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Tracy Morgan’s New NBC Sitcom Loaded With ‘30 Rock’ Easter Eggs and Familiar Comedy DNA

Updated :  Thursday, December 18, 2025 8:28 AM

Key Points

  • Tracy Morgan’s upcoming NBC sitcom The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins is filled with nods to 30 Rock.
  • The series is created by 30 Rock alum Robert Carlock and Sam Means, with Tina Fey serving as executive producer.
  • The show exists in the same universe as Alec Baldwin’s Jack Donaghy, featuring multiple Easter eggs.
  • Morgan stars as a disgraced former NFL player trying to rebuild his life and reputation.
  • The sitcom premieres February 23, 2026, at 8 p.m. on NBC.

A New Sitcom With Classic ‘30 Rock’ DNA

NBC is reuniting some of the creative minds behind 30 Rock for a brand‑new comedy starring Tracy Morgan — and fans of the iconic series will find plenty to recognize. The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, created by Robert Carlock and Sam Means and executive‑produced by Tina Fey, promises a fresh story set within a familiar comedic universe.

Carlock confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that the show contains numerous Easter eggs referencing 30 Rock, including a direct nod to Alec Baldwin’s Jack Donaghy.

A Shared Universe With Jack Donaghy

One of the most notable connections is the reveal that Reggie Dinkins takes place in the same universe as Donaghy. A scene featuring Donaghy Estates champagne — the fictional sparkling wine introduced in 30 Rock Season 1 — is just one of many winks to longtime fans.

Carlock said the team intentionally wove in subtle callbacks to reward viewers who loved the original series. Tina Fey added that the hidden layers make the show feel like “the Severance of comedy,” teasing a deeper, more playful viewing experience.

Reggie Dinkins: A Comeback Story With Heart

Tracy Morgan stars as Reggie Dinkins, a former New York Jets player whose career imploded after he was banned for betting on his own games. The sitcom follows his attempt to rebuild his reputation, reconnect with the public, and chase an unlikely dream: earning a place in the NFL Hall of Fame.

Morgan initially approached the 30 Rock creative team in early 2024 hoping for a reunion. Instead of revisiting old characters, they chose to craft an entirely new story — one that still carries the comedic spirit fans love.

A Strong Ensemble Cast

The series features an impressive supporting cast, including:

  • Daniel Radcliffe as Arthur Tobin, a documentarian chronicling Dinkins’ comeback
  • Erika Alexander
  • Bobby Moynihan, another Saturday Night Live alum

With this lineup, NBC is positioning the sitcom as a major comedy event for 2026.

What Happens Next?

With its blend of fresh storytelling and nostalgic touches, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins is poised to attract both new viewers and longtime 30 Rock fans. As NBC ramps up promotion ahead of its February 23, 2026 premiere, audiences can expect more teasers, cast interviews, and hints about the Easter eggs hidden throughout the series.

Kelly Powers

Kelly Powers is an entertainment writer who brings the world of movies, music, and celebrity culture to life for audiences across the U.S. and beyond. With a flair for storytelling and a deep love for pop culture, she covers Hollywood trends, streaming sensations, and global entertainment news with insight and style. Kelly’s writing keeps readers informed, entertained, and always in tune with what’s hot in the entertainment world.