The West Wing

The West Wing provides a glimpse into presidential politics in the nation's capital as it tells the stories of the members of a fictional presidential administration. These interesting characters have humor and dedication that touches the heart while the politics that they discuss touch on everyday life.

The West Wing (1999-2006) is a American network political drama series created by Aaron Sorkin for NBC. Set in a fictional White House, it follows the staff of an idealistic president, Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen), as they work through crises, policy fights and personal loyalties. Chief of staff Leo McGarry (John Spencer) manages the daily chaos, while communications director C.J. Cregg (Allison Janney), deputy chief of staff Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford), speechwriter Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe) and communications director Toby Ziegler (Richard Schiff) each push their own agendas through a constant stream of pressure. Each episode is built from briskly paced meetings, press briefings and late night arguments, with dialogue that moves quickly through the corridors of Washington power. The seven-season run is one continuing story that follows its characters across elections and political setbacks. The tone is witty and hectic, yet sincere about public service, with a deep belief in institutions and decency. Fans of Veep, The Newsroom and House of Cards will find resonance in its political intrigue and ensemble energy.

Widely acclaimed as a sharply written, idealistic political drama whose rapid-fire dialogue and ensemble performances make it one of television's finest series, though its final season is generally judged weaker.

• Veepshared witty fast dialogue, idealistic political drama, ensemble of government staffers
• The Newsroomshared institutional political drama with ensemble staff and walk-and-talk style
• Sports Nightshared ensemble workplace drama in high-stakes institutional setting with moral idealism
• House of Cardsshared political drama with power struggles inside an administration

Created by

Aaron Sorkin

Release Date

1999-09-22

Episode runtime

41 min

Rating

8.9 / 10 (621)

What is The West Wing about?

A fictional White House staff navigates crises, policy battles, and personal loyalties under an idealistic president.

What is The West Wing like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The West Wing as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as dense.

Is The West Wing violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The West Wing.

What did critics think of The West Wing?

Widely acclaimed as a sharply written, idealistic political drama whose rapid-fire dialogue and ensemble performances make it one of television's finest series, though its final season is generally judged weaker.

Which shows are like The West Wing?

Shows with a similar feel include Veep, The Newsroom, Sports Night, and House of Cards.

How long is The West Wing?

The West Wing: 7 seasons, 154 episodes.

Is The West Wing still running?

No, The West Wing has ended.

Where can I watch The West Wing?

In United States, The West Wing streams on Netflix, HBO Max Amazon Channel, Netflix Standard with Ads, HBO Max.