What's Next

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

De: Melissa Fitzgerald, Mary McCormack, Aaron Sorkin - introduction, Allison Janney - introduction

Narrado por: Melissa Fitzgerald, Mary McCormack

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.


* This audiobook edition has been adapted for the audio format, and the content deviates slightly from the printed version. It includes a downloadable PDF that contains a list of organizations important to the cast and crew and behind the scenes photos and images from The West Wing.

if you liked The West Wing show, but only a lot, listen to this book.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I bought this book. I really enjoyed The West Wing television show, and this book is a 16-hour love letter to that series. It goes in chronological order and doesn't pull any punches such as Sorkin leaving and Rob Lowe's thoughts in hindsight. Overall I don't know if it told me anything I didn't know or hear before, but it did settle some inner turmoil that I wasn't alone with irrationally liking this show. The greatest drama behind the scenes wasn't a Charlie Sheen disturbance, but the death of John Spencer. Again, it was a love letter, but I liked it.

A beautiful rendering of a deeply touching set of insights into dazzling creativity and caring.

I liked that this book was read and presented by talented actors, Mary and Melissa. They converted a reading to a performance, making it more real and impactful than the words alone could have been. I also liked how heartfelt and value driven were so many of the words and segments. The only thing I didn’t like was that the book came to an end. I would have been delighted if the book, like the series on which it was reporting, could have continued indefinitely.

Behind the scenes!

Such a great, read. well done audiobook! can't wait to start it over. Read by the authors always makes it better!

If You're a Wing Nut & Even if You're Not, You Should Read This.

I'm a huge fan of WW & this look behind the scenes is a great treat. It's like ice cream with all the chocolate you would ever want. Every time I watch Leo's funeral, I can see how hard it was for the entire cast, after you had actually just laid him to rest.
So many lessons on how to treat each other.

West Wing Gold!

Could not have been more thrilled with this book. Loved all the background insights, wonderful stories & how the cast was & still is dedicated to service. It’s inspiring. Thank you for writing this book. You have made this Wing Nut very happy.