Ask anyone on the street what the funniest show on television is, and they might say Two and A Half Men. In which case, you are to press the 30 Rock Season 3 DVD into their hand with a sad look, as they are clearly too far gone to save. 30 Rock has become wildly successful in only three seasons, in 2009 alone garnering a staggering 22 Emmy nominations and establishing itself as one of the must-see television programs on the air. Though their market share is average, they are mighty, and they are critically acclaimed. The good news is that the third season is just as good, if not better, than the two that preceded it, and the DVD release recognizes and celebrates this.

Season three finds Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) and her merry band of television show crazies wading their way through some very complicated issues under the leadership of Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin). At its core, 30 Rock is about a sketch comedy television show, the people who work there, and the strange things that happen to them. But even that fails to explain just what the magical element is that makes 30 Rock so good. Occasionally 30 Rock strays far from the beaten path, but always in pursuit of laughs, and it delivers on the promises it makes, without fail. Episodes dealing with alleged patricide, the importance of listening to Oprah, the attractive bubble, childhood memories, naming a microwave, and Jackie Jormp-Jomp (don't worry, it'll make sense eventually) all come together with a thousand other ridiculous and strange occurrences to form the funniest show you've ever seen. A stunning array of guest stars round out the season, including cameos by Oprah and Jennifer Aniston, stints with Mad Men's Jon Hamm and the ever-hilarious Steve Martin, as well as Salma Hayek's long-running appearance and many more. The final episode of the season features many well-known musicians performing an organ benefit concert, including Moby, the Beastie Boys, Cyndi Lauper, Mary J. Blige, the list goes on and on.

A hilarious season deserves a spectacular DVD release, and we were not disappointed. The special features are fruitful, filled with treats such as Liz's infamous 900-number commercial and numerous deleted scenes. A few choice episodes are given the audio commentary treatment, and we get to hear from Tina Fey and the rest of the gang as more hilarity ensues. The making-of "Kidney Now!" is discussed at length, including a lot of input from the composer, Jeff Richmond, who is coincidentally a producer on the show and also married to Tina Fey. A great deal of the actual filming of the song is included, with appearances by Sheryl Crow, Nora Jones, and all the rest of the "Kidney Now!" team. A table read of that infamous episode is included, as well as a photo gallery that covers the entire season. One of the best visual gags of season three was a chance to see the world through Kenneth's eyes, as everyone became a Muppet for a few brief glorious moments. The sheer genius of this display is explained, and we are allowed a look behind the scenes as the puppeteers act out the strange song-filled events.

As we eagerly await the October 15, 2009, premiere of season four, we can enjoy season three again and again. All in all, this DVD is almost demanding to be bought and watched and loved; the special features are nearly enough to satisfy the most demanding fan, and as Liz Lemon herself might say, "I want to go to there."

30 Rock Season Three is available now on DVD.

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