The West Wing tv series

[Pan2]

Is it possible to get the majority of the humour without a detailed knowledge of U.S. politics and administration?

We've got a pretty good notion of the dynamics involved, BUT...is a detailed knowledge required do we think?

tia

Not at all. It’s very quick at times though so don’t watch it when there is distractions around as you’ll miss a huge chunk.

Ps Josh Lyman is fit

I've recently started watching it (now on season 2). I have knowledge of US politics, but not particularly detailed, and am enjoying it thoroughly. One thing I would say though is that it seems very unrealistic and a bit twee, but still great watching

All good thank you very much!

ps Josh may be 'fit'..but as a hetro boy this is merely academic.

You don't need it. There are plenty of explainers built in.

No more than you’d need a medical degree to enjoy ER.

Anyone else do a double-take on seeing an old version of 'Josh' in the Handmaid's Tale? (actor Bradley Whitford)

@Pan2 well if you’re watching with a woman you can pass on that little nugget from me .

Josh - I will pass this onto MrsPan.

Where are you watching it? I love this show but it's £££ on prime!

ah on dvd box set.

@stillfeelingmad

Where are you watching it? I love this show but it's £££ on prime!

you can stream it on All4

I started watching it a few days ago, I ly have a basic understanding of US politics. As a PP said, you really have to be paying attention or you'll miss bits.
Designated Survivor, which I watched a few years ago, is less intense and easier to follow so may be worth watching that first. Both are simplified versions of the WH, because of the constraints of having a cast number you can keep track of, in real life there would be a lot more people involved in everything and issues would take months to fix rather than one episode. But it is good, I'm enjoying it!

Don't worry about trying to follow everything first time round - just go with the flow. I've watched it through three times now, and "get" new stuff every time!

We've followed Homeland and Designated Survivor, so I think we've done our prep.

There is a fantastic podcast called The West Wing Weekly which I highly recommend for anyone watching the show. It’s hosted by Joshua Molina, who joins the cast in S4, and Hirshikesh Hirway, who also hosts Song Exploder, it’s an episode by episode recap of the series and most of the cast appears, as does Aaron Sorkin and various writers, directors etc. Such a good show, the live episode they did for the series finale had me crying.

No previous knowledge required, they include loads of explainers. It's a wonderful series and has aged relatively well. I'm actually really jealous - I'd love to be able to watch it for the first time again.

And yes to the pp re The Handmaid's Tale. I couldn't help but wonder what President Bartlet would say about the ceremony scene with Josh and Zoey. Just wrong!!

Put the subtitles on!
And also having watched/listened to Hamilton, you can tell LMM is a fan.

Finished series one. The assassination/shoot Charlie situation.

Have ordered series two, 2nd hand off Amazon. £4.50. Due to arrive 20th November.

We will just have to pass the time til then.

I've seen all of it, at least twice. Its awesome. I don't get all of it, and there are a few episodes which are not the best but it's a favourite in this house (also much enjoyed by our 16 yr old daughter). If all else fails, watch The West Wing.

Oh interesting thread, Pan... we've just starting watching it as it's streaming on All4.
I am constantly distracted by the 90's decor

It's been a great way to have discussions with teen DC- I didn't think they would be into it at all, but in fact they're choosing to watch this instead of Netflix.

Thank you Fiona, tbh some of the convos detail does go over our heads, esp discussions on committee make up and rivalries, but that's okay - the love life intrigues are fab, and the stylised one-liners (esp CJ) are worth the admission price themselves.

My favourite tv series, DH and I rewatch it every few years. DD 13 has just finished watching the whole series. Great characters, great script, great actors, very little sex or violence.