The West Wingco-showrunner John Wells has discussed the possibility of a revival. Created by Aaron Sorkin,The West Wingdebuted on NBC in September 1999, and went on to become one of the greatest and most critically-acclaimed TV shows of all time, earning 26 Primetime Emmy Awards during its seven-season run.
Considered one of the most influential TV shows ever made, thebest episodes ofThe West Wingwere renowned for their political and social themes, political accuracy, and exploration of both sides of the political spectrum. With many classic shows set for revivals in the coming years, Wells has opened up on the possibility ofThe West Wing’s revival chances.
PerTHR, Wells discussed the possibility of a revival show, and mentioned it’s something he and Sorkin have discussed in the past. He stated that his concern with reviving the show is thatthe current political climate means a show likeThe West Wingwould most likely prove to be too divisivefor modern audiences. Check out his comments below:
Aaron and I have talked about it a number of times. My worry — and never say never — has always been that when the show existed, it was not perceived as one-sided. It was clearly liberal, but it wasn’t progressive. It was actually very centrist. What’s happening now, that’s not the world in which it was written, so I’d be worried that it would be perceived as a statement.
What the show was trying to do is highlight the sacrifice in public service, that these people are really good, well-meaning people, and I don’t think anybody would let us do that in this polarized climate.
What This Means For The Chances Of The West Wing’s Revival Prospects
There is no question thatThe West Winghas had a huge impact on network television since it concluded in 2006. There are manygreat shows likeThe West Wingthat have come out in the years since, including things likeSuccessionandHouse of Cards, but it’s difficult to see how the show would fare in today’s divisive political climate.
Today’s politics are more tribal than ever, particularly in the United States, and Wells is right that the show would probably not sit well with either side of the political spectrum. As such, it is difficult to see howThe West Wingwould fare if it were revived or rebooted today, and it would almost certainly be an entirely different show.
Our Take On The Chances Of A West Wing Revival
ThoughThe West Winghad one of thebest fictional Presidents on televisionin Martin Sheen’s Jed Bartlett, the show would have to pick a side if it were to be revived today, and that would mean alienating half the potential audience base. It would be great to see a show as smart and detailed asThe West Wingreturning to screens, but it feels highly unlikely.
The West Wingfocused on the day-to-day running of the White House and the individuals working closely with the President, but they were largely depicted as good people trying to make a difference in the world. This nuance would be lost in today’s black-and-white political landscape, so it’s unlikelyThe West Wingrevival will ever materialize.
