Now normally, I’d write some kind of lengthy preamble about how different and important Aaron Sorkin‘s incredible drama series “The West Wing” was and is. And I probably will. Something about how formulate it was for me as a show and as something to aspire to. Characters I feel I know to this DAY. Conversations I WISH our politicians would actually have, and faith. Lots of faith, in our fellow humans and in our leaders.
But its really more important for me to let fellow fans know about a new book coming from series co-stars Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack, who played press secretary assistant Carol Fitzpatrick and national security adviser Kate Harper, respectively.
Perfectly timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary (GASP) of the show, “What’s Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, It’s Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service” sounds like exactly the thing I need in my life right now.
“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.
Bonus- in the preview images available on the book’s Amazon listing, there is a shot from when the cast headed a “The West Wing” themed picket during the WGA strike in 2023. I was there, and it was kind of the coolest thing ever to hear Martin Sheen (President Bartlet) speak, along with Bradley Whitford (Josh Lyman) and Richard Schiff (Toby Ziegler).
The book is available to pre-order on Amazon, and is set to release on August 15th, 2024. “The West Wing” is available for streaming via MAX.
