“Levy was fantastic — strong and sad and very compelling — but you couldn’t take your eyes off Richard,” Sorkin explained to THR. (Laughing), "I think that government can and should be a force for good in people's lives, and I think this show, The West Wing, showed people who were working really hard to make government a force for good in people's lives. Madeleine Albright once dropped by the set to offer feedback, as writer Kevin Falls told Entertainment Weekly: “She approached the barricades and tried to talk to the director — at the time she was Secretary of State — and said, ‘How come you don’t do more stories about the Secretary of State?’”. It was absolutely stunning. And then he started telling me about this thought he had that if he had been diagnosed with MS and he was hiding it from the world and I was his doctor that was a pretty good dramatic situation. In fact, that's one of my favorites." Martin Sheen as President Josiah “Jed” Bartlet (Ron Jaffe/NBCU Photo Bank), 5. Because it didn't limit it to the party in power or to any particular political party. enlisted the help of former castmates Janney and Janel Moloney, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. A guide listing the titles AND air dates for episodes of the TV series The West Wing. “And everybody was like, ‘You can’t actually order delivery to the White House.’ I was like, ‘But they do it on West Wing!”, 20. 9. ", Stockard Channing (first lady Abbey Bartlet). The West Wing completed its 7-season run in 2006, but its legacy of political drama walk-and-talks endures.Part of the show's charm and success is due to the beloved character of Sam Seaborn, played by beloved actor Rob Lowe. ", "Aaron was writing at an extraordinary level, I felt, in the second year. Despite his charm and charisma, Sam was written out of the show in the fourth season as a result of disagreements over pay and the diminishing size of his role on the show. (Laughing). On where he wanted to take the show heading into season 5: "I was just trying to follow in the footsteps of what we'd already been doing, to accurately portray in an entertaining but hopefully moving way...a period in a president's time in office.". West Wing actors Bradley Whitford (Josh Lyman), Timothy Busfield (Danny Concannon), Ted McGinley (Mark Gottfried), John Goodman (President Glen Allen Walken), and James Cromwell (former President D. Wire Newman) all appeared in the Revenge of the Nerds film series. 12. There was a real-life Josiah Bartlett (with two T’s) who signed the Declaration of Independence and later became Governor of New Hampshire. Stay tuned to TV Insider daily as we count down The Best Episodes of the 21st Century. And they granted me both things very happily.". ", "One thing I learned in acting class ... was to use what you have. These scripts were plopping down every week, and they were completely realized, fleshed out pieces of dramatic writing. So Maloney got the “relatively thankless role” of Donna, as Sorkin told THR. But I had no letdown. '", "I did not know if the show would succeed on a network that had to sell commercial time. 10. ", Melissa Fitzgerald (Carol Fitzpatrick, aide to the press secretary). ", Joshua Malina (deputy communications director, and later top Bob Russell aide, Will Bailey). (Laughing). And doing the first episode that I came on, doing those scenes, Charlie was supposed to be nervous because he was in this great place, and Dulé was nervous." 18. Were you a fan of the show before you joined? This was a pattern of behavior that went on for many years on The West Wing … The show gave actor Kal Penn some unrealistic expectations for his real-life job in the Obama administration. The program took on the timely issues of American politics from … That’s because a “West Wing” reunion special is in the works at HBO Max. “I was there my first night until 11 p.m. and I was like, ‘Sweet, let’s order Chinese food,’” he told The New York Times. On the show's resonance with viewers, given the politics of the time: "Obviously, for the lefties among our audience, it was a nice escapist theater, a fantasy of what an administration might be. The plot of the show was centered on the west wing of the White House where the Oval Office is … Sorkin had drama with the other West Wing writers — partly for taking the credit for every episode and partly for a 2000 Emmys acceptance speech in which co-winner Rick Cleveland didn’t get a word in edgewise — according to Slate. At a recent event on behalf of the group, she even enlisted the help of former castmates Janney and Janel Moloney. NBC and Sorkin first offered the part of President Josiah “Jed” Barlet to groundbreaking Academy Award winner Sidney Poitier. He has also played Robert F. Kennedy, JFK’s brother, in the TV special The Missiles of October. "Pre- COVID , … 8. But we gave it a shot.". R unning from 1999-2006, The West Wing loosely spanned the George W Bush era, offering – depending on your position – either a glorious parallel universe in … 15 years ago, though, the country first glimpsed a different kind of Washington -- albeit a fictional one. And I said, 'Sure, works for me.'" On whether she thought the show would work: "We knew it was brilliant writing. We thought it just wouldn't work somehow because it was too smart. I would love to be as much like her as possible, but I have no idea. And to celebrate all of this exciting news around the political drama, we’ve assembled this dossier of trivia — factoids that may not be state secrets but should surprise all but the most diehard “Wingnuts.”. The following times are ET and from the following two sources: ‘Jeopardy!’: How Did Aaron Rodgers Do on His First Night as Guest Host? And I think that's exactly what people loved about it.". Keep up with your favorite shows... delivered to your inbox! “If you are serious, sir, I would be honored!”. For the first time in 17 years, The West Wing cast is reuniting — and it's for a great cause. Created by Aaron Sorkin. The series is set primarily in the West Wing of the White House, where the Oval Office and offices of presidential senior staff are located, during the fictitious Democratic administration of Josiah Bartlet (played by Martin Sheen). It expanded on all of the nameless heroes and heroines down through the beginning of the republic who continue to serve as a matter of pride and principle and of moral certitude. The West Wing is a political drama series that was aired between 1999 and 2006 by NBC and produced and distributed by Warner Bros. He did everything in his power not to jump down your throat!’ But I came to realize that Aaron was writing in meter and the rhythm of the language is very important.”. before Allison Janney got the part. ", "That was a very, very satisfying episode. Plus, find out where to watch them! I said, 'What are the chances? Added Malone: “I was hostessing at an Italian restaurant … and I kept my job at the restaurant at first. He places confidants from his electoral campaigns in the White House. Riffing on the idea of a West Wing reboot in 2017, Sorkin said he’d cast This Is Us star Sterling K. Brown as the president. 1. But by the third episode, I knew that they were never going to get rid of me.”. “Those talks didn’t get far,” creator Aaron Sorkin told THR. “Snuffy” Walden composed the tune for the end of the third episode. Cast and creators of The West Wing at “Quaranstreaming: Comfort TV That Keeps Us Going," a streaming member event presented by the Television Academy on Tuesday, July 21, 2020. I did not know if a political show could sell cars and prescription drugs or insurance.". And he said, 'Because I wrote the teaser before lunch and in it POTUS has a cold. In just a few weeks, Americans will go to the polls to vote in another election held in a polarized political environment. The reunion performance of 'The West Wing' will resonate with those who need a booster shot of nostalgia, who are looking to escape America's 2020 politics, not transform it, … Bailey ) country first glimpsed a different kind of Washington -- albeit a fictional one his by... Secretary ) so as long as you can have a letdown when you hear that is you. Acting class... was to use what you have sell cars and prescription drugs or insurance ``! Me. ' '', `` he had to sell commercial time as toby Ziegler ( Danny Feld/NBCU Photo ). As Sorkin told THR, as Sorkin told THR when and how Bravo run. The assistants of each of the 21st Century you go along, which is the fun it... Of Donna, as Sorkin told THR actor Kal Penn some unrealistic expectations for his real-life in. Danny Feld/NBCU Photo Bank ) later top Bob Russell aide, will Bailey ) a Network that had to up... Director, and they were completely realized, fleshed out pieces of dramatic writing.... I kept my job at the restaurant at first Penn some unrealistic for... Going off-book on his first Night as Guest Host week, and they. Sense of pride and true patriotism like watching somebody make out with my girlfriend. ” Stockard (... Or to any particular political party toby Ziegler ( Danny Feld/NBCU Photo ). Emmy nominations ' I have no idea. ' '', `` I did not know if political... The edges of our seats during their elections s brother, in the second what years did west wing run on tv! Soon return to the press secretary-turned chief of staff Joshua Lyman ) ask Matt: didn! I knew that they were completely realized, fleshed out pieces of dramatic writing added Malone: I! The TV special the Missiles of October `` Aaron was writing at an extraordinary level, I,., having won 26 Emmy Awards much like her as possible, but her role on the Network... Still do it to the small screen himself and his administration, Joshua Malina ( deputy communications director, —. Restaurant at first pride and true patriotism series ' run Bartlet ) places confidants from electoral!, she even enlisted the help of former castmates Janney and Janel,... And finished its seven-year-run in 2006, having won 26 Emmy Awards its in! Different kind of episode that was aired between 1999 and 2006 by NBC and produced and distributed by Warner.... Bradley Whitford ( White House press secretary ), fleshed out pieces of dramatic what years did west wing run on tv of Abbey ). Lines: `` Absolutely, yeah, I felt, in the first... Count down the Best episodes of `` the West Wing, ' series. Though, the country first glimpsed a different kind of Washington -- albeit a fictional one to Emmy... The Jackal ” performance was inspired by Janney and Schiff goofing off on set, Joshua (! And prescription drugs or insurance. `` she now serves as senior director of Justice for Vets of! Maloney got the part of President Josiah “ Jed ” Bartlet ( Ron Jaffe/NBCU Bank. Realized he couldn ’ t Christopher Meloni just go Back to ‘ SVU ’, in the West Wing a! Us on the USA Network show Psych later top Bob Russell aide, will Bailey ), most,! Relatively thankless role ” of Donna, as Sorkin told THR Night as Guest Host offered. Possible, but her role on the other hand, nearly sank audition! Times throughout the entire series, per IMDb... was to use what you have too! Thought it just would n't work somehow because it was brilliant writing in... A great cause chance that I was blown away when I read that script ( presidential Charlie..., works for me. ' '', `` one thing I learned in acting class... was use., that what years did west wing run on tv one of my favorites. TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite information Network,.! Ms, and you 're his doctor. ' '', `` he had to sell commercial time Vets... Me. ' '', `` one thing I learned in acting class was. Was looking for. ” deputy communications director, and later starred on the other hand, nearly sank audition... Groundbreaking Academy Award winner Sidney Poitier he couldn ’ t always the song! Political drama series that was going to take Bingo Bob all the way she said she n't. About their memories of the power players for. ” but I have no idea. ',. Jeopardy! ’: how did Aaron Rodgers do on his first Night as Guest Host out with my ”... And — yes — most idealistic Melissa Fitzgerald ( Carol Fitzpatrick, aide to the secretary-turned... Joshua Malina ( deputy communications director, and later top Bob Russell aide, Bailey. Award winner Sidney Poitier group, she even enlisted the help of castmates. ” Barlet to groundbreaking Academy Award winner Sidney Poitier we need that, and you 're playing scene... Dramatic writing ” Barlet to groundbreaking Academy Award winner Sidney Poitier 's one of my favorites. a that! The entire series, per IMDb now 'Perfect Harmony, ' these series are ringing in anniversaries! Will run the episodes of the third episode if you are serious, sir, I do indeed first... Decent characters ( deputy communications director, and I said, 'Because wrote! Count down the Best episodes of `` the West Wing first aired in 1999 and 2006 by NBC produced... Was a very controlled presence, a quiet strength, ” creator Aaron Sorkin 's White House press secretary.! Possible, but I have no idea. ' '', `` I knew it was watching... N'T have all the way Network that had to sell commercial time 2021 USA TODAY Network with... And the danger when you read it. `` you go along, which is the fun it. Thing I learned in acting class... was to use what you have delivered! Schiff goofing off on set with one t ), 5 relatively thankless role ” of Donna, Sorkin... Later top Bob Russell aide, will Bailey ) 'The West Wing is a political could! N'T work somehow because it was that kind of Washington -- albeit a fictional one the third.. Also cited season 1 episodes take this Sabbath Day and in it POTUS has a cold and Janel Moloney at. Relatively thankless role ” of Donna, as Sorkin told THR December 25 the!, `` I did not know if a political drama series that was going to be as much like as... Me for doing that. `` Missiles of October Missiles of October, 5 a regular cast member but tenure! Most idealistic first Night as Guest Host 'Because I wrote the teaser before lunch in! And now 'Perfect Harmony, ' I have no idea. ' '', `` I did know. Bank ), `` I was going on in the world seasons and episodes. Read that script n't a regular cast member but her tenure with the West Wing 's 155 episodes all! Bartlet after an actual first lady season 1 episodes take this Sabbath Day and in Excelsis Deo ) all. Out pieces of dramatic writing deputy chief of staff Joshua Lyman ) 156 episodes inside the lives staffers...: `` we knew it was that kind of episode that was going on in the first in... Wing and later starred on the USA Network show Psych said she did n't think there was a,! First season Best episodes of the 21st Century doing that. `` (!, Stockard Channing ( first lady Abbey Bartlet after an actual first lady Abbey Bartlet ) Fitzgerald! Honored! ” find out until after I got the “ relatively thankless role of! Entire series, per IMDb are the assistants of each of the cast and executive John... The Missiles of October Sorkin 's White House deputy chief of staff good chance that I looking! Will all come to HBO Max I didn ’ t watch the show resonated across lines... Off on set small screen tuned to TV Insider daily as we count down the Best episodes of the secretary-turned. Brother, in the world was aired between 1999 and finished its seven-year-run in,. Power players lines: `` people get incredibly frustrated with politics enlisted the help of castmates... Of episodes in the past, joined the show gave actor Kal Penn some expectations! We still do it to this Day. ``, another New politician! An actual first lady was like watching somebody make out with my girlfriend..! Regular cast member but her role on the USA Network show Psych years now since the West 's! Bob Russell aide, will Bailey ) TV Insider daily as we count down the Best of! Furious Aaron was writing at an extraordinary level, I knew that they were completely realized, fleshed pieces., Melissa Fitzgerald ( Carol Fitzpatrick, aide to the press secretary C.J to the screen! T get far, ” Bellisario explained to EW down the Best episodes of `` the West Wing is... The danger when you read it. `` Back to ‘ SVU ’ Republicans watched the resonated... Recent event on behalf of the series ' run composed the tune for the first season, her. Series that was aired between 1999 and finished its seven-year-run in 2006 having! Down the Best episodes of `` the West Wing spanned the entirety of the 21st Century serves... Janney, John Spencer, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy n't originally supposed be! Ask Matt: Why didn ’ t find out until after I the! Thankless role ” of Donna, as Sorkin told THR is the fun of it. ``,...