Aaron Sorkin is the screenwriter against whom all other screenwriters measure themselves (and then proceed to get depressed). And his return to episodic TV has had everyone drooling with anticipation since it was first announced. The HBO series, set behind the scenes of a cable news network, was tentatively titled More As This Story Develops. I don't think anyone thought that name would actually stick, and it didn't: According to TV Newser, it's been changed to the far sexier Newsroom. (Or possibly The Newsroom. Market research suggests definite articles appeal more strongly to high-income, female-skewing audiences.)
The show is set at a cable news network called UBS, which competes directly with existing networks like CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News, and follows the staff of a show called News Night, based loosely on Countdown with Keith Olbermann. (Olbermann lent his expertise to the series.) Jeff Daniels plays Will McCallister, the anchor of the show. The script contains several references to backstage news drama from the real world, including references to Dan Rather's firing by CBS, and the power play that saw Olbermann lose his lead producer to Lawrence O'Donnell on MSNBC, which led to his eventual exit from the network.
But does anyone really care about that stuff? Sorkin sounds like he's working comfortably within his wheelhouse again, and HBO will spare no expense and offer him no broadcast restrictions. But I guess my hesitation here is that this scenario will be a little too comfy for Sorkin, thereby allowing him to fall back on his worst impulses—those endless, airless, holier-than-thou speeches that doomed his last series, NBC's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. With his recent big-screen successes, The Social Network and Moneyball (which he co-wrote), Sorkin has proven that he can still turn an inside-baseball story into something worth getting involved in. Here's hoping Newsroom continues the trend.
What do you think? Is Newsroom a guaranteed hit? Or do you have reservations?
I have a reservation - to watch the show every time it's on. Aaron Sorkin is my hero - and there aren't many of those around.
May actually get HBO for this, loooove The West Wing.
When is this airing? did I miss something?
I'm looking forward to this more than any other show I can think of. I've been a fan of Sorkin since I first caught an episode of The West Wing. I now have the whole series on DVD and still watch them at least once a year. I then went back and checked out Sports Night, which was great and then, obviously, Studio 60, which I've also got on DVD and watch regularly.
The man is an expert at creating watchable characters and then developing them as the story progresses. He always seems to get the casting spot on and I love the look and feel of his shows, like you're right there with them behind-the-scenes.
To say that I'm looking forward to this is a massive understatement - to be perfectly honest, I think I'm jonesing for a Sorkin fix!moreless
I've actually watched Studio 60 multiple times, and I think its great, so for me, another similar show isn't a bad thing. Here's hoping for loads of walk-and-talks. My only worry is the cast having the chemistry they need, I'm sure Sorkin knows what he's doing, but I think he actually really nailed it on both The West Wing and Studio 60, so it'll be hard to measure up to those two.
Very true. Also the cast of Sports Night had great chemistry, it's one of the things I like most about Sorkins work.
I'll watch but if it goes down the route of "journalists are all wonderful, we saved the world from Nixon" while ignoring the misery inficted on people like the McCanns in the name of making shed loads of money, i will be turning it off very sharply.
I have a feeling Sorkin will have more than a little fun skewering Fox News.
After West Wing's"Two Cathedrals" I'll watch everything from Sorkin. He and HBO - mindblowing.
Can't wait. Loved the West Wing (it was our family show and taught me all about American politics), was broken hearted when Studio 60 was axed. But I do like watching Hawaii 5-0 and other mindless stuff!
The closet thing on the thinking level right now is Homeland.
Never watched the West Wing but i loved Studio 60 so i hope this doesn't get cancelled... My expectations are definately high..
West Wing has to be one of the best shows ever (first 4 seasons that is), but being based on politics it was more powerful and more emotional than Studio 60 could ever be. Newsroom probably sits somewhere between the 2, so definately has a chance of lasting. My only worry is that everyone will compare it to the West Wing and if it isnt as good then it wont last. Its not going to be as good, but if its even half decent it deserve a chance.
Aaron Sorkin is amazing. I adore his writing. I constantly rewatch Studio 60 and the West Wing and just.. envy, envy, ENVY the way this man puts things together. He writes incredible dialog and gets the perfect actors to pull it all off. Studio 60 was SO short changed, and ended waaaaay too soon.
So, you're telling me there is more Aaron Sorkin coming to a screen near me? Huzzah! I cannot wait for this.
I can't wait for this show!! (and no, Raven7Claw, I loved Studio 60)
My opinion probably means very little for the following reason, but I'm going to give it anyway.
I am one of the BIGGEST fans of Aaron Sorkin in the world. "Sports Night", "The West Wing" (Greatest show ever), and "Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip" were all amazing (two of which DID NOT have enough episodes). Then of course the movies, "A Few Good Men", "Moneyball", "The Social Network", "The American President".
But really, the reason we love him is that he can make a compelling story about anything, and he does it while maintaining consistent characters that AREN'T STUPID (the problem with oh so too many shows today), and in that vein the shows/movies do not treat us (the audience) like we're stupid. This is why he is popular, and he has a way of making things interesting, so I'm not worried that it sounds like a premise he's written before (because it's not super different from "Sports Night", nor the other two TV shows he's written).
Will everyone love it? No. But those who clamour for intelligent dialogue, and good drama that doesn't rely on narcissistic backstabbing or incessant chase/blow up scenes will love this show. If you want the chase and fight, there's "Hawaii Five-0", they do a lot of that there. If you want the backstabbing and soapy drama, there's "Revenge". Both of these are also quality shows. But there's nothing like an Aaron Sorkin show.moreless
"I could kiss you all over the face right now." -Danny Tripp "Studio 60" (Nevada Day Pt2)
Very well said, PCSJunior002. Very well said, indeed.
Sounds very much like Sports Night, which I love. I don't subscribe to HBO, but I would definitely check this out.
Am I the only one who really enjoyed Studio 60? Before the show lost its mind trying to tie up all its side stories, as the cancellation axe was coming down, it was very good television. I know that it can down to the choice between it and 30 Rock, but to me 30 Rock was always good for the momentary laugh and never stuck around in my head afterward.