Aaron Sorkin interview on leaving "The West Wing" (2003)

Aaron Sorkin, creator of the acclaimed NBC television series "The West Wing," explains why he left the show, and briefly discusses his work on a new TV project.
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[@StorytellingHeadshots]

Can you imagine writing scripts of that quality of writing every 8 days?!?! Insane. He’s more of a genius than I realized.

[@frankhoffman3566]

Aaron Sorkin is a hero to me. When every other show on broadcast tv was out to dumb people down, Sorkin somehow pulled off a brilliant, intelligent drama, that didn't underestimate American intelligence. I still don't know how he managed to do it, but I'm glad he did. He set a precedent for a new era of television lasting still to this year. It was the kind of television the networks (supposedly) agreed to at its birth. Mr Sorkin, once again I thank you

[@willmpet]

Mr. Sorkin was able to disprove a quote that I have used often, "No one ever lost money underestimating the intelligence of the American public."P.T. Barnum.

[@frankhoffman3566]

@@willmpet ... The list of American corporates who live off of Barnum's quote remains long. Surely the media chiefs did so for years and, in doing so, guaranteed their decline as companies like Netflix and HBO filled the need. American car companies did so, even into the face of declining sales and higher import quality. Have they yet learned? In any case, much of modern television is both intelligent and entertaining. I would say the sooner we weed out Barnum's disciples from American business, the sooner it returns to greatness.

[@philipcallado5693]

I forget if it was Richard Schiff or Bradley Whitford (probably Schiff) who said he thought West Wing wouldn’t get picked up because it was too good for television.

[@frankhoffman3566]

@@philipcallado5693 ... I imagine the vast majority of people in television would have said that. Despite all that, there was and is a great hunger for intelligent programming. When I get despondent over the general intellect of Americans, I think of that

[@BradyPostma]

Aaron Sorkin is fantastic. So is Dick Wolf. Imagine if they teamed up to write a TV show about an independent investigator appointed by Congress to investigate the President. Like a Ken Starr or Robert Mueller situation, except realistic fiction like West Wing and Law & Order. That has the potential to be the best thing on television.

[@tutonelylesnaranjo6311]

Incredible work Aaron Sorkin and I loved The Chicago 7, Brilliant cast. Brilliant writing.❤️ Congrats on your career. Everything you do is magical.

[@jamieraynsford6741]

Aaron Sorkin I am not a Democrat but you made me pay attention to the party and I loved The West Wing. Brilliant and ahead-of-its-time. You had the dream team as well which includes you. As well as directors, producers, cameramen, makeup and costume as well as the other writers everything was on point always!

[@MrMarkpark]

Not only is he brilliant, but he’s humble. And thats refreshing.

[@McRocket]

El Guapo - he may indeed be humble. Or he may indeed be smart enough to know to come across in interviews as humble. You can NEVER tell what someone is like from an interview...because you can never know whether they are pretending or being real.

[@MrMarkpark]

@@McRocket i guess you’re right although I’ve never heard anything to the contrary. We was addicted to crack tho, so ............

[@McRocket]

@@MrMarkpark You are probably right. I have just learned a certain amount of cynicism with the arts/media. But, again...you sound like you know more than I do on this. So I stow my negativity and bow to your knowledge. 👍

[@michaelknabusch6011]

I love the guy but when he said he liked the fact that mostly rich people or comfortable households watch the show was good (obviously I know for ratings and the money it made NBC) but he should’ve cleared it up with lower income households/people who watched it. Coming from a person from a low income household

[@MrMarkpark]

@@michaelknabusch6011 im not rich. We were not rich. And i was turned onto it when it came out in ‘95 or ‘97 or whenever it was. I was early 20’s which im sure is not the target demographic. Or the group of people actually watching. What’s funny is every couple of years i binge watch the entire series. Ive been through it 3 times already. My wife makes fun of me because i can pretty much recite it. None of my friends like it and can’t understand why i do. I said you have to like intelligent, fast movie, wordy dialog. If not, you’ll hate it.

[@HUNDOLOS]

3:32 'A deal with the devil I was never offered.' line, later used in Steve Jobs.

[@GalacticCoast]

Best I can tell he is the best scriptwriter of my lifetime..

[@ariochiv]

As a (moderate) conservative, I was never bothered by the West Wing's Democratic point of view. The "villains" in each episode were as likely to be other Democrats as Republicans, and the Republican point of view was often articulated better than most real conservatives do, through characters like Ainsley Hayes. Unlike most Hollywood liberal writers, Sorkin clearly understands points of view even when he disagrees with them.

[@neur0vanity]

I am so happy to see a conservative admit this! Although a liberal, Sorkin has repeatedly stated that he has no particular political agenda when writing drama; he just likes the sound of smart people arguing. It's not about winning the argument; it's about having the argument in the first place-something too many of us on opposite ends of the political spectrum are reluctant to do. As a Democrat, I learned so much from "The West Wing" about how to engage in civilized debate with Republicans (interestingly, my conservative friends have been more willing than my liberal friends to respectfully discuss issues, but that's another story) because Sorkin put a premium on characters actually *listening* to each other rather than gracelessly spouting ideological rhetoric at each other. Also, TWW's senior staff frequently lost the battle-whether it was Ainsley Hayes kicking Sam Seaborn's ass yet again, or a lame-duck congressman refusing to cast a crucial vote in favor of his own legislation because the constituents who ousted him disapproved, or a gay Republican convincing Josh Lyman to recommend that the President "pocket veto" a marriage-equality bill, or the bitter conclusion that investigating the hate group(s) responsible for shooting President Bartlet and Josh in the attempted assassination of Charlie would be unconstitutional (etc., etc.). Instead of writing about good vs. bad, Sorkin writes about good vs. great, and being great often means accepting being wrong. I think that as long as we have people like you who are open to hearing multiple sides, we're gonna be alright-so thanks for resurrecting my faith in humanity!

[@KryzMasta]

Arioch IV “...Sorkin clearly understands...” understood, in my humble opinion. I feel that with The Newsroom he abandoned that neutral ground which allowed him to show complexity instead of partisan demonization. Oh, and I would clearly consider myself a Democrat, since I’m European and the Democratic Party would sit very much on the right side of the political spectrum here.

[@chadmartin1737]

Me too. I agree with you. Being a conservative person, I am a great fan of this show.

[@12from121]

@@KryzMasta I think he realised the Republican party has lost touch with reality by the time of The Newsroom.

[@temporarystranger95]

Brilliant writer who achieved his objective throughout his vast array of work: his dialogue sounds likes music.

[@richc47us]

The years that Aaron was writing for the show was pretty evident especially when he departed the show, you noticed that there was something missing and the shows were not quite the same. In time, it didn't matter so much because the network kept the show.

[@janameehan5771]

Sorkin should live and reign. God bless him.

[@greathornedowl3644]

Loved the series, well written. I was most surprised by the sprinkling of great actors

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

Jesus Christ imagine if he stayed. IMAGINE if he stayed those last 3 seasons.

[@1shadowfx]

Thank you for posting. A revelation about Sorkin's exit from West Wing, which has nagged me for years.

[@kolst8406]

John Wells was interviewed and said Sorkin left because of an ongoing conflict with an actor Wells would not name. The studio and NBC took the actor's side. Later in the interview, we learn the actor also left (because the rest of the cast blamed the actor for Sorkin leaving). It's easy to deduce the actor was Rob Lowe.

[@dangreeney]

It had to have been Rob Lowe. I remember seeing a magazine cover which said he accused Sorkin of spying on him, though admittedly this may have been a gossip rag. It's a shame either way, because on-screen they were so simpatico. Lowe was made to deliver Sorkin lines.

[@cherylthompson3882]

Rob Lowe left before Aaron Sorkin so I do not think your theory is correct.

[@ScootsFromNewCastle]

On the West Wing Weekly Podcast he said he didn’t want Rob to leave and he even wrote Robs last episodes who he could change his mind and stayed

[@zacharias7284]

Watching this interview with Aaron after watching the interview Rose did with Aaron and a bunch of cast members the day before the 2nd season finale shows you how much better Aaron got after his arrest and his ensuing sobriety.

[@westmcgee9320]

I didn’t know about an arrest.

[@cynthiahusband106]

Aaron Sorkin is brilliant , in everything he does , makes a statement ( the Newsroom , The West Wing , whether right or wrong he makes you think , rare in television, everything he writes turns to gold , so intelligent , just love his writing A Few Good Men brilliant movie, story line was absolutely enthralling -anything he does I’m watching.

[@lpr5269]

He got arrested for possessing Hallucinogenic Mushrooms. Not exactly a dangerous drug. The worst thing that can happen is you're really really happy for like 6 hours and you love everyone.

[@cynthiahusband106]

Left a comment already but can’t leave out , social network one of my favorite movies , absolutely, he’s brilliant !

[@hanscombe72]

Sports night, Studio 60, Charlie Wilson's war, Social network, Newsroom. Steve Jobs How does this guy's brain function?

[@ariochiv]

Very well, apparently.

[@kasranasiripour2539]

It was genius and a lot of cocaine. Now it’s just genius.

[@Plusse]

Praise you for uploading this.

[@jowright33]

Aaron Sorkin has the speech mannerisms of Sam Seaborn. It’s hilarious

[@unnintube]

I was just thinking the same thing and I'm not even American 🤭😁

[@Zseventyone]

Agnostic me says: God bless both of these gents.

[@Finians_Mancave]

I see a lot of criticism toward Rose in the comments (For constantly interrupting Sorkin). In fairness to Rose, it seems to me that he is just in awe of Sorkin and this manifested itself as talky giddiness that perhaps made him forget it was an interview and not an informal chat. In short, his fanboying got the best of him.

[@almostjane1754]

Trust me, Charlie Rose is like this with everyone he interviews. Constantly interrupts. Restates the guest's answers. Etc etc. Basically in love with the sound of his own voice. Too bad b/c back in the 80s he had been a competent interviewer.

[@suminshizzles6951]

The interuptions and weird ass fake smile within 2 min of starting put me off right away. This guy is a pro? Fuck that. Give me a job. I will do better for a fraction fo the pay.

[@westmcgee9320]

Nah. Rose questioned Sorkin’s discipline level - rather rudely.

[@benblexbenblex]

rose interrupts too much. seems in love with his voice

[@mirinbrah739]

He also interrupts people when he shouldn't. Tavis Smiley is a lot better at this job.

[@gj8683]

Yeah, he could have done this one a lot better.

[@darinsingleton3553]

Had to stop. Could not get passed Rose's insufferably long, cascading interruptions. Not much has changed with him, and his penchant for bloviating.

[@mulemule]

I think CBS fired him for wanting gals to bloviate him ...

[@chr5wo]

Same. I absolutely hate his interview style.

[@Zseventyone]

Disagree. He’s asking (now proven) timeless questions.

[@westmcgee9320]

Agreed. I couldn’t sit through it and I was kind of excited to check it out, at first.

[@Dev-fo7oi]

Aaron Sorkin looks like an older Sam Seaborn here

[@johnflanigan2568]

If you have an interviewee giving information voluntarily...SHUT UP and let him speak!!!

[@VioletWillowTree]

What the f*** is wrong with this so called "interviewer"? He was so condescending he put my teeth on edge! Fair play to Aaron for keeping his cool, I probably would have walked out.

[@Zseventyone]

Disagree. He’s asking (now proven) timeless questions.

[@westmcgee9320]

There’s a judge mental tone to the questions. For example, Rose could’ve found a way to ask about the writing schedule without questioning Sorkin’s discipline so pointedly.

[@jeremymuir4332]

I honestly think 4 seasons is the optimal length. 4 great seasons of television is possible. Whether in half seasons of 10-13 episodes or long format 20+ episodes. From cost of production to idea burnout and character fatigue., if quality and maintenance of a high standard are a concern, then going beyond 4 seasons will invariably begin to disappoint.

[@samholder196]

That Fear Factor shade tho

[@vthyaga]

I had no idea Charlie Rose interrupted this much .. and half of his interruptions are to cut off Sorkin to laugh. The fuck man! Let the guy talk ffs

[@gene8172]

TWW lost its mojo when he left and it took a whole season to get it back.

[@Allen.Fepuleai]

Charlie Rose clearly thinks he’s something special. People like that resign for sexual assault

[@kathenavarro6850]

When Aaron Sorkin left, it was obvious! At the time it was being shown it was noticeably different. I actually stopped watching, then picked it up again the last season after he returned. I bought the series and have watched since, but I still dislike season 5 & 6. Too bad. The series was set up for a win, and alas it lost something in the translation...Aaron Sorkin is a genius wordsmith.

[@davidparker8221]

I think if you watch this interview closely , and all the way through the end that it's important to seperate these two totally human beings from their faults. First of all they are two writers. Different genres, but both driven to reveal the truth. One is news driven, so he's trying to get to the bottom of the technique to create "the story." The other is in the art of entertainment, so he's trying to get to the bottom of what's true about what is all our stories. We get excited by art because it creates a response of "You too? I've always felt that way. That's the thing I've been trying to say!" Yes, Rose interrupts because the artist is at times evasive, or revealing! Sorkin is revealing an answer that isn't the question asked but an answer just as interesting and worth persuing. Sorkin creates or inspires within the interviewer another exciting question. Yes Sorkin sought to self medicate with drugs, and Rose sought to self medicate with dominate sexual conquest. The truth for all of us is that we'd like to create and control our narratives, but the world forces its way in. That pain is real, and we can seek the wrong source of relief. It's worth noting neither Rose or Sorkin is upset with the other. They are both enjoying the exchanges with each other. From what I've read of the comments it's only the commenters who have the proverbial axe to grind with one or the other. The axe is the one the the commenter came in with, not one generated or found within the interview. As I write this, Sorkin's 2 year old is 19 or 20. Sorkin has created for stage and screen since. Rose has been rightly pulled from the spotlight. This video is a half hour snapshot that offers a little insight into that time.

[@betonthis1]

It's weird since I see a lot of comments blaming an actor for him leaving. Newsroom ended only 3 season and that show was getting better and better and he had less to write. He seems to not be able to commit to things for long.

[@Ward413]

The HBO thing actually fell apart on both ends. I guess HBO wanted to go in a different direction with the show so it was creative differences that ended that show; which really sucks because that show was excellent. Season Three only has six episodes. So once Sorkin realized he couldn't write the show how he wanted, he just decided to end it as quickly as possible. It's too bad.

[@westmcgee9320]

3-4 year stints seem pretty long to me.

[@12from121]

He has always been the best. Such a shame tv execs get in his way. West wing declined from Season 5 onwards. The Newsroom was great as well.

[@Acast009]

The show dropped off big time without him - outside of the good illustration of primary politics the White House story lines just became more of a political soap opera with some of the most ridiculous story resolutions to world politics that were climaxed then completely forgotten about. Season 1-3 are still some of my fondest memories of television.

[@mljones655]

This is weird for me. I didn't realize Aaron Sorkin was so young when he wrote TWW. Becuz he'd done The American President, I thought he was much older.

[@niremgucin]

No wonder he wrote studio 60 after these.

[@RaspberryRockOffGridCabin]

I think the real hero is Charlie Rose’s agent who managed to convince some important people that Charlie is a good interviewer

[@suminshizzles6951]

3 min in and i already in my head telling him to shut the fuck up and let sorkin talk. Also there is a cringeworthy fake ass smile/laugh within 2 mins that is obvious as his normal face returns in 2 miliseconds. This guy did a horrible job at asking questions. How fucking hard is it to ask questions? Not gonna watch the rest. Does not interest me anymore even though i like sorking and want to hear what he says. But i cant stand the person posing the questions.

[@passiveagressive4983]

Is it me or does AS resemble Rob Lowe (Sam Seaborn)

[@dawntreader2420]

Would love to see West Wing Reboot with Charlie as for president. Starting at the grassroots of political careers. Where he wins locally, gets into public service in DC or something.

[@firstnamelastname7473]

Always the black guy huh

[@dawntreader2420]

No, because he (the character) fought tooth & nail for those he felt deserved his loyalty. He took on a kid that was grieving and helped poor people register to vote. His education gives him the perfect background to run for office, and I'm pretty sure he would push for statehood of the District of Columbia. Many people don't realize how important local office is to the outcome of our Democracy. I think it would be very fun to see the team help him get into that chair. :0)

[@firstnamelastname7473]

@@dawntreader2420 out of all of the characters, you pick Charlie???? Charlie is like the person who is least ready to be president. You just picked him cause hes black smh

[@dawntreader2420]

No I didn't, what I pointed out was that he was young, had little to no experience in the political world, but showed the most promise out of the tight knit group that ended the long running series. The previous Body Man isn't mentioned, the 3rd & final body man seemed to fill a role needed to show Bartlett's vulnerability. The story doesn't delve into his "credentials. We can gather through the hints and background presented by the series, that he COULD be the up & coming public figure (all be it on a smaller scale to start, but that's the point). He worked under the President, he worked as right hand to the Chief of Staff after receiving his degree. He, unlike any other assistant or deputy, that worked in the White House in this (fake) administration, showed the kind of drive & promise that people look for in a public servant. In my first fantastical speculation, I stated that a series starting on the ground floor of public office, would be both fun and educational. This was a direct speculation derived from a statement made by Bradley Whitford. He said that if there was ever to be a reboot, he'd love to show the journey from the floor up. If they were to talk about a reboot series that was to take place closer to the end of the original series, OR in the same vein as the original, I believe the better "candidate", as it were, would be CJ Craig or even Bartlett's' eldest daughter, as they would have been involved prior to when young Charlie could be taken seriously in a position of authority. You can keep claiming I'm racist, but you don't have any clue whom I love or who I claim loyalty to. You will continue to assert that my soul purpose in this thought experiment was because he is black. If I were to base my hopes on a black character taking on a fictional presidency, I would be better off picking someone like the Mayor of DC as he is a seasoned politician with the gumption to go toe to toe with the president to fight for what his constituents need. When Charlie is asked to weigh in on the subject of school vouchers, he presents an out of the box view point that sways the PRESIDENT into piloting a program to give said vouchers a chance. This means that his candidacy would have plenty of drama and unexpected plot twists to make such a series compelling. You are, good Sir, mistaken as to my motivations. Peace be with you this Holiday Season.

[@firstnamelastname7473]

@@dawntreader2420 yeah im not reading that

[@siniaura]

Name ANY movie/tv writer, that most ppl know by face, or even by name? pretty small group

[@b1j]

Charlie was outdone here.

[@steriopticon2687]

Is Row Low doing an Aaron Sorkin imitation, or is Sorkin imitating Rob Low?

[@paragjyotisaikia9751]

21:33 Studio 60

[@steveocal1]

Charlie Rose is the rudest interviewer in the business. Moving an interview along briskly is one thing. Rose interrupts when the subject is trying to make a point or is giving an answer the audience wants to hear but Rose’s ego keeps getting in the way.

[@dunjjkange6300]

This is the worst interviewer I've ever seen. Who is this guy?

[@NYVET48TFW]

Man does he look and talk like Rob Lowe! Mannerisms at all.

[@carolynbrown2655]

Best around, with Wells and Kelly comin g up the rear...wont fin d better this century...

[@JohnnyMac2237]

Greatest show ever written for television. I’m a conservative/libertarian but this show would not be able to exist nowadays because it would be entirely too partisan since the democrat party is now the party of insanity..Sorkin wrote both parties very well and striving for common ground..now politicians are essentially a cartel members who enrich their friends.

[@BishopWalters12]

I agree, Hollywood can't be objective anymore and The West Wing in 2023 would just be about hating Trump.

[@DavidKfilmmaker]

Sorkin in his MasterClass said he hasn’t watched the show since he left. Here he says he’ll be watching. I wouldn’t watch either.

[@davidweihe6052]

He said he was warned it was like watching another man screw his wife. Even if the new writers were better than him. Especially if they were.

[@westmcgee9320]

He may have intended to watch, tried, and couldn’t do it.

[@bippy88]

Let's just say it: he wanted Rob Lowe gone. There were disagreements and he left.

[@westmcgee9320]

What an odd conclusion to draw. Lowe doesn’t say this was the case. Sorkin doesn’t say this was the case. They both left. They worked together shortly after this and again within the past couple of years.

[@TC-dw6wg]

Mind reader?

[@Pandamonium09]

This guy is the worst interviewer!!! Let Aaron talk!!!

[@willmpet]

But Sorkin eliminated much of what was asked!

[@thfpt]

Translation: I got bored with it, so I went on to other projects that would also eventually bore me

[@kclayne7241]

what a horrible interviewer - how did he stay on air so long ??

[@carolynbrown2655]

Gives Sorkin plenty of voice...ive seen far far worse...

[@MrNoplotproductions]

the worst interview ever