Ep 1. We Just Decided To

The Newsroom is an American political drama series created by Aaron Sorkin, which premiered on HBO in 2012. In the first season of the show, viewers are introduced to the inner workings of a fictional cable news program called News Night, which is produced by a team of driven and talented journalists led by anchor Will McAvoy.

The first episode of the series is titled "We Just Decided To," and it sets the tone for the rest of the season. The episode opens with Will McAvoy (played by Jeff Daniels) delivering a speech at a university debate panel alongside a group of other notable journalists. When a young woman in the audience asks him why America is the greatest country in the world, Will delivers a fiery and unexpected response that goes viral on the internet.

Following the debate, Will returns to his office at News Night and discovers that almost his entire research team has jumped ship to work for a rival program. Determined to put on the best show possible, Will and his executive producer Mackenzie MacHale (played by Emily Mortimer) decide to bring in a new team of journalists to replace the ones who left.

The episode also introduces viewers to some of the other key players on the News Night team, including producer Jim Harper (played by John Gallagher Jr.), senior producer Don Keefer (played by Thomas Sadoski), and associate producer Maggie Jordan (played by Alison Pill). Maggie is particularly focused on covering a breaking story involving the BP oil spill, and she works closely with Jim to get the story on air as quickly and accurately as possible.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise between Will and Mackenzie as they struggle to work together effectively. Mackenzie is dealing with her own personal issues, including the recent breakup of her relationship with Will, and she is determined to prove her worth to him and the rest of the News Night team.

Ultimately, the first episode of The Newsroom serves as a strong introduction to the series and its high-stakes, fast-paced world of journalism. With a talented cast, sharp writing, and a compelling storyline, the show promises to deliver a gripping and honest portrayal of the challenges and rewards of reporting the news in the 21st century.