The West Wing

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 22, 1999
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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Critic Reviews

  1. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Tom Shales
    Apr 22, 2013
    60
    West Wing is not a dramatic powerhouse as it gets off the ground tonight but, indeed, it does get off the ground. There are good performances, crispy-crunchy lines of dialogue and a few sizzly sparks. Subsequent episodes will have to improve on the premiere, however, if there's really going to be anything must-see-ish about the show. [22 Sept 1999, p.C01]
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  2. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Storm
    Apr 21, 2013
    60
    It's a show-off show, the most impressive new series of the season, of many seasons, but it has one big deficit. Like the Tin Man, it has no heart. Maybe it will grow one, and it will certainly bear watching for a few weeks to see if it does. [22 Sept 1999, p.C01]
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  3. Orlando Sentinel
    Reviewed by: Hal Boedeker
    Apr 21, 2013
    50
    The drama series is well-acted, smoothly produced but surprisingly resistible. Sorkin writes bright dialogue and juggles fast-moving plots, but his White House intrigue and staffers aren't that compelling. [22 Sept 1999, p.E1]
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  5. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Dorothy Rabinowitz
    Feb 17, 2013
    50
    It is, in short, a busy, fearlessly idealistic president (Martin Sheen) who struts through the neatly packaged, frequently deft and invariably predictable first episode of NBC's The West Wing, If the series continues at this level -- continues, that is, being handsomely produced, polished and thoroughly unexceptional in its content and aspirations, it should stand a very good chance of winning a bunch of Emmys. [22 Sept 1999, p.A32]
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  6. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Caryn James
    Apr 21, 2013
    40
    That still makes the series more daring than most of what's on television; the problem is, its creators know that and the show's self-satisfaction becomes annoying. The floundering first episode (the only one available for preview) is sometimes smart, sometimes stupid, eventually gooey and, despite its sharp cast, not often entertaining. One of the season's most hyped and anticipated series, The West Wing is by far its biggest disappointment.

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best TV Season of 1999
8
#8 Most Discussed TV Season of 1999
8
#8 Most Shared TV Season of 1999

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 89 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 75 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 89
  3. Negative: 12 out of 89
  1. locuta
    Apr 21, 2012
    10
    The best TV series ever. Period. And quite weird that not more people have written that here. This thing really is better than real life. IThe best TV series ever. Period. And quite weird that not more people have written that here. This thing really is better than real life. I miss it so much. Give me back Bartlet!… Full Review »
  2. Kunrya
    Oct 22, 2015
    9
    The first five seasons are some of the best television I've ever watched, but seasons six and seven aren't even close to being as good. TheThe first five seasons are some of the best television I've ever watched, but seasons six and seven aren't even close to being as good. The writing took a major step backward and the newly introduced characters (especially Jimmy Smits and Kristin Chenoweth) are forgettable. Despite the last few seasons, though, this is still one of the best shows I've ever watched. A great cast with great cohesion that has the writing and dialogue to make brilliant show.… Full Review »
  3. Simplyfabulous
    May 29, 2012
    0
    Unfortunately, this has been a bland show with a very skewed telling on internal dealings. As a part time political editor, the sheer amountUnfortunately, this has been a bland show with a very skewed telling on internal dealings. As a part time political editor, the sheer amount of dramtic juxtaposition present is somewhat unbelievable. Whilst we're not business-like all the time. A degree of proffesionality within any public sector is expected. Whilst dwelling into private lives as well; it offers the textbook, stressed situation. I do, however praise the good, subtle acting. Even if it feels that the actors aren't quite throwing themselves into their respective roles. Oh well, maybe another political drama might satisfy the grey areas and not the grittiness of work in public sectors.… Full Review »
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