Dealbreakers Talk Show No. 0001

Guest stars in the episode include Kristian Alfonso, John Anderson, Will Arnett, Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Parnell, Peter Reckell, and Sherri Shepherd.

According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was watched by 6.2 million households during its original broadcast, and received a 3.0 rating/8 share among viewers in the 18–49 demographic.

30 Rock editor Ken Eluto received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in the category of Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series for his work in this episode.

"Dealbreakers Talk Show #0001" was submitted for consideration on the behalf of Tina Fey for the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy.

The episode opens with Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) and Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) preparing for the beginning of her new talk show, Dealbreakers.

[5] Comedian actors Will Arnett and Sherri Shepherd reprised their roles as Devon Banks and Angie Jordan, respectively, each for the sixth time.

[6][7] Actress Whoopi Goldberg returned to the show for the second time playing herself; in this episode Tracy Jordan enlists her help with his EGOT plans.

Goldberg first appeared in the show's first season episode "The Rural Juror", which also established that despite her success as the head writer of TGS, Liz wants to be an on-camera performer like Jenna.

[11] Actor John Anderson made his 30 Rock debut as Astronaut Mike Dexter,[12] Liz's imaginary perfect husband.

[21] In its original American broadcast, "Dealbreakers Talk Show #0001" drew in 6.2 million households, according to the Nielsen Media Research.

"[29] Television columnist Alan Sepinwall for The Star-Ledger said that Frank turning into Liz "felt a little too predictable", nonetheless complimented Judah Friedlander for it.

"[9] Time contributor James Poniewozik was complimentary towards the "Dealbreakers" story, and commented that the series "has often been strongest in the episodes in which Liz Lemon's professional life tracks Tina Fey's, and 'Dealbreakers' was definitely one of them."

[31] TV Guide's Michael Anthony reported that part of him really wanted to see the Dealbreaker pilot work out for Liz, noting "I think there's something there – something really funny!"