West Wing Live

6:10 pm EST October 6th, 2005 | News | 9 Comments

This sounds cool

In a first for NBC’s “The West Wing” (Sundays, 8-9 p.m. ET), the Emmy Award-winning series will broadcast a live episode featuring a debate between presidential candidates Congressman Matt Santos (Jimmy Smits) and Senator Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda) on Sunday, Nov. 6 (8-9 p.m. ET).

Very few contemporary drama series have attempted live episodes. NBC’s “ER” — also from executive producer John Wells — produced a live episode for its fourth season premiere in September 1997.

The format of the episode will allow for a tension-packed debate between Democrat Santos and his Republican opponent Vinick. Two live versions will be telecast, one for the East Coast and another for the West Coast. This episode will be written by Lawrence O’Donnell, and directed by Alex Graves, both executive producers of the series.

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9 Responses to “West Wing Live”

  1. Semanticleo says:
    October 6, 2005 at 8:10 pm

    Did anyone see Alda in ‘The Band Played On’?. He was perfectly delicious as the evil, power-hungry Dr. Avarice

  2. Joseph Hughes says:
    October 6, 2005 at 9:10 pm

    I heard O’Donnell talking about this a few weeks ago on Al Franken’s show and remain very excited. I’ve really enjoyed the new season so far. Alan Alda was great, too, as the slimy foil in The Aviator and was great in And the Band Played On. He’s really enjoying a resurgence.

  3. Frank_D says:
    October 6, 2005 at 10:10 pm

    As usual, the poster boys for the anti – war crowd thrive.

  4. rightisright says:
    October 6, 2005 at 10:10 pm

    YAWNFEST

  5. TomY says:
    October 6, 2005 at 11:10 pm

    Yeah, fuck Alan Arkin. Sunday night is when rightisright and Frank D lube up to the 700 Club they TIVOed. That’s precious recharge time before their busy week trolling liberal blogs.

  6. Todd B. says:
    October 6, 2005 at 11:10 pm

    I love when networks run live shows – it’s so much more exciting then watching laugh tracks or canned reaction.

    I think actors/actresses are spot on when they’re allowed to go all out – improv and all. Will & Grace had a fantastic live show last week – the West Wing should be great too.

    I just wish they showed more of the Vinick campaign, however. I realize that the show is mostly centered around Josh/Santos, but I loved Patricia Richardson’s part as campaign manager for Vinick last season – I wish they had a bigger role instead of quick cutscenes.

  7. Frank_D says:
    October 7, 2005 at 3:10 am

    TomY –There’s a disgusting image that will take years of therapy to erase from my mind. Jeebus, what kind of sewer is there between your ears?

    Like Limbaugh, Hannity, and O’Reilly, the 700 Club is something else I don’t watch or listen to. And, I don’t own a TIVO. I’m not as rich as you whining liberals.

  8. PSU94 says:
    October 7, 2005 at 8:10 am

    Well, considering on Nov 6th the Redskins will be getting smoked by the Eagles, I guess I’d watch West Wing if i were you.

  9. Gort says:
    October 7, 2005 at 8:10 pm

    Oliver, Thanks for the heads up. Live TV is risky and I hope they pull it off. The show has left political reality but it’s still good. Arnie Vinnick is a Republican I could vote for so he could never actually get nominated. It should be fun

    OT, I also agree with PSU the Eagles will romp.