Alec Baldwin: I'm Leaving and '30 Rock' is Over

When Jack Donaghy says your show is going to end, you'd better listen.

New York Magazine caught up with "30 Rock" star Alec Baldwin last night at a fundraiser for the National Dance Institute and asked a rather innocuous series of questions about dancing and about Donald Trump's presidential bid. But when the subject turned to Tina Fey's new book, Baldwin provided an extra bit of information.

"I will tell you one thing," said Baldwin. "And that is our show next year is our last year of the show."

What? "30 Rock" is ending? Say it ain't so, Alec! It's sad news if true, but it wouldn't come as a huge shock: the show is currently in its fifth season, and Baldwin has been saying for a while now that he would be leaving the show in 2012.

As PopEater notes, the show was made popular by Fey’s unique brand of humor and is adored by critics and fans. The show’s accolades include Emmy awards, Golden Globes, and Peabody honors, but that doesn’t mean it’s been free of obstacles.

In its first year, there were 140 prime-time shows with a bigger audience. The site also points out that most recently, Fey’s brainchild has had to alter plotlines and adjust to Tracy Morgan’s absence after his life-saving kidney transplant.

In fact, Fey herself cracked a few jokes in her recently-released book about the show's low ratings.

The actress told Esquire she’s positive about the show coming to an end, which may mean her fame will drop.

"I think it'll (my fame will) recede. In fact, I know it will. That's life on planet earth. And I'm okay with that," she said. "Besides getting tables at restaurants and special treatment at the airport, what else is there?"

Considering the critical success of the show, NBC might be willing to hold on to it anyway (its recent move to a late timeslot isn't a great sign though). But everybody's contract expires in 2012, and Baldwin seems to think they won't be renewed, and that Fey will be moving on to a new stage in her career.

"Tina is gonna have a big career directing films and writing," said Baldwin. "She's going to be the next Elaine May. She'll be great."

Sure, Alec, that's all fine and dandy. But what are we going to do without one of TV's funniest shows?

(Ed. Note: Elizabeth Sexton contributed to this story)