30 Rock: 5 Relationships Fans Were Behind (And 5 They Rejected)

For such screw-ups and oddballs, the characters in 30 Rock sure do have their fair share of relationships. Liz Lemon and her crazed cohorts found themselves dating some of the strangest people around. Their collective ensemble of suitors ran the gamut from weird to plain cuckoo. And fans are thankful they could witness every single, hilarious moment.

But did they love every one of those dates or relationships? Nope. For every one they cheered on, there was one they disliked. So keeping that in mind, here are five relationships in 30 Rock fans supported as well as five they rejected.

10 Supported: Liz and Floyd

It all started when Liz received flowers meant for another Liz. The sender was a 30 Rock employed lawyer, Floyd DeBarber (Jason Sudeikis), who Liz had a crush on. Honest mistake. What Liz did next wasn’t so honest, though. In spite of Lemon lying about being an alcoholic and causing Floyd to break up with his then current girlfriend, Floyd somehow fell for her. Their relationship essentially ended because they couldn’t handle a long-distance relationship. Later, Floyd returned in season 4’s finale to get married. Fans should be mad on Liz’s behalf, but Sudeikis’ natural charm makes you forgive him.

9 Rejected: Liz and Dennis

Fans like Dennis Duffy because of the hilarity that follows him around. He aggravates Liz like few other people can. Dean Winters brilliantly plays Duffy, and he makes the best out of his worst traits. He’s the equivalent of a rash that goes away, then comes back when you least expect it. As for his relationship with Liz, we reject him because he’s just a terrible boyfriend. For her. He seems all right with other women. Especially anyone with low standards and expectations. Dennis might okay when you’re twenty-something and trying to upset your parents, but he’s not a keeper.

8 Supported: Jack and Bianca

Isabella Rossellini as Jack Donaghy’s ex-wife Bianca made us laugh in a way that Jack’s other love interests didn’t. It’s not just her comedic delivery; Rossellini’s severe approach to Bianca is what makes her jokes land with so much weight. You simply don’t expect someone like Bianca to argue about custody of an Arby’s location. The inanity born from her and Jack’s contentious divorce is rib-tickling on top of insightful when you wonder why Jack is the way he is with women. This couple may not have lasted, but fans would have loved to see more of Bianca at least.

7  Rejected: Liz and Jamie

Liz had a crush on 30 Rock’s coffee delivery guy Jamie (Val Emmich), and the feeling was mutual. Unfortunately for Liz, Jamie was younger. Nevertheless, she agreed to a date with Jamie after lying about her age. He guessed twenty-nine, and she didn’t correct him at first. The truth about both their ages — she’s thirty-eight, he’s only twenty — eventually came out. Surprisingly, they stayed together for a minute. Liz even began to enjoy the novelty of having a younger guy on her arm. That is until she learned Jamie lived at home with his mother, who resembled Liz. Creepy much?

6 Supported: Tracy and Angie

Despite the contrary, Tracy Jordan has never cheated on his wife Angie (Sherri Shepherd). He is as faithful as time. So, Tracy only had one love interest in 30 Rock. And what a love interest she is. It’s true Angie isn’t the easiest person to be around as she’s demanding — especially in the boudoir — and forthright. But as Tracy’s life partner, she fits him to a tee. They play off each other so well, and their chemistry is irresistible. Frankly, Angie steals the spotlight in every scene she’s in. Her reality show needs to be a thing, by the way.

5 Rejected: Liz and Gray

Liz and Jenna kept bumping into a handsome guy in the elevator at 30 Rock. Yet they didn’t know his name. So, they called him “The Hair” for the time being. To Liz’s surprise, The Hair — also known as Gray (Peter Hermann) — was into her instead of Jenna. They got along rather well, but Liz couldn’t help but feel insecure because she thought Gray was out of her league looks-wise. When the two returned to Gray’s apartment, Liz made the most unsettling discovery — Gray had a photo of a mutual relative. Which meant Liz and Gray are distant relatives. Dealbreaker!

4 Supported: Jenna and Paul

After meeting Jenna Maroney impersonator Paul L’astnamé (Will Forte), the real Jenna started dating him. This was the perfect way for narcissistic Jenna to date herself. On the surface, this couple’s bizarre behavior was too much to soak in. At least at first. Their antics might be over-the-top, but they’re entertaining. That being said, Jenna and Paul may have the most healthy relationship in all of 30 Rock. A bold statement all things considered. The fact of the matter is, Jenna and Paul are communicative, honest, and mature with each other. Other couples on the show can’t claim the same.

3 Rejected: Kenneth and Hazel

Kristen Schaal’s character as Hazel Wassername is controversial among fans, and she and Kenneth as a couple were too much to handle. When you take two of 30 Rock‘s quirkiest characters and put them together for longer than a scene or two, you expect amazing television. Wrong. It becomes excessive and plain uncomfortable. Both Hazel and Kenneth are best tolerated in small bursts. Shoving them together for a brief yet torrid relationship was the complete opposite of amusing. And apparently some people believe Hazel is when 30 Rock jumped the shark. Let’s be honest — the show jumped long ago.

2 Supported: Liz and Criss

After dating guys like Wesley Snipes (not that one) and Carol Burnett (or that one), Liz all of a sudden found herself in a long-term relationship with Criss Chros (James Marsden) in season 6. There was no buildup, though. Just them dating and happy-ish. This was probably done to avoid the theatrics that arise in the beginning of any Lemon relationship. Already off to a good start. Things weren’t easy for the couple especially with their decision to have kids. In time, however, their flaws help balanced each other out. Criss turned out to be a perfect fit for Liz.

1 Rejected: Jack and Avery

This is a tough choice since Elizabeth Banks is so darn likable, but it feels as if fans rejected Jack and Avery Jessup’s relationship over time. They lost steam way too soon after starting off so strong. Such a shame seeing as Avery challenged Jack and made him grow as a person. The writers let things linger on far too long. Not to mention the jokes became forced and increasingly less funny. In addition, there was a sort of sadness to their relationship by the end. Fans also were not happy with how the Jack/Avery/Nancy love triangle ended.

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