Years after departing Netflix, the acclaimed drama *The West Wing* is back on the streaming service, and it still makes for perfect viewing—even if it feels too good to be true.

Created by Aaron Sorkin, the series debuted in 1999 and followed the staff surrounding President Josiah “Jed” Bartlet (Martin Sheen) as they navigated minor and major political obstacles. It ran for a total of seven seasons and, within that time, won 26 Primetime Emmys and two Peabody Awards. Representing a different era of television, *The West Wing* remains one of the greatest dramas of all time, with its impact stretching far beyond Hollywood.

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### A Different Take on Political Drama

Politics is a fraught topic even in the best of times, and today’s headlines don’t exactly fit that descriptor. It seems more common for political films and shows to be rife with corruption, soap opera-level drama, and a fair number of unpredictable twists.

*The West Wing* doesn’t entirely avoid drama, but its depiction of the American government offers a more straightforward, realistic view of what happens at the White House. As reality has grown increasingly absurd, President Bartlet’s administration has started to feel almost like a fantasy.

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### The West Wing’s Idealistic Depiction of American Government

In Bartlet’s very first scene, at the end of the *West Wing* pilot, he eloquently calls out three conservative religious leaders for their hypocrisy. Mere moments later, he speaks of a group of Cuban refugees approaching the country’s shores with respect and kindness, indicating his intention to welcome them warmly in honor of their bravery.

These brief moments speak volumes about his character and the kind of president he is. Delivered with Sheen’s gravitas, it’s a memorable and powerful introduction—one that feels rather devastating in the year 2025.

*The West Wing* paints a near-utopian picture: an administration filled with hardworking people who only want to make their country better. They focus on issues both monumental and mundane, many of which still resonate with American life today.

For example, early in Season 4, Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford) and Communications Director Toby Ziegler (Richard Schiff) tackle the high cost of attending college. Other political shows might consider such policy boring, but on *The West Wing*, it feels as significant as the question of whether the United States should go to war.

For American citizens struggling with the sharply rising cost of living and a tough job market, it’s almost a relief to watch these politicians fighting hard on their behalf.

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### A Portrait of Tireless Public Servants

A recurring theme on the show is how Bartlet’s staff works overtime, hardly ever leaving the White House. In fact, it’s rare for the show to even reveal the inside of characters’ homes. This creates a perfect image of what a presidential administration should look like—and that makes it all the more jarring.

Regardless of political affiliation, today’s political landscape prizes spectacle over progress. Watching *The West Wing* in this context is surreal, especially episodes where staunch Democrats happily welcome a Republican, Emily Procter’s Ainsley Hayes, into their White House. That kind of bipartisan collaboration feels like pure fantasy today.

Other moments feel equally idealistic: President Bartlet willingly steps aside when his judgment is compromised, Press Secretary C.J. Cregg (Allison Janney) listens carefully to Native American activists seeking an audience, and Josh knows when to step back and allow people to vote their conscience—even if it’s not for his preferred candidate.

These are actions viewers might expect from government officials, but real life has proven it’s rarely so simple.

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### Characters We Wish Were in Charge—Beyond Politics

More than its idealistic view of governance, it’s *The West Wing’s* characters who stand out in this chaotic era. These are people carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders, dealing with situations few could imagine.

They’re larger-than-life yet relatable—goofy, prone to mistakes, and ultimately trying their best. Josh is arguably the most clumsy, C.J. engages in a prank war with Charlie (Dulé Hill), and Toby gets superstitious about the presidential election.

Despite its primetime-worthy drama and snappy dialogue, *The West Wing* is filled with believable personalities. These are the kinds of people viewers envision when imagining the ideal civil servant: dedicated, passionate, and inexhaustible.

Aaron Sorkin assembled an incredible cast, with most of the core ensemble earning Emmy nominations. Memorable guest stars like Glenn Close, Laura Dern, and Matthew Perry only scratch the surface of the show’s talent pool.

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### Criticism and Comfort

Over the years, *The West Wing* has faced criticism for its idealized view of politics, which even during its original run didn’t fully match reality. The show leaned liberal in its perspectives and occasionally fell into broad stereotypes.

Still, it remains a bittersweet comfort watch. It’s a relief to turn off the news and revisit this unfamiliar world, where the people at the heart of government genuinely want to do good and work tirelessly for it.

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With *The West Wing* now back on Netflix, it offers a much-needed balm for these confusing and trying times.
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