A behind-the-scenes look at a fictional sketch-comedy TV show.
When the Executive Producer of sketch show 'Studio 60' has an on-air meltdown, new network president Jordan McDeere hires Danny Tripp and Matt Albie to replace him and save the show.
Now that they're on board, Matt and Danny try not to crumble under the pressure of putting on their first big show, where the stakes are outrageously high. Also high are the number of complaints the network is getting over the "Crazy Christians" sketch, which Jordan defends to Jack.
A scare is sent through the company by a focus group that Matt and Danny's first show rating success might not carry on during the rest of the season.
Matt fabricates a response to a gift sent by one of Harriet's fans while the show attempts to recover from 90 seconds of questionable material. An article about the show is approved by Jordan.
During cast rehearsals with Lauren Graham and Sting, a reporter attempts to get the real story on Matt and Harriet. Meanwhile Jordan passes on a tasteless new reality series.
A drunken Jordan makes friends with the cast during an after-show party, Danny tries to get Matt's mind off Harriet with the help of three sexy women, Simon makes a plea to hire more black writers and Cal deals with a mysterious man backstage.
Studio 60 staff must travel to Nevada to free Tom from jail in time for the show. Meanwhile, a judge who doesn't care for the show complicates matters.
Jack pleads with the local Nevada judge to free Tom so he can make it back to the Friday night show. Meanwhile, tension heats up between Matt and Harriet on the set.
Word of Ricky and Ron planning to leave the show along with the writing staff causes trouble at Studio 60. Meanwhile, Harriet considers doing a sexy lingerie spread in a magazine and Jordan and Danny wrestle with pending budget cuts.
A virus threatens the staff while Matt has to cope with a reduced writing staff. Jordan tells Danny a little secret which could affect the whole NBS network.
With a holiday show on the horizon, Matt is determined to bring the Christmas spirit to Studio 60. Which works romantic wonders for him. Meanwhile, Danny has to confront his true feelings for Jordan.
Danny continues his pursuit of Jordan while Matt competes on an online bid for a date with Harriet. Jack and Wilson must deal with their pending situation about Macau, while Jordan meets with Hallie Gallway regarding a new reality show pitch.
Danny and Jordan cannot get down from the roof of the theater; staff members attend a dinner honoring Harriet; Harriet and Matt's relationship begins to unravel.
Matt takes a stroll down memory lane and recalls how he met Harriet.
Matt is stuck on a Wednesday night with writer's block and also has to contend with a young lawyer who's investigating a sexual harassment claim while Harriet continues shooting her movie. In addition, Jordan and Danny enter into a contest to see who'd make the better parent.
Allison Janney, as herself, is the guest host of a show that goes haywire when the propmasters and cue card workers stage a last minute wildcat strike.
During a live show, Jordan has problems with her pregnancy while an even bigger problem is in store for Tom. Meanwhile, Matt's rampant pill use is discovered by a member of staff.
Jordan is rushed into surgery as the situation with Tom's brother grows more grim.
Tom's Brother is still captive; Simon talks to the press; the lawyer talks to the ransom liaisons. Matt flashes back to 9/11 censorship. Jordan has her baby.
The long day's journey into night continues as we learn more, in flashback, about how Matt and Danny came to be fired. Jack tries to convince Simon to apologize for his statement to the press. Matt continues to explore paying a ransom to free Tom’s brother over the objections of Captain Boyle. Harriet sits with and act as a distraction for Danny who is keeping vigil for Jordan at the hospital.
Danny, Jordan, Tom, and Simon's long day finally comes to an end. Meanwhile, Matt and Harriet have a new start in their relationship.
