What's Next

A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service

By: Melissa Fitzgerald, Mary McCormack, Aaron Sorkin - foreword, Allison Janney - introduction

Narrated by: Melissa Fitzgerald, Mary McCormack

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 listeners 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.

* This audiobook edition has been adapted for the audio format, and the content deviates slightly from the printed version. It includes a downloadable PDF that contains a list of organizations important to the cast and crew and behind the scenes photos and images from The West Wing.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“An entertaining history of the show grounded in extensive interviews with its stars, writers, and crew…the insider stories amuse, and meditations on the show’s legacy highlight its influence on real-life politicos.”—Publishers Weekly

"[This] lively, engaging booktakes a deep dive into the series, including its origin, creators, casting, key episodes from itsseven seasons, and more... Fans of the series (aka “Wingnuts”) will enjoy these on- and off-camera stories, and those who have never watched anepisode will find out what they’ve missed."–Booklist

“Mary and Melissa have brought me back to those glorious days on the West Wing set with What’s Next. A perfect storm of talented people lucky enough to find each other in a seminal moment of television history: this wonderful book remembers the 17 hour days and 80 hour weeks and the grind and glory of the impossible pursuit of excellence. We formed a tribe that adored each other and respected each other and elevated each other to heights we could not ever reach alone. What a joy to read from the memories of all our perspectives that bring us right back to stage 23 on the Warner Bros. lot.”–Richard Schiff

Yes, I am a WingNut

It's always fun to get a peak behind the curtain of a favorite show, and this book is definitely that. It's hilarious and sentimental.. But it is also so, so much more. Just like the show, this book is both a love letter and a call to public service. Mary Mccormick and Melissa Fitzgerald lovingly share stories that inspire and tangibly encourage us to, borrowing a phrase from former real life FLOTUS Michelle Obama, "Do something!" I could say so much more, but this review is long enough, so I'll just go binge watch the West Wing now (for the 2,162nd time) and leave you to go read and/or listen to "What's Next?". And then go do something.

The loving narration

I want more!!! There was talk of a sequel and I for one would heartily welcome one.

This wingnut is so happy this book was written!!

where do I start? it was a delightful visit with old friends and a wonderful introduction to so many who made this great show possible. thank you Melissa and Mary and ALL involved in The West Wing.

Joy filled

Backstage stories and inspiring true stories of service offer hope in a world where so many seem to be focused on self.

Wonderful Peek Behind the Scenes

Tremendous storytelling and narration! Truly enjoyed the walk down the memory lane of the West Wing!

if you liked The West Wing show, but only a lot, listen to this book.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I bought this book. I really enjoyed The West Wing television show, and this book is a 16-hour love letter to that series. It goes in chronological order and doesn't pull any punches such as Sorkin leaving and Rob Lowe's thoughts in hindsight. Overall I don't know if it told me anything I didn't know or hear before, but it did settle some inner turmoil that I wasn't alone with irrationally liking this show. The greatest drama behind the scenes wasn't a Charlie Sheen disturbance, but the death of John Spencer. Again, it was a love letter, but I liked it.

Behind the scenes!

Such a great, read. well done audiobook! can't wait to start it over. Read by the authors always makes it better!

A beautiful rendering of a deeply touching set of insights into dazzling creativity and caring.

I liked that this book was read and presented by talented actors, Mary and Melissa. They converted a reading to a performance, making it more real and impactful than the words alone could have been. I also liked how heartfelt and value driven were so many of the words and segments. The only thing I didn’t like was that the book came to an end. I would have been delighted if the book, like the series on which it was reporting, could have continued indefinitely.

Such a gift to West Wing fans!

Wow! The show that just keeps giving - in every sense of the word. Practically every week I come across a situation and think “there’s a WW episode for that”. Now this book comes along and is a delight. Melissa & Mary give an inside view of the show and the profound effect it had on everyone involved. Not just the actors, but every person involved. Learning everyone’s favorite acts of service was amazing. Make one love the show and people even more. The “remix” at the end had me crying listening to the compilation of President Bartlett’s words.
Must read for fans of the show!

A fun backstage look at an all-time favorite

For Wing-nuts this is a great way to remember elements of the West Wing program, as well as, gaining insight into the creator, actors and events surround a favorite.