Love the interviews with cast members but why does Joshua Malina feel the need to pick apart even the most flawless episodes. It’s TV, every minute detail doesn’t need to be perfect for the episode to work. It seems like Malina thinks nitpicking is thoughtful analysis, but it’s just annoying 🥱

If Josh Molina is on it, I’m watching or listening. Love ya more than Rob Lowe, lol. Seriously, both the hosts and their guests are terrific. If you enjoy WW, you’ll love it even more after giving this pod a listen. :)

If you are a West Wing fan, you will enjoy this podcast. My regret is that I didn’t discover it while it was current. In addition to discussing the individual episodes on a weekly basis, there are interviews with former cast and production members, former members of past administrations and others whose jobs were relevant to the episode topics. There’s even occasional friendly debates on the topics themselves. And if you have access to the show and can follow along, it adds another layer of enjoyment if you have listened to that episode’s podcast first.

I am a HUGE fan of the west wing. I regularly quote it because there’s almost always a west wing quote that is current to what ever political topic is happening now. Josh and Hrishikesh also do an amazing job of pointing out where the TV show takes creative license

The West Wing is my favorite show of all time. This podcast was disappointing in that it could've been so much better if there wasn't such a political slant by the podcasters. Josh was also unbearably critical. A couple of neutral and non-bias fans of the show could've presented the material in a better way. Better yet, these two guys could've been a little less critical and politically biased, and still brought on all of the contacts that have, who were really interesting.

If only Rishi and Josh were running things in this country.

I’m not one who normally leaves reviews, on anything, but I felt compelled to discuss my thoughts on this amazing podcast. Having watched The West Wing a full three times, I felt somewhat comfortable believing that the show could not surprise me again. While three full viewings are by no means exhaustive, especially in this fandom, I was continually proved wrong by listening to this podcast. Watching along, for a fourth viewing, provided a rewarding and satisfying escape from my otherwise blasé day-to-day activities. At the risk of sounding incredibly over dramatic or sad, I can say that listening to any episode was a real highlight for my day. The commentary and analysis from you both was truly engaging and thought provoking. Even when I differed from your takeaways, I still deeply enjoyed your discussions. I equally enjoyed, maybe in a callous way, reading the comments on the podcast’s website. It never ceased to surprise me at how critical, cruel, crass, unhinged or downright unfair a comment some listener decided to type out. While I don’t presume to speak for a majority of the listenership, I can say that the few who chose to so meaninglessly attack an opinion or stance by either of you do not represent my views of the podcast, and I am sure I am not in the minority in that view. This podcast is an unbelievable feat that captures the very soul of what so many West Wing fans hold dear, as well as allowing us all to return to a show that we all mutually love. To Hrishi and Josh, thank you for dedicating your time to this excellent podcast. While I hope that you both are able to read my review, I also hope it will push yet another potential viewer into the deep dive that Hrishi and Josh took me on. So thank you - - Grady S. P.S.: Apologies for my alliteration. Hopefully you didn’t need an avalanche of advil.

Wish I found this podcast sooner, so glad I have now. A must listen if you enjoy the West Wing

The West Wing Weekly may well be the best podcast ever, certainly the best that is not also a radio program. In fact, the podcast is so good that I was able to listen to more than 80 episodes before the virtue signaling the younger host performs (with a virtual megaphone) at every opportunity finally annoyed me to the point of anger. Who cares, though? That kid is great in every other way. Exposure to his West Wing fandom can only enhance any listener's, and he's clearly a good guy (his holier-than-thou brand of feminism notwithstanding).

I found this West Wing podcast long after it began and ended. But it’s still here with updated promos for their new projects, so I presume my opinion is still relevant. Halfway through the 1st Season’s rewatch, I realized I was only in it for the cast and crew interviews. As I got deeper into the show, I was surprised and disappointed with the amount of nitpicking and overly critical comments being made. Early on, I noticed how Josh Malina, a former cast member, was increasingly negative and nitpicky about the show. So much so, they began acknowledging fan’s online comments about it. And it got to the point by around episode 30 that they were making fun of an upset fan who had written Josh about his negativity. And Josh himself pondered aloud whether he had West Wing fatigue…on a WW fan show! Co-host Hrishi is top-notch, but not even he could assuage Malina’s incessant commentary about alleged weak writing and wishing episodes were different or had alternate scenes. I unfortunately had to just stop listening, but felt strongly enough to write this novella of a review. Anyhow, I’m no hater, so I’ll get on with my life and move on to #whatsnext.

I have no clue why, but Josh Malina and this show blocked me on Twitter. I used to follow both and then Josh blocked me, and I just discovered the show blocked me. I never even interacted with either of them! How silly and childish, I’m embarrassed for this show - I’ll never listen to it again.

Love Love LOVE the podcast, fellas. Been in love, inspired, and consequently indebted to the West Wing from the beginning (I was in my mid teens when I started watching it and it’s followed, lead and haunted me ever since). The concept and delivery of the pod is a perfect twin for the show, which is the highest praise seeing as it has few equals. A plea, however, Please PLEASE PLEEEEASE Josh, would you do the same for Sports Night. I guarantee the West Wing Pod listeners will tune in, and if any of them have yet to be introduced to the show, you will be doing them a great public service. Everyone raise your hands (ie spam Josh until he caves) if you want SPORTS NIGHT THE PODCAST

It is rare that we encounter in this world something that is entertaining, thought provoking, and just plain smart. This podcast despite its natural end having passed is worth every moment. It is candy for the curious. One warning - the hosts are strident at times. The listener must be willing to be interested in the intelligence of the commentary. There are more than a few moments when listener agreement with the hosts can be quite elusive. It is interesting getting to know the hosts as the podcast progresses. One learns the personalities of the hosts as well as the inside perspectives. There is a built-in provocative intent, but over time the realization sets in that the Joshua Malina just enjoys being provocative. It is fun. The content is superb. References to dialogue are always backed by a cut of the dialogue itself. Reference audio drop ins from movies and Sorkin reference items are always provided. The guests are interesting and amazingly relevant. This is by far the smartest podcast in the podcast universe with all due respect to NPR and others.

I am listening to it late but the behind the scenes stories are interesting. I switched my major to public health, graduated in 2018, and have taken on a more political approach to my career since watching the show.

I can’t believe I just discovered this! Amazing! Insightful, thoughtful, illuminating, and incredibly fun! Listening to this unfold over the course of the last 4-5 years will be an interesting time capsule. Thank you for your dedication and love. Well done.

I will never listen alto anything you do again. A total waste of money and time and you were late too Ruth oberg Glen ellyn IL

I’m so bummed that I’ve found this podcast after its completion, but glad it exists nonetheless. I’m listening to the episodes right around the awful 2016 election, and right now we’re just about 3 weeks away from President-Elect Biden’s inauguration (GOODBYE DONALD TRUMP!!) and it’s just surreal to hear you both discussing Trump (as then President-Elect) and knowing all we’ve been through since.... These have been 4 “interesting” years (not even touching upon the horror show that was 2020). Thank you for your podcast, for this show we all love.

The west wing is my all-time favorite series. I am a huge fan of Sorkin. Just found the podcast a few months ago and it is my walking companion. I also enjoy the dialogue and your assessments. Over the years I have watched the series in completion many times. Hope springs eternal😊!

So I’m late to TWW love fest. I’ve only just finished watching the series on Netflix. Then I found this lovely podcast. I have to say how much I love Joshua for a) bringing up one of my favorite movies Galaxy Quest and b) pointing out that Toby should have said “couldn’t care less” instead of “could care less” on big block of cheese day. Thank you Joshua! 😊

This is absolutely the best podcast I’ve ever listened to. If you love the West Wing it’s a no brainer and I suggest it to every person who loves the show. The camaraderie between Hrishi and Josh too is excellent, as is every guest. This show made me love The West Wing even more and I didn’t think that was possible. I’m just sad the podcast is done, but I will come back to it next time I rewatch. Thank you thank you thank you for making this!

Alternating between this podcast and the show ( first time watching) and it makes me very happy to leave 2020.

There was a predecessor cheese that was in Jefferson’s White House.

I’m a Theatrical Stage Manager Wingnut, who was introduced to the podcast by another Equity SM in the midst of Covid and have plowed through them all in mere months. It was a joy to have a new one after the series was complete. If you are a West Wing fan, you will love this and gain so much knowledge of how TV is made! I have loved every minute of it.

The next best thing to a new episode of The West Wing is an new episode of TWWW!!! I’ve missed you guys!

listen to the west wing thing instead of this trash

Joshua Malina, Hrishikesh Hirway, and their guests, provide insiders’ analysis of each episode of The West Wing. The conversations are erudite, funny, insightful, thought-provoking, and occasionally scathing enough to make the whole a gem of a podcast. If you love TWW, you will love TWWW. And check out the FB page Fans of West Wing Weekly podcast, as well as TWWW website.

Being the massive TWW fan that I am, I’m not sure how I never knew about this podcast until 2020 after it concluded. But I know about it now, and one gift of this weird year was discovering The West Wing Weekly and watching through the TV series for the umpteenth time with each episode of the pod. The hosts often remarked how interesting it was that so much of the series and the podcast would line up with current events at the time of 2016-2019. It actually ended up happening again for me during my 2020 listen through, numerous times! (One example: I arrived at The Supremes during the confirmation hearings of Amy Coney Barrett. When they originally recorded the podcast, that fell over the hearings of Brett Cavanaugh.) And even though this podcast was recorded over the past few years, the applications of both the TV series and this companion media are particularly poignant in the world of 2020. Additionally, the special guests that Hrishi & Josh procured for some of the topics were so interesting, fascinating, and of an intelligent standard and they take this production from a level of “already great” to a level of extreme quality. No matter when you pick up with TWWW, you won’t be sorry that you did. It has something to offer for everyone, always. And it is absolutely a must-listen! I have to recommend it as one of the best you’ll ever find out in the podcast world! I just have one request: please bring back all the awesome merch on your website that I never had the chance to purchase. I want it all! ☺️ And oh yeah—make sure you check out thewestwingweekly.com 💻📲

Having been through the series several times, discovering this podcast was a great way to “refresh” the series yet again, giving new insights and perspectives to each episode from not only the hosts, but from cast members and The Great Sorkin himself! During this dark time in our nations history, it’s great to relive this series and remember what a properly functioning government can be like, “imperfect” as it is.

My first time listening to this podcast was during my first complete watch of The West Wing. My sister challenged me to watch GOT, and I replied in kind with a challenge for her to watch The West Wing. This has been a great way for us to connect during the Covid-19 pandemic. I started rewatching The West Wing, but it felt wrong not listening to Hrishi and Josh, so here I am rewatching and re-listening. I find that their commentary and insight brings me into the story more and the creative minds behind it. I just started season 3 and I have to admins how jealous I am of the Presidential Classroom students. I participated in the program in March of 2001, but our White House tour wasn’t anywhere near as exciting- No CJ, Josh, or (awkward) Sam. Memories aside, this podcast is worth the re-listen, for the guests and the humor.

Garbage takes on a garbage show.

A great look into a favorite show. The hosts are insightful and spot on most of the time examining the ins and outs of West Wing. When the subject matter doesn’t quite become interesting the host’s banal self centered banter is a turn off. That being said Richard Schiff and Alan Alda have been great guests and helped the podcast bring out the richness of the show. In the end I’m glad that WEST WINGwas brought to the airwaves a retrospective manner. Criticisms of the hosts aside they still delivered a memorable product.

Just corrected my wife... it’s President Bartlet ... enough said!

I have recently discovered The West Wing Weekly and am thoroughly enjoying it. I have been a fan of The West Wing from the premier of the pilot. (confession: we would rush home from Bible Study each week to watch) My husband gifted me a full set of DVDs once the program was over and I have watched them over and over and over. Now I watch The West Wing on Netflix (over and over). It is great to hear the insights that Josh and Richie give on each particular episode....and NEWSFLASH...hopefully Joshua Malina has read this far....Will Bailey was one of my favorite characters before he went to work for Bingo Bob...and then again when he came back as Press Secretary when Toby left...Snark on Will!

They are honest and fun and give even more depth in through the west wing. They get great guests and the honest rapport shows such genuine love and respect for this. Love it!!

It’s a good, good podcast

Thanks guys for this. I stumbled on it and I loved this series all those years ago and you both inspired me to start watching again. It is so appropriate for the times. Not only did it seem like some things are still being argued about but things are worse. Anyway I’m hoping things can improve with a new and capable admin, you know , someone who is not an idiot and believes in democracy. Anyway stay safe and thanks! Excellent podcast and I love the guests. Dot MacDonald Brattleboro, Vt.

Hey guys, why don’t you put up a link here for Brad’s event in Wisconsin on Monday. I will see you then.

I discovered this podcast during lockdown, y’all kept me company and entertained! I’m a huge fan of passion projects, thanks for sharing this one with us!

I’ve made it a goal to watch the whole series and listen to each episode’s podcast (and then some, i.e. Blocks of Cheese) and I’ve got to say I LOVE THIS PODCAST! Both of these guys are super entertaining and admirable, I love how easy it is to “geek-out” with them.

I'm sorry, guys. I know this podcast has been praised to high heaven and back, but I just couldn't do it. I have only one major problem with it, and if it doesn't bother you, you'll probably enjoy West Wing Weekly. And my issue is one of the hosts: Hrishikesh Hirway. I find him to be irritating, pretentious, and boring. He talks in that weird, quiet, soft tone that you hear on elitist podcasts like NPR or This American Life. Maybe some people find that to be ASMR-ish, but it just makes me grit my teeth. Not to mention the man doesn't have a humorous bone in his body (no pun intended), always being dry, stale, and moralizing in comparison to his cohost's likeable, chipper attitude. I don't know if he improves later on, but I doubt it, since I'm aware Hirway is a professional podcaster who has probably settled on his style of molesting his listeners' ears with his creepy whispering. I know this may sound silly to some, but a whole podcast can be brought down for you if you dislike one of the main cohosts. Also, I didn't get too far in, but the idea of interviewing a cast member every episode seems like a gimmick that would get old. I'm more interested in hearing about the episode than behind-the-scenes trivia. Anyway, point is, Joshua Malina is great, I'd happily listen to any podcast of his if he does one again. But I want Hrishikesh nowhere near my ear holes ever again.

Back in the day I was an extra on several episodes at Warner Bros. On one occasion it was the night before Thanksgiving , we left well after midnight, and Martin warmly looked at us with those twinkling eyes, smiled and wished the small group of us left a Happy Thanksgiving. I also remember John Spenser , not in a suit but in an off camera -Hawaiian shirt , outside the stage. I smile at both those memories today . Can’t wait to dive into these podcasts.

I loved TWW when it originally aired - have recently started to rewatch every episode on Netflix - it holds up all these years later. Same issues - same concerns - same inability to gain consensus and agreement to provide solutions to the nation. And isn’t that just so sad .. Aaron Sorkin’s genius was recognizing an issue/topic/situation and writing a story that was on point and believable - and putting the humanity and imperfections into each character that was true to his/her role .. having found this podcast (just yesterday) I love TWW even more!!

Hello, everyone! A fellow fan of The West Wing here and, even though I’ve discovered it just months after the podcast ended, a huge fan of The West Wing Weekly Podcast, too. I love the analysis and discussion of each episode of TWW and feel delighted to revisit the series on a deeper level with equally-invested nerds (not just Josh and Hrishikesh, I’m looking at all of you, TWWW community)! Despite being late to the party, I’m glad I made it and thrilled that the entire podcast is preserved for not only me but also many decades of West Wing Watchers to come. I love reading through old comments on the Facebook page and reading discussions on TWWW website. This podcast captivates my interest for every moment I listen, and I am so grateful for the thoughtful efforts put in to make this project special. I can’t recommend The West Wing Weekly Podcast highly enough!

These two lovable nerds wrote the playbook for tv show-accompanying podcasts with this excellent podcast. I listened every week the past few years, and had put off listening to a few of the special later season episodes (ie graphic design, casting the pilot) but finally finished, and I couldn’t recommend it more. Obviously the material they covered was some of the best television ever made, but it wasn’t without faults, and these two are quick to point out areas that don’t hold up to the higher standards we hold to culture in 2020 in terms of diversity and inclusion. Finally, I’ll say you don’t have to be political to participate in this podcast. There are interviews with writers and directors and actors and camera operators and set designers, as well as policy makers and social justice advocates.

Can you guys do a reunion that reviews and discusses Aaron Sorkin’s The American President? Miss you guys so much!

His story about his Vietnam Vet brother John - made me weep. Our politics are far apart, but I respect his creative talents and his life story and his eyewitness to history are compelling.

Hrishi and Josh take is on an illuminating, informative, and ultimately very moving revisit of The West Wing from episode 1 through to the very end. Not only do their guests include beloved series regulars, but also real life political pros, beltway insiders and Hollywood heavyweights. Come for the chance to nerd out on the West Wing. Stay for the hosts’ warm friendship, sharp wits (sharps wit?), and insightful commentary. This podcast is a must for any fan of The West Wing, and anyone who has not yet seen the show...

This is amazing. I love it so much.

Thanks for the laughs, Hrishi and Josh.

Update: now the hosts are using thus discontinued podcast to spam listeners to shill their other podcasts. The podcast is entertaining for fans of the west wing but also annoying. Molina yammers on and on about himself and he simply is not very interesting and too often annoying. While he has insight into some years of West Wing it was in its decline and a totally different show from the quality years.