NewsdayVerne Gay

This is TV's best comedy. And there's nothing in the first two episodes that would suggest otherwise.

Chicago TribuneMaureen Ryan

Both episodes are tightly constructed and full of delicious comic gems, and the show relies heavily on crisp editing and a subtle but sprightly soundtrack to keep the energy level high.

New York PostLinda Stasi

Fey's back to her day job tonight and 30 Rock is as funny as ever, as cynical as we hoped, and as fresh as if it were a freshman show.

Entertainment WeeklyKen Tucker

Rock manages to layer in quieter scenes between Baldwin and Jack McBrayer's Kenneth the Page that remind you of an iron law of feather-light farce: No matter how crazy the characters seem to us, they have to relate to each other as though they're making perfect sense.

USA TodayRobert Bianco

A fast-paced, funny show that has bounced back from last spring's post-strike slump.

Baltimore SunDavid Zurawik

Tonight's episode does have a few moments when it goes over the comedy top and seems just a tad too broad. But who cares? Overall, it's a joy.

Boston GlobeMatthew Gilbert

Tonight's premiere isn't one of the series' most cleverly wrought scripts; it's more of a welcome-back party than a gem.

Philadelphia Daily NewsEllen Gray

A screwball comedy that's married Fey's responsible and subversive sides and harnessed the power of Alec Baldwin for funny, not fear.

Hollywood ReporterBarry Garron

Two episodes NBC made available to critics prove this series is ready to scale even higher comedic heights and that the brightest spot on the planet is not the light atop the Luxor but the writers' room of 30 Rock.

New York Daily NewsDavid Hinckley

The show's droll and mostly apolitical humor fits the exaggerated characters well, it's still got a good fast rhythm, and the five major players work well as an ensemble.

Newark Star-LedgerAlan Sepinwall

Fey's parts of the premiere are terrific, and next week's episode is an even better--and sillier--showcase for her.

Washington PostTom Shales

It still isn't quite the hugely confident, competent hit one longs for--especially considering that "Saturday Night Live" creator Lorne Michaels is an executive producer--but it's high in quality, as well as in spirit.

Orlando SentinelHal Boedeker

Despite the Palin raves, Fey saves her best for this witty show.

Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRob Owen

30 Rock is more manic than "Seinfeld," but its smart observations on political correctness, corporate culture and life in Manhattan make it an ideal heir. This Rock continues to roll.

The New York TimesAlessandra Stanley

The series is a clever update, not to say rip-off, of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” set behind the scenes at an NBC comedy show rather than in a television newsroom, and it is very funny.

SlateTroy Patterson

Even the most ardent fans of 30 Rock will concede that it doesn't look its sharpest as its third season opens. Only the most churlish will be much put out by this, though. A relatively flat episode of Tina Fey's backstage farce is still the fizziest thing in prime-time comedy.

VarietyBrian Lowry

30 Rock remains merely a good comedy whose shortcomings prevent it from joining the ranks of great ones.