Can you tell your MILF Manors from your MILF Islands?
This article is part of 20 Years of 30 Rock, Slate’s celebration of the iconic sitcom two decades after its premiere.
One of 30 Rock’s greatest parting gifts was a veritable treasure trove—seven seasons’ worth—of fake in-universe TV shows and films. Some of the fictional titles were spoofs of actual releases, while others were so blatantly ridiculous that they surely couldn’t ever be mistaken for reality. Well, that was before. In the years following 30 Rock, increasingly silly, tawdry, and plain stupid series and movies have made their way to screens big and small. The entertainment landscape has gotten so patently absurd that it’s become a running joke to drop a reference to 30 Rock every time a ludicrous logline or trailer escapes containment and draws mockery on social media. In a world where anything goes on camera these days, can you tell which of these titles are real shows and movies and which are fake ones from 30 Rock? Take Slate’s quiz to find out.
America’s Kidz Got Singing
The children of America compete in a singing talent show before a panel of celebrity judges.
In the words of one wise, beautiful 10, “Go jump back up your mother!”
Floor Is Lava
Players must traverse a room without stepping on the floor, which is lava.
I’m not going to lie: I watched a whole season of this.
Kevin Hart’s Cold as Balls
Interviews conducted by Kevin Hart in an ice bath.
Sure!
Bitch Hunter
Exactly as described.
We have Bitch Hunter to thank for TGS.
The Rural Juror
An indie film about a Southern lawyer named, fittingly, Constance Justice.
I will never forget you, Rural Juror!
Diana: The Musical
A movie version of a musical and book based on the life of Princess Diana.
This won big at the 2022 Razzies.
Sing Dem Blues, White Girl: The Jackie Jormp-Jomp Story
An unlicensed biopic of Janis Joplin.
Janet Jopler and Janie Jimplin both died for this.
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip
Wealthy and probably unstable housewives embark on an ultimate girls trip together.
This is sort of like the Avengers: Endgame of Bravo’s loudest franchise.
Hard to Watch
Based on the novel Stone Cold Bummer by Manipulate.
Tracy Jordan won an Oscar for this.
Garfield 3: Feline Groovy
Yet another Garfield sequel, this time with even more greenscreen.
A paycheck worth one million teachers’ salaries, factually.
Murder House Flip
An unconventional home-renovation show.
The elegant wainscoting really goes with the decade-old bloodstains, don’t you think?
MILF Manor
Eight MILFs, eight of their sons, no rules.
Yes, this was a real show, although the ingenious premise only lasted for one season. The second season shifted so that the women were pursued by younger men and their fathers.
MILF Island
Twenty-five super-hot moms, 50 eighth-grade boys, no rules.
We no longer want to hit that.
Gold Case
Contestants must decide which briefcases contain $1 million in solid gold bars.
Kenneth and NBC did not strike gold with Gold Case.
Deadly DILF
A DILF-next-door finds himself in trouble with a neighbor.
Deadly DILF and Manor MILF, sitting in a tree …
The Rockefeller Center Salute to Fireworks
A three-hour broadcast of fireworks in midtown Manhattan on a day that is not the Fourth of July.
Oh, that’s gonna scare a lot of people.
Unfrosted
A movie loosely based on the true story of the invention of Pop-Tarts.
SeinfeldVision was not involved in the making of this film.
Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey
A Winnie-the-Pooh slasher film.
This won big at the 2024 Razzies.
Is It Cake?
Exactly as described.
It is always cake.
Sports Shouting
Sports commentators aggressively and loudly share their opinions.
It’s no Gay SportsCenter, but it’ll do.
Queen of Jordan
A reality show following the drama-filled lives of wealthy and probably unstable housewives.
Would that there were a thousand episodes of this.
Deal or No Deal Island
Deal or No Deal … on an island.
No deal for this show, which was canceled after two seasons.
Van Der Hoot: Psychische (De Mentaalist)
The original Dutch version of The Mentalist.
You may be disappointed to learn that there is no Dutch version of The Mentalist.
God Cop
Two unlikely partners—a detective and the big guy Himself—team up to solve crimes.
“God Cop: Crime just got a new worst friend.”
Most Wanted Santa
An FBI agent and a detective team up to track down a crime suspect: hot Santa Claus.
How does this stack up to God Cop?
The Masked Singer
A reality singing competition in which celebrities perform while concealing their faces under masks.
One of the great artifacts of our time.
Dealbreakers
A talk show featuring judgmental, albeit catchy, relationship advice.
If your boyfriend is over 30 and wears a name tag to work? Owns a diamond necklace that says “open marriage”? Thinks he deserves a “vajayjay upgrade” because he got a promotion? That’s a dealbreaker, ladies.
Makin’ It Happen!
A pioneering 10-second internet sitcom.
This short-form format predated Quibi (RIP).
Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out
The world’s most famous pimple popper does her thing.
You sickos.
Suddenly Amish
Non-Amish individuals attempt to suddenly live as Amish individuals.
Unsurprisingly, this show has been called “offensive” by some viewers.
Read the rest of 20 Years of 30 Rock.