Starring Martin Sheen and Bradley Whitford,The West Wingran for seven seasons.
After four seasons, however,Sorkin leftThe West Wingteam for professional and personal reasons.
Both shows feature elements that have become hallmarks of Sorkins work.
Both series featured well-developed characters who were passionate about their jobs, making for a compelling watch.
Despite this expectation to succeed,The Newsroomwas still well-liked by many.
Many found it too preachy, taking a more cynical approach to its topic thanThe West Wingdid.
It was viewed as a pretentious critique of journalism instead of a slice-of-life investigation.
WhileThe Newsroomhas many fans, viewers were much more polarized on it and its intentions.
Many found it too preachy, taking a more cynical approach to its topic thanThe West Wingdid.
At the fictional Atlantis Cable News station, lead anchor Will McAvoy and his staff work to put out a news show in the face of each week’s corporate challenges, political tension, and personal conflicts.
It was viewed as a pretentious critique of journalism instead of a slice-of-life investigation.
EvenSorkin regrets makingThe Newsroom, feeling that he never did it justice, and later apologized for the show.
Despite its fans,The Newsroomnever garnered the same widespread acclaimand social impact as Sorkins original show.
This also means his movies and shows often hit the same notes and beats, following similar structures.
Sorkins projects are also usually based in the real world around realistic people and characters.
Shows likeThe NewsroomandThe West Wingcould feasibly be real.
