The Secret Production Delay: 5 Ways Tina Fey’s Pregnancy Completely Changed 30 Rock’s Sixth Season

The question of whether Tina Fey was pregnant during 30 Rock is one of the most enduring behind-the-scenes mysteries for fans of the beloved NBC comedy. The short answer is yes, Tina Fey was pregnant with her second child, Penelope Athena, during the production window between the fifth and sixth seasons of the show. This real-life event, which occurred in 2011, did far more than just require a few baggy sweaters; it forced a major, unprecedented delay in the show's schedule, fundamentally altering the broadcast timeline and production logistics for the entire sixth season, which premiered on January 12, 2012.

Unlike many sitcoms that must scramble to conceal a star's baby bump with props and camera trickery, the team behind 30 Rock—led by Fey herself—chose a different, more impactful path. The decision to postpone the entire season’s fall premiere was a testament to Fey’s dual role as both the lead actor (Liz Lemon) and the show’s creator, proving that the series simply could not go on without its central star and creative voice. This strategic delay allowed Fey to welcome her new daughter and take maternity leave, ensuring that the show's quality and its star's health were prioritized.

Tina Fey: Complete Biographical Profile & Family

To fully understand the context of the production changes, it is essential to review the key biographical details of the woman at the center of the series, Elizabeth Stamatina "Tina" Fey.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Full Name: Elizabeth Stamatina Fey
• Born: May 18, 1970 (Age 55 as of December 2025)
• Birthplace: Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Spouse: Jeff Richmond (m. June 3, 2001)
• Children:
  • Alice Zenobia Richmond: Born September 10, 2005 (The show's pilot was filmed shortly after this birth, but the pregnancy did not overlap with the main series run).
  • Penelope Athena Richmond: Born August 10, 2011 (This is the pregnancy that impacted 30 Rock Season 6).
• Career Highlights: Head Writer and cast member on Saturday Night Live (1999–2006), Creator and Star of 30 Rock (2006–2013), Writer of Mean Girls (2004), Author of Bossypants (2011).

1. The Unprecedented Season 6 Delay

The most significant and direct impact of Tina Fey's pregnancy was the calendar shift for 30 Rock Season 6. Typically, a network sitcom would premiere in the fall, usually late September or early October. However, because Fey announced her pregnancy in April 2011 and gave birth to Penelope Athena on August 10, 2011, the production schedule was thrown into disarray.

NBC made the decision to delay the premiere of Season 6 until mid-season, specifically January 12, 2012. This allowed Fey the necessary time for her maternity leave and recovery. In a candid interview, Fey later remarked that she and the crew started shooting "too soon" after the baby was born, highlighting the intense pressure to get the show back on air. This delay was a rare move for a flagship comedy and underscored Fey's immense value to the network, proving that the show’s success was intrinsically tied to her presence both on and off-screen.

2. Liz Lemon’s Non-Existent Pregnancy Storyline

Unlike many other TV shows where a star's pregnancy is written into the plot—or simply hidden with large props and tight camera work—30 Rock opted for a different strategy: Liz Lemon did not get pregnant. The comedic genius of the show meant that they could have easily incorporated it, but the character’s arc at the time did not align with motherhood.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The show's writers largely avoided the issue for Liz Lemon, using the extended hiatus to their advantage. However, there was a brief, meta-fictional nod to the topic in Season 5, Episode 13, "¡Qué Sorpresa!," where Liz Lemon briefly pretends to be pregnant. This was a classic 30 Rock move—addressing a real-life issue through a ridiculous, in-universe plot point, but never committing to a full pregnancy story for the character.

3. The Double-Pregnancy Production Challenge (Fey and Krakowski)

Adding to the complexity, Tina Fey was not the only lead actress expecting a baby during this time. Jane Krakowski, who played the narcissistic star Jenna Maroney, was also pregnant around the same period, primarily during the filming of Season 5. This created a logistical nightmare for the production team.

The methods used to hide Krakowski's pregnancy were far more elaborate and famously hilarious, leaning into the show's absurd comedy:

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• The Dog Suit: Jenna Maroney was famously dressed in an outlandish, full-body dog suit for a significant portion of her scenes to conceal her growing bump.
• Weight Gain Storyline: Jenna's character was given a storyline where she intentionally gained weight for a movie role, allowing for baggier, more concealing costumes.

In contrast, Fey’s pregnancy was primarily managed by the long production delay. For the short period of overlap, the concealment for Liz Lemon was more subtle: baggier clothing, strategic use of props (like clipboards and large purses), and shooting from the waist up. This difference in approach—a full season delay for the creator/star versus inventive on-screen concealment for the co-star—highlights the unique challenges and solutions of managing multiple pregnancies on a single set.

4. The Timing of Tina Fey’s Memoir, 'Bossypants'

The pregnancy announcement and the subsequent birth of Penelope Athena coincided almost perfectly with a major career moment for Fey: the release of her best-selling memoir, Bossypants. The book was released in April 2011, the same month she publicly announced her pregnancy.

This timing allowed Fey to discuss the "having it all" dilemma—balancing a demanding career as a writer, producer, and star with the choice to have a second child later in life. Her decision to have a second baby at age 40, and the subsequent professional necessity to delay a major television season, became a public discussion point, cementing her status as a relatable voice for working women struggling with the work-life balance. The announcement itself was made on The Oprah Winfrey Show, adding a layer of media spectacle to the personal news.

5. The Creative Energy of a Mid-Season Premiere

While the delay was a logistical headache, it arguably injected a fresh burst of creative energy into the show. By moving to a mid-season start, 30 Rock avoided the crowded and competitive fall premiere schedule. The January 2012 launch gave the show a unique spot in the television landscape, potentially allowing it to stand out more.

The sixth season itself is known for some of the show's most ambitious and critically acclaimed episodes, including "Live from Studio 6H," which saw the show return to its SNL roots with a live broadcast. The time off may have allowed the writers—including Fey—to return with renewed focus and a wealth of new material, ultimately benefiting the show’s quality and its final run of seasons. The challenges of the double pregnancy and the production shift became part of the show's legacy, a testament to the creative team's ability to turn real-life complications into comedic gold, even if the biggest concession was simply waiting for their leading lady to return.