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What's Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service
A behind-the-scenes look into the creation and legacy of The West Wing as told by cast members Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack, with compelling insights from cast and crew exploring what made the show what it was and how its impassioned commitment to service has made the series and relationships behind it endure. Step back inside the world of President Jed Bartlet’s Oval Office with Fitzgerald and McCormack as they reunite the West Wing cast and crew in a lively and colorful “backstage pass” to the timeless series. This intimate, in-depth reflection reveals how The West Wing was conceived, and spotlights the army of people it took to produce it, the lifelong friendships it forged, and the service it inspired. From cast member origin stories to the collective cathartic farewell on the show’s final night of filming, What’s Next will delight readers with on-set and off-camera anecdotes that even West Wing superfans have never heard. Meanwhile, a deeper analysis of the show’s legacy through American culture, service, government, and civic life underscores how the series envisaged an American politics of decency and honor, creating an aspirational White House beyond the bounds of fictional television. What’s Next revisits beloved episodes with fresh, untold commentary; compiles poignant and hilarious stories from the show’s production; highlights initiatives supported by the cast, crew, and creators; and makes a powerful case for competent, empathetic leadership, hope, and optimism for whatever lies ahead.
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First published August 13, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 718 reviews
August 22, 2024
I want to give this book all the stars in the sky.
If you’re a Wingnut, you have to read this book. (What’s a Wingnut? IYKYK.)
There is a lot of backstage minutia, a lot of quotes from the series and great photos. When the actress/characters are quoted, you can hear the quotes in their voices.
I have lost track of how many times I have watched The West Wing. I always see something new each time I watch. This book is a guide for what new things to watch out for. There is a lot about how each actor has a special service project and a lot of info about that project. Martin Sheen is well known for his activism and many arrests in the cause of justice. One of the authors, Melissa Fitzgerald “Carol” left acting and devoted her new career to service. This book is a paean in to one of the best shows on television,bar none.
If you’ve never watched it, it can be found on a few streaming services, although I recommend watching it on DVD so you can watch all the special features.
For all you Wingnuts out there, this is a must read.
If you’re a Wingnut, you have to read this book. (What’s a Wingnut? IYKYK.)
There is a lot of backstage minutia, a lot of quotes from the series and great photos. When the actress/characters are quoted, you can hear the quotes in their voices.
I have lost track of how many times I have watched The West Wing. I always see something new each time I watch. This book is a guide for what new things to watch out for. There is a lot about how each actor has a special service project and a lot of info about that project. Martin Sheen is well known for his activism and many arrests in the cause of justice. One of the authors, Melissa Fitzgerald “Carol” left acting and devoted her new career to service. This book is a paean in to one of the best shows on television,bar none.
If you’ve never watched it, it can be found on a few streaming services, although I recommend watching it on DVD so you can watch all the special features.
For all you Wingnuts out there, this is a must read.
August 24, 2024
I teared up reading this (more than once). I just love this unabashedly overidealistic show a whole lot, okay?
August 25, 2024
The authors of this book certainly did their homework, and they have quite a lot of knowledge about the series, considering they were ON the show. However, their connection to the show is both their greatest strength and their greatest weakness here.
This book is essentially two books combined into one. It is about the behind the scenes production of the West Wing, which takes up maybe half of the book. The other half is mostly devoted to the legacy of the West Wing show and is more focused on the ideas of service the cast and crew have. I believe the book should have been split into two, and should have had more pagetime committed to the production of the series, particularly seasons 3 through 7, which do not get nearly as much attention as seasons 1 and 2.
The book has a very conversational writing style, with the authors adding partial sentence inserts in the middle of sentences to add funny or extra thoughts. This does make the book relatable and as I mentioned conversational. However, it doesn't necessarily make the book read as being professional. It definitely is written in the voice of the authors, Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack, but it could have read a little more like a traditional historical text.
The authors also do not hit enough of the criticism that some elements of the show have garnered. I am a huge fan of the show (it is my favorite TV show of all time), but even I can recognize that there were certain things that would have been addressed had it been written by someone outside of the cast.
Yet the book has interviews from just about all of the cast and crew. Because of their connections the authors had incredible access that a more traditional documentarian would not have had.
The book does hit the important parts of the production of the series, and hyperfocuses on the pilot and the preproduction of the series. Had the book hit the rest of the series with that hyper focus, it may have been really long but it would have gotten top marks.
Still, its really entertaining. I knew some of the stories (if you listen to the West Wing Weekly Podcast a lot of this will be really familiar), but there was also a ton of information that was brand new to me.
The book works best for superfans of the show (Wingnuts), or someone interested in reading books about Hollywood Productions. As someone that fits both categories, I am glad I read it.
Overall, I'll give it a 7 out of 10. Super readable and enjoyable, but not quite as excellent as it could have been. 7 out of 10.
(By the way, I teared up reading the Man in the Hole sequence from Noel, just incredible to experience in writing).
This book is essentially two books combined into one. It is about the behind the scenes production of the West Wing, which takes up maybe half of the book. The other half is mostly devoted to the legacy of the West Wing show and is more focused on the ideas of service the cast and crew have. I believe the book should have been split into two, and should have had more pagetime committed to the production of the series, particularly seasons 3 through 7, which do not get nearly as much attention as seasons 1 and 2.
The book has a very conversational writing style, with the authors adding partial sentence inserts in the middle of sentences to add funny or extra thoughts. This does make the book relatable and as I mentioned conversational. However, it doesn't necessarily make the book read as being professional. It definitely is written in the voice of the authors, Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack, but it could have read a little more like a traditional historical text.
The authors also do not hit enough of the criticism that some elements of the show have garnered. I am a huge fan of the show (it is my favorite TV show of all time), but even I can recognize that there were certain things that would have been addressed had it been written by someone outside of the cast.
Yet the book has interviews from just about all of the cast and crew. Because of their connections the authors had incredible access that a more traditional documentarian would not have had.
The book does hit the important parts of the production of the series, and hyperfocuses on the pilot and the preproduction of the series. Had the book hit the rest of the series with that hyper focus, it may have been really long but it would have gotten top marks.
Still, its really entertaining. I knew some of the stories (if you listen to the West Wing Weekly Podcast a lot of this will be really familiar), but there was also a ton of information that was brand new to me.
The book works best for superfans of the show (Wingnuts), or someone interested in reading books about Hollywood Productions. As someone that fits both categories, I am glad I read it.
Overall, I'll give it a 7 out of 10. Super readable and enjoyable, but not quite as excellent as it could have been. 7 out of 10.
(By the way, I teared up reading the Man in the Hole sequence from Noel, just incredible to experience in writing).
September 2, 2024
I could be considered a Wingnut (IYKYK) as The West Wing is one of my favorite shows of all time. When I heard about this book a YEAR ago, I immediately put it on hold at the library. Unfortunately, I'm left with mixed feelings.
For starters, this is really long. At 560 pages (not including the index), What's Next will appeal most to the diehard fan. And probably a quarter of those pages could easily have been edited out. There's effusive praise (repeatedly) for Aaron Sorkin and countless odes to his genius. This is deserved--John Wells and Tommy Schlamme get plenty of due, too--but it is excessive. We also have nearly 150 pages of the show's origins, how the major cast members were selected, and the line-by-line details of their auditions.
The book is written in a very conversational style, with co-authors Melissa Fitzgerald (Carol Fitzpatrick) and Mary McCormack (Kate Harper) interrupting the narrative flow with frequent asides and thoughts. ("Hi, again. Mary here.") This took me out of the narrative way too often and became a bit of a distraction. And I was somewhat stunned that there was hardly any mention of Lily Tomlin. Granted, it would be impossible to cover every character (Fitzgerald and McCormack say exactly that), but we're talking Lily freakin' Tomlin.
What I liked: the chapter about John Spencer's passing and how the cast and crew dealt with his death, both personally and on the show. This section is emotional and so well done. There are also plenty of inside stories and connections, and insights on specific episodes. Those were fun to read. Finally, The West Wing was very much about service and that extends beyond the set. The book goes into much detail about the various causes championed by many of the cast members. These sections were also a bit long, but it was interesting to learn about their activism (and how the cast comes together for each others' projects). I love that they are still in touch and have a group chat.
All in all, an entertaining and nostalgic read that could have been shorter. 3.5 stars
For starters, this is really long. At 560 pages (not including the index), What's Next will appeal most to the diehard fan. And probably a quarter of those pages could easily have been edited out. There's effusive praise (repeatedly) for Aaron Sorkin and countless odes to his genius. This is deserved--John Wells and Tommy Schlamme get plenty of due, too--but it is excessive. We also have nearly 150 pages of the show's origins, how the major cast members were selected, and the line-by-line details of their auditions.
The book is written in a very conversational style, with co-authors Melissa Fitzgerald (Carol Fitzpatrick) and Mary McCormack (Kate Harper) interrupting the narrative flow with frequent asides and thoughts. ("Hi, again. Mary here.") This took me out of the narrative way too often and became a bit of a distraction. And I was somewhat stunned that there was hardly any mention of Lily Tomlin. Granted, it would be impossible to cover every character (Fitzgerald and McCormack say exactly that), but we're talking Lily freakin' Tomlin.
What I liked: the chapter about John Spencer's passing and how the cast and crew dealt with his death, both personally and on the show. This section is emotional and so well done. There are also plenty of inside stories and connections, and insights on specific episodes. Those were fun to read. Finally, The West Wing was very much about service and that extends beyond the set. The book goes into much detail about the various causes championed by many of the cast members. These sections were also a bit long, but it was interesting to learn about their activism (and how the cast comes together for each others' projects). I love that they are still in touch and have a group chat.
All in all, an entertaining and nostalgic read that could have been shorter. 3.5 stars
April 15, 2024
As a big fan of the West Wing, I was eager to read this book. The nearly 500 page length, however, was a bit daunting. Although I did enjoy every word, I often felt while reading that the book had some of the same characteristics that Aaron Sorkin was criticized for: lots of words, going very fast. What was different was that in an Aaron Sorkin script, there are no wasted words. As wonderful as it was, I felt that the book could easily have been edited down by at least a third.
The first part of the book describes the casting process. Again, some details were fascinating but there was a lot of extraneous information, mostly in the form of praise by the various actors for Aaron Sorkin, Tommy Schlamme and the rest of the cast. My favorite part of the book was the analysis of the key episodes in the series. So many wonderful backstage looks at the reasons for various story decisions- and a ton of insight on the people behind the characters. I was very interested to learn how many of the cast members were (and presumably are) active in social causes. There is an extensive list of organizations with contact information in case any readers would like to investigate. And we learned that Martin Sheen is just as much of an Angel on earth as we thought he was.
I’m looking forward to going back through the book and watching many of the episodes with new eyes. Thank you, everyone, for being so generous with your time, skill and love.
Many thanks to Dutton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The first part of the book describes the casting process. Again, some details were fascinating but there was a lot of extraneous information, mostly in the form of praise by the various actors for Aaron Sorkin, Tommy Schlamme and the rest of the cast. My favorite part of the book was the analysis of the key episodes in the series. So many wonderful backstage looks at the reasons for various story decisions- and a ton of insight on the people behind the characters. I was very interested to learn how many of the cast members were (and presumably are) active in social causes. There is an extensive list of organizations with contact information in case any readers would like to investigate. And we learned that Martin Sheen is just as much of an Angel on earth as we thought he was.
I’m looking forward to going back through the book and watching many of the episodes with new eyes. Thank you, everyone, for being so generous with your time, skill and love.
Many thanks to Dutton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 24, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of this book.
I wanted so much from this book and I'm disappointed that I didn't like it.
I've loved The West Wing since I first saw it many years after it ended. I've read a lot about the behind-the-scenes antics so the content of this book felt a little redundant to me.
The charities listed throughout the book are listed at the end which is a nice reference list.
There were A LOT of moments where the transcript of an interview would be written, then it would switch to the authors' own writing, then back to the transcript. Normally, this would be okay, but there was no clear line of what was in the transcript to what was the authors' words. I don't know if that is going to be a problem for the print version, but in ebook format, it was odd.
I had a lot of problems with this book that became more apparent as I read.
The transitions between stories aren't as smooth as they should have been which makes following the logic of information hard to follow. Some stories would start then the focus would shift to something else even though I wanted to hear how that first story ended. Also, sometimes it takes too long to get to the point which in turn makes the book itself too long.
I tried to make rhyme or reason as to why the chapters were laid out the way they were. Leo's Big Block of Cheese quote shouldn't have been in the text itself, but as an epigraph. This book is about service and you don't open with that? Also, there was a whole chapter ("Break Time") devoted to explaining what would be discussed in the book. Do you know where that would have gone? In the beginning with the authors' note.
The two parts where the book really shined are John Spencer's chapter and the Influence chapter. It was written with such love and I think it benefited that the authors' didn't add a lot but instead relied on transcripts. The Influence chapter where it discussed Hamilton and how several politicians have been called to serve because of the show was what I wanted from the whole book.
I get that the authors (who are also two of the actors from the show) are heavily invested in relaying all these stories. But they were too close to the source material. I get that they wanted to talk about how everyone on the show was called to do good for others, but that's not really what happened. It was a lot of "Aaron Sorkin is the best" and "we were a family." After the tenth time, it became tiring.
If a comprehensive book on the show was needed, it would have benefited to get an author who wasn't as involved with the show itself and could still do all the research. They would have (hopefully) known where to cut things and organize the text in such a way that didn't make it confusing. There could have been tidbits about the cast and crew's service but could have been placed throughout the text unobtrusively. I think the chapters about individual episodes would have been great if the episodes chosen demonstrated the call to serve and then incorporate what the politicians said about those episodes or even the themes surrounding them.
I really wanted to like this but ultimately, I was already editing the book in my brain within the first three chapters.
I wanted so much from this book and I'm disappointed that I didn't like it.
I've loved The West Wing since I first saw it many years after it ended. I've read a lot about the behind-the-scenes antics so the content of this book felt a little redundant to me.
The charities listed throughout the book are listed at the end which is a nice reference list.
There were A LOT of moments where the transcript of an interview would be written, then it would switch to the authors' own writing, then back to the transcript. Normally, this would be okay, but there was no clear line of what was in the transcript to what was the authors' words. I don't know if that is going to be a problem for the print version, but in ebook format, it was odd.
I had a lot of problems with this book that became more apparent as I read.
The transitions between stories aren't as smooth as they should have been which makes following the logic of information hard to follow. Some stories would start then the focus would shift to something else even though I wanted to hear how that first story ended. Also, sometimes it takes too long to get to the point which in turn makes the book itself too long.
I tried to make rhyme or reason as to why the chapters were laid out the way they were. Leo's Big Block of Cheese quote shouldn't have been in the text itself, but as an epigraph. This book is about service and you don't open with that? Also, there was a whole chapter ("Break Time") devoted to explaining what would be discussed in the book. Do you know where that would have gone? In the beginning with the authors' note.
The two parts where the book really shined are John Spencer's chapter and the Influence chapter. It was written with such love and I think it benefited that the authors' didn't add a lot but instead relied on transcripts. The Influence chapter where it discussed Hamilton and how several politicians have been called to serve because of the show was what I wanted from the whole book.
I get that the authors (who are also two of the actors from the show) are heavily invested in relaying all these stories. But they were too close to the source material. I get that they wanted to talk about how everyone on the show was called to do good for others, but that's not really what happened. It was a lot of "Aaron Sorkin is the best" and "we were a family." After the tenth time, it became tiring.
If a comprehensive book on the show was needed, it would have benefited to get an author who wasn't as involved with the show itself and could still do all the research. They would have (hopefully) known where to cut things and organize the text in such a way that didn't make it confusing. There could have been tidbits about the cast and crew's service but could have been placed throughout the text unobtrusively. I think the chapters about individual episodes would have been great if the episodes chosen demonstrated the call to serve and then incorporate what the politicians said about those episodes or even the themes surrounding them.
I really wanted to like this but ultimately, I was already editing the book in my brain within the first three chapters.
October 5, 2024
This started as a "let's see if this will be a good Christmas gift for my dad" and turned into "whoops I read the whole book." Melissa Fitzgerald (CJ's assistant Carol, the "one L in Tel Aviv" Carol) and Mary McCormack (Kate Harper) trace the history of the show, do a deep dive on a few special episodes, and reflect on the crew and cast. While I enjoy The West Wing I am not a podcast listener, superfan, et c., so a lot of the information was new to me; however, based on their source attribution, a lot of the information comes from DVD commentary and the podcast. The authors did lots of original research, including around 100 interviews.
A significant chunk of the book is simply the tale of how The West Wing began, with (a little too much) detail about pitching, casting, the pilot, and so forth. It covers the exits of Aaron Sorkin (writer), Tommy Schlamme (director), and Rob Lowe (actor) from the show. There's also a lot of material honoring John Spencer (Leo McGarry) who died during production, and Martin Sheen (President Bartlet) who had a significant impact on the culture of the show. I enjoy learning about trivia, and it was nice knowing how great everyone thinks these folks are/were, but at the end of the day...I don't know them, and it's like reading a stranger's birthday card.
The nature of the show propelled its cast into activism, which the authors detour to cover throughout the book. This was a mixed bag for me. Some of the cast, like Martin Sheen, are dedicated activists (he's been arrested for protesting over 60 times, and is active in the Catholic Worker Movement). Others repeat the same journey of "What can little ole me do?" to "Oh yeah, I'm famous and rich so I can do publicity and donate." That's kind of a sour take on it--it was neat to hear everyone talk about nonprofits close to their hearts--but it just got so repetitive. Near the end of the book is a chapter with interviews of non-affiliated folks who were inspired by The West Wing to go into public service, including a senator who took the DVDs with her to Iraq to watch after flying Blackhawks all day, Lin-Manuel Miranda cataloguing all the intentional and unintentional references in Hamilton, and a politician realizing life imitates art (probably more than once as this book went to print before September 2024, S1E7).
Some fun facts: at least one scene was filmed on the Gilmore Girls set; an inside scoop on Gail's goldfish bowl décor; the full list of considerations for the role of President Bartlet (Johnny Carson, Sidney Poitier (who turned it down), Stockard Channing (who made it onscreen anyway); and John Spencer introducing Emily Procter (Ainsley Hayes) to the walk-and-talk.
Overall, fun for fans, though probably not the most informative resource if you follow the podcast or watch the DVD commentaries.
A significant chunk of the book is simply the tale of how The West Wing began, with (a little too much) detail about pitching, casting, the pilot, and so forth. It covers the exits of Aaron Sorkin (writer), Tommy Schlamme (director), and Rob Lowe (actor) from the show. There's also a lot of material honoring John Spencer (Leo McGarry) who died during production, and Martin Sheen (President Bartlet) who had a significant impact on the culture of the show. I enjoy learning about trivia, and it was nice knowing how great everyone thinks these folks are/were, but at the end of the day...I don't know them, and it's like reading a stranger's birthday card.
The nature of the show propelled its cast into activism, which the authors detour to cover throughout the book. This was a mixed bag for me. Some of the cast, like Martin Sheen, are dedicated activists (he's been arrested for protesting over 60 times, and is active in the Catholic Worker Movement). Others repeat the same journey of "What can little ole me do?" to "Oh yeah, I'm famous and rich so I can do publicity and donate." That's kind of a sour take on it--it was neat to hear everyone talk about nonprofits close to their hearts--but it just got so repetitive. Near the end of the book is a chapter with interviews of non-affiliated folks who were inspired by The West Wing to go into public service, including a senator who took the DVDs with her to Iraq to watch after flying Blackhawks all day, Lin-Manuel Miranda cataloguing all the intentional and unintentional references in Hamilton, and a politician realizing life imitates art (probably more than once as this book went to print before September 2024, S1E7).
Some fun facts: at least one scene was filmed on the Gilmore Girls set; an inside scoop on Gail's goldfish bowl décor; the full list of considerations for the role of President Bartlet (Johnny Carson, Sidney Poitier (who turned it down), Stockard Channing (who made it onscreen anyway); and John Spencer introducing Emily Procter (Ainsley Hayes) to the walk-and-talk.
Overall, fun for fans, though probably not the most informative resource if you follow the podcast or watch the DVD commentaries.
August 22, 2025
The only thing I wish the authors had touched on was 9/11, and the special non-canonical season 3 episode "Isaac and Ishmael".
September 11 happened well into The West Wing's original run, and I am fascinated to learn where people were, and how they found out. Especially if they're more high profile people like the cast and crew of a show like The West Wing.
I'm interested to read a more indepth retelling of what was touched upon in The West Wing Weekly podcast about the episode. What did the cast and crew do in the aftermath of 9/11 aside from filming the special episode? What services did they commit to if any.
I hope the authors weren't kidding about potentially writing another volume. I would so look forward to another entry!
September 11 happened well into The West Wing's original run, and I am fascinated to learn where people were, and how they found out. Especially if they're more high profile people like the cast and crew of a show like The West Wing.
I'm interested to read a more indepth retelling of what was touched upon in The West Wing Weekly podcast about the episode. What did the cast and crew do in the aftermath of 9/11 aside from filming the special episode? What services did they commit to if any.
I hope the authors weren't kidding about potentially writing another volume. I would so look forward to another entry!
October 28, 2024
This was a real treat as West Wing was my favorite show of all time.
March 25, 2024
Full review here: https://civilianreader.com/2024/03/25...
Very mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed it, and there’s plenty of interesting content. Even though the authors make it clear that they’re not going to walk through everything, it nevertheless felt very incomplete. So many key aspects of TWW were skipped or glossed over entirely. It feels like a yearbook, or something, which can be quite fun. It’s clear there’s a huge amount of affection between most of the people who worked on the show. (I think Rob Lowe’s departure is one of the few areas of acrimony, and it was interesting to get a little bit more on that.) It’s also an interesting resource for mapping the Sorkin Network in Hollywood and in theatre. There’s a lot of great stuff about Jonathan Spencer. Martin Sheen is praised throughout (justifiably, if everything else I’ve read about him is indicative).* The digressions into service could be quite interesting, too.
At the same time, I recognize that the authors were facing a bit of a tricky task: after all, The West Wing Weekly podcast probably provides all/most of what a Wingnut might actually want from behind-the-scenes content. (Not to mention the DVD extras that are available — and many of them are excellent, in case you haven’t had the chance to check them out.) So, how does one write a BTS book on The West Wing? Clearly, with difficulty.
I had very high hopes for this book, and while I enjoyed it, I think there could definitely have been a lot more to it. Which makes me feel a bit mean.
* I highly recommend his joint memoir with his son Emilio Estevez. Excellent book.
Very mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed it, and there’s plenty of interesting content. Even though the authors make it clear that they’re not going to walk through everything, it nevertheless felt very incomplete. So many key aspects of TWW were skipped or glossed over entirely. It feels like a yearbook, or something, which can be quite fun. It’s clear there’s a huge amount of affection between most of the people who worked on the show. (I think Rob Lowe’s departure is one of the few areas of acrimony, and it was interesting to get a little bit more on that.) It’s also an interesting resource for mapping the Sorkin Network in Hollywood and in theatre. There’s a lot of great stuff about Jonathan Spencer. Martin Sheen is praised throughout (justifiably, if everything else I’ve read about him is indicative).* The digressions into service could be quite interesting, too.
At the same time, I recognize that the authors were facing a bit of a tricky task: after all, The West Wing Weekly podcast probably provides all/most of what a Wingnut might actually want from behind-the-scenes content. (Not to mention the DVD extras that are available — and many of them are excellent, in case you haven’t had the chance to check them out.) So, how does one write a BTS book on The West Wing? Clearly, with difficulty.
I had very high hopes for this book, and while I enjoyed it, I think there could definitely have been a lot more to it. Which makes me feel a bit mean.
* I highly recommend his joint memoir with his son Emilio Estevez. Excellent book.
June 30, 2024
I recently finished my fifth or sixth viewing of The West Wing, and it remains one of my favorite series. I am a Wingnut! So, of course, I requested this book the second I learned about it. My high hopes were not only met but exceeded. I loved getting all the inside information! Strongly recommended. Thank you to NetGalley, the authors, and the publisher.
August 25, 2024
I seriously underestimated how detailed and thorough this book is. I assumed it would be mostly behind-the-scenes photos and some commentary sprinkled in. But I was incredibly wrong: for a West Wing fan, this is a goldmine of stories about the show and the people who worked on it.
If you or someone you know is a West Wing fan, you must grab hold of this!
If you or someone you know is a West Wing fan, you must grab hold of this!
October 18, 2024
This book was incredible. 10 stars.
December 17, 2024
A big book with a big heart for big fans. As well as sharing memories of making The West Wing, Melissa and Mary highlight the causes key players support. Plus, photos! They talk to people in elected office about how the show brought them there. Many snippets are from "The West Wing Weekly" but I don't mind, including Lin and his Tommy talking about Hamilton.
September 1, 2024
After my love affair with M*A*S*H, I became a Wing nut. I was so disappointed when it left the air. This book is written by two of the actors (possibly less recognizable characters)from the program. This is a marvelous remembrance and acknowledgement of the family that was formed with Martin Sheen as the father who modeled for those who looked up to him.
This makes me want to give up reading for a bit so I can re-watch all the episodes of this program.
This makes me want to give up reading for a bit so I can re-watch all the episodes of this program.
October 21, 2024
For a West Wing fan (or wingnut) this book is like a warm hug.
January 3, 2025
I love this show and everyone on it. So many inspiring and heartwarming stories and the John Spencer chapter made me sob at 5 am. What’s next?
December 23, 2024
greatest tv family forever and ever
October 16, 2024
Highly recommend the audiobook format for all wingnuts!!
December 8, 2025
I’d give this book a 3.5, but I was generous and rounded up. If you’re a fan of The West Wing, it’s an enjoyable read—though definitely long. Unnecessarily long, and I’m someone who likes a lot of words. Like many readers, I appreciated the sections on John Spencer, the context surrounding Rob Lowe, Aaron Sorkin, and Tommy Schlamme’s departures, and how John Wells managed to hold it together. I wish fewer pages had been devoted to the various causes the actors support, and more episode discussion had been included. I’m an adult; I don’t need to be told which causes should matter.
November 12, 2024
I loved this book and it hit me with the right balance of nostalgia for the show, fun behind the scenes facts, and real life stories of service that has endeared this cast to me that much more. Also the chapter “the meanest man in the world” made me laugh out loud. The Brad Whitfield vs Josh Molina prank feud is one of my favorites bits to read about.
November 1, 2024
To be honest, if you've seen the show 4+ times, listened to the West Wing Weekly podcast, and follow Josh Malina and Brad Whitford's twitter feud, you don't really learn much new here but it's wonderful and the focus on service was cool
August 24, 2024
Important caveat: the first run of the UK edition comes without photos, so if that matters you might want to try and get hold of the US one.
I absolutely loved this book. An insider's view of the West Wing - both authors worked on the show - this tells the story of how it came about, the core cast, and analyses a handful of key episodes. All of this is interwoven with the themes the show stands for - service to the greater good.
It's packed with interviews with cast and crew and is really insightful. Inevitably given the perspective it glosses over some things slightly - including both Sorkin and Lowe's departure - but it does so in a self-aware way.
An absolute joy to read - though it actually made me cry more than once, especially when talking about John Spencer - it made me want to go back and rewatch the whole show.
I absolutely loved this book. An insider's view of the West Wing - both authors worked on the show - this tells the story of how it came about, the core cast, and analyses a handful of key episodes. All of this is interwoven with the themes the show stands for - service to the greater good.
It's packed with interviews with cast and crew and is really insightful. Inevitably given the perspective it glosses over some things slightly - including both Sorkin and Lowe's departure - but it does so in a self-aware way.
An absolute joy to read - though it actually made me cry more than once, especially when talking about John Spencer - it made me want to go back and rewatch the whole show.
October 10, 2024
If you’re a Wingnut like me, a lot of this book will be pretty familiar to you, but there are still some sweet, new moments. The chapter on John Spencer was absolutely magical, as was the chapter on our President, Martin Sheen.
I laughed (mostly at all the digs at Josh Malina), I cried (every time Leo’s “I know the way out” speech), and it felt like coming home.
10/10. No notes.
I laughed (mostly at all the digs at Josh Malina), I cried (every time Leo’s “I know the way out” speech), and it felt like coming home.
10/10. No notes.
December 17, 2024
What is there to say really. Are you a fan of The West Wing? At all I mean. I don’t mean people who consider themselves wing-nuts or base their whole personality on it. They have this book already (I know cause I’m one of them). I mean did you watch a couple episodes once and didn’t hate it thinking “yeah I’ll watch that one day”? Then get this book. And everyone in between. (First watch the series though cause there would be serious spoilers if you didn’t!)
I cried a lot. I laughed out loud a lot. I wasn’t allowed to read it in public because I couldn’t keep my reactions to myself. And countless cups of tea went cold as I got pulled so completely in (never thinking of tomorrow’s alarm either). It’s a beautiful perspective on a show that I thought I knew everything about. But I didn’t. And the call to arms is inspiring and not (too) preachy. (It’s The West Wing it’s gonna be a little preachy but you’ll still love it). And I guarantee no matter what “level of fan” you are you will learn something you never knew about your favorite show.
I could talk forever about this book but I’ll just say read it. You’ll want to read it again immediately. Thank you Mary and Melissa.
I cried a lot. I laughed out loud a lot. I wasn’t allowed to read it in public because I couldn’t keep my reactions to myself. And countless cups of tea went cold as I got pulled so completely in (never thinking of tomorrow’s alarm either). It’s a beautiful perspective on a show that I thought I knew everything about. But I didn’t. And the call to arms is inspiring and not (too) preachy. (It’s The West Wing it’s gonna be a little preachy but you’ll still love it). And I guarantee no matter what “level of fan” you are you will learn something you never knew about your favorite show.
I could talk forever about this book but I’ll just say read it. You’ll want to read it again immediately. Thank you Mary and Melissa.
January 5, 2025
to be completely honest, i’ve loved the west wing for so long that not much in this book came as a surprise. that doesn’t mean i didn’t adore it.
“What’s next is: Get in the game. Make a substantive contribution. If you go down swinging, at least you took your shot. Just don’t watch the pitch go by.”
“What’s the greatest thing you can say about someone? That without them you would not be who you are. John Spencer has changed my life for knowing him. And I will always love him for that.”
i know it’s silly when a piece of fiction makes a tremendous impact on your life, but i can unequivocally say the west wing has. i aspire to be half as talented as aaron sorkin. 5 stars.
“What’s next is: Get in the game. Make a substantive contribution. If you go down swinging, at least you took your shot. Just don’t watch the pitch go by.”
“What’s the greatest thing you can say about someone? That without them you would not be who you are. John Spencer has changed my life for knowing him. And I will always love him for that.”
i know it’s silly when a piece of fiction makes a tremendous impact on your life, but i can unequivocally say the west wing has. i aspire to be half as talented as aaron sorkin. 5 stars.
February 6, 2025
What a fun and interesting book if you know and love the TV show West Wing. An interesting back stage look beginning with the inception of the whole concept of a TV show depicting life in the West Wing to its final episode and beyond. The actors formed strong bonds and often reach out and help one another and just visit with one another. The book is unlike most books about Hollywood in that it's focus, like the premise of the show, is about service. The characters put in long hours and gave up personal lives to serve their country. The actors each gave money but also their time to support charities and causes near to their heart. The authors provides each actor pages to describe their charity and why and how they became involved. In addition, the actors often showed up to support one another's charity. It was very uplifting to read when so much of what we read about Hollywood is negative and outlandish!
January 10, 2025
People tell me, “men only read nonfiction!” Ok, maybe I read a lot of nonfiction, but a good chunk of it covers media that I like. And when it comes to media I like, I love the West Wing. This was a fun little walk down memory lane.
February 25, 2025
I learned some fun tidbits and of course it inspired a rewatch but good lord this is way too long.
Also my main takeaway is that actors are just not normal
Also my main takeaway is that actors are just not normal
September 30, 2024
There is an old expression that says that art does not exist in a vacuum. It is often influenced by, and can have impact upon in return, the wider world in which it was created. The West Wing, the television series created by Aaron Sorkin, has proven to be one such example of that. Having told the story of the fictional President of the United State Jed Bartlet (played by Martin Sheen) and his senior White House staff, is a show that not only spawned seven seasons from 1999 to 2006 but also helped inspire a generation of elected officials, their staffs, and creatives. Helping document the series and its legacy across 25 years is What’s Next from authors (and series actors) Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack.
First things first: What’s Next is not an exhaustive guide to The West Wing. That’s something that Fitzgerald and McCormack make clear at one point in the book and it’s worth noting here. While there are dives into best and most important episodes of the series (including the season two finale Two Cathedrals and the live debate episode from the final season) that delve into those episodes and sometimes the minutiae of them, this isn’t the guidebook to the series that some have been waiting decades for.
Instead, as the subtitle says, this is something of a backstage past to the series and its cast. Drawing on interviews new and old (the latter especially in the case of the late and still clearly much missed John Spencer), What’s Next is in part an oral history of the making of the series. Some of the anecdotes and stories told will be familiar from DVD commentaries and The West Wing Weekly podcast (which this reviewer must confess not to have been a listener to), but the gathering of the material all in one place is a godsend in its own right. In one volume are stories of how a misunderstanding about a lunch meeting led to the series creation, the castings that might have been (from CCH Pounder as Leo or C.J. to a whole host of other contenders for the President), and the personal stories of the experiences making some of the most remarkable hours of television you’ll ever watch.
And those memories are a major part of what makes What Next so enjoyable and insightful. There’s plenty of good times remembered from Martin Sheen’s fatherly attitude toward almost everyone on set that extended to paying for cast and crew trips to Vegas to Joshua Malina’s pranks (some remembered more fondly than others) and McCormack finding the series welcoming as a first-time working mom. The rough patches are here too, from the circumstances that saw Rob Lowe leave the series followed in quick succession by Sorkin and executive producer/director Thomas Schlamme with the vacuum they left behind. Indeed, as one of those who maintained that the series never recovered from their leaving, I found a new appreciation in this book for how remaining executive producer John Wells and the team he assembled kept the series going for three more seasons. Revisiting the Wells Administration (as the book calls the latter years) is now something I’m looking forward to doing in my current re-watch. There’s also a chapter dedicated to the passing of Spencer during the final season that is worth the price of the book alone for fans, full as it is of memories of the actor and the remembrances given by his co-stars Bradley Whitford and Richard Schiff. It’s a look behind the scenes of a favorite series done with love and fondness but not, thankfully, entirely through rose-tinted spectacles.
What’s Next’s subtitle also promises a backstage pass to “Its Enduring Legacy of Service.” Readers and fans can learn about the causes that many of the show’s cast and crew have been a part of before, during, and after the series from Sheen’s long-standing history of activism to Fitzgerald’s work for Justice for Vets to projects to promote the arts and more. There’s also chapters that explore the series interactions with real-life figures both while the show was being made (where the cast being invited to the 2000 Democratic convention caused havoc on its production) and since with figures on both sides of the political spectrum inspired to run for elected office or to work as public servants as a result of the series and its vision. Or, indeed, it’s impact on larger popular culture in works such as the hit musical Hamilton or the reunions such as 2012’s Walk and Talk the Vote and 2020’s A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote which also display the enduring legacy of the series to raise awareness and the bond between cast and crew or the influence the series has had.
And, it seems, will continue to have as the series continues to resonate even in a very different political and cultural climate than the one it first appeared in a quarter-century ago. Long may it do so. And long may fans seek out What’s Next for insights, joy, tears, and much more about one of the greatest television series ever produced.
First things first: What’s Next is not an exhaustive guide to The West Wing. That’s something that Fitzgerald and McCormack make clear at one point in the book and it’s worth noting here. While there are dives into best and most important episodes of the series (including the season two finale Two Cathedrals and the live debate episode from the final season) that delve into those episodes and sometimes the minutiae of them, this isn’t the guidebook to the series that some have been waiting decades for.
Instead, as the subtitle says, this is something of a backstage past to the series and its cast. Drawing on interviews new and old (the latter especially in the case of the late and still clearly much missed John Spencer), What’s Next is in part an oral history of the making of the series. Some of the anecdotes and stories told will be familiar from DVD commentaries and The West Wing Weekly podcast (which this reviewer must confess not to have been a listener to), but the gathering of the material all in one place is a godsend in its own right. In one volume are stories of how a misunderstanding about a lunch meeting led to the series creation, the castings that might have been (from CCH Pounder as Leo or C.J. to a whole host of other contenders for the President), and the personal stories of the experiences making some of the most remarkable hours of television you’ll ever watch.
And those memories are a major part of what makes What Next so enjoyable and insightful. There’s plenty of good times remembered from Martin Sheen’s fatherly attitude toward almost everyone on set that extended to paying for cast and crew trips to Vegas to Joshua Malina’s pranks (some remembered more fondly than others) and McCormack finding the series welcoming as a first-time working mom. The rough patches are here too, from the circumstances that saw Rob Lowe leave the series followed in quick succession by Sorkin and executive producer/director Thomas Schlamme with the vacuum they left behind. Indeed, as one of those who maintained that the series never recovered from their leaving, I found a new appreciation in this book for how remaining executive producer John Wells and the team he assembled kept the series going for three more seasons. Revisiting the Wells Administration (as the book calls the latter years) is now something I’m looking forward to doing in my current re-watch. There’s also a chapter dedicated to the passing of Spencer during the final season that is worth the price of the book alone for fans, full as it is of memories of the actor and the remembrances given by his co-stars Bradley Whitford and Richard Schiff. It’s a look behind the scenes of a favorite series done with love and fondness but not, thankfully, entirely through rose-tinted spectacles.
What’s Next’s subtitle also promises a backstage pass to “Its Enduring Legacy of Service.” Readers and fans can learn about the causes that many of the show’s cast and crew have been a part of before, during, and after the series from Sheen’s long-standing history of activism to Fitzgerald’s work for Justice for Vets to projects to promote the arts and more. There’s also chapters that explore the series interactions with real-life figures both while the show was being made (where the cast being invited to the 2000 Democratic convention caused havoc on its production) and since with figures on both sides of the political spectrum inspired to run for elected office or to work as public servants as a result of the series and its vision. Or, indeed, it’s impact on larger popular culture in works such as the hit musical Hamilton or the reunions such as 2012’s Walk and Talk the Vote and 2020’s A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote which also display the enduring legacy of the series to raise awareness and the bond between cast and crew or the influence the series has had.
And, it seems, will continue to have as the series continues to resonate even in a very different political and cultural climate than the one it first appeared in a quarter-century ago. Long may it do so. And long may fans seek out What’s Next for insights, joy, tears, and much more about one of the greatest television series ever produced.
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