I'm only middway through the pod of the Pilot and y'all seem ready to pick everything apart through a lenses of "oh no, not up to 2020s standards." Thst's going to be tiresome to keep on thinking this is real life I'll update if I can keep listening through this and the next one.

Show rewatch podcasts made by people associated with the show can be problematic because they often avoid criticisms of the show. So, show podcasts made by people not affiliated with the show can be refreshing. This podcast is not. The title of this podcast should be, “I Hate Aaron Sorkin”. 95% of each episode is just complaining about Sorkin and his political point of view. What becomes clear early on is that they don’t put any real effort into watching the show. They don’t know characters or their roles. They don’t know the inspirations for story point, passing them off as implausible with having done any research. So when you hear from someone who did work on the show that explains that the inspiration is from a real account, it just illustrates how much work was not put into this endeavor. The hosts will complain that the show is both not fictional enough (they can do politics however they want, so why not do it idealistically) but then also complain about not an accurate representation of people/behavior/situations. There is a cognitive dissonance that is quite jarring. The hosts become what they complain Sorkin is, which is arrogant, preachy and elitist. I was hoping for something great and got something that amounted to a sophomoric exercise in “I’m a better writer, more in tuned political thinker, more socially conscious person than Aaron Sorkin”. It got tired really quick. 5 episodes in, I can’t do anymore.

To start, the fact that people come on here to write reviews complaining that Josh and Dave aren’t fans of the WW and feel the need to like warn the public, “be careful, this IS NOT a WW fan podcast” makes me lol. God, WW fans are such nerds. I loved the WWT, but my absolute favorite part is that it really does a lot to break down the myth that Sorkin is a good writer. Now, Sorkin certainly has some good projects, don’t get me wrong. I liked Moneyball and A Few Good Men is okay but Sorkin is treated like a god when the totality of his career is meh at best. If you want proof, go watch the Newsroom. I love that show because it’s insane that it was even made. It’s amazing to watch. It’s pure, fully realized, fully unhinged Sorkin. It’s amazingly terrible. For years, I have been fighting with friends who enjoyed WW because they’d say, yes it might have its problems but Sorkin is so good and the show is so well written - it’s not well written and the story is not well crafted. It’s actually quite bad and boring. That’s one of WW’s greatest crimes (that line is a joke, it’s greatest crime is that it infected the mind of American libs, you can draw a straight like to the rise of trump from the shows ideology, and it gave us Mayor Pete - oh yeah, and all of the racism and hatred of women). If I have to be subjected to all of the racism, sexism, misogyny, etc, can’t it at least be interesting?! Josh and Dave did a really nice job of picking apart the ways in which the narrative flow of the story and the dialogue itself are garbage. It helped to hear the audio of the show as well because then you aren’t able to be distracted by the walk-and-talk crutch or charmed by the quippy dialogue. I challenge anyone who like this show to simply listen to it and not have the picture on. Turn the brightness all the way down on your screen and listen. Whenever they talk about any actual policy or any substantive issue (it’s rare) it’s complete nonsense or just racist/sexist/misogynist/American exceptionalist.

You might get curious, like I did. Some of the strongest weed I’ve ever had couldn’t make that movie not terrible, and made me hate Boomers even more than I thought possible. Had to watch it in two sittings. I cannot wait to watch Josh’s movie now. Oh yeah, amazing podcast.

1star reviewers seem to ignore the clear examples of racism, misogyny, right wing propaganda, etc that Dave and Josh present, with audio from WW. Ignore their hurt feelings and decide for yourself. Cuz you will never hear these closed minded fans of WW actually argue FOR all the show’s blatant bigotry. They pretend it doesn’t exist. Sorkin is a terrible writer. But worse, he is a bigot. And completely ignorant about politics. He’s a narcissistic pig. And let’s not forget, was a full on, literal crackhead while writing WW. Another thing these fans of WW ignore. This podcast is a fantastic way to remind yourself how Republicans and Democrats are both vile monsters.

This could be a better podcast if these guys even understood one inch of politics. They get so much basic things wrong that they come off as even bigger idiots than Aaron sorkin’s dumb show. The west wing isn’t good and this no better. Good concept. Try harder next time.

Probably saved my life. As a small-/tiny-time academic, I worked for a big neoliberal think tank in DC 2019-2020 and it almost killed me--from realizing that neoliberalism will be the death of us and how impossible it will be to break their firm grasp on power. I discovered this pod after I quit and left DC. I cannot believe how Josh and Dave were saying the exact same things I've been screaming in my head all these times. Very cathartic and reversed my slip into deep depression. Many thanks for making it.

I cried at the beginning of the last podcast. I am so used to my weekly dose of Josh & Dave plus whoever they have on (enjoyed all guests!) I am worried if there is any real break between this intelligent discourse on one of the worst shows ever & their next project… I may go into withdrawal. How long we talking? Back next week? 2? I can do 2….. Sincere thanks for putting your mental health on the line for this atrocity, hope your families are understanding & supportive! Please keep something going!

The west wing was the world wars and you two are France. You put up such a valiant fight under brutal conditions during the sorkin years that I feel you were left war weary and spent when it came to the Welles blitz. It was a long project and the world changed a lot since it began, no shame in getting sick of a show that you hated.

I’m totally confused by all of the “These guys DON’T even LIKE The West Wing!” reviews. That’s the whole THING. I found you late, so I’ve been bingeing and sometimes I worry that it’s negatively impacting my mental health. Dave and Josh and this format bring out fresh and interesting takes from many of the guests. I love all of the theme music. I didn’t watch TWW when it aired. I tried to watch an episode recently, but nobody has time for that. Thanks for helping me find a way out of the liberal bubble without having to be a Trumper.

Two uninformed and unprepared hosts that clearly don’t know much about TWW. It is easy to see why they are lower tier writers. Be prepared to adjust your volume during a listen…audio production is non existent.

Was trying to explain this show to my father, a huge fan of George Orwell. 2 minutes of hate isn’t nearly enough for me. An extraordinary takedown of neoliberalism and modern American propaganda from the Sorkin songbook. Can’t wait to see what you guys have next.

I love this show, make sure to listen every week. I hope after they run out of episodes of West Wing they go through the entirety of Deep Space Nine. It would be nice to hear them talk about watching something good.

This podcast is basically a vehicle for the hosts to discuss their own political views and ride fan interest in The West Wing to score an audience for it. They tell you as much in episode 1 where both hosts pretty flippantly acknowledge neither of them were big fans of the show and stopped watching part way through.

I loved the West Wing, faults and all, but these two are a disgrace. The West Wing was a work of FICTION and a show of it’s time. These two make fun of “West Wing Brain”, but seem to think the show was real at the same time. YES, some things on the show don’t hold up with 2022 eyes and ears, but it is still an overall masterpiece featuring great writing, stellar cast and fantastic production values. This podcast is boring. The sidebar rants are mind numbing, rambling on and on about nothing directly related to the show. How can you have a podcast about a show you supposedly hate? The cynicism make me wonder if these two take any joy out of life. Their nihilistic views on the world makes me feel bad for those closest to them. Hope inspires and fuels progress. Cynicism only deflates and inspires nothing. Get help, boys. Get help! We get it, you are “writers” too, but neither of you have come CLOSE to the level and quality of Aaron Sorkin. This podcast just seems like jealousy on parade. An attempt to cut down a superior writer and producer. Do a show on something you like or admire instead of one you envy and obviously dislike. DO BETTER! I am a centrist. I have no love for the far left or far right. These two can’t decide which they are (definitely not centrists or progressive). So my advice for listeners, don’t waste your time. My advice for the hosts, find joy in life. Sniping for your comfortable desk chairs about a beloved show, albeit with some faults, is bush league. Don’t be THAT guy(s). DO BETTER!! One out of five stars, because ZERO wasn’t an option. First ever review, probably my last one. Just wanted to warn those who haven’t tried this show yet.

When they talk about the West Wing, it’s great. But honestly, the Hillary masterclass whatever miniseries made my skin crawl. I’m no fan of Hillary’s politics or a lot of her choices but come on. It was surface level criticism that you might hear at a bar, there was nothing substantive or remotely insightful just hate for a woman instead of the institutions and cultural norms that might have contributed to her being who she is. They sound like they tell it like it is, and they certainly seem to think they do but there’s just such a lack of curiosity or self reflection from them.

Josh & Dave are hilarious hosts and challenge me to take a more critical view of West Wing. This show has educated me on a lot of political issues while keeping me entertained! My only complaint is the episodes with special guests can feel repetitive because they have very similar conversations with their guests.

Where do they come from?? No matter, you’re still my boys. FIVE STARS.

Never seen an episode of the west wing but love this podcast. Adolph Reed rules.

I love your podcast and yes never watched West Wing and never will! You too are brilliant and the guests you have and the music love it. But I couldn’t stand Don’t Look Up and like comedy… like cynicism,dark humor and I didn’t think it was funny and thought the acting sucked! So there you go and I still have you five stars!

Good summary of why this country is going down the toilet.

Definitely my favorite political podcast. Audio production needs some work but content is great. Love the format, and the hosts balance each other perfectly. Great stuff.

"These guys swear too much!" - some dumb nerds. Dave and Josh help me with my self-excoriation for liking TWW as a fledgling idiot liberal decades ago, and for that I stand in solidarity. And the episode where Josh just broke down swearing at how useless Nancy Pelosi is will forever remain in my memory.

Probably the best leftist podcast on culture criticism of a liberal sacred cow. Always a treat, never a bore.

Never seen the show. Never need to. This has broken me in a way I didn’t know was possible and I can’t get enough.

I would have given it 5 stars but I don't want to piss off the Republicans

Huge WW fan although I’m a Republican. These guys are vile. Their language is filthy. They can’t go 20 seconds without dropping the F word or the GD word. Tried getting through two episodes, but just couldn’t. I don’t care that they hate republicans or that we disagree politically. The way they go about it is just foul. Can’t elite and educated people find better words to use? Won’t be listening again, which is a shame because I really wanted to hear what others had to say about my favorite show.

Great podcast! If you are feeling any sort of optimism about the future and have been thinking that everything’s going to be alright, this podcast will fix that in about 10min no problem! Also there’s some stuff about the West Wing in there. Never watched it (before my generation) and after hearing these two talk about it I’m happy I have spared such a horrific fate.

If you loved the West Wing it's worth listening to a critique of it. If you still do after so be it.

This used to be entertaining. Now it’s just a guy ranting about how the other suburban dads are mean to him.

This is a great show hosted by two very smart people, but for the love of god find the do not disturb button while you are recording. I don’t need to hear every time you get an email.

Love the show. I was looking forward to hearing what Thomas Frank had to say but Katie Halper kept cutting him off. She’s usually fine, but have Thomas Frank without her next time if possible.

Love it all (except for audio quality and levels going in and out)!

This show has broken me and I love it

WEST WING BRAIN ALERT: in season 4 ep 6, with the amazing BJG, at approx. 2 hours in a bartlett clip has the line to the leftists about how if they don't like him "they should vote for somebody else" HOW DID NOBODY MAKE THE BIDEN CONNECTION THERE?!?!?!?

In the latest episode abu el banat there is like 20-30 mins in the beginning of the show where you can here everyone but Dave. You can tell he is saying stuff because people respond to him but there is a lot of silence and then answers that we don’t have the questions to. Just thought you would like to know.

Dave stop screaming. Josh speak up. You cannot listen without a hand on the volume. It’s bad. Get a new producer or learn how to mix.

Love it but episode 9 is driving me crazy. You guys really don’t know that Roe v Wade (and Griswold) is based on the right to privacy??

The WW is a great jumping off point for the discussions, but in some ways the best content comes before the tv show is mentioned. These talks have helped me put names/terms to the political ideals that I’ve been developing (due to podcast consumption) for years. It’s a great listen.

Just that. More cowbell.

Came for the West Wing, stayed for the politics. My only complaint is the sound mixing, Josh’s is always too quiet

Making fun of sane people: everyone who disagrees with me is a Trump supporter

I was a democratic socialist before this. Now I might consider becoming a Marxist. To be fair, I also started following leftist Instagram accounts as well, so maybe it’s not just WWT

If you’re sick of politics and just want to hear about the writing, acting, and production of the greatest show ever broadcast, this is the show for you!!! Looking forward to the Transportation Secretary Pete episode.

I just finished the twelfth episode, and I’m beginning to suspect that these guys don’t even like The West Wing. If true, I guess I can forgive it because they get in some awesome dunks on women lol. They also have a clear and healthy reverence for that modern day Homer, Aaron Sorkin.

I really appreciate their earnest analysis as writers on this seminal tv show and agree mostly with their politics. It’s also baffling that so many people in power or close to power think west wing is anything but ruling class drama. Funny that half the one stars are from chuds and the other half is from liberals who are baffled that a genuine criticism exists of their ideal of power. Keep it up fellas!!

If “The West Wing” is comfort food, then this podcast is its nutrition label. For this, the hosts will never be forgiven.

Very funny, and they’ve fixed their levels! Sounds great.

I rewatched the “Two Cathedrals” episode recently and wanted to find a podcast breaking down the episode. I came across this one and gave it a listen. It was horrible. The hosts and their guests spent their time trashing the show. The guest - someone who has spent years working for Bernie Sanders - hijacked the episode and clearly has a deep hatred for the West Wing. It’s a real shame that what many consider to be the best episode of the show was treated with such vitriol and disregard. I hope the rest of the podcast isn’t as bad as this episode. Regardless, this iconic West Wing episode deserved better. I didn’t learn anything worthwhile from the podcast.

I am not an articulate person but Josh and Dave have perfectly expressed my apathy & anger I have towards the incompetence, ineptitude, hypocrisy of the Democratic Party and liberals in general. Also something very comforting about their podcasts, I’ve listened to each episode at least twice and put it on before I go to sleep. Kept me company during my husbands deployment and I’m thankful for that.