Aaron Sorkin: Well There You Have It (Re-Release)
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In this re-released episode of *Literally! With Rob Lowe*, host Rob Lowe sits down with legendary screenwriter Aaron Sorkin for an intimate and nostalgic conversation that spans their shared history in television and film. The discussion centers on the highly anticipated *West Wing* reunion special, with both men reflecting on the emotional weight of returning to their iconic roles after 19 years. Sorkin praises the cast’s enduring chemistry and sharpness—especially Martin Sheen’s remarkable performance at age 80—while Lowe shares personal memories of reading the pilot and being moved to tears by the scene where Sam Seaborn declares he’ll run for president. They reminisce about the grueling production schedule of the original series, the unique challenges of filming long ensemble scenes in the Oval Office, and the behind-the-scenes humor, including Richard Schiff’s legendary scene-stealing antics and Allison Janney’s legendary 'Hardware' nickname. The conversation also touches on Sorkin’s upcoming directorial effort, *The Trial of the Chicago 7*, his casting philosophy, and the enduring legacy of both *The West Wing* and *Parks and Recreation*, which he calls a 'Valentine to public service.' The episode closes with a promise of a future part two, covering Sorkin’s Oscar win, *Moneyball*, and his Steve Jobs commencement speech.
The *West Wing* reunion special feels like a time capsule—cast members aged well, and the chemistry remains electric.
Sorkin considers the pilot and 'Shadow of Two Gunmen' as foundational episodes that defined the show’s identity.
The original *West Wing* production was grueling: 13-16 hour days, five days a week, with Friday shoots often ending at sunrise.
Allison Janney was cast based on a single scene where she tripped on stairs—Sorkin immediately recognized her potential.
Rob Lowe’s iconic 'Stop pooping' line in *Parks and Rec* was an ad-lib that led to him becoming a full-time cast member.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The West Wing Reunion: A Nostalgic Homecoming
“It was kind of like going to see the Rolling Stones. You're like, do they still have it, those guys? Do they?”
The Legacy of the West Wing: From Pilot to Perfection
“I remember reading that scene where he says, I'll run for president one day. And I remember bursting into tears.”
The Grind Behind the Glamour: Life on the West Wing Set
The duo dives into the brutal production schedule of the original series—13-16 hour days, five days a week—with Lowe recalling how he’d wake up in Studio City and be on set in seven minutes. They also discuss the unique challenges of filming large ensemble scenes in the Oval Office.
The Cast: The 27 Yankees of Television
“When you have Shaq and Kobe on the same team, there's just aren't enough basketballs.”
Behind the Scenes: Auditions, Accidents, and Ad-libs
“Stop pooping is an ad-lib. That's amazing.”
“The audience never knew. The critics never knew. You would have known. Thank God you were getting a cigarette.”
“I remember reading that scene where he says, I'll run for president one day. And I remember bursting into tears.”
“The West Wing reunion was motivated by a civic mission: to inspire voter turnout through the power of storytelling.”
Host
Guest
aaron sorkin
person
rob lowe
person
the west wing
media
parks and recreation
media
allison janney
person
martin sheen
person
mike schur
person
richard schiff
person
the trial of the chicago 7
media
christopher walken
person
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