30 Rock’s reference density rose 50 percent across seasons 2 through 6

Evidence

The next visualization, figure 6.7, is an even more striking example of the kind of discovery only quantification can generate. Amid the flurry of references in every episode, I did not expect to see such a clear, positive trend line from season 2 to season 6, demonstrating a steady increase in the number of references used. Seasons 1 and 7 are outliers; perhaps season 1 relied more heavily on references as the writers were figuring out the show’s tone and style, looking to make quick jokes or associations for purposes of characterization, while season 7 did not rely on references as much because the writers were focused on the characters and bringing the narrative to a satisfying conclusion. Regardless, the trajectory for the bulk of the series is clear, with a 50 percent increase over the course of seasons 2–6. The potential for synergy and speculation in this security grew over time as the complexity of its intertextuality expanded. — Andrew deWaard, Derivative Media, 376

Categorization

• XREF: The reader’s stated goal of tracing financial instruments to formal features: this correlation of rising reference density with the show’s securitized commercial climate is exactly the causation-vs-correlation crux.
• QUESTION: Is the 50 percent rise driven by financial/securitization pressures or by writers’ natural tendency to lean on references as a show matures? The author speculates about season 7’s drop for narrative reasons but offers no equivalent control for seasons 2–6.