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The West Wing Script Book
First-time publication of 8 full scripts from the hit NBC showwinner of 9 Emmy Awards, including Best Drama writingselected and introduced by the acclaimed show creator and screenwriter of The American President and A Few Good Men. Here is the first collection of scripts from the show's first two seasons, including the Emmy Award-winning episode "In Excelsis Deo." The NBC show, named "TV Show of the Year" by Entertainment Weekly , stars Rob Lowe, Dule Hill, Allison Janney, Janel Moloney, John Spencer, Richard Schiff, Bradley Whitford, and Martin Sheen. Reviewers and fans of The West Wing agree that one of the very best aspects of this series is its writing, which blends an unstoppable sense of urgency with strong character development against the background of the day-to-day activities of the highest office in the country. In this book, readers can revisit their favorite episodes, following the fictional American President Bartlet and his key White House staff, his family, and the press as they deal with the urgencies of the moment. As compelling to read as they are to watch, these scripts represent the most complete source for the writers' and creators' visions. 20 b/w photos.
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First published June 1, 2002
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About the author
Aaron Sorkin
23 books266 followersAaron Benjamin Sorkin is an American screenwriter, producer and playwright, whose works include A Few Good Men, The American President, The West Wing, Sports Night and The Farnsworth Invention.
After graduating from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre in 1983, Sorkin spent much of the 1980s in New York as a struggling, largely unemployed actor. He found his passion in writing plays, and quickly established himself as a young promising playwright. His stageplay A Few Good Men caught the attention of Hollywood producer David Brown, who bought the film rights before the play even premiered.
Castle Rock Entertainment hired Sorkin to adapt A Few Good Men for the big screen. The movie, directed by Rob Reiner, became a box office success. Sorkin spent the early 1990s writing two other screenplays at Castle Rock for the films Malice and The American President. In the mid-1990s he worked as a script doctor on films such as Schindler's List and Bulworth. In 1998 his television career began when he created the comedy series Sports Night for the ABC network. Sports Night's second season was its last, and in 1999 overlapped with the debut of Sorkin's next TV series, the political drama The West Wing, this time for the NBC network. The West Wing won multiple Emmy Awards, and continued for three more seasons after he left the show at the end of its fourth season in 2003. He returned to television in 2006 with the dramedy Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, about the backstage drama at a late night sketch comedy show, once again for the NBC network. While Sorkin's return was met with high expectations and a lot of early online buzz before Studio 60's premiere, NBC did not renew it after its first season in which it suffered from low ratings and mixed reception in the press and on the Internet. His most recent feature film screenplay is Charlie Wilson's War.
After more than a decade away from the theatre, Sorkin returned to adapt for the stage his screenplay The Farnsworth Invention, which started a workshop run at La Jolla Playhouse in February 2007 and which opened on Broadway in December 2007.
He battled with a cocaine addiction for many years, but after a highly publicized arrest he received treatment in a drug diversion program and rid himself of drug dependence. In television, Sorkin is known as a controlling writer, who rarely shares the job of penning teleplays with other writers. His writing staff are more likely to do research and come up with stories for him to tell. His trademark rapid-fire dialogue and extended monologues are complemented, in television, by frequent collaborator Thomas Schlamme's characteristic visual technique called the "Walk and Talk".
After graduating from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre in 1983, Sorkin spent much of the 1980s in New York as a struggling, largely unemployed actor. He found his passion in writing plays, and quickly established himself as a young promising playwright. His stageplay A Few Good Men caught the attention of Hollywood producer David Brown, who bought the film rights before the play even premiered.
Castle Rock Entertainment hired Sorkin to adapt A Few Good Men for the big screen. The movie, directed by Rob Reiner, became a box office success. Sorkin spent the early 1990s writing two other screenplays at Castle Rock for the films Malice and The American President. In the mid-1990s he worked as a script doctor on films such as Schindler's List and Bulworth. In 1998 his television career began when he created the comedy series Sports Night for the ABC network. Sports Night's second season was its last, and in 1999 overlapped with the debut of Sorkin's next TV series, the political drama The West Wing, this time for the NBC network. The West Wing won multiple Emmy Awards, and continued for three more seasons after he left the show at the end of its fourth season in 2003. He returned to television in 2006 with the dramedy Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, about the backstage drama at a late night sketch comedy show, once again for the NBC network. While Sorkin's return was met with high expectations and a lot of early online buzz before Studio 60's premiere, NBC did not renew it after its first season in which it suffered from low ratings and mixed reception in the press and on the Internet. His most recent feature film screenplay is Charlie Wilson's War.
After more than a decade away from the theatre, Sorkin returned to adapt for the stage his screenplay The Farnsworth Invention, which started a workshop run at La Jolla Playhouse in February 2007 and which opened on Broadway in December 2007.
He battled with a cocaine addiction for many years, but after a highly publicized arrest he received treatment in a drug diversion program and rid himself of drug dependence. In television, Sorkin is known as a controlling writer, who rarely shares the job of penning teleplays with other writers. His writing staff are more likely to do research and come up with stories for him to tell. His trademark rapid-fire dialogue and extended monologues are complemented, in television, by frequent collaborator Thomas Schlamme's characteristic visual technique called the "Walk and Talk".
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 19, 2013
Aaron Sorkin has famously remarked that a writer's job is to captivate you for however long he (or she) has asked for your attention. Consider us captivated, sir. The West Wing Script Book is a selection of the best teleplays from the series' first two seasons (including the masterful "Two Cathedrals," which James Lipton once described without too much hyperbole as "the finest hour of television ever produced"). These then are the polished, elegant drafts of those hours - the crisp, perfectly paced and all-around sparkling repartee that flowed like champagne over the lips of great actors like Martin Sheen, John Spencer, Allison Janney, Richard Schiff and so many more who trod the boards of those amazing Warner Bros. soundstages.
In brief introductions to each teleplay, Sorkin teases us with a few behind-the-scenes anecdotes of how the series came together. It's fascinating to learn that its genesis was in a casual conversation over a movie poster and a pitch meeting at which Sorkin had nothing prepared and was forced to spitball. Some day someone will write a definitive history of this epic filmed exploration of the American presidency, but for now, Wingnuts will have to satisfy themselves with the occasionally contradictory bits and pieces offered here and in other works like Rob Lowe's Stories I Only Tell My Friends.
But that's not why you're here. You're here to watch President Bartlet curse God in Latin. You're here to see his senior staff come together emotionally (and historically) as they wait in terrified anticipation for Josh Lyman to recover from a gunshot wound. You are here, to put it bluntly, to see the blueprints of greatness (and note with a chuckle the peculiar way Sorkin spells "sit down" in dialogue.) Sorkin himself would argue that his words mean nothing without the hundreds of other talented cast and crew who assembled them into what unspooled over NBC weeknights for seven years running, and continues to be held up as an aspirational example of the power of what government can do when smart and dedicated people who believe in it are in charge. But in the beginning was the word. And so, good reader, FADE IN.
In brief introductions to each teleplay, Sorkin teases us with a few behind-the-scenes anecdotes of how the series came together. It's fascinating to learn that its genesis was in a casual conversation over a movie poster and a pitch meeting at which Sorkin had nothing prepared and was forced to spitball. Some day someone will write a definitive history of this epic filmed exploration of the American presidency, but for now, Wingnuts will have to satisfy themselves with the occasionally contradictory bits and pieces offered here and in other works like Rob Lowe's Stories I Only Tell My Friends.
But that's not why you're here. You're here to watch President Bartlet curse God in Latin. You're here to see his senior staff come together emotionally (and historically) as they wait in terrified anticipation for Josh Lyman to recover from a gunshot wound. You are here, to put it bluntly, to see the blueprints of greatness (and note with a chuckle the peculiar way Sorkin spells "sit down" in dialogue.) Sorkin himself would argue that his words mean nothing without the hundreds of other talented cast and crew who assembled them into what unspooled over NBC weeknights for seven years running, and continues to be held up as an aspirational example of the power of what government can do when smart and dedicated people who believe in it are in charge. But in the beginning was the word. And so, good reader, FADE IN.
April 13, 2020
Bought this (and its season 3/4 companion) at the height of my obsession with THE WEST WING, though my love has now simmered in to a warm flame that gives off nostalgia as much as light or warmth. I can’t not love this show, even if at my remove I can now see and admit to the show’s not-insignificant flaws. I know these episodes like oft-played scores — I know their cadences and their tonal shifts and their quirks and every line of dialogue. They are all excellent episodes.
And it’s all here on paper. Which makes the reading of these scripts rather curious: they almost read like novelizations (teleplayzations?) of the final show itself, rather than the thing from which the episode sprang. I had always known these episodes to be well written, but I’m left at the end finding myself more in awe of the editing, the acting, the directing that filled in the gaps — there’s not a lot *in* a screenplay, even an Aaron Sorokin screenplay, so you’re left with an odd appreciation for everyone who isn’t the screenwriter. He gives a cue, but everyone else bring it to life.
Not that his writing isn’t great. It is. There’s even great writing outside TV dialogue, like his description of everyone’s attendance at Margaret’s funeral. And his gift for finding human drama in the ostensible soup of political drama is uncanny. Still, there’s not much *new* here, since these scripts hew so closely to their final episodes. I liked learning that Tony is supposed to “crack up” near the end of 17 People as a way of easing the tension — a choice I’m glad they didn’t fully embrace — but moments of deviation are rare.
You’re better off watching these episode than reading them, unless you’re a diehard fan.
And it’s all here on paper. Which makes the reading of these scripts rather curious: they almost read like novelizations (teleplayzations?) of the final show itself, rather than the thing from which the episode sprang. I had always known these episodes to be well written, but I’m left at the end finding myself more in awe of the editing, the acting, the directing that filled in the gaps — there’s not a lot *in* a screenplay, even an Aaron Sorokin screenplay, so you’re left with an odd appreciation for everyone who isn’t the screenwriter. He gives a cue, but everyone else bring it to life.
Not that his writing isn’t great. It is. There’s even great writing outside TV dialogue, like his description of everyone’s attendance at Margaret’s funeral. And his gift for finding human drama in the ostensible soup of political drama is uncanny. Still, there’s not much *new* here, since these scripts hew so closely to their final episodes. I liked learning that Tony is supposed to “crack up” near the end of 17 People as a way of easing the tension — a choice I’m glad they didn’t fully embrace — but moments of deviation are rare.
You’re better off watching these episode than reading them, unless you’re a diehard fan.
May 24, 2010
Loved, LOVED The West Wing (the Sorkin years). Besides being smart entertainment, it really helped me hold on to my political idealism through the soul-destroying Bush administration.
Aaron Sorkin is my god. "Two Cathedrals" just gives me chills. You can tell how much his writing drove the show - even in this bare bones form, the personalities and the action come blazing through. While I don't generally condone recreational drug use, if that's what Sorkin needs to write like this, I say let him have whatever he wants. (Studio 60, which he wrote while sober and angry, was incredibly bad. In fact, I still feel personally offended by how bad it was. And yet I watched it to the bitter end, such is my love for him.)
Aaron Sorkin is my god. "Two Cathedrals" just gives me chills. You can tell how much his writing drove the show - even in this bare bones form, the personalities and the action come blazing through. While I don't generally condone recreational drug use, if that's what Sorkin needs to write like this, I say let him have whatever he wants. (Studio 60, which he wrote while sober and angry, was incredibly bad. In fact, I still feel personally offended by how bad it was. And yet I watched it to the bitter end, such is my love for him.)
December 23, 2023
The West Wing is, in all forms, superb.
I had thought that reading the scripts would be a dry experience, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Sorkin's writing leaps off the page along with my memories of hiw the actors delivered the lines, and the introductory text for each episode made them better still.
I had thought that reading the scripts would be a dry experience, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Sorkin's writing leaps off the page along with my memories of hiw the actors delivered the lines, and the introductory text for each episode made them better still.
Read
July 5, 2008Great book. Seen all the episodes, but it was still great to read Aaron's short-but-witty little intros to each script. Also loved his dedication, especially, "And Tommy did some things". Great snippet of a conversation he had with Martin Sheen, haha XD
I dunno, it was a good read, but I do wish we'd had more background info, you know, random trivia, what was going through his mind as he wrote it.
I also noticed some errors, so I take it these weren't the edited scripts? (Seeing as Charlie appeared in the Pilot, before he was even hired...)
Still, obviously 5 stars seeing as it's AARON and nothing he writes can ever be bad. :)
I dunno, it was a good read, but I do wish we'd had more background info, you know, random trivia, what was going through his mind as he wrote it.
I also noticed some errors, so I take it these weren't the edited scripts? (Seeing as Charlie appeared in the Pilot, before he was even hired...)
Still, obviously 5 stars seeing as it's AARON and nothing he writes can ever be bad. :)
February 7, 2020
This is by far the single best TV pilot script I've read. Very well known showrunners suggest reading and rereading this shows script because it's so educational. Its flawless.
Aaron Sorkin, like Tarantino, just has a gift for dialogue and writing. Both are similar in approaching scripts like novels.
I can't say enough about reading the pilot. So much is established in just a pilot. The world building, the characters especially, and the fantastic rapid fire dialogue. You can see the show vividly as you read this and see how alive or 3D the characters are written. Please, for anyone writing screenplays or aspiring to, you must read the pilot at the very least. Sensational.
Aaron Sorkin, like Tarantino, just has a gift for dialogue and writing. Both are similar in approaching scripts like novels.
I can't say enough about reading the pilot. So much is established in just a pilot. The world building, the characters especially, and the fantastic rapid fire dialogue. You can see the show vividly as you read this and see how alive or 3D the characters are written. Please, for anyone writing screenplays or aspiring to, you must read the pilot at the very least. Sensational.
October 10, 2023
I read this book because I’m taking a screenwriting class and I figured it would be helpful for me to get the formatting of walking and talking down.
It’s kinda basic but I’ve always been a huge fan of this tv show, and the Newsroom, by Aaron Sorkin. Idk if it’s the sincerity or the feeling of politics as importance or what but it gets me in the heart every time.
This was no different. I was so surprised how well the emotion translated onto the page. It felt almost as real as watching it on a screen.
The selection of scripts was also well done. There was nice variety and I feel like they picked some of the best ones. Well done! This was really fun to read.
It’s kinda basic but I’ve always been a huge fan of this tv show, and the Newsroom, by Aaron Sorkin. Idk if it’s the sincerity or the feeling of politics as importance or what but it gets me in the heart every time.
This was no different. I was so surprised how well the emotion translated onto the page. It felt almost as real as watching it on a screen.
The selection of scripts was also well done. There was nice variety and I feel like they picked some of the best ones. Well done! This was really fun to read.
December 5, 2020
I bought this book after watching the TV series and enjoying it.
Reading the scripts whilst recalling the episodes was an interesting experience - if only to correct some of my miss-hearing of dialogue.
The dialogue - short, clipped and to the point - takes your breath away sometimes. Sometimes the writing is so good, its enough to make you weep.
Excellent collection of modern television writing - better than some examples of highly regarded and unreadable modern literature. (Honest).
Reading the scripts whilst recalling the episodes was an interesting experience - if only to correct some of my miss-hearing of dialogue.
The dialogue - short, clipped and to the point - takes your breath away sometimes. Sometimes the writing is so good, its enough to make you weep.
Excellent collection of modern television writing - better than some examples of highly regarded and unreadable modern literature. (Honest).
December 15, 2019
I love The West Wing. These six scripts brought back some wonderful memories. I could hear and see the cast members doing their lines as I read. It is a beautifully crafted, well-written, well-acted drama that is certainly one of the best television has ever seen.
August 12, 2010
That Sorkin can write! I read these scripts and watch this show over and over again. I hope one day to be able to write this well, but for now all I can do is imitate, and poorly at that.
February 10, 2024
I found myself just as captivated by the words on the page as I did watching them unfold on the screen. Two Cathedrals remains one of my favorite pieces of television ever written, I was sobbing while reading it. The characters of Landingham and Bartlett are just so beautifully rendered.
April 4, 2020
How can it be anything but 5 stars.
December 6, 2021
So nice to relive some of my favorite episodes.
May 23, 2024
what's fkn next!!!!!
September 1, 2024
Six exceptional scripts from what remains the best TV series.
May 18, 2021
I read great authors. Script writing is a challenging occupation. Of the best Aaron Sorkin is one of the best. He wrote the first four seasons. When the 5th season started I could tell he was no longer involved the the actual writing. The six teleplays in the above book are exceptional. This series should be high school required viewing. Script books are a discipline more for a director and/or actors. If you read a script book I suggest you do so as if you were going to direct the screenplay. I could not recommend it more highly.
March 16, 2016
Pour les fans de la série seulement.
Le livre comprend les scénarios de 6 épisodes emblématiques des saisons 1 & 2, avec quelques commentaires de Sorkins en début de page.
J'ai beaucoup aimé lire ces scénarios, et même si Sorkin dit au début du livre que finalement ses mots ne valent rien sans la réalisation, les acteurs et les décors, on se rend quand même compte de la puissance de ses mots et de ses dialogues !
Le livre comprend les scénarios de 6 épisodes emblématiques des saisons 1 & 2, avec quelques commentaires de Sorkins en début de page.
J'ai beaucoup aimé lire ces scénarios, et même si Sorkin dit au début du livre que finalement ses mots ne valent rien sans la réalisation, les acteurs et les décors, on se rend quand même compte de la puissance de ses mots et de ses dialogues !
July 31, 2007
Gift from my friend Raymond and Evie. Contains eight episode from Season 1 and 2 --Pilot (Season 1) and In The Shadow of Two Gunmen (2 parts, Season 2). The introduction slipped in a short conversation between Sorkin and Sheen --funny conversation.
July 15, 2009
This book is a collection of scripts. A great read, shows how good the writing to this series was.
July 28, 2011
Sorkin at his best vol. 1
April 17, 2008
When I bought the book, I thought it was about bird watching! The title is confusing to readers.
September 22, 2010
One word... superb. A master class in the art of TV writing.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews