Missing John Spencer, The West Wing Cast Found Comfort In Sterling K. Brown Who Took Up The Role

[@brownkemosabe]

"A guy falls down a hole..... As long as I got a job, you got a job." I miss John Spencer.

[@SeksiChaps]

“You’re Leo McGarry. You’re not going to be taken down by this small fraction of a man. I won’t permit it.” Also, when bartlet calls out Josh that he doesn’t want to let down Leo.

[@zoritastanley9180]

Best scene EVER!!! Best show ever!!❤

[@Ritapita73]

I still cry watching John Spencer. I've never had a dad, but always thought that if I could pick one, it would be him. I love these people, so *SO* much.

[@geofffleming12]

And I'm sure John Spencer just heard you say that somewhere, and is not only smiling, but is proud of you.

[@Ritapita73]

@@geofffleming12 I hope so. I'm old enough to be a Grandma now, and things like an absent parent really do have long term consequences. I'm a single mom now and I can't tell you how much I wish my kids had been able to see integrity and morals in their own father. Instead, I show them good, honorable men like John Spencer and Martin Sheen and hope it all sinks in.

[@IMSiegfried]

@@Ritapita73 I'm sure it did sink in.

[@storyofcory]

The amazing thing is, Spencer never married nor had any kids of his own. I think he would revel in your choosing him to be your father figure. I'm totally serious about that.

[@rinnyrindawg]

Even hearing the theme from the West Wing still makes me emotional. As a young person I watched it during a time when I was deciding my professional trajectory and I’m sure it contributed to my choice to go into public service. It had such a huge impact on me and still does.

[@richarddarlington1139]

The West Wing was, and is, one of the most important series in television history. I urge anyone who has not seen it to do so... now! You will not be disappointed... I promise!

[@zedski]

The best television show to date. I re-watch it every year and I don't think I will ever get tired of it.

[@peterjordan-turner8789]

You WILL be disappointed... in the caliber of the current WH inmates. The comparison has never been more stark.

[@cc83jc85]

I watch it every time, that other President is on our news here in Australia. They sound intelligent cooperative and much loved!

[@CausaliDox]

"I don't like to watch them again for fear that it's not going to live up to my memory, that it wasn't as good as I thought it was." Don't worry, Aaron, I can tell you that even after the 15th viewing of the entire series, your work is still as good, if not better, than you thought it was.

[@hippysheep1023]

wow!

[@joanlittlefield4107]

Yes!!!

[@ZachTank2009]

15 viewings of the whole series? How have you had time to do anything else?

[@piggynaut]

Just 15 @CasualiDox? 😆 I’ve lost count on the number of times I’ve re-watched the entire series!

[@bettina_w]

I only made it through three times so far ;)

[@kristianhestas5508]

John Spencer was such a legend, you can hear their love for him when they talk of him

[@Pixel2523]

This is bringing me to tears. I know The West Wing, the show, is fiction and idealistic, but it is a representation of how beautiful and elegant The American political system could be, if politicians came with a real sense of duty toward the people and countrymen they serve, rather than their next election. I wish this play was on a more accessible platform than HBO.

[@zedski]

S01E06 Mr. Willis of Ohio. I cry every time when Mr. Willis instead of towing the party line decides to vote his conscience. Because he was convinced of Toby's argument, not because he was offered some pork or a favor down the line or any number of other things. Because he think it's the best thing to do for the people.

[@Pixel2523]

zedski - Yes! There are so many powerful moments. I think it’s time to go watch some. I don’t know if it’s going to help or make me more depressed. But it’s refreshing to see that there is is a good America, reading these comments. At least what I perceive as the good America.

[@ameliecarre4783]

A bit lire watching The Newsroom now is both beautiful and depressing, because it's what news and journalism could be, should be, but isn't, or too rarely.

[@geofffleming12]

If fidelity to freedom & democracy is the code of our civic religion, then surely the code of our humanity is faithful service to that unwritten commandment which says "we shall give our children better than we ourselves receive". That writing! That ensemble! Easily, handily the high water mark for episodic television in the past 30 years!

[@customcoachc]

I recently rewatched the entire series. It brought me to tears several times. Definitely lives up to my memory.

[@mechanicalcowboy3242]

I have missed The West Wing since it went off the air. It was, to date, the only show I ever made a point to be able to watch when it aired. Everything about that show was fully developed, characters, writing, story(short term and long term), sets, music . . . everything. I especially appreciate that it was/is thought provoking. (dwindle, dwarf and dwell)

[@NicholasYaekle]

Don't forget "you'd 'D'WELL' to report that to the IRS!" Lol. Totally agree with everything you said.

[@geofffleming12]

There is ONE FRUIT...

[@barbarawoodward6794]

@W1ldb1ll Donovan Strawberry!

[@daverhoden445]

I know the feeling. I watched the when it was first aired. I got the dvds as soon as I could. I've watched the reruns after I got the dvds and I've watched it online after having watched the reruns while owning the dvds. The only reason I'm not re-etc watch right now is because I've already re-watched the entire series in the last 12 months and it makes the current administration even more frustrating than anyone would think possible.

[@Kathe255]

I'm completely conservative. But if the democratic party was truly like West Wing, I would have no problem with voting for it. For that matter if the conservative party were like it, same thing.

[@jlee4039]

I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I’ve had tears rolling down my face the entire time I’ve been watching these West Wing clips. #SaveOurDemocracy

[@wandaminter9421]

Don't be embarrassed. I've no doubt you are not alone in this. Any thinking, feeling human would be touched.

[@canadiangirrrrl]

You are so NOT alone!!!!

[@toddvandell85]

@J Lee Don't be embarrassed at all. You're definitely not alone. By the end of the first episode of Stephen's show about this special I saw I was crying.

[@ManyfiresWoman]

I LOVED LOVED LOVED West Wing and it's always in my Neflix. I watched an episode just 2 days ago. I learned so much from the show and in today's political environment, it remains a beacon of hope and light in the darkness...of what we can be together. Thanks and blessings to all! ❤️

[@rossanafioravanti8526]

Me and my family watching WW... loving memories.... Obama was still to come and we were hopeful for many things. Look at us now.

[@geofffleming12]

Rosanna - remember - "What's Next?"

[@AliceNsWonderland]

@@geofffleming12 now it's !¿!what's next!?!

[@bethholmes1053]

Watching the series again as we approach Election Day 2020 has been poignant and profound. Timeless themes, unparalleled writing, moral conscience. Simply the best series ever. Thank you, Mr. Sorkin.

[@b-lodeedee]

I just started watching The West Wing, I'm on season 3. It is absolutely the best written and well acted show I've ever watched. I absolutely Love this show!

[@elizabethmckenna5397]

I just watched all sevens seasons for the first time. This show is simply extraordinary. And in 2024 it is still relevant. I wish a network would run The West Wing again.

[@kathywiseman7944]

We rewatch it ALL the time ♥️

[@arnoldsherrill6305]

When Jon Batiste played the theme at the close of the segment I got chills... Honest to God chills., and if you are a fan of the show or even if you're not it took you back to a Time where we still had hope that things could be made better, unlike now where you feel like you are staring into a dark hole that seems to have no way out

[@jasonpdsi]

I'm on Season 3 Episode 12 (100,000 Airplanes) and let me tell you - these characters have woven their way into the fabric of my heart. I wish I had taken the time to watch it when it first came out, but I'm glad I am taking the time now.

[@LeeAScottII]

Wow. They got Sterling to play Leo to honor John Spencer. Wow wow wow

[@rlsnorton864]

John Spencer's memory a blast from the past.

[@scottrowe533]

Having watched the entire 7-season run of The West Wing on DVD four times, now (and having worked as a reporter for several large U.S. newspapers), I can say without reservation that the show is easily one of the best-written, best-produced and best-acted television dramas of our lifetime. If you haven't seen TWW, please watch it. If you have seen it, please watch it again. Thank you to Stephen and TLS, to Mr. Sorkin, and to all of the cast members who participated in this interview. I look forward to the new interpretation of "Hartsfield Landing" with great anticipation.

[@joanlittlefield4107]

S Rowe I watch it often... inspiring and comforting

[@PriyaBradfield]

"I don't like to watch them again for fear that it's not going to live up to my memory, that it wasn't as good as I thought it was." It's always as good as I remember - it's poignant, current, and heartfelt and that all comes through even after 20 years.

[@justina3440]

I rewatched The West Wing at the beginning of Trump's dictatorship, and I didn't know how his rule was going to pan out, but I couldn't help thinking, in every episode, "what if?...if only..." And I am rewatching it again. It's like a dream of what should be, but isn't.

[@eastwestcoastkid]

This was magnificent-I am watching it for the first time on HBOMAX it is still there..

[@jb5880]

The theme song always gives me chills. The show is a balm. Ah, nostalgia

[@hazelv90]

Why am I crying through this whole thing?

[@justsaying3729]

The Entire cast were Ass kickers....just Great. Loved John Spencer. RIP!!

[@juliewake4585]

An ode to democracy: that’s exactly what it is!

[@julesdavenport2032]

Indeed

[@mariesia0525]

I literally just finished the whole series for the first time last week. Absolutely fantastic show, fell in love with Leo. I'm teary eyed now listening to the cast talking about John Spencer.

[@designgirl3556]

Right now, I'm in the middle of watching the series for the first time. It is a joy. I'm trying to watch it slowly because I don't want it to end. Despite the fact this portrayal of political institutions may well be unrealistic, each episode of this show leaves me feeling inspired. Like I have the ability to do some real good in the world. To me, that is the real gift of this show. And Hartsfield Landing is the perfect example of that. I'm so glad they chose this episode. My hope is that watching the benefit, Americans will be left with the same feeling that I have. Please go vote. You can create change.

[@geraldgrenier8132]

Not that unrealistic many of the holders of those offices and positions were very happy with they way the instructions were portrayed, just times have changed

[@kelqueen9998]

It's been 3 years since you posted this, and I'm sure you've finished it, but you can watch it over again, and it's just as good.

[@designgirl3556]

@@kelqueen9998 You’re right, I have finished it. I’ve watched it multiple times over and found immense joy every time. It’s just as good.

[@JCollymore]

I’m actually watching this series for the first time. And it’s uncanny how what this show portrays exactly what is happening now. It’s like they knew exactly what was going to happen 20 + years later

[@MovableNu]

I've been watching Santos inviting Vinick to be Secretary of State on repeat for weeks now. I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Liberal Democrat. But that moment just makes me miss the days I thought that was possible in our federal government.

[@geofffleming12]

Like Leo says. "The President is asking you to serve... And everything else is crap".

[@geraldgrenier8132]

The original plan was Vinick to win then follow up with his administration. Then John Spenser died they went with what we got

[@fockerjb]

Oh I still watch that one on repeat as well. My kids even know the lines from that. "I'm going to need another cop when Bartlet leaves office. How 'bout Secretary of State?"

[@joycethoresen8909]

West Wing was the best!

[@emblemedfate4270]

@there's no catchy slogan it's like if someone who never saw wat government actually does wrote a series about the white house the never ellude to policy just personality and they describe terrorist as the aggressor instead of wat it is in real life were the u.s is the aggressor we bomb 1st not the other way around

[@geofffleming12]

@ensembled fate you should watch it more attentively. The dialog pace is fast, and much can be missed. The whole thing was a swan song to civil service, with despicables and heroes on both sides of the aisle, & it's a message everyone could benefit from these days.

[@stephalufagus1944]

I’m excited to see what Sterling K. Brown brings to the timelessness of the character, Leo.... but can we all agree that Sam Waterston would have been such a fun choice for both the audience and the cast and crew. Having worked with Aaron Sorkin and nailing the brilliant Sorkin pacing, and Martin Sheen as his romantic partner... seriously how fun would that have been!?!

[@ckennedyiii8774]

My all time favorite show. I wish these folks were in charge in real life now.

[@JeanettePerezEDRN]

That is a lovely story about John and Martin...❤

[@paprgl]

Love this video. What a gift.

[@heatherbeck9510]

While sharing all the comments about this magnificent show... Can we all raise up and ask John Batiste to release a full version of the theme song? That just tickled me. :-)

[@johnallon8124]

Here's a link to the original title track for the show (50 sec.): kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJrZgXiPn76XaJI If you want more, here is the official orchestral suite version (3 min +): kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4S1go2eoKqImc0 Enjoy.

[@sadiqmohamed681]

I love Jon's little variations. He should do a piano version all the way through.

[@polkmusic]

I love this. Its so great to see them all back together.

[@eldridgedavis]

Great t.v. series. Miss you John! 😎🙂😃😛😁

[@carleycaminade5011]

The West Wing stands as an important piece of education and perspective of American politics and the Presidential Admin. Thank you to Aaron and the whole team for the countless hours and this 'not reunion' so we can gain some knowledge once again.

[@passiveagressive4983]

I so love that years on these character come back again and again whether it’s for charity, a national campaign or just for laughs. Always with Grace and enthusiasm. They never whinge or complain or shy away from the roles that made them first famous. They just friggin lean in every time. Even in 2020 they still do West Wing takes AND I love it.

[@LD-bv1pm]

I've been watching the entire series, just finished Requiem, the episode dealing with Leo's funeral. You could tell Martin was absolutely devastated. It was incredibly moving.

[@savannahm.laurentian1286]

Saddened when first heard WW described as "fantasy." If the worst of worst can be realized, as it has been. Best of best must also be attainable.

[@oneirishpoet]

Well said and I hope you are correct

[@lafemmerouge4271]

I miss all of these characters ❤️

[@Mediaright]

Thank you for labeling these.

[@charlesr3351]

Just binged it again the whole series (3rd or 4th time through, lost count). Stands the test of time. Should be required viewing in Government class in High School.

[@kanishkaupadhyay6119]

The greatest tv series ever made

[@bdarci]

Ok I cried when Jon Batiste played the WW theme.

[@danaschoen432]

I miss this show, these people, these character's so much it hurts. I cry when I watch these people.

[@shaunieinthewrasslin2877]

Martin Sheen could be President Bartlet now he’s still so damn good, loved this show, John Spencer always had the lines that made me tear up the most, such an amazing show

[@jantruitt9241]

Thank you 😢😢😢😢😢

[@susanyork5089]

The Greatest Series Ever

[@daverhoden445]

If every regular cast member only watched the show once , then I've watched all seasons of The West Wing more times than the entire cast combined. And here they are tempting me to restart again.

[@jillcoe4695]

Great segment.

[@darrellgarrett72]

Damn! I miss that show!!

[@jeff7775]

I used to watch this show with my (late) mom. Nice memories... I think what makes it all more poignant is that the WW was an idealized version of a rational democratically functioning WH, while in reality today American democracy - and WH reason - may be in a farewell tour.

[@passiveagressive4983]

Hartsvilles Landing is one of my favourites, I didn’t know that this was originally a play. Sorkin should take this to Broadway.

[@eidodk]

It wasn't. It's an on-stage reenactment of a tv series. West Wing was always a TV series, it was written as one.

[@mmb628jr2]

The dude in the bottom middle .. is the most honest dude..sipping his wine and carrying on. Much Supportive of what ya doing- I’ll check it out.

[@geofffleming12]

Man, you will NOT be disappointed. Check the whole series out; it's crazy good.

[@Pixel2523]

Remember what used to be considered a political scandal? We are now beyond fiction!

[@hectorlatorre8578]

Great show.

[@concordep2504]

My favourite moment was kzbin.info/www/bejne/rafVYodnqKupe8k and the episode when Simon the secret service agent was shot and killed I cried my eyes out with CJ. The West Wing was one of the best TV shows ever written and filmed

[@geofffleming12]

That WAS rough.

[@brownkemosabe]

Indeed sir. The moment I always remember (amongst several others), is "The Streets of Heaven are filled with angels tonight"

[@atty.rpgonzales]

Richard is still in character. 😂

[@igorschmidlapp6987]

Martin Sheen needs to finish his job playing Kennedys and play Ted in some production. He played Bobby and Jack already...

[@geofffleming12]

I honestly don't think he could do it now, even if he looked younger, and not because he's not talented enough. He's just indelibly Jed Bartlet now!

[@igorschmidlapp6987]

Since Donald just loves to play the role of President, and not actually BE the President, he should just give it up to Martin...

[@jeswartz2723]

Fabulous, we love it, but like @stephencolbert, where can I find the full video of Jon Batiste playing the WW theme???

[@chinookvalley]

Trump told his cult to "watch the voting booths" and the yahoos in my Red County are taking this to heart. Intimidation has already begun. Am I going to have to use the 2nd Amendment in order to get in and vote? Fear and Loathing here in Colorado. What would Mr HS Thompson think if he were still here today?

[@thomasmcginnis3783]

OMG!!! *Alison Janney is such a honey with her hair up like that!!!* YOWIE! Quite the transformation, from 'nice-looking' woman to _knock-out_ ..... or am I alone in this?

[@miriammcgee]

I think this is the epidsode that features a character with my name.

[@kman8749]

This show makes me cry like a bitch. It hits me in the feels every episode. Hopefully I'm not the only one.

[@brendabrass3725]

Yeah West Wing. Flamingo!

[@GaunteroDimmm]

What I don’t understand is how Aaron Sorkin after years of Cocaine abuse looks better than the cast.

[@thunderousapplause]

Sorkin is Dorian Gray. And n a suit during quarantine

[@EdwardLindon]

The preservative powers of mountains of cocaine.

[@mtssman]

Could please someone tell me more about this stage reading? Is it going to be the full episode of S03E15 or just a few selected scenes? The reason why I asked is because I was one of those 400,000 soldiers (when it happened in reality) hence the storyline of this episode holds a special place in my heart. Not only we dared to think of having a free election, we did have it, again and again since then. My best wishes to the US. May the will of people shines through and pierce the shadow with enduring wisdom. ^_^

[@danielveres4351]

What is it with interviewers these days not being capable of just shutting up for 30 damn seconds and letting their guests finish their sentences uninterruptedly?

[@joemckim1183]

Bradley Whitford is now older then Martin Sheen was when the show began, just think about that for a second.

[@michaelfernandez7805]

I was just watching JFK and A few tapes of a debate back in the days... GHWB

[@michaelfernandez7805]

The President of the United States of America is Unable to enable what every American is doing right NOW! Talk about A LOW BARR..

[@rosalynlander6019]

this special show will not air in Australia...very sad

[@spammyhell6566]

+Rosalyn Lander ~ I don't know abt this show for sure, but usually shows like this get uploaded by random folks, and stay up for a few hours before the removal demands begin. It might be worth checking the search right after it airs. (Warning: the quality of the uploads varies a lot, keep looking if you find junk.)

[@lilaclizard4504]

hence why Australia is number 1 for internet pirates & our government has rightly refused to enforce any rules against it, unless the tv/movie producers address issues like this first (which they are getting better with, but are yet to fully do)

[@thomasmuller6301]

How can you replace John Spencer?

[@Quizonnil]

Wish it was on antenna broadcast TV to reach the masses and not just the rich.

[@JStarStar00]

Sterling Brown's performance was good, but it was disconcerting for Leo to be younger (or roughly the same age) than Josh, Sam, Donna, etc., and especially Charlie. The dynamic of the show is really built on Bartlet and Leo both to be senior authority figures over the cast.

[@storyofcory]

I haven't had a chance to see this special episode yet, and I was VERY confused about why Sterling K. Brown was a part of it. I thought maybe he was stepping into Dule's role as Charlie. As I said, I haven't had a chance to watch this yet, but I am hard pressed to think of another actor, regardless of race, who could play Leo McGarry as well as I can picture Sterling K. Brown playing him. I think Sorkin made a fantastic choice there. I adore Sterling's work on This Is Us.

[@marciabarber2552]

Can someone please make this special event available to everyone, not just HBO, before the election?

[@robertlembo]

Listening to him talking about the threat to our democracy after the events of January 6th and now drumpf's acquittal, it's just that much more powerful...

[@OutrageousAspect]

I adore west wing, but It hurts to watch it now.. the world has become such a politically painful place, that the idealism and optimism shred me.

[@lindapogor]

I just wish they'd make the series HD. I want my husband to see it because it's so great but it's shot in SD and not for a 16:9 screen

[@joshuabanner9920]

Remember when Martins character called off an air strike when he was told it could be anywhere to 20-60 civilian casualties?!? His face when the generals told him that!? Ahh what a fiction...

[@scotts8792]

Currently on what is probably my 20th-ish viewing, and this is the first time I've re-watched the show since reading "To Obama: with love, joy, anger, and hope"-and I realized that that book is in many ways a literary non-fiction equivalent of the West Wing. If you haven't read it and you love West Wing, you should check it out! bookshop.org/books/to-obama-with-love-joy-anger-and-hope/9780525509394

[@b991228]

Does the classic walk and talk take place with multiple spins around the stage?

[@phantom7crossrose528]

Nice of you to have your younger siblings on devie😇

[@carolinavillanueva2099]

One of the firsts

[@peterjordan-turner8789]

Look how Toby got younger while everyone else got older. Is it time for a satirical WW reboot, where the President and staffers walk down the corridors saying the stupidest things imaginable.

[@ValerieJNorse]

I remember an episode where the Bradley Whitford character and his assistant were sitting in his office, having a desultory argument over some minor point, and someone stuck their head in the door, asking, "Am I interrupting something important?" And Whitford says, "I cannot tell you how much you are not."

[@pamr4040]

🧡🧡🧡!!!!

[@mollymcintosh2090]

I don’t think I could have managed watching this when Trump was still president because it’s so close to the bone. Toby talking to the President on the scene where they play chess, making it about smart and not. Engaged and not! So so prescient to the world’s situation

[@azurenojito2251]

It has always been just a fantasy. Particularly sad right now.

[@hemantsharma3261]

Eggs of tortoise , like loin eats dear , and ......so on

[@unitedstatesofadam]

shoulda been courtney b vance but love sterling!! i just thought he was too young

[@Liam_Mellon]

Ok, I've gotta get people's opinions on this. Please tell me I'm not alone in thinking that The West Wing's theme song sucks so disproportionally compared to how great the show itself is.