The West Wing: 25 Years

It’s hard to believe that The West Wing first premiered 25 years ago. Created by Aaron Sorkin, it left an indelible mark on both television and American political culture. Chronicling the fictional presidency of Josiah “Jed” Bartlet, it became a beloved series not only for its sharp writing and rich characters but also for the idealistic portrayal of what government could be—a sharp contrast to much of the political reality today. As I look back on the 25th anniversary of The West Wing, it’s worth reflecting on its characters, its political themes, and how the world has changed since its debut.

A Compelling Ensemble

At the heart of The West Wing was an ensemble of characters whose dedication to public service captured the imagination of millions. President Bartlet (played by Martin Sheen) was the wise, professorial leader—equal parts compassionate and intellectual. His team included Chief of Staff Leo McGarry (John Spencer), the morally grounded and deeply loyal advisor, and Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford), the Deputy Chief of Staff with an unyielding belief in the system, despite its flaws.

Toby Ziegler (Richard Schiff), the brooding Communications Director, was often the voice of conscience, while C.J. Cregg (Allison Janney), the brilliant and sometimes overwhelmed Press Secretary, brought strength and poise to every press briefing. Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe), the Deputy Communications Director, represented youthful idealism, while Donna Moss (Janel Moloney), Josh’s assistant, was a fan-favourite for her wit and her developing voice in the political landscape.

Together, these characters portrayed a White House staff filled with dedication, humour, and a desire to make government work for the people. Their intelligence and competence stood in stark contrast to many of the political figures we see today, making it a nostalgic but perhaps idealised view of how government should function.

The Politics of The West Wing vs. Today

When The West Wing aired, it reflected a particular political moment in America. The show debuted in 1999 during the Clinton presidency and continued through the early years of George W. Bush’s administration. It painted a picture of a Democratic administration that prized bipartisanship, believed in the power of government to effect positive change, and approached governance with optimism.

Fast forward to the present day, and the political landscape has shifted dramatically. The show’s vision of public service and governance feels distant, particularly during and after the presidency of Donald Trump. Trump’s administration, with its populist, nationalist rhetoric, marked a stark departure from the centrism often depicted in The West Wing. Where Bartlet’s administration was driven by logic, civility, and a certain intellectualism, Trump’s politics were marked by disruption, a rejection of norms, and a reshaping of conservative ideology.

The rise of conservative populism in the U.S. seems a world away from the discussions about policy and governance that defined The West Wing. Today’s politics are far more polarised, with compromise often seen as weakness. While The West Wing featured Republican characters who were principled, thoughtful adversaries (like Ainsley Hayes and Arnold Vinick), today’s political battles feel less civil and more personal. The show’s optimistic faith in institutions and experts is a sharp contrast to the anti-establishment sentiment that characterises much of contemporary conservative politics.

It’s hard not to wonder how The West Wing would handle today’s challenges: fake news, social media-driven polarisation, the decline of trust in institutions, and the rise of populist figures who reject the very idea of governance as depicted by the show. In many ways, the idealism of Bartlet’s White House feels like a relic of a different time.

September 11, 2001

Personally, the most surreal experience associated with The West Wing occurred on September 11, 2001. Living in Australia, I was watching an episode of the show as it was broadcast on a local network late in the evening. As I settled into the familiar rhythms of Bartlet’s White House, the events in New York were just unfolding on the other side of the world.

During the end of act two ad break, there was a newsflash that a plane had struck one tower of the World Trade Centre in New York. The break ended, the show returned, and the moment felt surreal, like it was part of the show. Here I was, immersed in the political fantasy of The West Wing—a world where crises were handled with dignity, calm, and competence. But outside my living room, the real world was spiraling into chaos.

The episode ended, and the local broadcaster switched to a live feed from the United States that showed one tower of the WTC on fire. And like everyone, I watched live as the second plane struck—and the world irrevocably changed.

I remember later reflecting on the contrast. The West Wing characters had faced fictional challenges, but nothing like the raw devastation of September 11. That night, the idealised politics of The West Wing felt like an impossible dream. I think many of us watching felt the same way—that the world we thought we understood was disappearing, and the security and confidence we had once taken for granted were crumbling.

In a sense, the show became both a comfort and a reminder of what we hoped leadership could be—strong, thoughtful, and moral. But that night, the gap between fiction and reality had never felt wider.

Legacy and Looking Forward

Even 25 years later, The West Wing continues to resonate. The show’s sharp writing, compelling characters, and idealistic portrayal of politics are timeless, even if the political world it depicted feels so different from today’s. In an era where cynicism often seems to dominate, The West Wing offers a vision of what we wish politics could be: thoughtful, ethical, and focused on the common good.

As we look back on its legacy, the show serves as a reminder that despite the challenges, there remains the hope that public service can be a noble pursuit. It encourages us to remember that, in the words of President Bartlet, we must continue to ask, “What’s next?” even in the face of adversity.

For those of us who lived through have watched the political world change dramatically over the years since it first aired, The West Wing holds a special place—not just as entertainment, but as a reminder of what could be, even in the face of our most difficult realities.