Jeff Daniels Hit His 'Newsroom' Speech Out of the Park

Jeff Daniels was aware that America would be holding the remote during his epic speech in the opening scene of HBO's 'The Newsroom', deciding whether or not the show was worth watching. He was even more aware of the three HBO executives in the room while they shot the scene, deciding wether or not they had a series. Jeff shares his method for avoiding such pressures altogether.
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[@dlg5485]

Newsroom was such a phenomenal show. I still can't believe it was so short lived. That current events based format could've gone on for 5 or 6 seasons, easily.

[@tactrix1h]

It was 100% Aaron Sorkins fault. As usual no matter how good his shows are he refuses to keep going after a few seasons. It's like he's so afraid of fucking up a great run that he just ends it prematurely before it even has the opportunity to go bad.

[@walkertongdee]

@@tactrix1h correcto my man my thoughts exactly

[@TT-dv9er]

Newsroom and Sportsnight did not get the runs they should have.

[@thisismyname3928]

Fuck off to China, commie.

[@MonoMan1]

@@tactrix1h I heard it was canned because it was too intelligent for too much of the US audience. Given what is successful currently this would make perfect sense.

[@atmatheprophet]

The world needs Will McAvoy back.

[@kmdudich]

Now.

[@Saiyanprince1114]

Amen

[@wagnerfernandes1343]

Aaron Sorkin already said that this is not gonna happen.

[@kmdudich]

Wagner Fernandes people change their minds all the time !

[@genemcavoy4254]

More McAvoy!

[@AllgoodthingsTv]

Love Daniel's philosophy here. "So you do the work... and then that happens." So true.

[@oferbarsadeh2920]

this is maybe one more reason for the success of the show - the casting. coz that would have been mcavoy's philosophy precisely... and sorkins. forget inspiration, forget talent. forget all the other indefinables: do the work.

[@judyjetson686]

Jeff Daniels one of the greatest actors of our generation and incredibly underrated. He should have been doing stuff like newsroom 20 years ago.

[@nh3heathen348]

Judy Jetson I agree 100%, He is criminally underrated.

[@artdionela1430]

I agree

[@1Dreamking]

Loved the Newsroom... And have now seen Godless with him in another type of role. Loved his performance there as well. To bad after Speed, he kinda "disapeared". I see when watching IMDB that he has been busy but not so much in the spotlight so to speak. I wonder if that has anything to do with not playing Hollywoods game? Which he talks about in the other clip on this channel.

[@Squirrel36]

And one of the cutest❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@occamsrayzor]

1Dreamking - he was in The Martian, which was 2015, Allegiant 2016, Godless 2017, The Catcher Was A Spy 2018, and The Looming Tower 2018. He keeps pretty busy :-)

[@pacalvotan3380]

That "Network" speech was one of the most awesome scenes I have ever seen in any production (movie or TV). To say that was a powerful scene would be a major understatement.

[@scottgreene6130]

The best-written monologue in a series that I can remember. Such a great scene.

[@musoangelo]

That speech should be played as a commercial right now. It's topical.

[@photonotavailable7936]

musoangelo 👍

[@MarkAlanEffinger]

Jeff Daniels so embraced this moment. Imagine the emotional engagement required while still remembering every freakin' line. Just perfect.

[@patbrennan6572]

The greatest thing about that speech was the degree of truth in such a sanctimonious society as the United states. .kudos to you Jeff..

[@GeoScorpion]

lol! I agree, but... at the same time, I have a hard time not peering closely at somebody who uses 'sanctimonious' in a sentence when describing another... 🤣

[@bbchronicles736]

Newsroom - one of the very best and memorable TV shows of all time, and that opening 10 minutes, possibly he greatest series beginning ever. Daniels was terrific as McAvoy, and Sorkin's writing was superb throughout. It shouldn't matter what your politics are, it was a fantastic show, from the writing to acting to production and direction, just excellently done throughout.

[@MarkAlanEffinger]

"It shouldn't matte what your politics are"... exactly, Bob. You nailed it: Embrace the performance. The art. F*ck the politics...

[@godking614]

You must be edgy kid if think news room is great show lol

[@masteryfilms4603]

"I'm here to judge you as much as you are to judge me, keep up"

[@3m086]

That was epic, I loved that.

[@itsgleneaton4883]

The speech he gave on the show is an example of what acting and movies are really about. To remind the people of what we are against a system that is trying to turn us into what we are not.

[@cynicallytested]

The ad before this video was for Aaron Sorkin's Masterclass. Well played algorithm.

[@bharathv3757]

Same here

[@Kevin-tz2lv]

Damn it changed to some dumb ass mobile game lol

[@nikashman5775]

Subscribed to "Masterclass" just for Sorkin, having no intention of ever writing a screenplay. It was a joy. Led me to watch Steph Curry's class, so now, at 57 and living in Europe, I'm a fan of a team in a league I can only watch in the middle of the night. Magic, as is Jeff Daniels.

[@Kevin-tz2lv]

@@nikashman5775 I actually do want to write a screenplay but still haven't watched that. Really want to. That and Gordon Ramsey's.

[@theoffcamerashow]

Here's the story on Jeff's lip. He cut himself shaving right before we taped the show. But Jeff, the true professional, said the show must go on...

[@jbudlives]

"No, I was just shaving." ~Harry Dunne

[@craiger0069]

theoffcamerashow herpes...

[@cynthianolder8587]

Greatest speech EVER on tv

[@crashpal]

Black and White setting makes it unnoticeable

[@silkaverage]

thank you for clarifying, at first I thought it was a coldsore :)

[@markburnsworth3591]

One of the most memorable scenes to grace a screen ever. As it was pointed out, it drew me in to want to see more of this series and it also made me a Jeff Daniels fan, i knew of him before, but after that? He gained my attention and respect.

[@kathyreno2603]

Best speech ever! I'm jealous of those who can write like that. Sorkin has a gift!

[@Bronxbombers161]

Amazing talent that can extract the soul, hearts, and minds of the “People”!!!!

[@Mugdorna]

I’m here in June 2020. This speech was great back then. It’s becoming increasingly important as time rolls on since January 2017.

[@Petteri82]

I sometimes feel like the real life Jeff Daniels is written by Aaron Sorkin.

[@lauderdale77]

Petteri I feel that

[@MidniteRaver06]

The show died before its time. Imagine the material with the recent events. Would've loved to of seen Mac & Wills take on Trump taking over Obama.

[@Peezster]

LOL at using a TV show to enforce your political views.

[@2011blueman]

@@Peezster Let me guess, you watch fox news.

[@Peezster]

@@2011blueman Nope, I'm open minded and not a pussy like yourself. Nice grammar by the way. LOL!

[@DragovianCloud]

@@Peezster You don't have to project your own personal views to point out an absurdity in politics. Trump has had even more absurdity than any other president in recent history. That fact is apparent to even those who don't care to weigh in on politics, and only a fool would still deny it.

[@Peezster]

@@DragovianCloud Simmer down pussy hat lover. It's just KZbin. No need to have your daily Liberal fake outrage. Go get laid. If you can. HAHAHAH

[@MishyMoshy76]

I absolutely loved The Newsroom. One of the greatest pieces of television I’ve ever seen.

[@JasonWaltonDriveAlong]

Just bought all three seasons. So sad to think that there are only 25 episodes in total. How it got cancelled is beyond me!

[@isaacluna308]

@@JasonWaltonDriveAlong I think Sorkin only ever wanted 3 seasons becuase he wrote each script personally himself. It became too much. Truly disappointing to have such a short run time but still, I think the perfect show.

[@bgrigg07]

@@isaacluna308 It was always a 25 episode endeavor, planned as such from the start. It wasn't cancelled and he didn't quit. It was complete.

[@heureka2758]

sorkin is a genious

[@godking614]

The greatest pieces of tv lol that sad

[@mehdi2081]

Jeff Daniel talking about the scene is almost as great as the scene itself

[@HvyMetal4Ever]

I compare every pilot to that pilot. The point of a pilot is to draw you in, and hook you. The 1st 9 minutes of The Newsroom did that. Great casting all the way around for that series.

[@davidhurtado2725]

I haven’t seen Newsroom but I am blown away to find that the opening scene is that speech (which of course everyone has seen)

[@willritter4076]

That opening speech is one of the most overrated scenes in the history of television... it's full of lame clichees. Daniels is an excellent actor but he congratulates himself far too much for this.

[@davidhurtado2725]

Will Ritter a triggered Murkan has entered the game.

[@NeilTruick]

@@willritter4076 Overrated? All right...everyone is entitled to their opinion. I disagree with you, which is my opinion, of which I am also entitled. Why I disagree with you has a lot to do with my desire for pilots that don't make me wait and sets the tone very early. Can't speak for you, won't speak for you, but Will's speech sold me on the entire series and it happened in the first five minutes. That speech spoke to the frustration, the disappointment, the wishes, the dreams, and the desires of me and a lot of people I've known through the years of the disparity between the America we were taught about in school and the America we've come to know as adults. What we've been fed is cliché. What was said in that speech was a challenge to the status quo we are expected to willingly accept.

[@Chris-hx3om]

@@NeilTruick Same here. Saw that scene, watched the rest of the show, all episodes. Some really GREAT scenes with all the cast. Love the dynamic between Olivia Munn and Thomas Sadoski, and any scene with Marcia Gay Harden or Sam Waterston.

[@Knapweed]

He didn't just hit it out of the park, he hit it out of the State.

[@sstaners1234]

One of the greatest speeches I’ve ever heard. It was extremely poignant and brutally honest.

[@thatdrewrivers]

I rank his performance right up there with Martin Sheens delivery of the rant at God in the Two Cathedrals episode of the West Wing.

[@ohforthelove74]

He did that scene and played Harry in dumb and dumber. He is one of the greatest actors ever to have lived.

[@Squirrel36]

And hottest!

[@TT-dv9er]

Range

[@MarkAlanEffinger]

Fantastic insight, Kevin! Yeah, man, that dude can embrace whatever character required of the moment...;-)

[@SotonCueMan]

My favourite role of his was as Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain in Gettysburg. Delivered an amazing speech to some mutineers in that role which was stunning too!

[@ryanbennett1933]

And COL Chamberlain defending Little Round Top with the 20th Maine at Gettysburg

[@mchaeltebo786]

We got to see Jeff, play Atticus Finch on Broadway. He was outstanding and a nice guy. He signed my wife's playbill, as well as everyone's waiting at the stage door.

[@SahilMakhijani]

It feels like a little bit of Will McAvoy came out during this interview

[@Nagnullat]

Definitely.

[@Seemlypseudonym]

“You do the work - and then that happens.” That may as well be a Sorkin line 😂😊

[@TheSnookerGym]

Good interviewer - he shuts up and lets the subject make his point. Bravo.

[@cristobalc2735]

One of the best show period. In modern tv period. In our history period. And one of the most underrated tv shows ever period.

[@MikinessAnalog]

"So when you ask why America is so star spangled awesome, I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE FUCK YOU'RE TALKIN' ABOUT. Yosemite????"

[@mickesmanymovies]

Newsroom is so absolutely still on topic! I saw the clip they're talking about on youtube about a year ago. Decided to buy the whole series about six months ago, and it took me half the first season before I realized that it wasn't shot NOW, but 8 years ago...! It felt like almost every topic raised was taken right out of today!

[@JayLewisNYR1994]

Jeff Daniels is an underrated legend. he was great in Arachnophobia, Dumb & Dumber, etc

[@Allin7days]

That opening stayed with me for the past 8 years and probably will for the rest of my life.

[@SophiaAphrodite]

It makes me emotional when I hear it. I am Gen X. I grew up in the 80s when the country was turning away from its identity of inclusion and unity to a country of exclusion, separation and blame. We saw the standards of living start to decrease. The wealth gap increase. The treatment of the poor and the worker get worse. Wages started to fall away from living standards. Yet you were supposed to be proud and happy for what you had. Not for what America was supposed to offer, but for what America decided to give you. Take it and smile. Or you are not patriotic. It still happens. We are being asked to live with less and less options but are supposed to support the system that takes instead of gives. America doesn't represent its citizens. It represents the haves over the have nots. That is not a Democracy. Rome was once great anf powerful. It collapes from the weight at the top, crushing those below. Until the parties focus on us and not themselves. We are doomed to repeat .

[@Convexhull210]

Sophia Bogard We’re not a Democracy. We’re a representative republic. If you hate America so much, why live here?

[@carriestaker3856]

Oh Matt if you only knew. Well said Sophia! Very well put!

[@carriestaker3856]

Sophia Bogard can I quote you?

[@Convexhull210]

Carrie Staker if I only knew what?

[@georgeway2092]

this nation died when it decided that it new more than it's "CREATOR" and law giver ... humans ... what arrogant assholes we are ...

[@jamesmccarthy6764]

And hit it out of the park he did! I still think about that speech all the time.

[@jamesleeschmidt7312]

Just LOVE Jeff Daniels. He is the one person that I always hold up as an example - that it is the ART that is the most important thing. Being the absolute BEST at every-little-thing ...... EVERYTIME!!! Fantastic actor

[@Squirrel36]

Amen!

[@VirginiaPatriotRebel]

One of the best scenes in TV history in my book. Bravo Mr. Daniels. 👏👍

[@Troubleshooter125]

Jeff knocked it out of the park, all right ... a tape measure job that cleared the scoreboard ... and the fact that we're talking about it this long after tells you what impact _The Newsroom_ had on television.

[@o2bnob]

I wished I could’ve said it! I think I listened to it 20 times. I kept backing it up and listening again. I was like the whole world needs to hear this!

[@reginaldworthington7558]

Great to see this interview short. That could well be my favorite scene in a drama series or movie EVER!

[@iLuckyCharms]

I loved The Newsroom. I still go back and watch it. Well written and acted. I wish it didn't end like it did.

[@sophiarodriguez3706]

I started watching The Newsroom because I used to be a reporter and that kind of subject matter interests me...but after Will McAvoy's speech, I watched the rest of the series as an excited viewer who was simply drawn in. That's a testament to 1) Aaron Sorkin's incredible writing, 2) Jeff Daniels' pitch-perfect delivery and now I can see, 3) Jeff Daniels' mix of preparation and his ability to seize that moment and claim it as his own. Bravo!

[@NGH99999]

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the attitude of a seasoned professional.

[@randybrahm1696]

Brilliant show with brilliant cast. The speech was the BEST!

[@lordofentropy]

I still remember the first time I saw that speech. My friend was like "have you seen the Newsroom?" I hadn't and she said oh let's watch it, you will love it from the opening scene. Then the whole sorority girl speech came out and I was blown away and instantly hooked. I'll also thought, this seems very Aaron Sorkin like. I didn't pay a lot of attention to the credits, so I when I found out after the fact that it was indeed Sorkin, it all came together.

[@filmreviewer117]

That speech is what drawed me into the show and I stated in big part to Jeffs performance he knocked it out of the park and earned that Emmy

[@dsatt57]

Damn I wish this show was still on!

[@lovingmayberry307]

Truly an inspirational man, Jeff Daniels!

[@noluvuyomtshotshisa]

Thank you so much for these interviews and insights. I LIVE 🥰

[@TheTimeForChange44]

I love the speech! The challenge is (will be) as Daniels mentioned in this clip, are we willing in honesty, to do the work involved (within ourselves) toward getting where we all need to go: where people and institutions actually (want to) work for all of us.

[@tobon619]

Part of the best speeches in History! Well done sr. Well done

[@482darkknight]

Fantastic series with huge performances by Jeff and co.

[@MaggieLawlor]

One of the truly great monologues and Daniels delivered it expertly. I teared up hearing it for the first time as well and The Newsroom became a lifelong favorite series.

[@HannahClapham]

@MARGARET LAWLOR You’re so right! Such an inspired and inspiring scene. I dearly loved its basic message: America is not the greatest nation in the world. But it used to be. And it could be again. In other words… Make. America. Great. Again. How prescient!

[@markgoddard1449]

I have seen the clip of the speech a few times but due to work related issues "working too much" I have never watched the show until yesterday 03/31/2018. I am currently half way thru the 2nd season and it looks like there is only 3 seasons. I will be disappointed when it is over the writing and acting is so good it has been a joy to watch so far. Thanks.

[@johnguerra7222]

I was in theatre for 22 years, and that is the most inspiring message for any actor. DO THE WORK...it is literally that simple and that let's you 'flip it'...

[@gregdebacker4998]

The best speech Ive seen for a show on TV

[@sonnerthebest1]

The delivery of that speech is one of the greatest bits of acting I’ve ever seen! 👏👏

[@ColScimitar]

that monologue is one the best moments on tv I have ever seen and it is why I sought out the show and watched it.

[@2490debrick]

Jeff Daniels is an underrated actor! Bloody brilliant!

[@yokie52]

Loved that opening scene..

[@jjeherrera]

I love that scene. I play it time and time again.

[@realityjunky]

I'm currently re-watching the whole series. It's more relevant today...chillingly so. Still impeccable!

[@icevariable9600]

Loved that speech. I try to memorize it so I can deliver it as needed.

[@IanHillan]

I don't care how many times I watch that first episode - it never fails to compel me to keep going with the rest of the season. Perfect pilot.

[@mitchellweiner4990]

One of the best monologues in television history!

[@zitokeratin2643]

Newsroom was amazing. I watched the show three times. And I promise you I will watch it again in the future. It was very funny, interesting by using real events, very romantic in terms of 'what the news should be' and hence very critical with what it is today. And fantastic actors. I loved when they fought each other. They really screamed. No one screams that much in any other show, even when fighting. When they argued something in the show it felt so utterly real. I loved it. It was way too short. At least 5 seasons.

[@TheViewFromUpHere]

A great series that is needed now more than ever.

[@mikej2934]

Epic stuff. As a musician I have had a handful of these moments. In all honesty, I fumbled a few and I learned from it. Those failures taught me that my work is never done, I still practice 3-4 hours a day and I've playing for 35 years. Never stop improving your craft. Daniel is my inspiration for today, I'm off to go play my guitar.

[@ForOrAgainstUs]

Jeff Daniels is intense, and I love it.

[@mitcholobe]

What a great series, as stated that speech pulled me in.

[@augustushaynes1311]

He crushed it out of the park so hard on that monologue…you can just hear it in his delivery how much it resonates with him.

[@ha222ha222]

Great actor. Great performance. Grand slam like all money players do in the clutch.

[@MRSLAV]

1:22 that laugh, harry's back.

[@AstraVex]

The Newsroom was definitely show way before it's time. Tight writing, articulate, honest, deep, emotional, you feel the energy of the pure dialogue and its gorgeous.

[@fahadzaidi1068]

So much wisdom here... Damn!

[@bobbifreedman9393]

We just got HBO Max. I started watching Sorkin's The West Wing and will get back to it but I think I loved The Newsroom more than any of them. It was fast-paced and the people were people I would love to know. Jeff Daniels is brilliant. Things still relevant were tackled and I was so sad when there was no fourth season. I also love Sam Waterson and Jane Fonda.

[@k.jacksonethier9958]

His response drew me in as much as the Pilot.

[@kddan]

Amazing show, amazing monologue and interview

[@khymaaren]

The finest moment in TV history? If anyone asks me to name it, I still can't come up with a better one than this speech.

[@tuliocano8468]

I love this series. One of the best I've ever seen. Real and shocking.

[@beccachukwu7100]

wow. That was a jaw-dropping performance

[@Mrbooboo1972]

Love that show. Same here seeing that 4:00 mins hooked me instantly. Honestly that truely belongs up there with the best of the best speeches ever written. And the pure weight of it lingers in my brain, mostly for me it's the Truth if it, and u whole hearty belive it has such an impact on so many people is because it really is all Most of us want "The Truth ". Such a simple request though so many others including those in power that we elected patronize , and try to belittle us all with lies. Sad. These very rare and seldom moments that someone like Aaron writes something So powerful that it resonates in so many people and I can still hear, No... I Still "Feel" that Speech that Jeff Daniels said in Episode 1, Season 1 of "The Newsroom " that I had tears rolling down my cheeks because of the passion he had when he delivered it and what it truely meant to me to hear what we sll have and still today feel. Amazing Work Jeff Daniels and Thank you for ... Being Human Man.

[@sudhird]

That speech made me binge watch newsroom

[@dhanicarroll6511]

Love you,Jeff,regards Helen from Australia ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Kasper623]

This is exactly how I’m approaching college right now. I am finally blessed with this opportunity, get outa my way. Same applies for the instructors, I’m here to judge you as much as you’re here to judge me. Keep up. Inspirational

[@ronstewart5945]

I share this speech every July 4th as a reminder of what we could be again if we'd get our heads out of our butts and be the people that we think we are.

[@WelfareChrist]

That was amazing.

[@keelahrose]

It's great to watch people who've actually earned the right to their pride and self-confidence take a moment to flaunt it.

[@larrysmith2638]

As Walter Brennan would have said, "No brag, just fact."

[@cindyk4294]

I have such respect for Jeff Daniels … he has such diversity. One of my favorite films he did was “Sweethearts Dance”

[@Andy13april64]

I like speeches in movie's, so I searched for them. 4th on the list was the Newsroom. Watched it, then went on Amazon and bought all 3 Seasons. I was that impressed, still am. Great job, Jeff. S1😎. S2😎. S3😎.

[@Allagi22]

Good point. As I always say "Opportunity is where preparation meets luck". If you don't put in the work and the effort to hone your craft/trade, you can't seize the moment when it comes. You can try, but luck doesn't go far. Hard work, practice, and commitment go much farther.

[@barbarapeck5804]

Best speech ever! I’m so sad that Newsroom had just three season!

[@seven92023]

That's speech in that scene is so great because it's so true.

[@brandonwoodham3375]

Amazing speech

[@realistnemophilist5969]

TV is suppose to grab and hold down your interest and that speech did it for me👏👏👏

[@10199405]

I love this guy so much.

[@Saintlawrence100]

One of the top 10 greatest film scenes of all time imo...I may venture to say it’s in the top 5...JD was phenomenal...I just don’t have the words...👏🏻💯🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@eugenegrewing2587]

It was an amazing speech. It’s what drew mew to the show as well.

[@PyroNexus22]

yeah, it drew mewtwo

[@jayferguson9968]

It was a very powerful piece of cr*p. All it is is a statement of the left's wishes and desires to take a dump on the greatest country in the world, the only one trying to hold to decency, to stand against the dark. Praising the darkness is what the left's been doing for quite some time, now. A speech that takes most everything that has been held as good in this country and smearing it, so that you can then praise everything dark that we fought to leave behind would have taken courage 30 years ago. Today? Only the darkness praises you for it, but it's getting strong.

[@jayferguson9968]

Voice of reason 'the liberals are trying to live their lives without my blessings!' - The left is sacrificing children a million a year; persecuting, arresting, and fining free speech; murdering people in their way, some a few at a time, some in job lots; attempting to control the populace by their control of the media, the entertainment industry, and the schools... Living your life without my blessing doesn't even appear on the list.

[@siaripop7]

Jay It must be a difficult job for you to live with you. I have a friend with that same mentality of blaming everyone else for his own misfortunes, even though he has created them himself. That sir; is the 'Law of Cause & Effect". More often than not, the effects we feel are because we caused them ourselves. We get a ticket; the effect! Why? Because we were speeding; the cause! But some will blame the policeman who was just doing his job!

[@jayferguson9968]

Marc Del This is relevant to me, how?

[@SageNemesis]

When hes asked if the execs. and cast adds fuel to the fire or makes him nervous: "Yeah, get out of the way." I love it. I just finished watching Godless and he was the best part of that show hands down. Love this dude.

[@gracenlove3113]

I love yr integrity jeff