The West Wing

:

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

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  1. 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. 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 greatThe 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.… Expand
  2. 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. I miss it so much. Give me back Bartlet!
  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 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, stressedUnfortunately, 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.… Expand
  4. drlowdon
    Apr 2, 2013
    7
    The opening season to the acclaimed drama followed the administration of President Bartlett and their first year in the oval office. On occasions the show arguably gave a slightly idealistic portrayal of what those in power are like but with a fantastic cast, that included Hollywood heavyweights Martin Sheen and Rob Lowe, it quickly established itself as one of the smartest and mostThe opening season to the acclaimed drama followed the administration of President Bartlett and their first year in the oval office. On occasions the show arguably gave a slightly idealistic portrayal of what those in power are like but with a fantastic cast, that included Hollywood heavyweights Martin Sheen and Rob Lowe, it quickly established itself as one of the smartest and most intelligent shows seen on TV in a long time.

    Being a character lead drama The West Wing was obviously not going to be for everybody, particularly those that prefer action to dialogue heavy scenes. Aaron Sorkin's scripts were however fast paced, witty and even humorous in places allowing the focus to remain firmly on the well realised characters and their attempts to deal with apparently endless demands of working in the White House. The stories were complex, knowledge of US politics or having Wikipedia on stand-by was essential, and based firmly in reality. Any concerns one may have as to how a political based show would hold up when this first season is now over ten years old are unfounded and the issues raised are every bit as relevant today, most likely promoting many a debate amongst family or friends watching alongside you.

    Give it four or five episodes and those interested in thought provoking drama will be hooked.    … Expand
  5. TheWaffle
    Oct 11, 2015
    8
    A great series, no doubt about it. An optimistic and hopeful dramatization of governance and public service. Season 1 is a bit rough, and the Mandy character is painfully out of place, fortunately she's gone by the time the good stuff starts (believe me that's not a spoiler, that's a tip, it gets better). You won't go far wrong watching the whole series, but the real meat comes in seasonsA great series, no doubt about it. An optimistic and hopeful dramatization of governance and public service. Season 1 is a bit rough, and the Mandy character is painfully out of place, fortunately she's gone by the time the good stuff starts (believe me that's not a spoiler, that's a tip, it gets better). You won't go far wrong watching the whole series, but the real meat comes in seasons 2-5. The stakes are high, the drama is well executed, and there are plenty of pitfalls for the characters. After that, it starts to tail off. In seasons 6 and 7 the show starts to go from left-leaning political drama and turns into liberal-fantasyland. The show starts having President Bartlett come up with magical solutions for the country's and world's most enduring problems.

    I'm not going to go through and review each individual season, but here's the rough idea:
    - Season 1 = 6/10
    - Seasons 2-5 = 9/10
    - Seasons 6-7 = 7/10    … Expand
  6. ForReals13
    Sep 27, 2020
    8
    Pilot B+. Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc B-. A Proportional Response B+. Five Votes Down B.
    The Crackpots And These Women B+. Mr. Willis Of Ohio B+. The State Dinner B. Enemies B-.
    The Short List B+. In Excelsis Deo A. Lord John Marbury B. He Shall From Time To Time B+. Take Out The Trash Day B. Take This Sabbath Day A-. Celestial Navigation A-. 20 Hours In L.A. B-. The White House Pro Am    Pilot B+. Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc B-. A Proportional Response B+. Five Votes Down B.
    The Crackpots And These Women B+. Mr. Willis Of Ohio B+. The State Dinner B. Enemies B-.
    The Short List B+. In Excelsis Deo A. Lord John Marbury B. He Shall From Time To Time B+.
    Take Out The Trash Day B. Take This Sabbath Day A-. Celestial Navigation A-. 20 Hours In L.A. B-.
    The White House Pro Am C+. Six Meetings Before Lunch B-. Let Bartlet Be Bartlet A-.
    Mandatory Minimums B. Lies Damn Lies And Statistics B+. What Kind Of Day Has It Been A.    … Expand
  7. Mayfieldja
    Mar 20, 2019
    8
    Aaron Sorkin is a master of his craft and West Wing is a wonderful example of what it looks like when a writer is firing on all cylinders. Strong character development and fast based dialogue give us a solid foundation for what will prove to be one of the best shows ever written. With all that in mind, each well-written character is given life by a top-notch troop of performers that put usAaron Sorkin is a master of his craft and West Wing is a wonderful example of what it looks like when a writer is firing on all cylinders. Strong character development and fast based dialogue give us a solid foundation for what will prove to be one of the best shows ever written. With all that in mind, each well-written character is given life by a top-notch troop of performers that put us right in the center of all of the chaos.… Expand

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Terry Kelleher
    Jun 27, 2013
    91
    The West Wing sure looks like a winner.
    Read full review
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Jun 12, 2013
    75
    One of The West Wing's executive producers is ER's John Wells, and the new series replicates that show's swooping cameras and frenetic pace. Combine this visual style with a slightly toned-down version of the overlapping dialogue Sorkin uses in his other series, ABC's Sports Night, and you've got one zippy little hour. That's good, because when you stop and examine each plot strand, the show starts to unravel.
    Read full review
  3. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Diane Werts
    Apr 22, 2013
    80
    There's real thought behind The West Wing, a blessed exhilaration in this increasingly apolitical medium. For those who remember when '70s TV comedy took on the world, this is a welcome arrival. True, the pilot takes some fish-in-a-barrel potshots at sanctimonious evangelists, in Sorkin's speechifying manner from "Sports Night." But it also delivers that series' satisfying depth of reflection and rich characterization. Eventually. Once we know who these people are. [21 Sept 1999, p.B27]
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