The next two episodes of NBC's "30 Rock" may well determine whether the low-rated, but critically acclaimed show will make it to a second season. The show goes on a six-week hiatus after next week's
episode, giving the Thursday 9:30 p.m. slot to"Andy Barker, P.I.," before returning in April.
These two weeks are key because "Rock" will be up against reruns of competitors "Grey's Anatomy"
on ABC and "CSI" on CBS. Networks are beginning to narrow down new and returning shows for their fall schedule, and NBC is expected to pick up only one of its freshman series, likely either "Rock" or
"Friday Night Lights."
The two have similar season averages, so NBC will be looking for growth possibilities. Up against original episodes of "Grey's" and "CSI" the past month, "Rock"
ratings fell. When the show took over the Thursday slot in late November, its first three episodes against minimal competition averaged a 2.9 adults 18-49 rating, but its three most recent episodes
have averaged a 2.5. If ratings rise over the next two outings, that might help convince NBC the show has potential much like "The Office," which was renewed two years ago with similarly low ratings.
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