EVOLUTION OF AN IDEA

It’s long been said that there are no new ideas in Hollywood. But we have to admit that there have been some pretty good new incarnations of the old ones.

-- Patrick Kevin Day

Premise

“30 Rock

Perennially single career woman Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) attempts to find love and success as a television comedy writer in New York City, but mostly tries to make sense of her wacky co-workers.

“Murphy Brown”

Perennially single career woman Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) attempts to find love and success as a television news anchor in Washington, D.C., but mostly tries to make sense of her wacky co-workers.

“The MTM Show”

Perennially single career woman Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore) attempts to find love and success as a television news producer in Minneapolis, but mostly tries to make sense of her wacky co-workers.

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Bald Work Buddy

“30 Rock”

Scott Adsit as Pete Hornberger, producer of “TGS with Tracy Jordan” and neutered family man who has a platonic friendship with Liz.

“Murphy Brown”

Joe Regalbuto as Frank Fontana, news reporter on “FYI” and terminal bachelor who has a platonic friendship with Murphy.

“The MTM Show”

Gavin MacLeod as Murray Slaughter, news writer for the WJM evening news, happily married but with an unrequited love for Mary.

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The Driven Blonde

“30 Rock”

Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski) determined to use sexuality to further her acting career.

“Murphy Brown”

Secret virgin Corky Sherwood (Faith Ford) determined not to use her sexuality to further her news career.

“The MTM Show”

Man-hungry Sue Ann Nivens (Betty White) determined to use her sexuality despite success in her TV career.

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Real Life Controversy

“30 Rock”

A recording of costar Alec Baldwin berating his 11-year-old daughter for not picking up the phone when he called caused much embarrassment for the actor, who tried to leave “30 Rock” to protect it from the fallout. He was forced to stay.

“Murphy Brown”

Then-Vice President Dan Quayle criticized Murphy’s decision to become an unwed mother during a 1992 campaign speech. The sitcom responded with a joke about the VP’s lack of spelling prowess the following season.

“The MTM Show”

Popular spin-off “Lou Grant” was canceled after five seasons despite Top 10 Nielsen ratings. The network was reportedly uncomfortable with star Ed Asner’s political stance against U.S. actions in El Salvador.