NBC places its bets on comedy again

Get the phone, Tina - it's Kevin Reilly with good news.

I told you "30 Rock" was a hoot.  You wouldn't believe me. But who's laughing now?

NBC announced today that it is remaking its classic two-hour comedy block on Thursday nights after November sweeps. And "30 Rock" is going to be part of it, along with "Scrubs." It will have its coming-out party Nov. 16, during sweeps with one of those super-sized don't-touch-your-dial specials NBC seems to enjoy inflicting on the public.  (I've got nothing against hanging onto your audience.  But when did a show get better just by making it longer?)

The Tina Fey "write what you know" sitcom about life behind the scenes at a NBC sketch comedy show, "30 Rock" isn't exactly a classic. But it deserves better than it's gotten in that shotgun marriage with "20 Good Years," which appears to be toast, and not 20 good minutes too soon.

"30 Rock" will join "Scrubs" and current Thursday occupants "Earl" and "Office" Nov. 30, as the lead-in to "ER."  Granted, it may turn into "Grey's Anatomy" roadkill like former time slot occupant "Deal or No Deal." But with "Scrubs" as its lead-in, I like to think they're replacing Howie Mandel with "The Real Deal."