30 Rock To Return For Final Series?

Comedy 30 Rock could return to NBC for a seventh and final season.

Deadline reports that NBC is nearing a deal to renew critically acclaimed comedy 30 Rock for another season; a seventh and final. The deal would also mean the comedy return for a shorter season of either 13 or 14 episodes. The move isn’t totally unexpected as 30 Rock had been tipped for a final season renewal and actress Tina Fey had previously hinted the end was near for the series.

If NBC does indeed renew 30 Rock for a final season it will be the latest series to be renewed by a broadcaster to allow producers enough time to wrap up storylines and craft a satisfying conclusion. ABC ordered an 8th and final series of Desperate Housewives on that basis while The CW ordered final seasons of One Tree Hill and Smallville for similar reasons as Fox did with Chuck and its recent renewal of Fringe is on the same basis. There are several shows seen as contenders for final season renewal beside 30 Rock with Private Practice and Gossip Girl amongst them.

As for the fates of NBC’s other comedies well Deadline also reports that Community is expected to be renewed for a fourth season while Parks and Recreation is expected to be given a fifth season – both comedies are expected to receive smaller episode orders though.

NBC announced it had picked up a series of shows last night with Ryan Murphy’s gay comedy The New Normal, J.J Abrams apocalyptic Revolution and White House comedy 1600 Penn, starring Bill Pullman, amongst the shows announced.