First published 2024
Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack open the doors to The West Wing's production, gathering cast and crew to share never-before-told stories from President Jed Bartlet's fictional White House. The authors trace how Aaron Sorkin's series came to life, from casting decisions to the relationships that formed during seven seasons of filming. They collect anecdotes from set life, reveal how specific episodes were crafted, and document the bonds that outlasted the show's run. Beyond entertainment industry tales, Fitzgerald and McCormack examine how The West Wing shaped American political discourse and inspired real-world public service among viewers and participants alike. The book presents both lighthearted production memories and serious reflection on the series' vision of ethical governance, connecting fictional idealism to contemporary civic engagement.
Genres: biography, american, non-fiction, 21st-century
Vibes: intimate, reflective, thought-provoking
Tropes: behind-the-scenes, found-family
Setting: White House
Period: 21st-century
608 pages · Hardcover · Dutton