
What's Next
A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service
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Narrated by:
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Melissa Fitzgerald
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Mary McCormack
About this listen
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 AudioListeners also enjoyed...
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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
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By: Carl Bernstein, and others
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George V
- Never a Dull Moment
- By: Jane Ridley
- Narrated by: Joanna David
- Length: 22 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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The grandfather of Queen Elizabeth II, King George V reigned over the British Empire from 1910 to 1936, a period of unprecedented international turbulence. Yet no one could deny that as a young man, George seemed uninspired. As his biographer Harold Nicolson famously put it, "he did nothing at all but kill animals and stick in stamps.” The contrast between him and his flamboyant, hedonistic, playboy father Edward VII could hardly have been greater.
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great but long listen
- By aleks r on 02-23-22
By: Jane Ridley
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Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions
- My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood
- By: Ed Zwick
- Narrated by: Ed Zwick
- Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
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Though there are many factors behind such success, including luck and the contributions of his creative partner Marshall Herskovitz, he’s known to have a special talent for bringing out the best in the people he’s worked with, notably the actors. In those intense collaborations, he seeks to discover the small pieces of connective tissue, vulnerability, and fellowship that can help an actor realize their character in full.
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Authentic, Sobering & Full of Grace
- By David_Leah Wiley on 02-17-24
By: Ed Zwick
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Welcome to Pawnee
- Stories of Friendship, Waffles, and Parks and Recreation
- By: Jim O'Heir
- Narrated by: Jim O'Heir, George Newbern, Eva Kaminsky, and others
- Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
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For seven seasons, Leslie Knope and the Parks and Recreation gang charmed millions of viewers with their quirky antics and unwavering positivity. The sitcom continues to be a fan-favorite for streaming services today, nearly a decade after its finale. Now for the first time, Jim O’Heir, who played the lovable Jerry (or, well, Garry/Larry/Terry/Barry, depending on the episode), invites listeners back to Pawnee for an exclusive look behind the scenes.
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Misleading
- By Amazon Customer on 02-27-25
By: Jim O'Heir
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Countdown 1960
- The Behind-the-Scenes Story of the 312 Days That Changed America's Politics Forever
- By: Chris Wallace, Mitch Weiss - contributor
- Narrated by: Dylan Baker, Chris Wallace
- Length: 14 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
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It’s January 2, 1960: the day that Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy declared his candidacy; and with this opening scene, Chris Wallace offers listeners a front-row seat to history. From the challenge of primary battles in a nation that had never elected a Catholic president, to the intense machinations of the national conventions—where JFK chose Lyndon B. Johnson as his running mate over the impassioned objections of his brother Bobby—this is a nonfiction political thriller filled with intrigue, cinematic action, and fresh reporting.
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Better books on the 60s
- By Customer - Reader on 02-22-25
By: Chris Wallace, and others
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Surely You Can't Be Serious
- The True Story of Airplane!
- By: David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, Jerry Zucker
- Narrated by: "Weird Al" Yankovic, Arne Schmidt, Barry Diller, and others
- Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
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Surely You Can’t Be Serious is the first-ever oral history of the making of Airplane! by the creators, and of the beginnings of the ZAZ trio (Zucker, Abrahams, Zucker) – charting the rise of their comedy troupe Kentucky Fried Theater in Madison, Wisconsin all the way to premiere night. The directors explain what drew them to filmmaking and in particular, comedy.
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Absolutely fantastic
- By A. Soergel on 10-11-23
By: David Zucker, and others
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Carson the Magnificent
- By: Bill Zehme, Mike Thomas
- Narrated by: Johnny Heller
- Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
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In 2002, Bill Zehme landed one of the most coveted assignments for a magazine writer: an interview with Johnny Carson—the only one he’d granted since retiring from hosting The Tonight Show a decade earlier. Zehme was tapped for the Esquire feature story thanks to his years of legendary celebrity profiles, and the resulting piece portrayed Carson as more human being than showbiz legend. Shortly after Carson’s death in 2005 and urged on by many of those closest to Carson, Zehme signed a contract to do an expansive biography.
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Meh
- By Pklinkne on 11-08-24
By: Bill Zehme, and others
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Cunk on Everything
- The Encyclopedia Philomena
- By: Philomena Cunk
- Narrated by: Philomena Cunk
- Length: 5 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
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Once in a blue moon, a book comes along that changes the world. The Origin of Species. War and Peace. 1984. And now, Cunk on Everything: The Encyclopedia Philomena, by Philomena Cunk. Philomena Cunk is one of the greatest thinkers of the 21st century, and in Cunk on Everything she turns her attention to our biggest issue: why are there so many books? Wouldn't it be better if there was just one? This is that book—an encyclopedia of all human knowledge, delving into not only life's greatest mysteries but our most important political figures and cultural touchstones.
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Very funny!
- By Scott E on 09-28-23
By: Philomena Cunk
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Live from New York
- The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live as Told by Its Stars, Writers, and Guests
- By: James Andrew Miller, Tom Shales
- Narrated by: Christina Delaine, Paul Woodson
- Length: 28 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
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When first published to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, Live from New York was immediately proclaimed the best book ever produced on the landmark and legendary late-night show. In their own words, unfiltered and uncensored, a dazzling galaxy of trail-blazing talents recalled three turbulent decades of on-camera antics and off-camera escapades.
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The First Forty Years ... and Counting
- By Dubi on 10-21-18
By: James Andrew Miller, and others
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Cinema Speculation
- By: Quentin Tarantino
- Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini, Quentin Tarantino
- Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
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In addition to being among the most celebrated of contemporary filmmakers, Quentin Tarantino is possibly the most joyously infectious movie lover alive. For years he has touted in interviews his eventual turn to writing books about films. Now, with Cinema Speculation, the time has come, and the results are everything his passionate fans—and all movie lovers—could have hoped for. Organized around key American films from the 1970s, all of which he first saw as a young moviegoer at the time, this book is as intellectually rigorous and insightful as it is rollicking and entertaining.
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A letdown I didn't see coming.
- By polycow on 11-03-22
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Cutting for Stone
- A Novel
- By: Abraham Verghese
- Narrated by: Sunil Malhotra
- Length: 23 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
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Marion and Shiva Stone are twin brothers born of a secret union between a beautiful Indian nun and a brash British surgeon. Orphaned by their mother’s death and their father’s disappearance, bound together by a preternatural connection and a shared fascination with medicine, the twins come of age as Ethiopia hovers on the brink of revolution.
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An Epic Medical Novel
- By Audiophile on 07-11-09
By: Abraham Verghese
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The Third Gilmore Girl
- A Memoir
- By: Kelly Bishop, Amy Sherman-Palladino - foreword
- Narrated by: Kelly Bishop
- Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
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Kelly Bishop’s long, storied career has been defined by landmark achievements, from winning a Tony Award for her turn in the original Broadway cast of A Chorus Line to her memorable performance as Jennifer Grey’s mother in Dirty Dancing. But it is probably her iconic role as matriarch Emily in the modern classic Gilmore Girls that cemented her legacy. Now, Bishop reflects on her remarkable life and looks towards the future with The Third Gilmore Girl. She shares some of her greatest stories and the life lessons she’s learned on her journey.
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Now that’s a life
- By Stephen Gonzalez on 09-23-24
By: Kelly Bishop, and others
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The JFK Conspiracy
- The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy—and Why It Failed
- By: Brad Meltzer, Josh Mensch
- Narrated by: Scott Brick
- Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
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Kennedy, the thirty-fifth president of the United States, is often ranked among Americans’ most well-liked presidents. Yet what most Americans don’t know is that JFK’s historic presidency almost ended before it began—at the hands of a disgruntled sociopathic loner armed with dynamite. On December 11, 1960, shortly after Kennedy’s election and before his inauguration, a retired postal worker named Richard Pavlick waited in his car—a parked Buick—on a quiet street in Palm Beach, Florida.
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Pretty Good But With Some Errors
- By Scott on 01-29-25
By: Brad Meltzer, and others
What listeners say about What's Next
Highly rated for:
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- dcp
- 09-19-24
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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- Monty Nickerson
- 08-16-24
The loving narration
I want more!!! There was talk of a sequel and I for one would heartily welcome one.
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- Mary Grace Pennella
- 10-31-24
This wingnut is so happy this book was written!!
where do I start? it was a delightful visit with old friends and a wonderful introduction to so many who made this great show possible. thank you Melissa and Mary and ALL involved in The West Wing.
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- Micha
- 11-17-24
Joy filled
Backstage stories and inspiring true stories of service offer hope in a world where so many seem to be focused on self.
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- H.Lione
- 02-04-25
Wonderful Peek Behind the Scenes
Tremendous storytelling and narration! Truly enjoyed the walk down the memory lane of the West Wing!
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- Cal Rastall
- 09-29-24
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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- Dorothée
- 10-28-24
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!
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- H. Jason
- 11-06-24
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.
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- Amy Dawson
- 09-17-24
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.
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- ECW30
- 09-10-24
Great way to relive The West Wing
Thank you, Mary and Melissa! I bet everyone will love the back stories and vignettes about each season, and main episodes as much as I did. In your next audio edition, please have Martin read his own closing lines. He's simply the best. Congratulations to all of you for your dedication to supporting charities aimed at making this country and the world better for all, and accessible to those in much need.
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