What's Next cover art

What's Next

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

 Preview

Audible Standard 30-day free trial

Try Standard free
Select 1 audiobook a month from our entire collection.
Listen to your selected audiobooks as long as you're a member.
Get unlimited access to bingeable podcasts.
Standard auto renews for £5.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

What's Next

By: Melissa Fitzgerald, Mary McCormack
Narrated by: Alison Janney, Mary McCormack, Melissa Fitzgerald
Try Standard free

£5.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for £18.89

Buy Now for £18.89

About this listen

 "This is the book The West Wing deserves." Allison Janney

"A joy and a MUST READ for all the Wingnuts out there!" Brad Whitford

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. Includes an exclusive foreword by showrunner Aaron Sorkin and introduction by cast member Allison Janney.

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 colourful "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 super fans 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 honour, 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.

"What's Next is the highest level of access you can get to The West Wing without a background check." Josh Malina

"What's Next is the book we all need right now." Dulé Hill

"Any West Wing fan will adore this book, as will anyone who admires brilliant television and all that it takes to make it. Run and buy What's Next for all the West Wingers in your life!" Janel Moloney©2023 Melissa Fitzgerald & Mary McCormack Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Politics & Government Social Sciences United States World Witty Funny
All stars
Most relevant
I loved this. As a wing nut, this was enthralling, informative and a joy to listen to. A true insight into the history of the show…

Tremendous stroll through memory lane

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
A must listen (or read) for all fans of the West Wing. So many insights, 'fun facts' and background information. Just brilliant.

Brilliant!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I have long been a fan of the West Wing and was pleased that two members of the "West Wing Family" have shared their insights, memories and service experiences.
A great listen read by the authors with a real passion and hope in the results of their efforts.

Entertaining & Thoughtful

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I was so excited to delve back into the world of the West Wing and this didn’t disappoint.
Great stories and from the voices of some of the cast. Just perfect.

West wing fans, it’s a must!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Do you like the TV Series - West Wing? If so, this is the book for you! Not seen it…go watch it…then it’ll be the book for you!

Wonderfully narrated by the beautiful Melissa Fitzgerald (Carol) and the absolutely gorgeous Mary McCormack (Kate) this book is from the cast for us the fans!

Nicely split chapters detailing political involvement by the cast in the real world; and their counterparts in the show!

If you didn’t already love Martin Sheen because of Apocalypse Now, The Departed, and of course Badlands…then by the end of this book you will or just love him more….fabulous stories about his human nature on-set and also the Vegas Trips.

Great research that shows a real love for their time on the programme, this is not a cash-in grab, this is a truly wonderful detailed look at some of the best episodes and learning more about the creation, the players and more.

Loved it! Will listen again!

Wingnut Nuggets!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews