The West Wing

[Steve B.]

was the greatest show on television. Ever.

Anyone dare to dispute?

 

[Brian278]

If it had ended after the first 4 or 5 seasons, you might have a case. That was probably the best drama I've ever seen on TV, but I think that Sorkin's style is polarizing enough to limit its universal appeal. Also off putting to some would be the highly partisan aspect of those first few seasons, before they had a likeable Republican on the show.

 

[kwilkinson]

I think what B meant to say was "Hell F'in Yes it was the best show ever," and I would agree with him!

But, we're just now through Season 4, so I will have to take his words for the last seasons.

 

[Bradford]

It had some good seasons, but I still say the original Route 66 with Martin Milner and George Maharis was the best show ever.

And no, I'm not old enough to have watched it when it was first on, but I watched every episode on Nick at Night when I was in college.

 

[Huntsman]

I greatly enjoyed it, but I'm certain it isn't the 'greatest' though that point is useless to debate. The best, and worst, part is that it painted a picture of how government ought to be -- people who honestly believe in greater things and a greater good, who believe that a dialectical approach will lead us to the best solution, people who show respect for the responsibilities of the office, people who, in a contiguous and large bloc, have...wait for it...honor.

The bad part of that is that I don't believe it for a second.

Regards,
Huntsman

 

[landho]

Only saw the first two and a half seasons of West Wing, but it's one of the best things I've ever seen on TV. Other nominees include Freaks and Geeks and Seinfeld, but I think the best drama nod has to go to Deadwood and the best comedy nod has to go to The Simpsons.

 

[Saucemaster]

The Wire.

 

[Brian278]

Originally Posted by Saucemaster

The Wire.

QFT.

Can we still debate for the title of best network TV show?

 

[Saucemaster]

I really loved West Wing for the first three or four seasons, so I might be okay with that taking the title for "network".

 

[limping_decorum]

Originally Posted by Saucemaster

The Wire.
The best written/acted/cast show in the last 20 years.

 

[imageWIS]

TWW was a great show, when Sorkin was writing it. Once he left, it lost its luster.

Jon.

 

[Arethusa]

West Wing was witty, delightful, pure nonsensical propaganda. Aaron Sorkin can't write anything without lying to you and shoving didactic Big Truths down your throat. I'm less positive about it than Huntsman, but his analysis is pretty much accurate.

 

[Brian278]

Originally Posted by Arethusa

West Wing was witty, delightful, pure nonsensical propaganda. Aaron Sorkin can't write anything without lying to you and shoving didactic Big Truths down your throat. I'm less positive about it than Huntsman, but his analysis is pretty much accurate.
He certainly is opinionated, but must all fiction be truthful? Or do you just think the way he passes off what he offers disingenuous?

 

[Connemara]

I just finished Season Two. The final episode (Two Cathedrals) is the best hour of television I've seen in a long time.

 

[Quirk]

Originally Posted by Connemara

I just finished Season Two. The final episode (Two Cathedrals) is the best hour of television I've seen in a long time.
"Have I displeased you, you feckless thug?" Classic.