We've got a bonus installment of the Film Fest—with special guest Adam Scott! In addition to his work on Severance, Parks & Recreation, Party Down, and so much more, he's just a genuinely thoughtful and kind person, so we are thrilled to have him back on the podcast. We're discussing the 1992 film Bob Roberts, a satirical mockumentary by Tim Robbin…

We're trying to savor the Capra-esque quality of this experience by wrapping up with Mr. Smith. Supplemental materials: James Taylor - You've Got a Friend Mr Deeds Goes to Town trailer Sokovia Accords debate from Captain America: Civil War Thank you so much for joining us again for this series! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choic…

Starring Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, and Kevin Kline. This one was a Patreon subscriber pick! Additional materials: an article about the making of Dave Kevin Kline plays Mr. Fischoeder in Bob's Burgers "clever" as an insult in Fight Club Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

Is The Candidate, in fact, the anti-West Wing? A political story that ends not with a bang, but with a question of existential dread. Interview with screenwriter Jeremy Larner in Brooklyn Magazine The trailer for Downhill Racer (1969) Jerry Seinfeld on Letterman: "You're rooting for clothes." Let us know what you thought of the film! Learn about yo…

Did this movie predict Trump back in 1957? We discuss the film debut of Andy Griffith in a role so dark, anyone who knows the Andy Griffith show might experience some uncomfortable dissonance. Some goodies that came up in our conversation: The dance of joy from "Perfect Strangers" This essay about the film on the Criterion website Albert Brooks and…

This week, we dive deeper into the role of the fourth estate, as we discuss Network, the Oscar-winning film that was meant to be a wild satire at the time it was released, but ended up uncannily predicting the future. Some additional reading material: Mad As Hell, Dave Itzkoff's book about Network Directors' Guild of America post about Sidney Lumet…

This week, we're discussing the 1998 film Bulworth, which features a rapping Warren Beatty, a young Josh Malina, a few problematic moments, and some wonderful and strange ones, too. For a real treat, watch the music video for Ghetto Supastar, which also features a young Josh Malina! What did you think of Bulworth? Join the conversation over on our …

What's more terrifying in Martin Sheen's depiction of J. Edgar Hoover—the racism, or the makeup?! We discuss ALL the important aspects of this cat-and-mouse thriller, which was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture, and won two: Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Daniel Kaluuya. For additional viewing: The Lucas Brothers Willi…

This week, we're discussing the hilarious — and terrifying—Dr Strangelove. A few goodies: An interview with title designer Pablo Ferro "Are We the Baddies?" from That Mitchell and Webb Look George C Scott side-by-side with Tim Robinson (from I Think You Should Leave) Let us know what you thought of the film, on a scale of 1–10 precious bodily fluid…

This week, we're discussing the razor-sharp dialogue and side-splitting comedy of In the Loop (2009), one the greatest political satires. Here are footnotes for some of the stuff outside of the film that came up in the conversation: A tiny clip from the unaired pilot of "Legally Mad" The stateroom scene from the Marx Brothers' "A Night at the Opera…

It's the first installment of the Political Film Fest, and we've got: Martin Sheen in the oval office! "What is the virtue of a proportional response?" The GDC! There are so many familiar elements in The American President, and yet, the film feels dramatically different from The West Wing (and at times, comedically different). It's our first episod…

After four years away, we're bringing back The West Wing Weekly in a new form. As this election season heats up, we're taking a weekly respite from the stress of reality, and turning towards political cinema instead. We're watching and discussing some of our favorite films. It's the same mix of analysis and nonsense that you’ve come to expect from …

On Saturday, August 10, we celebrated the publication of the new book "What's Next: A Backstage Pass to the West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service" by Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack. Josh and Hrishi moderated a discussion with them, along with special guests Aaron Sorkin, Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney, and Richard Schiff…

The West Wing Thing is finished! Come check out our new thing, The Audit! https://the.levernews.com/podcasts/#the-audit

Enough people asked us for the whole story, so here it is - Josh & Dave's full history with Vladimir Putin's most fearsome foe.

We did it. We finished it, and we're not dead.

The one you've been waiting for! Will it live up to your expectations?

With only one episode left to go, the boys are joined by the hosts of one of the very great Citations Needed to enjoy the cast's bout with senior-itis. Will CJ stay on at the White House or go on to make a fortune helping a billionaire whitewash his reputation? And will he or won't he? Time is running out for Bartlett to pardon Toby. Plus - Havinq …

Pete & Dave team up to join Josh & Dave as they marvel at one of the most West Wingy moments in the history of The West Wing. Plus - Is there life after Wang? All is revealed!

They did it. Those crazy bastards. They went and did it. One time and one time only... The Newsroom

Wil Anderson comes back to wish us well, only to discover America has rendered all of his jokes moot.

It's the beginning of the new Santos administration, and being a good Democrat, he's lining his administration with Republicans. Our friends T&V make swing by to tell Josh & Dave how much they'll miss them, and we force them to stay and watch an episode of The West Wing. We are bad people.

Katie Halper returns to say adios to Josh and Dave and endure not just one but TWO godawful seventh season episodes. Josh & Donna finally do the deed, Leo croaks, and Santos wins the presidential election, and it's STILL awful.

We continue to wind down with one more visit from our old friend Luke Savage to discuss the dumbest scene ever on The West Wing and to say goodbye to us forever. Also, our NEW friend Blaire Erskine stops by to tell us about her experience discovering the most wonderful people on social media, the K-Hive!…

Not sure if you heard, but the Supreme Court shot down Roe last week, so we asked our friend Jared to drop by and talk about whether or not that will have any meaningful impact. And since we're awful, we made him watch another episode of The West Wing. Who's got the briefcase?

Our old pal Tom Sexton stops by to say a find farewell, and we force him to watch another episode of the fucking West Wing. This is the one where Donna finallty acts on all those years of abuse and misogyny and.... for fuck's sake, are you kidding? Hey, did you hear about Roe? That happened after we recorded this. Sorry.…

Will the California nuclear power plant blow up, taking most of Southern California with it? Or will the problem just go away? Who could possibly guess? Also, Josh challenges Dan Pfeiffer to a steel cage wrestling match.

Someone or other is having an affair or something, and there's a nuclear war brewing between China and Russia or somesuch shit... Also, even after all those farewell tears AND a new Diesel Boots song... we have a brand new Psaki Bomb. How is this even possible!

Lisa Curry joins Josh and Dave to bag on Bill Maher, say goodbye to Jen Psaki, and watch an episode of The West Wing with Josh. BECAUSE DAVE FUCKING FORGOT TO DO HIS HOMEWORK!

The West Wing finally steps up and challenges Seinfeld - this week's episode is a show about nothing. But don't worry - Will Menaker is here to help us fill the void.

After six and a half seasons, the entirely white writers of the West Wing FINALLY do an episode that touches on racial issues, and it ROCKS even harder than you'd expect it to.

It's the most incredible hour of television you've ever seen! This week.... the legendary LIVE DEBATE. We hate to break it to you... it's not good.

It's our special Trial of the Chicago 7 episode, in whichthe great film critic Bilge Ebiri joins us to battle for the streets of Chicago and the hearts and minds of liberals. Plus, Danny Bessner stops by to talk about being an eyewitness to history.

It's All Abortion All The Time! as the West Wing gang takes on America's ickiest issue. The suspense is killing us! Who will win the election? The vaguely pro-choice Democrat, or the vaguely pro-choice Republican?

At long last! Tobey stands revealed! Heads must roll! We're joined by our pal Pete D'Allessandro to discuss the most notorious episode in West Wing history.

In an effort to shine a light on stories the mainstream media avoids, Josh and Dave discuss the recent Academy Awards, and a thing that happened at them. Plus - did not see this coming - The West Wing comes down on the wrong side of Intelligent Design. Also - Is this the final Psaki Bomb?????

Once again, we dive into the surreal universe where Republicans are hard to beat in California, and Democrats have a lock on the Latino vote.

This week's episode goes out with love to Michael McFaul, who is very much not worse than Hitler.

At long last, we begin the dreaded FINAL SEASON of The West Wing. Will Josh & Dave make it across the finish line? Only time will tell.

Briana and Katie join Josh and Dave to wrap up The Hillary Thing by watching Hillary and Huma discuss the meaning of life. Plus: That amazing victory speech! Plus plus: Lee Camp stops by to talk about the demise of RT, and how opposing war makes you a Commie.

This week, it's all about sexism and ambition. Ashley Stevens & Meagan Day join us as Hillary explains how she managed to persevere in the face of the horrific misogyny of sexist pigs like Bernie Sanders. Also, some war stuff, more COVID ranting, and Josh's head explodes.

Josh & Dave are joined by their pals from The Trillbillies Workers' Party to learn negotiation skills from the master herself. Plus, Shanti Singh stops by to breakdown the school board recall in San Francisco, and to help us prove that Lee Fang is an idiot.

Julia Claire & Kate Willett join Josh & Dave as Hillary explains public speaking and how to handle hecklers.

The first of our multi-part examination of Hillary Clinton's version of If I Did It. We really will do anything to avoid going back to The West Wing.

Dave and Josh aren't emotionaly there yet, so season 7 isn't happening this week. Instead, Brian Siano - our amazing research dude in Philly - pops by for a visit. Plus, fun with the Supreme Court!

SIX SEASONS DOWN! We're almost there, folks. Walker Bragman joins us to dissect the thrilling climax to the DNC storyline. Who will the Democratic presidential nominee be?

Impossible space shuttle problems, decent Republicans, and the horrors of a contested Democratic convention. It's a very special science fiction episode of The West Wing!

Comedian James Fritz joins Josh and Dave to talk about God, children, ice cream, and the awesome January 6 celebration, with a special appearance by West Wing superfan Lin-Manuel Miranda. Plus, an interview with social epidemiologist Justin Feldman about his terrific piece on the Biden administration and Covid, which you can read here: https://jmfe…

Cuba Libre! Soft core 90s porn! Brian Dennehy! All this, AND we take on the Don't Look Up non-controversy.

We force the great comedian Eddie Pepitone to watch his first ever episode of your favorite show, then laugh at his howls of anguish. Plus - did we just hear the stupidest line of dialogue ever spoken on The West Wing?