Why ‘The West Wing’ went from a bipartisan hit to a polarized streaming comfort watch over 2 decades, reflecting profound shifts in media and politics

‘The West Wing’s’ transition from broadcast TV behemoth to ‘bittersweet comfort watch’ in today’s streaming era reveals how much media and political landscapes have changed in the past 25 years.

By: Karrin Vasby Anderson, Colorado State University and Nick Marx, Colorado State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 9, 2026

Words: 1,164

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Karrin Vasby Anderson, Colorado State University and Nick Marx, Colorado State University

When the early 2000s hit series “The West Wing” returned on Netflix in December 2025, it spurred conversation about how the idealistic political drama would play in Donald Trump’s second term.

The series features a Democratic presidential administration led by President Josiah “Jed” Bartlet, played by Martin Sheen, and his loyal White House staff negotiating political challenges with character, competence and …

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