TV Triple Threat

By Addie Strong
September 23, 2010

If there were an official kick-off party for primetime television season, it would surely be celebrated tonight. That’s when three hit series—"30 Rock," "The Office" and "Grey's Anatomy"—return after the summer hiatus. Here's why we'll be tuning in to Thursday's triple threat.

“30 Rock” – Thursday, 8:30 pm et/pt (NBC)

Photos courtesy of Ari Goldstein/NBC

When we last saw loveable but unlucky-in-love Liz Lemon (Tina Fey), our favorite neurotic had finally decided to put the kibosh on her depressing relationship with Wesley (Michael Sheen). That’s when chivalrous pilot Carol (Matt Damon) swooped in with some serious flirtation. Whether it was Matt’s cameo or just the long months devoid of the Emmy-winning show, fans seem to be gearing up for Thursday night’s premiere in droves; in fact, “30 Rock” DVD bids on eBay have increased a whopping 39 percent in the past 30 days compared to the prior period.

Luckily, Matt’s sexy Carol is making a return flight to the show’s premiere. And since you can’t take Matt home, check out some “30 Rock”-esque items you can score:

Roll over items for details

NEW Classic Trucker Hat

(buy it now price, $3.99)

NEW Athletic Iron Letters

(buy it now price, $4.79)

NEW Karaoke Machine

(buy it now price, $103.98)

products from left to right:

Follow Judah Friedlander’s funky lead and grab a classic, plain trucker hat …

… Then add some simple iron-on letters to make a crazy cap statement of your own.

Embrace your inner Liz with your own karaoke machine, specially equipped with disco balls and dual microphone jacks for duets with the Jenna Maroneys of the world! (buy it now price, $103.98)

“The Office” – Thursday, 9 pm et/pt (NBC)

Photos courtesy of NBC Universal

Expect this year’s episodes to be a farewell tribute to well-meaning but utterly clueless boss Michael Scott (Steve Carell), since this seventh season will be his last. If DVD purchases on eBay are any indication, fans are squeezing in all the Michael Scott they can. Adding to the drama of the star’s impending departure? In May’s finale episode, Michael took the blame for a product defect and saved company CEO Jo (Kathy Bates). In turn, Jo suggested she’d bring Michael’s long-lost love Holly (Amy Ryan) back to Scranton. But we hear Michael’s other ex – Jan (Melora Hardin) – will also return to stir up the shenanigans before his final bow.

Vintage Copper Baking Mold

(buy it now price, $10.99)

NEW Horseshoe Tie

NEW The Office Bobblehead

(buy it now price, $33.95)

products from left to right:

Add some humor to your desk and relive the glory days of Dwight and Angela’s budding romance. Remember when she gifted him with this personalized bobblehead on Valentine’s Day?

Revenge is sweet when you follow Jim’s prankster lead and put that pesky coworker’s stapler in a Jell-O mold. Even sweeter if it’s in a vintage lobster mold. (So random! So Jim!)

Using Michael Scott’s lucky tie as your inspiration, this horseshoe-emblazoned tie will lend a trendy menswear touch to your fall style.

“Grey’s Anatomy” – Thursday, 9 pm et/pt (ABC)

Photos courtesy of ABC/Disney

After last season’s dramatic finale–a gunman in the hospital, fatal shootings and Meredith’s subsequent miscarriage–each member of the Seattle Grace staff will struggle to cope this season. Seems viewers’ survival strategy was to keep watching: Sales for “Grey’s” DVDs in the past 90 days are up 11 percent compared to the prior period.

Thursdays premiere is titled “With You I’m Born Again,” alluding to the life-changing events that will help (and maybe hurt) the docs as they try to get back on track. First up? An unconventional wedding between the least expected of the bunch–Cristina (Sandra Oh) and Owen (Kevin McKidd)–gives the season an emotional head start.