Comedies on US TV aren’t exactly known for being edgy. The arrival of HBO however changed the landscape somewhat, but the national free-to-air networks still can’t afford to take risks; you see, you can’t offend Middle America, not unless they’re paying for the privilege.

One show in recent years however, appears to have fallen through the net: 30 Rock. Created by Tina Fey, it’s loosely based on her time as head writer on the national institution that is Saturday Night Live.

Fey stars as Liz Lemon, the head writer on a comedy sketch show called TGS. The show is a hub for an array of weird and wonderful characters: from the oddball writers, to its stars Tracy (Tracy Morgan) and Jenna (Jane Krakowski), and Kenneth (Jack McBryer) the NBC page. One of Liz’s closest allies however is exec Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin); despite very rarely being on the same book never mind page, they’ve become good friends.

Don't look at me like that, it's just a pyjama party.

The show is everything a network comedy shouldn’t be: it’s borderline surreal at times, and very rarely makes any kind of sense. It’s also full of little in jokes that only really cool people will get. It’s biggest giveaway however, is that it’s just a different kind of funny.

Season 4 sees it as strong as ever. It also sees an impressive list of guest stars who all signed up for a slice of Lemon, including Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Mad Men’s John Hamm and our very own Michael Sheen, who is almost unrecognisable playing someone who isn’t famous.

If the show hasn’t appeared on your radar, which is a distinct possibility as it’s currently showing in the UK on the tumbleweed that is Comedy Central, then you really need to start, for your own safety, with the first series.

For all other 30 Rockers, if you’re in any doubt about picking this up, ask yourself one question: What Would Tracy Do? No, we don’t know the answer either, but it would probably involve the letter K and some pencil shavings...