‘West Wing’ was really a popular show, focusing on reality of the political gallery. Most of the episodes focused on the various legislative and political issues which President Barlet and his underwent.  The series caught the attention of the common man as it told the tale of the scandals, the manipulations and the secrets hidden behind the bright and charming personalities of our politicians.

The situations covered in the storyline were almost always comparable with the political issues that were most important in the days when the series was being aired. After the presidential elections in 2000, when the republican President George W. Bush came to power, the audiences felt uncertain about the continuation of the show as they wondered if the show would retain its topicality. However all the speculations were put to rest when the show continued with its successful journey and even focused on many such issues which were most talked about in those days.

The show gives a sneak peak into not only the behind the door negotiations of the people in power with the Congress but also the personal issues of the politicians like their sex life and drug use. Many people compared one of the scandals associated with President Barlet in the story, with the most controversial Monika Lewinsky scandal associated with President Bill Clinton in real life. The subplot revolved around the immense pressure felt by Presidential staff, because of President Barlet’s non disclosure of his illness to the electorate. He was shown to be suffering from sclerosis and was investigated by the opposition and accused of defrauding the public. The subplot ended with President Barlet eventually accepting the Congressional censure.

The entire series showcased many such scandals and issues in its main storyline as well as the subplots which resembled the real life American political scenes to a great extent. The whole series was quite interesting and the viewers had their eyes transfixed on their TV sets during the airing of the episodes. It is really sad that the series could not continue airing after its seventh season.