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

Step back into the world of President Jed Bartlet’s Oval Office with Fitzgerald and McCormack as they reunite the cast and crew of The West Wing for a vibrant and colorful “backstage pass” to this timeless series. This intimate, in-depth reflection unveils the conception of The West Wing, highlighting the dedicated team behind its production, the lifelong friendships it forged, and the service it inspired.

From cast member origin stories to the collective farewell on the show’s final night of filming, What’s Next will delight readers with on-set and off-camera anecdotes that even the most ardent West Wing fans may not have heard. Additionally, a deeper analysis of the show’s legacy within American culture, service, government, and civic life underscores how the series envisioned a politics of decency and honor, creating an aspirational White House beyond the realm of fictional television.

What’s Next revisits beloved episodes with fresh, untold commentary; compiles poignant and humorous stories from the production; highlights initiatives supported by the cast, crew, and creators; and makes a compelling case for competent, empathetic leadership, hope, and optimism for the future.