Price: $35.00 - $16.80
(as of Aug 10, 2025 01:57:21 UTC – Details)
*INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*
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 readers 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.
From the Publisher
Publisher : Dutton
Publication date : August 13, 2024
Language : English
Print length : 608 pages
ISBN-10 : 0593184548
ISBN-13 : 978-0593184547
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 6.25 x 1.9 x 9.3 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #22,129 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #8 in Television Dramas #23 in Civics & Citizenship (Books) #34 in Popular Culture in Social Sciences
Customer Reviews: 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 988 ratings var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
Customers say
Customers find this book to be a must-read for fans of The West Wing, offering interesting behind-the-scenes stories and deep insights into the show’s creation. They appreciate the personal information about the cast members and the book’s focus on public service, with one customer highlighting the cast’s commitment to charity work. Customers praise the book’s readability and conversational style, with one noting how it beautifully captures the camaraderie among the cast and crew.
Brian A. Foster –
I Guess I’m a Wingnut!
I did not watch The West Wing during its initial run on TV. However, I saw some of the final years’ episodes and appreciated the intelligent writing and inspirational nature of the series. I purchased the DVD box set 7-8 years ago and watched it straight through after a depressing year teaching high school students at a challenging school. After watching the series, my faith in humanity was restored. I watched the series straight through again a couple of years ago when I had another bad year of teaching. See a pattern here?So, I purchased “What’s Next?” and was first shocked by its heft. It’s on the heavy side of 600 pages. Notwithstanding, I tore through the book in short order. While the book’s structure takes a little getting used to, the weaving of character lines and inspirational and challenging stories is rather well done. What I discovered—beyond realizing that I now knew some of the famous lines of dialog in the series—was that I am technically a Wingnut, or big fan of the show itself.”What’s Next?” is a reminiscence of the series, with behind-the-scenes information and storylines that explain the cast and crews’ care and love of the show. As I am not in show business, I will take it on faith that such relationships are not common. What we get as readers is a booster shot of inspiration and reflection on how the government and the world could be run better, especially now, early in 2025. The book is well worth reading if you cared for the show or its message, and I strongly recommend that you become—or realize that you already are—a Wingnut!
R. Ackert –
A Must-Read for West Wing Fans and Anyone Who Believes in the Power of Service
What’s Next is a treasure trove for fans of “The West Wing” and anyone interested in the intersection of television, politics, and public service. This book is more than just a behind-the-scenes look at a beloved series; it’s a deep dive into the heart and soul of what made “The West Wing” a cultural phenomenon in the late 90s and early 2000s.Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack take readers on an intimate journey back to President Bartlet’s Oval Office, offering untold stories and fresh commentary that even the most devoted fans will find surprising and delightful. The book beautifully captures the camaraderie among the cast and crew, the dedication to creating a show that stood for decency and honor, and the lasting impact it has had on American culture and civic life.The insights into the show’s creation and the relationships formed on set are both poignant and entertaining, providing a new perspective on TWW episodes. Moreover, the book’s exploration of the show’s legacy, especially its commitment to service and competent leadership, resonates deeply in today’s world.What’s Next is not just a book for “West Wing” aficionados—it’s for anyone who believes in the power of storytelling to inspire real change. Fitzgerald and McCormack have crafted a moving tribute to a show that continues to inspire hope and optimism, encouraging a service-oriented mindset. This book is a fitting celebration of the show’s enduring legacy.
JP –
A must read for fans!
A must read if you’re a fan of the show! The behind the scenes stories are great.
hamnerman –
Hail to the Chief!
If you love The West Wing, this book is truly a unique behind the scenes look at the making of the series as well as the cast & crew’s commitment to both the seriously high quality of the show and their deep belief that public service is a duty. Told in a relaxed, friendly and clever style by the West Wing actresses, Mary McCormack & Melissa Fitzgerald, this book is an easy, engaging & enjoyable read. Highly recommended!
Kim B –
Must have
Must have for any wingnut. Entertaining. Easy read.
gandalfcmk –
Inside THE WEST WING
Since it’s first announcement on AMAZON, many have been waiting more or less patiently for this book. SPOILER ALERT! It was worth the wait! Like a couple of other reviewers here, I am only in the beginning of reading this book, but, while many books of this size can take 60 to 90 pages to get the motors running, Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormadk have the wheels rolling within the first few page with a wonderful writing style that is altogether breezy, engaging, and informative all at once. If you are a chronic fan of THE WEST WING as I am (I’m on the 6th viewing of the first 4 Aaron Sorkin episodes) and are hesitant about buying the book, hesitate no longer: Buy It! The book engages from the Preface and Introduction forward. The writers thoroughly engage the reader with their natural, conversational style. They drape their arms over the reader’s shoulders and guide her or him immediately behind the scenes as Martin Sheen, on the first day of shooting, goes around to introduce himself and exchange a few words with every extra and walk-on in that week’s episode. In addition, tradition on other shows usually dictated that extras and walk-ons would eat different food at a different time in a different location that the rest of the cast. Sheen demanded that ALL participants would eat together with no segregation. Spoiler over! Enjoy the book!
R. Roll –
A must read for wingnuts
If you are a fan of this iconic series do yourself a favor and order this book. Behind the scenes stories abound along with juicy little nuggets throughout. It’s very entertaining to say the least.
G. Ponder –
Not what I expected
I really enjoyed The West Wing and looked forward to listening to a backstage accounting of the show. For the most part, the book is insightful and entertaining. I think the biggest drawback is the amount of plugging the narrator’s offer for social causes. It’s like those segments of YouTube videos devoted to “sponsors”. Content is going well and all of a sudden you get a sales pitch for something and the flow of the story is destroyed. Take away the ads for these organizations and the book is easily a 4 or 4.5 star title.
Jennifer Kerr –
5⭐️ as a “Wingnut” I took my time with this book and savoured every minute of it. I love The West Wing and the stories told in this book are heartfelt and amazing. Chapter 35 had me busting a gut but the chapter devoted to John Spencer had me in tears. This book will be revisited time and time again as I pull out the series to watch once more.
Francisco Jose Pereira –
For those fans of The West Wing a very good insight of the series.
Mr. M. R. Willis –
Just started it and 50 pages in I’m gripped. I love the series so much and it’s seeped into every part ofy being since I first watched it.A fascinating combo of reverence, inside tales, honesty and packed with stuff I didn’t know. And brilliantly written in a readable, erudite and yet chatty style which feels like the reader (as was the viewer) is part of the West Wing family.Can’t wait to read more tonight!I’ve now finished it several months later. And the love for this book as for the series is unbounded. I loved it from start to finish and it’s left me so inspired.My only regret, there wasn’t even more on my favourite episodes or scenes but then the book would be thousands of pages.
S.Barko –
I ordered this (in Germany) as Softcover/Paperback Version. On the back it has the UK Pound price 16.99 printed on, and it totally looks all fine, but there are NO pictures in the book.And I wouldn’t know that there are supposed to be pictures in the book (though I thought that was odd) but on Social Media and such, it seems there should be pictures inside. Digging into that on Reddit, it seems there is a USA Version vs. a UK/Europe Version, and the EU Version has no pictures in it. Not even in the Hard cover version. Which is, frankly, a bummer.Yes, you can find the pics on the internet, but honestly, it is a disappointment. They could have kept the pics and only printed it on to the normal pages (One can assume in the US Version, the pictures are printed on shiny paper and such).The read of the book is great, no complaints about that. A book every TWW Fan should have.
James Finnegan –
What a wonderful celebration of what is perhaps my favorite ever TV series that I still go back to watch.The behind the scenes stories, not only of the Production, Cast and Crew but of lasting friendships and Family are testament to the enduring appeal of this series. That everyone’s commitment to truth and public service went far beyond the written script and performance makes this a true ensemble inspiration.Highly recommended to those seeking a positive outlook of what can, could and should be the voices of our better angels ✒️👏👏👏