And yet despite the challenges of striking out on its own narrative, featuring significant changes from the printed page, much of what people enjoyed about Martin's mixture of fantasy and grimy medieval politics remains firmly intact. And even then it was a juggling act given the sedate pace of the author's output. TV – and the lesser restrictions/bigger budget allowed by HBO – really was the only place Thrones would have worked outside of George R.R. Finding yourself obsessed with the show? Don't tempt the wrath of the whatever from high atop the thing, read our James Dyer's Definitive History Of The West Wing. In good news for UK viewers, the entire run is now available on All4 – see the link below. It all came to a natural close at the end of President Bartlet's second term in office, but The West Wing remained one of the most intelligent shows on television throughout its run and a comforting image of what a more benevolent White House could look like.
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The series took a temporary downturn after Sorkin's departure at the end of Season 4, but rallied soon after with a number of surprising changes to both character roles and format. Smart and funny, Aaron Sorkin's political drama showcased the writer's gift for rapid-fire dialogue and layered, politically resonant storylines, proving that television could be funny and insightful all at the same time.
For a long time a walk-on part in The West Wing was the pinnacle to which all jobbing TV actors aspired.