Earlier this month, NBC's resident rock star Ben Silverman announced his plans to deliver a warm and cuddly hour of programming in NBC's 8-9pm block. But last week's triumphant return of 30 Rock and The Office was notably filled with "vulgarities" one doesn't normally associate with family fun. As Silverman promised during the heart-warming press conference, he intended on making sure the first hour of primetime was "about family, and it's about heroes, real and super. It's good endings and the good guys winning." But as the NY Times points out today, the "good guys" are more likely to get bleeped than share PG lessons with viewers, and "winning" is more likely to be associated with causing erections on MILF Island.

While all we did was laugh and giggle ourselves silly throughout NBC's Thursday night lineup, we have yet to watch primetime television alongside any rugrats. And even though Seinfeld had its Contest and Friends got their hands dirty towards the end with talk of Rachel's fictional tranny stump, NBC's legendary sitcoms of yore rarely spelled it all out for us, favouring subtle references to all the sexy stuff over blatant bleep-worthy mention. So what's totally awesome Ben's excuse? As his lapdog Mitch Metcalf explains, times, they are 'a changin': "Metcalf said that the family-hour designation should be seen as offering 'direction for program development...Those days and those audience expectations are gone.'" Ah, so parents should really just get with the times and start teaching their little ones about the fiscal benefits of airing shows starring "holy hot mamas." Well hey, if Ben wants to invite the kids to party on MILF Island's Erection Cove, party they will. Just don't hold your breath waiting for our RSVP.

• TWO NBC SITCOMS TEST BOUNDARIES OF TASTE [NYT]
• NBC STAKES OUT A FAMILY-FRIENDLY POSITION [NYT]

Tags: 30 rock | ben silverman | nbc | sex ed | the office