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

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Description

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 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. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dutton


Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 13, 2024


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 608 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593184548


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 47


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1.9 x 9.3 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #14,164 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #2 in Television Dramas #15 in Civics & Citizenship (Books) #48 in Popular Culture in Social Sciences


#2 in Television Dramas:


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • BUY THIS BOOK!!!!!!!
Format: Hardcover
This is an amazing book about one of the best TV Dramas EVER released!! If you are a fan of the show it is a must have. I think it is a great read even if you know little or nothing about the show.
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2026 by Amazon Customer

  • A great read, especially for West Wing fans. Interesting and fun to hear from actors in the series.
Format: Hardcover
Purchased as a gift for my sister after she sent the book to me. :-) She’s delighted and started reading right away. We’re dedicated West Wing fans and she recently binge watched all seven seasons! She tells me it’s a great read, and fun to hear from the actors in the series. I look forward to getting started myself. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2026 by Diane

  • Pure Joy
Format: Hardcover
I became a new fan of the show last year. Bought the dvd & binged the show. Gr4eat story. Now this book...LOVED IT! The characters in the series become people you really enjoy. The actors are fantastic & the writing terrific! So getting information on how some of the shows were done was a delight, as well as describing the actors' stories & their interests. It's wonderful to read about people who love each other & their interest in service in the groups the have joined. It was like visiting with dear pals. Thank you! Made me want to watch the whole series all over again! :-) ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2026 by Carmen C

  • If you are a Wingnut you will love it.
Format: Kindle
If you had asked me to rate this book when I was at the halfway point, it would have received three stars. It doesn't flow easily at first. The authors broke the fourth wall which wasn't necessary. It seems out of place. They inserted information about the actors' activism throughout the book, as well. In many ways, it is disjointed. I think that the fact that this book was written so long after the series ended hurt it in some ways. It was viewing it through a distant mirror. However, it hit its stride in the second half, starting with the death of John Spencer. The authors' bond with John and the rest of the cast is shown in an affectionate and humorous light. It was at this point that I began enjoying the read. Another reviewer mentioned that there weren't any photos in her electronic copy. I downloaded the US Kindle edition. There were not as many as I would have liked, but there were some. If you loved West Wing, you'll love the book. It could have been edited and streamlined, but that is its only flaw. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2024 by Jane Miller

  • A Must-Read for West Wing Fans and Anyone Who Believes in the Power of Service
Format: Hardcover
What’s Next is a treasure trove for fans of "The West Wing" and anyone interested in the intersection of television, politics, and public service. This book is more than just a behind-the-scenes look at a beloved series; it’s a deep dive into the heart and soul of what made "The West Wing" a cultural phenomenon in the late 90s and early 2000s. Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack take readers on an intimate journey back to President Bartlet’s Oval Office, offering untold stories and fresh commentary that even the most devoted fans will find surprising and delightful. The book beautifully captures the camaraderie among the cast and crew, the dedication to creating a show that stood for decency and honor, and the lasting impact it has had on American culture and civic life. The insights into the show's creation and the relationships formed on set are both poignant and entertaining, providing a new perspective on TWW episodes. Moreover, the book’s exploration of the show’s legacy, especially its commitment to service and competent leadership, resonates deeply in today’s world. What’s Next is not just a book for "West Wing" aficionados—it’s for anyone who believes in the power of storytelling to inspire real change. Fitzgerald and McCormack have crafted a moving tribute to a show that continues to inspire hope and optimism, encouraging a service-oriented mindset. This book is a fitting celebration of the show's enduring legacy. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2024 by D. Ackert

  • You’ll Love It
Format: Audiobook
I love this behind the scenes and complementary work to my favorite show of all time: The West Wing!
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2026 by EverydayCorrie

  • Extremely well written.
Format: Hardcover
One of my most favorite tv series, i have totally enjoyed reading the backstage details. I have watched the series more than once and missed details that, when reading, brought a smile to my face. If you are a “Wingnut” like me, I am confident you will enjoy What’s Next.
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2026 by J. Butler

  • Perfect for West Wing fans!
Format: Hardcover
When I heard about this book on NPR, I ordered it immediately. I found the content very entertaining and easy to read. This is a book pretty much aimed at West Wing fans/geeks/nerds and it will tickle that fancy nicely. I am not going to spoil it, but there was more in there than I expected and I learned a lot. I gave this book as a gift and the recipient was very happy with it too. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2025 by Needsmorenails

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