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What's Next

By: Melissa Fitzgerald, Mary McCormack, Aaron Sorkin - foreword, Allison Janney - introduction
Narrated by: Melissa Fitzgerald, Mary McCormack
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Publisher's summary

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 listeners 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.

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

©2023 Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“An entertaining history of the show grounded in extensive interviews with its stars, writers, and crew…the insider stories amuse, and meditations on the show’s legacy highlight its influence on real-life politicos.”—Publishers Weekly

"[This] lively, engaging booktakes a deep dive into the series, including its origin, creators, casting, key episodes from itsseven seasons, and more... Fans of the series (aka “Wingnuts”) will enjoy these on- and off-camera stories, and those who have never watched anepisode will find out what they’ve missed."Booklist

“Mary and Melissa have brought me back to those glorious days on the West Wing set with What’s Next. A perfect storm of talented people lucky enough to find each other in a seminal moment of television history: this wonderful book remembers the 17 hour days and 80 hour weeks and the grind and glory of the impossible pursuit of excellence. We formed a tribe that adored each other and respected each other and elevated each other to heights we could not ever reach alone. What a joy to read from the memories of all our perspectives that bring us right back to stage 23 on the Warner Bros. lot.”–Richard Schiff

What listeners say about What's Next

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  • Overall
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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Yes, I am a WingNut

It's always fun to get a peak behind the curtain of a favorite show, and this book is definitely that. It's hilarious and sentimental.. But it is also so, so much more. Just like the show, this book is both a love letter and a call to public service. Mary Mccormick and Melissa Fitzgerald lovingly share stories that inspire and tangibly encourage us to, borrowing a phrase from former real life FLOTUS Michelle Obama, "Do something!" I could say so much more, but this review is long enough, so I'll just go binge watch the West Wing now (for the 2,162nd time) and leave you to go read and/or listen to "What's Next?". And then go do something.

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The loving narration

I want more!!! There was talk of a sequel and I for one would heartily welcome one.

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I never knew I was a Wingnut

Thank you to the authors. A wonderful, thoughtful and intelligent audio book. Well read and produced. I have to add that the content made me jealous of those who had a direct involvement in The West Wing. What a gift. That said I can still watch, rewatch and. Rewatch. It’s very much intellectual comfort food. If anyone reads this, please pass on my deepest appreciation to Alan Sorkin, Tommy Schlame and John Wells. (Sp?). I’m 73 and this is my first fan letter. Finally, no mater his sins, Martin Sheen is going straight to heaven and John Spenser will be there to meet him.

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If you enjoyed the show, you'll love this book.

Thank you Mary and Melissa and everyone involved for getting this done. This was a joy from beginning to end. Hope there's more someday.

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Wonderful!

This book brought me a lovely mix of laugher at back stage antics and tearing up over talents beloved and lost. The whole West Wing family is wonderful. I may need to go get a physical copy too!

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Wonderful & Emotional trip down the halls of the West Wing

Brava! Bravo! Writers, Directors, Cast & Crew— Thanks for the memories, the laughs, the brilliance & the tears… John Spencer— you are so missed by your devoted fans.

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So good

This was a wonderful book! As one who watched from the beginning, and in these trying times, this book was balm for the soul.

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love the stories, narration trying too hard

I am a HUGE West Wing fan. I watched the original run, I have the entire series on DVD and I rewatch the show on DVD or Max at least three times per year. I loved the behind the scenes stories and bringing all the key moments together. highly recommend for the story. I appreciated and enjoyed Mary's narration and this pains me, but Melissa's was a bit much. forced, over acted. but I appreciate the work they did on bringing this book and these stories to life.

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Great Walk down Memory Lane

I only recently found The West Wing Weekly. But, I had known this book was coming and pre-ordered it. In today's world this was the exact thing my hopeful self needed!! As this book and so many others say, The West Wing reminds me that the world has potential. I also really enjoyed learning more about the characters. I knew they were amazing people on stage, I didn't realize how much respect they also deserve off stage.

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