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What's Next

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

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What's Next

By: Melissa Fitzgerald, Mary McCormack
Narrated by: Alison Janney, Mary McCormack, Melissa Fitzgerald
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About this listen

"This is the book The West Wing deserves." Allison Janney

"A joy and a MUST READ for all the Wingnuts out there!" Brad Whitford

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. Includes an exclusive foreword by showrunner Aaron Sorkin and introduction by cast member Allison Janney.

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 colourful "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 super fans 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 honour, 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.

"What's Next is the highest level of access you can get to The West Wing without a background check." Josh Malina

"What's Next is the book we all need right now." Dulé Hill

"Any West Wing fan will adore this book, as will anyone who admires brilliant television and all that it takes to make it. Run and buy What's Next for all the West Wingers in your life!" Janel Moloney

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Melissa Fitzgerald (P)2024 Headline Publishing Group Limited
Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Social Sciences Witty Funny

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All stars
Most relevant  
I loved this. As a wing nut, this was enthralling, informative and a joy to listen to. A true insight into the history of the show…

Tremendous stroll through memory lane

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A must listen (or read) for all fans of the West Wing. So many insights, 'fun facts' and background information. Just brilliant.

Brilliant!

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Inspiring! Reading/listening to this book was like listening to a motivational speech for living a happier and more fulfilling life. The stories are so much more than “just” about the making of the best show ever to exist. I started reading the book when my son was just a few weeks old and after many months of sleepless nights, with my hands full and no time to read, I got the audiobook so I could complete the book. It has been a huge part of the most grounding early morning walks with the pram, and it entertained and inspired me so much I forgot how exhausted I was. Thank you for writing this book. I will without a doubt read it again.

Truly inspiring

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I have long been a fan of the West Wing and was pleased that two members of the "West Wing Family" have shared their insights, memories and service experiences.
A great listen read by the authors with a real passion and hope in the results of their efforts.

Entertaining & Thoughtful

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Great book for the wingnuts! The John Spensor chapter is particularly moving. Would recommend it after a West Wing rewatch.

Nostalgia & Service

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Do you like the TV Series - West Wing? If so, this is the book for you! Not seen it…go watch it…then it’ll be the book for you!

Wonderfully narrated by the beautiful Melissa Fitzgerald (Carol) and the absolutely gorgeous Mary McCormack (Kate) this book is from the cast for us the fans!

Nicely split chapters detailing political involvement by the cast in the real world; and their counterparts in the show!

If you didn’t already love Martin Sheen because of Apocalypse Now, The Departed, and of course Badlands…then by the end of this book you will or just love him more….fabulous stories about his human nature on-set and also the Vegas Trips.

Great research that shows a real love for their time on the programme, this is not a cash-in grab, this is a truly wonderful detailed look at some of the best episodes and learning more about the creation, the players and more.

Loved it! Will listen again!

Wingnut Nuggets!

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Tedious, self congratulatory, and poorly read. I expected more
This wasn’t even a memoir, just a collection of industry buzz and self admiration. Disappointed

I loved the West Wing, but this is boring.

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Massive wingnut here and whilst I really enjoyed the WW stories, the ‘service’ side of the book was overly self-indulgent and frankly incredibly dull and took up a significant part of the book.

I’ve never skipped through an audiobook until this

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