The West Wing
1999 · 7 Seasons · NBC · Drama, Political
The West Wing is Aaron Sorkin's love letter to democratic governance, a show that proved political process could be as gripping as any thriller when anchored by brilliant writing and a cast that elevated every walk-and-talk into something electric. The first four seasons under Sorkin's pen represent some of the finest writing in television history, with dialogue that crackles and characters you'd follow anywhere. The quality drops noticeably after Sorkin's departure in season four, with the fifth season in particular struggling to maintain the standard, though the show recovers somewhat for its final stretch. Even with its uneven back half, The West Wing remains essential television for anyone who believes that smart, literate drama belongs on network television.