‘30 Rock’ cast reuniting to tout new NBC, cable schedules

Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan and other “30 Rock” stars are reuniting for a corporate cause: to promote the shows and stars that will be part of the new season for NBC and its NBCUniversal cable siblings.

Described as a “one-time, commercialfree event” the reunion will air July 16 on NBC and be shown on cable channels including USA Network, Bravo and Oxygen.

It’s a special born of the coronavirus pandemic, which kept NBCUniversal and other media companies from the midMay tradition of presenting their 2020-21 schedules to crowds of ad buyers in New York City. The cast of the Emmy-winning, 2006-2013 sitcom will be in character, including Jack McBrayer’s enthusiastic network page, the company said.

The special will feature new and returning shows from NBCUniversal’s platforms and include guests from entertainment, sports and news, the company said, with further details to be announced.

NBC played catch-up by releasing its schedule for the fall TV season, which remains shadowed by COVID-19. Given that the film and TV production that was abruptly halted in March is just getting underway, networks have been cautious in committing to specific debut dates.

The fall lineup will include the renewed “Manifest” and previously announced spin-off “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” with Christopher Meloni reprising his character from “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”

The midseason will bring freshman series, including “Mr. Mayor,” a Fey-Carlock sitcom starring Ted Danson and Holly Hunter, and “Young Rock,” inspired by Dwayne Johnson’s life and produced by and starring the pro wrestler-turned-actor.

NBC is saying goodbye to the series “Sunnyside,” starring Kal Penn; “Bluff City Law” with Jimmy Smits; and “Indebted” with Fran Drescher.

Tina Fey attends the Tribeca Film Festival world premiere of “Love, Gilda” in New York. The cast of “30Rock,” including Fey, Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan, will reunite to promote NBCUniversal shows for the 2020-21season.