The West Wing: A Reason to Smile

We are going to take a little departure with this week’s reason to smile because we heard about a special anniversary. Twenty-five years ago today, the television drama “The West Wing,” depicting a fictitious American president and his White House staff, premiered on NBC. 

The hit show, created and written by Aaron Sorkin, ran for seven seasons, winning four Emmys for outstanding drama, among 26 total Emmys for the show and its cast. The program’s portrait of a president as a true spiritual and political leader, aspiring for the moral high ground, is credited with inspiring a generation of young people to become interested in public service and politics.  

When I interviewed Sorkin several years ago, he revealed a surprising casting choice that didn’t pan out. Martin Sheen, whose portrayal of President Jed Bartlet as both intellectual and honorable is one of the most iconic in television history, was not Sorkin’s first choice. The part was initially offered to Sidney Poitier, 10 years before Barack Obama became America’s first Black president.

One of the most memorable scenes from a show full of memorable scenes depicts President Barlet schooling a hypocritical member of the religious right. It is certainly a lesson worth revisiting, especially these days.

As part of the 25th anniversary celebrations, members of the cast reunited on last week’s Emmy broadcast to present the award for best drama, which went to “Shogun.” And then on Friday, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden hosted Sorkin, Sheen, and other cast members at the White House. Sheen, once again, stole the show. 

Dan Rather is a journalist, storyteller, and lifelong reader. A Texan, by birth and by choice.

PS For those of you who can’t get enough West Wing, here’s a compliation of five the the series’ best speeches.