Alec Baldwin wanted to quit acclaimed comedy 30 Rock but was denied by NBC, according to reports.

The actor - currently embroiled in a custody battle with ex-wife Kim Basinger - told The View that he wanted out of the series in order to address the issue of "parental alienation".

"If I never acted again I couldn't care less," Baldwin said in a pre-taped segment of the programme, due to air Friday. "I've had enough of this quite frankly to last me a lifetime, especially in the modern tabloid world and ... there's a bigger thing I want to do, there's a more important thing I want to do."

In a statement issued Wednesday, NBC said: "Alec Baldwin remains an important part of 30 Rock. We look forward to having him continue his role in the show."

The network commissioned the show for a second season earlier this month.