by Joshua Stein (Author)
What's Next? The Bingewatchers' Guide to the West Wing looks back at the classic television show 25 years later. Aaron Sorkin's political drama had an enormous influence on American politics. The show is a time-capsule from the political moment after the Berlin Wall fell, but before 9/11.
This first book focuses on the first two seasons of the show, examining how the television show explains political issues, scandals, and vision. The West Wing was a show about political optimism, something that's hard to imagine now; it also influenced less optimistic political dramas including Shonda Rhimes' Scandal and even sitcoms including Parks and Recreation. The show is a political and cultural touchstone.
The book gives a critical appraisal of many of the show's themes, including how its optimism and politics have held up over the years.