The West Wing

Watch The West Wing

  • TV-14
  • 1999
  • 7 Seasons
  • 8.9  (87,298)

The West Wing is a critically acclaimed political drama series that aired on NBC from 1999 to 2006. The show was created by Aaron Sorkin and produced by John Wells, and it starred Martin Sheen, Richard Schiff, and Dulé Hill among others. The West Wing centered around the inner workings of the White House, specifically the West Wing where the President's staff members worked. The series was set during the administration of President Josiah Bartlet (played by Martin Sheen), a Democratic President who served two terms in office.

The West Wing was known for its sharp writing, fast-paced dialogue, and its ability to tackle complex political issues with intelligence and nuance. The show tackled a wide range of issues, including gun control, education, healthcare, foreign policy, and the separation of church and state. The show was also known for its examination of the relationships between the President and his staff members, as well as the tension and drama that often occurs within the White House.

One of the core features of The West Wing was its ensemble cast. In addition to Martin Sheen as President Bartlet, the show also starred Richard Schiff as Communications Director Toby Ziegler, Dulé Hill as Presidential Aide Charlie Young, Allison Janney as Press Secretary C.J. Cregg, and Bradley Whitford as Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman. Each character brought a unique perspective and set of skills to the table, and the show often depicted them working together to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Another notable aspect of The West Wing was its attention to detail, particularly when it came to political and policy matters. The show benefited from a team of political consultants who worked to ensure that the show's depictions of political processes and procedures were accurate and realistic. As a result, the show was often praised for its ability to educate viewers about complex political issues while still entertaining them with witty and engaging storylines.

The West Wing was also notable for its ability to balance drama and humor. While the show tackled weighty topics, it also had a great deal of humor and levity, often provided by characters such as Toby Ziegler and Josh Lyman. The show was able to seamlessly transition from scenes of high-stakes political maneuvering to moments of comedic relief, which added to its overall charm and appeal.

Overall, The West Wing was a groundbreaking and influential television series that set the standard for political drama. Its intelligent writing, talented ensemble cast, and dedication to accuracy and detail made it a beloved series that continues to be celebrated and studied to this day. If you're a fan of gripping drama and smart political discourse, The West Wing is a must-watch series that is sure to leave an indelible mark on your viewing habits.

The West Wing is a series that ran for 7 seasons (156 episodes) between September 22, 1999 and on

The West Wing
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Seasons
Tomorrow
22. Tomorrow
May 14, 2006
As the Bartlet administration prepares to make their exit, the staff pauses to look back on their past 8 years working in the West Wing. Meanwhile, the incoming Santos administration nervously awaits the inauguration, and then Santos' staff take their new positions and offices in the White House.
Institutional Memory
21. Institutional Memory
May 7, 2006
With Santos' inauguration nearing and the Bartlet administration preparing to leave the White House, C.J., as well as the other staff members, has to decide what to do with her future. Meanwhile, Andy asks Bartlet to pardon Toby so he won't be faced with jail time, and C.J. and Danny talk about their relationship.
The Last Hurrah
20. The Last Hurrah
April 30, 2006
While Santos debates who to choose as his Vice President, Helen has to deal with her new duties as First Lady and new issues the First Family are facing. Meanwhile, Vinick has to figure out what to do now that the election is over.
Transition
19. Transition
April 23, 2006
The White House is shocked when the President-Elect calls the President of China, taking a different position on foreign policy than that of President Bartlet. Meanwhile, Josh debates who to choose as deputy Chief of Staff.
Requiem
18. Requiem
April 16, 2006
In the wake of Leo's death, the current staff, as well as staff members from the past, join President Bartlet at Leo's funeral. Meanwhile, Santos must deal with the loss of his running mate.
Election Day, Part 2
17. Election Day, Part 2
April 9, 2006
As the polls close and results begin to trickle in, tensions, as well as emotions, fly. Santos and Josh deal with the loss of the Vice Presidential Candidate, and Vinick argues with his campaign team. Meanwhile, the First Lady and Liz Bartlet-Westin eagerly await the results of Doug's campaign for Congress.
Election Day, Part 1
16. Election Day, Part 1
April 2, 2006
During the night before Election Day, C.J. is faced with choosing between job offers, Josh stresses over the returns, and Annabeth makes a shocking discovery.
Welcome to Wherever You Are
15. Welcome to Wherever You Are
March 26, 2006
Toby is pressured to reveal the source of the shuttle leak; as election day nears, Santos pushes himself to his limit while on the campaign trial.
Two Weeks Out
14. Two Weeks Out
March 19, 2006
As election day nears, the candidates begin to feel the strain of the campaign trail. Despite the lack of sleep and physical ailments, the candidates are forced to make difficult campaign choices. Things take an unexpected turn when Vinick finds an opportunity to hurt the Santos campaign.
The Cold
13. The Cold
March 12, 2006
The candidates are surprised at their poll ratings after a close call at the San Andreo nuclear plant. Meanwhile, Bartlet debates whether or not to send U.S. troops to Central Asia to keep the peace between China and Russia in their continuing battle over Kazakhstan.
Duck And Cover
12. Duck And Cover
January 22, 2006
With the possibility of a nuclear reactor exploding in California, the presidential hopefuls struggle try to come up with a strategy to deal with the impending disaster while President Bartlet faces the problem as well. Meanwhile, Kate keeps close watch on Russia and China fighting over Kazakhstan.
Internal Displacement
11. Internal Displacement
January 15, 2006
C.J., while in the middle of the China-Russia crisis, must deal with embarrassing information about a Bartlet all while monitoring the conditions in the Sudan. Meanwhile, Josh goes to Will for help with the campaign, and C.J. and Danny go to dinner together.
Running Mates
10. Running Mates
January 8, 2006
As the staff prepares for Leo's Vice-Presidential debate, they must deal with Internet criticism that Leo is weak and unfocused. Meanwhile, when Santos stops by his home while on the campaign trail, he and Helen must learn to cope with the new security surrounding their home as well as problems that Jorge Santos, Matt's brother, may cause them.
The Wedding
9. The Wedding
December 11, 2005
On the day of Ellie's wedding, Bartlet must try to help an escalating situation between China and Russia regarding oil all while preparing for his daughter wedding at the White House. Meanwhile, as Election day approaches, the Santos campaign begins to question Josh's leadership, threatening his job.
Undecideds
8. Undecideds
December 4, 2005
After the boost from the debate, Santos runs into trouble when he visits a Los Angeles community where a young African-American boy was shot and killed by a Latino police officer. Meanwhile, Ellie continues to plan her wedding, and C.J. deals with a crisis between China and Kazakhstan.
The Debate
7. The Debate
November 6, 2005
Santos and Vinick go head-to-head in a live, primetime debate. Two versions, one for the East coast and one for the West coast aired, moderated by Forrest Sawyer and hosted by Ellen Degeneres.
The Al Smith Dinner
6. The Al Smith Dinner
October 30, 2005
An attack ad on Santos sponsored by a pro-life organization puts both campaigns in a bind when the focus turns to the candidates' stance on abortion. Donna joins the Santos campaign team, but is hired by Lou, not Josh. Meanwhile, Will takes over Toby's old job and is forced to face the press buzz surrounding the leak investigation.
Here Today
5. Here Today
October 23, 2005
As the White House copes with the knowledge of the leak, Babish's questioning leads Toby to call his lawyer. Josh, with the persuasion of Lou, decides that the Santos' campaign must clean house, and is forced to make hard decisions about who out of the young, inexperienced staff should go. Meanwhile, Bartlet and Abbey meet Ellie's fiancée, and Kate confronts Frost about his ambush on C.J.
Mr. Frost
4. Mr. Frost
October 16, 2005
C.J. has to deal with issues by herself when most of the White House staff is subpoenaed to testify in the leak investigation. A Palestinian leader is assassinated and Bartlet, despite major security issues, decides to attend the funeral. Meanwhile, C.J. is given intelligence information, and the public response to Santos' answer to an intelligent design question bothers Josh, though the rest of the staff is unaffected.
Message Of The Week
3. Message Of The Week
October 9, 2005
Weeks into the campaign, Vinick decides to begin targeting immigration - an issue that Santos hasn't yet addressed. Santos pulls a stunt which leads to higher approval ratings and throws off the Vinick campaign. Meanwhile, Vinick has a meeting with Charles Frost.
The Mommy Problem
2. The Mommy Problem
October 2, 2005
When the Grand Jury convenes on the military leak investigation, Santos and Vinick are left to deal with the fallout. Vinick deftly handles the issue, but Santos, bound by party loyalty, is forced to take the same stance as the Bartlet administration.
The Ticket
1. The Ticket
September 25, 2005
Political commentators begin to criticize Santos' choice of running mate, but Josh remains sure of Leo as his running mate. The investigation into the leak continues and White House Council Babbish interviews C.J. about the investigation. Meanwhile, Donna approaches Josh for a job.
Description
Where to Watch The West Wing
The West Wing is available for streaming on the website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The West Wing on demand at Max, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    September 22, 1999
  • IMDB Rating
    8.9  (87,298)