The West Wing, born amidst the Clinton administration and shaped by the George W. Bush era, once reigned supreme over ratings and award circuits. The series, crafted by Aaron Sorkin’s liberal intellect, encapsulated the views of many Americans, especially affluent East Coast liberals, towards American politics. Featuring quick-talking, witty Ivy League graduates as President Josiah Bartlet’s (Martin Sheen, Apocalypse Now) staff, the show’s characters represented a time capsule in American politics: debates were civil, politicians and staff were intelligent, and all characters were shaped by a common faith in American ideals. However, times have changed. As The West Wing ceased to air in 2006, so did the political parties hold power for so long, giving rise to a new show that stood completely in contrast to everything The West Wing represented. Veep approached political shows in a different manner. Rather than The West Wing’s self-serious, often cheesy drama, Veep was a sharp satire portraying the American political system as a joke filled with vain, cruel people, which resonated with the public. It has become a common saying that Veep, not The West Wing, more accurately depicts how D.C. operates. Upon reflection, it’s easy to see why. Every element of Veep, including its premise, performances, and cinematography, came together to create a cohesive show that was both one of the best comedies of the 2010s and a perfect representation of its era.
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