What's Next: A Backstage Pass to the West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780593184547)

A behind-the-scenes look into the creation and legacy of one of TV's most beloved shows: The West Wing, as told by actors Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack, and cast and crew of the hit series, spotlighting what made the show so great--but even more so, the commitment to service that has made The West Wing, and the 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" exploration of 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, as well as the lifelong friendships it forged and the service it inspired. Most important, it underscores how the series envisaged an American politics of decency and honor, and created an aspirational White House beyond the bounds of fictional television, a tradition that continues today. What's Next will highlight initiatives supported by the cast and crew from justice reform to arts education.

From cast member "origin stories" to the collective, cathartic farewell on the show's final night of filming, and everything in between--annual cast-and-crew trips to Vegas . . . that time the Democratic National Convention came to town--What's Next will delight readers with tales of on-set hijinks 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 reflects on just how resonant The West Wing was at the time and remains to this day. Like the show itself, What's Next is a witty, heartfelt blend of entertainment and inspiration.

Not is The West Wing one of the most beloved shows of all time, it also lit a spark for a generation to get involved in the political process, in service, and in activism of every kind. What's Next revisits beloved episodes with fresh, untold commentary; compiles poignant and hilarious stories from the show's actors, crew, and creators; and makes a powerful case for competent, empathetic leadership, and for hope and optimism in whatever lies ahead.

Author: Melissa Fitzgerald, Mary McCormack
ISBN-10: 0593184548
ISBN-13: 9780593184547
Publisher: Dutton
Language: English
Published: 10/10/2023
Pages: 576
Format: Hardcover

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal Prepub Alert 05/01/2023 pg. 27

About the Author
Melissa Fitzgerald is an actor, producer, and activist who played Assistant Press Secretary Carol Fitzpatrick in all seven seasons of The West Wing. In 2013, Melissa left Hollywood to champion justice system reform. Today, she serves as director of National Association of Drug Court Professionals' Advancing Justice initiative. She has been published in The New York Times and The Washington Post and is a recipient of the Secretary of the Army's Public Service Medal. She lives in Washington, DC.

Mary McCormack is an actor, producer, and activist who played Deputy National Security Advisor Kate Harper on The West Wing. A Tony-nominated Broadway actress, she is known for a diversity of roles across film, television, and theater. Mary is an outspoken advocate for a whole host of causes, from social justice and women's rights to veterans' issues and criminal justice reform. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three daughters.