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What's Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service

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Description

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 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. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dutton (August 13, 2024)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 608 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593184548


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 47


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1.9 x 9.3 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #1,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #1 in Television Dramas #1 in Popular Culture in Social Sciences #3 in Civics & Citizenship (Books)


#1 in Television Dramas:


#1 in Popular Culture in Social Sciences:


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Inside THE WEST WING
Since it's first announcement on AMAZON, many have been waiting more or less patiently for this book. SPOILER ALERT! It was worth the wait! Like a couple of other reviewers here, I am only in the beginning of reading this book, but, while many books of this size can take 60 to 90 pages to get the motors running, Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormadk have the wheels rolling within the first few page with a wonderful writing style that is altogether breezy, engaging, and informative all at once. If you are a chronic fan of THE WEST WING as I am (I'm on the 6th viewing of the first 4 Aaron Sorkin episodes) and are hesitant about buying the book, hesitate no longer: Buy It! The book engages from the Preface and Introduction forward. The writers thoroughly engage the reader with their natural, conversational style. They drape their arms over the reader's shoulders and guide her or him immediately behind the scenes as Martin Sheen, on the first day of shooting, goes around to introduce himself and exchange a few words with every extra and walk-on in that week's episode. In addition, tradition on other shows usually dictated that extras and walk-ons would eat different food at a different time in a different location that the rest of the cast. Sheen demanded that ALL participants would eat together with no segregation. Spoiler over! Enjoy the book! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2024 by gandalfcmk

  • The book we've waited for
It's unfortunate that it took 18 years for us to get a book like this, but wow, this one delivers everything we've been wishing for - the behind-the-scenes stories, the interviews, all the nerd fan stuff. And it reads amazingly well, better than books written by actors ever read. It's funny, informative, nostalgic, entertaining - and it renews our connection to this show we've loved so deeply for so long. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2024 by Analogica

  • Good info on a great series, but writing style is annoying
Five stars for a fantastic look at The West Wing, but the authors snarky asides take away from the reading experience, at least for me, which is why I gave it four stars. The concept of service being the central tenet of the series and illustrated by the casts and crews real-life service is fantastic. Great incites into the show’s creation and casting, too, along with more in depth looks at some of the series classic episodes. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2024 by Chris J. Schmitz

  • Love!
This book is great! It is engrossing and I am going to watch the series West Wing for the third time and go chapter by chapter. Such an enjoyable book! So well written. What a fun read!
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2024 by J. Hamilton

  • A Must-Read for West Wing Fans and Anyone Who Believes in the Power of Service
What’s Next is a treasure trove for fans of "The West Wing" and anyone interested in the intersection of television, politics, and public service. This book is more than just a behind-the-scenes look at a beloved series; it’s a deep dive into the heart and soul of what made "The West Wing" a cultural phenomenon in the late 90s and early 2000s. Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack take readers on an intimate journey back to President Bartlet’s Oval Office, offering untold stories and fresh commentary that even the most devoted fans will find surprising and delightful. The book beautifully captures the camaraderie among the cast and crew, the dedication to creating a show that stood for decency and honor, and the lasting impact it has had on American culture and civic life. The insights into the show's creation and the relationships formed on set are both poignant and entertaining, providing a new perspective on TWW episodes. Moreover, the book’s exploration of the show’s legacy, especially its commitment to service and competent leadership, resonates deeply in today’s world. What’s Next is not just a book for "West Wing" aficionados—it’s for anyone who believes in the power of storytelling to inspire real change. Fitzgerald and McCormack have crafted a moving tribute to a show that continues to inspire hope and optimism, encouraging a service-oriented mindset. This book is a fitting celebration of the show's enduring legacy. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2024 by R. Ackert

  • Must read for us Wingnuts.
What a great book! I would have waited for it in the library but do buy books if I have a bunch of people to pass them around to (mileage for the money)! If you liked/loved The West Wing you have to read it. Wonderfully written - so much I didn't know - many questions answered.
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2024 by Pclark

  • Didn't read it
I was excited to order the book. I love The West Wing and the book sounds wonderful. It arrived and I happily opened it and looked at the photos. Then I opened to the first page. The print was terrible. It was a light gray that made reading almost impossible. I wasn't going to struggle attempting to read it. I'm returning it. I'm so disappointed. I'd read one review that said the print was gray, but I ignored it. I shouldn't have. I don't understand how the authors could let such a thing happen. I may order the Kindle edition since I do want to read it. But then, will the same problem occur? ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2024 by Carole

  • I Love It!
This book is everything I wanted to read about the show, the characters, and the actors who inhabited those characters. I laughed and cried throughout the book and it brought up the memories of watching The West Wing the first time. We recently watched TWW again (for the fourth or fifth time) and it still brought some hope in me that maybe one day we will have this for our country. One. Day. I am grateful to have the backstories of the actors and characters. This was a fun read. I didn’t want it to end. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2024 by Maria Tarabini

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