The West Wing was a drama series based upon the inner workings of a United States presidency. It was created by Aaron Sorkin, and won 26 Emmy Awards.

The series followed the entirety of the "Josiah Bartlett" (played by Martin Sheen) administration and ended upon the election of his successor "Matt Santos" played by Jimmy Smits.

The series opened with high ratings and critical acclaim, but when star Rob Lowe did not return for a third season, both started to waiver. The time slot was changed. New cast members were added. By the final season the focus had waned from the current President to the fight between rivals "Matt Santos" and "Arnold Vinick" played by Alan Alda to replace him.

Chief of Staff "Leo McGarry" was portrayed by John Spencer. There were many similarities between the man and the character he played. Both where were in the prime of their careers, battled alcoholism, and had heart conditions. When the actor passed away from a heart attack in the middle of one of the episodes, it was written into the show and his character suffered the same fate.