Ep 3. The Focus Group

The Focus Group is the third episode of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip's first season. In this episode, the team at Studio 60 carries out a focus group to test their new comedy sketches. However, tensions rise as the network executives push for lower-brow laughs and simpler jokes to appeal to a broader audience.

As the focus group takes place, executive producer Matt Albie and newly appointed director Danny Tripp become increasingly agitated as the feedback from the focus group veers away from intelligent humor and towards more slapstick jokes. Meanwhile, cast member Tom Jeter becomes enamored with one of the focus group participants, a woman named Lucy, which leads to conflict with his girlfriend, Harriet.

Amidst all of this drama, writer/producer Cal Shanley is tasked with writing a new sketch, but he struggles to come up with something that will satisfy the network's demands for simpler jokes. Additionally, Jordan McDeere, the network executive in charge of Studio 60, faces pressure from her superiors to make changes to the show to improve its ratings.

Throughout the episode, tensions escalate as the Studio 60 team tries to maintain their creative vision while also appeasing the network and the demands of their focus group participants. Ultimately, they must decide whether to compromise their artistic integrity or risk losing their position at the network.

The Focus Group is a compelling exploration of the challenges faced by creative professionals in the entertainment industry, as well as the power dynamics that exist between artists, networks, and audiences. The episode's clever writing and strong performances from the ensemble cast combine to create an engaging and thought-provoking viewing experience.