Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip – also known as "That show everyone in New York media loves but everyone in Hollywood hates" – has a cast of shining stars: Matthew Perry, Bradley Whitford, Amanda Peet. And then there's Sarah Paulson, who plays the Jesus-loving Jesus insulter. We're going to go ahead and say that she's actually the weakest character on the show – when that dude from from the Capital One commercials steals your scenes, you're in trouble – but that's no reason the LAT can't extend a puff piece on her.

Well, she's got a Golden Globe nod, so we guess that's commendable. Also commendable: Her attempt at explaining why the show's ratings aren't so hot. That is, blame the press.

Oddly enough in a town greased by the publicity machine, Paulson believes "Studio 60" would be faring better without such an early and heavy dose of it. She concedes any Sorkin project, or one with Matthew Perry coming off "Friends," could not avoid the spotlight, but she says the show's star quality has put too much pressure on it and on viewers.

"The engine was running so long on this baby before it ran out of the gate, I think it just overpowered people," she said. "It was like the audience was being held at gunpoint and the message was, 'You better watch the best damn show on television or else.' That's liable to turn anybody off."

Yes, very liable to turn anybody off. Just like the way the press juggernaut for 24 does. And the way the morning shows make you feel like an ass for not watching American Idol — it's seriously hurting ratings. And the constant analysis of Lost's plotline? It's pushing viewers away in droves! And the ubiquitous fawning over Ugly Betty and America Ferrera? Yeah, that show is doing horribly!