What's Next

A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy ofService

By: Melissa Fitzgerald, Mary McCormack, Aaron Sorkin - introduction, Allison Janney - introduction

Narrated by: Melissa Fitzgerald, Mary McCormack

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.


* This audiobook edition has been adapted for the audio format, and the content deviates slightly from the printed version. It includes a downloadable PDF that contains a list of organizations important to the cast and crew and behind the scenes photos and images from The West Wing.

West Wing Gold!

Could not have been more thrilled with this book. Loved all the background insights, wonderful stories & how the cast was & still is dedicated to service. It’s inspiring. Thank you for writing this book. You have made this Wing Nut very happy.

Great way to relive The West Wing

Thank you, Mary and Melissa! I bet everyone will love the back stories and vignettes about each season, and main episodes as much as I did. In your next audio edition, please have Martin read his own closing lines. He's simply the best. Congratulations to all of you for your dedication to supporting charities aimed at making this country and the world better for all, and accessible to those in much need.

I loved everything about this audiobook

As a quasi Wing Nut I couldn’t have enjoyed this book more. Richard Schiff’s eulogy to John Spencer brought me to tears. Reminiscing on the show was great reminder of what made me love this show, but the in depth and behind scenes look at the show was at times funny but mostly touching and inspiring. Thank you.

Everything

This was so good a true love letter to the show and its fans everywhere

Loved the Stories

Truly loved the background stories on how the series came about, and how it evolved through the seasons. Especially touched with the tributes shared about John Spencer and Martin Sheen. Mary did a magnificent job with her narration. The stories of service, and the call to service lives on!