, titled “The Four Seasons,” while Carlock pens episodes for “Mulligan.” Both creators are currently engaged in Netflix projects. Notably, they are teaming up to produce a new sitcom for NBC, featuring Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe as leads. Here’s a rundown of their collaborations thus far, arranged in order of completion.

6
‘Mr. Mayor’ (2021 – 2022)

In simpler terms, “Mr. Mayor” is a TV series that made its debut in 2021, featuring Ted Danson in the leading role. Danson played Neil Bremer, a businessman who becomes the mayor of Los Angeles. The show focuses on Bremer and his team as they manage the daily tasks of being in office. It ran for two seasons on NBC, consisting of 20 regular episodes and an additional Christmas special. Tina Fey and Jeremy Carlock are the creators of this series.

In this production, Holly Hunter played the role of the deputy mayor, Bobby Moynihan took on the part of the mayor’s spokesperson, Vella Lovell was cast as the mayor’s top assistant, Mike Cabellon portrayed the chief strategist, and Kyla Kennedy was the mayor’s daughter. The show had a playful and lively feel to it, skillfully utilizing Danson’s charm. Moynihan and Lovell delivered standout performances, while Danson returned with the role in “A Man on the Inside”.

5
‘Whiskey Tango Foxtrot’ (2016)

In simple terms, the movie titled “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” is Carlock’s only screenwriting project. This film features Tina Fey in the lead role as a journalist who gets tasked with reporting on the war in Afghanistan. The storyline is adapted from Kim Barker’s memoir and provides Fey an opportunity to showcase her acting skills. The movie tackles grave themes, but also maintains a humorous tone at times, effectively utilizing Fey’s quick wit for comedic effect.

In addition to the cast, Martin Freeman plays a role as a photojournalist, Margot Robbie is featured as a BBC News journalist, Billy Bob Thornton takes on the character of a US Marine Corps General, Alfred Molina portrays a local Afghan official, and Christopher Abbott is seen as a translator and driver for journalists in this film. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, however, received varying opinions from both viewers and experts. On Rotten Tomatoes, it garnered a 68% rating from critics and a 54% score from the audience.

4
‘Great News’ (2017 – 2018)

The comedy series “Great News” is set in a TV station and focuses on the behind-the-scenes antics of a news program and its team. Developed by Tracey Wigfield, a regular collaborator with Fey and Carlock, who are executive producers, this show aired on NBC from 2017 to 2018 for two seasons. Carlock was also among the writers on the show. The story revolves around Briga Heelan’s character, Katie Wendelsohn, who is a segment producer navigating her way through her crew, including her mother, who unexpectedly joined as an intern.

In a delightful twist of events, Andrea Martin shines brightly in her role as Katie’s mother, Carol. She injects laughter into ordinary scenarios, making everyday life seem extraordinary. Her character is a blend of an older woman proud of her daughter’s career success and willing to pitch in with tasks usually handled by interns. This unique mix creates an amusing plotline.

The series also features John Michael Higgins and Nicole Richie as the show’s anchors, Adam Campbell as the executive producer, and Horatio Sanz as the video editor. The storylines often revolve around workplace chaos, but with a fresh perspective that sets it apart from other TV shows that focus on work environments.

3
‘Girls5eva’ (2021 – Present)

A series titled “Girls5eva” is produced by Carlock and Fey, with Carlock also serving as a writer. This show revolves around the lives of a ’90s girl group who experience a resurgence in fame when an up-and-coming rapper uses their popular track as a sample. The cast is what truly draws you in, as everyone delivers exceptional performances. The four main characters are portrayed by Sara Bareilles, Busy Phillips, Paula Pell, and Renee Elise Goldsberry in this show.

In this series, Sara Bareilles portrays a woman who works at her brother’s Italian eatery. Her characters, along with her husband portrayed by Andrew Rannells, are depicted as popular figures in the Christian community. The characters of Pell and Goldsberry, respectively, are a dentist and an aspiring social media influencer. The show delves into the complexities of fame, particularly when it’s grasped at a young age but eventually fades away. Jeff Richmond, Tina Fey’s spouse, serves as the music supervisor for the series, offering a delightful array of memorable and catchy tunes throughout its duration. The show has transitioned from Peacock to Netflix over the course of its broadcast.

2
‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ (2015 – 2019)

Titled “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt“, this show was jointly created by Fey and Carlock, featuring Ellie Kemper portraying the lead character, Kimmy. Born into a doomsday cult, Kimmy spent most of her youth living underground. After being rescued along with others from the cult, she decides to seize the day and relocate to bustling New York City. The optimism and vivacity exhibited by Kimmy are contagious, winning over those around her, while her “wide-eyed in the big city” persona appeals to viewers’ hearts.

The series catapulted Kemper and Tituss Burgess into stardom; Burgess portrayed the mysterious roommate of Kimmy’s, Titus Andromedon. Carol Kane played their landlady, while Jane Krakowski took on the role of Jacqueline White, an affluent woman who employed Kimmy as a nanny for her child. In one amusing appearance, Jon Hamm portrayed the cult leader. The program received widespread acclaim from both fans and critics, resulting in Emmy nominations for Burgess, Kemper, and Krakowski.

1
’30 Rock’ (2006 – 2013)

30 Rock, hailed as one of the funniest comedies ever produced and a standout TV series from the 2000s, catapulted Tina Fey from a talented SNL cast member into an iconic funny actress. The series, co-created by Fey and Carlock, saw her in the role of Liz Lemon, the head writer for a network variety show, and Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy, a high-ranking NBC executive who eventually guides Liz. The ensemble cast is legendary, with Krakowski portraying Jenna Maroney, the original star of the variety show, and Tracy Morgan as Tracy Jordan, the comedian they recruit to bolster their production.

30 Rock’s primary cast includes Jack McBrayer, Judah Friedlander, Scott Adsit, and many others who worked on the show or were affiliated with NBC. Notable guest stars and celebrity cameos also graced the series during its tenure. This show, executive-produced by Lorne Michaels, offers a peek into what working behind the scenes at SNL might look like. Fey and Baldwin’s comedy chemistry is unparalleled, producing some of the most memorable lines from the past 25 years. The series was highly praised, receiving three Emmy awards for Best Comedy Series.

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2025-05-08 01:25

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