The West Wing’s Longevity

[CM-BlueButterfly]

What makes the show so iconic for you? Is it just one thing, like the great cast or are it all of the elements – writing, cast, production crew etc – combined or is it something else? 

[ProudMary]

For me, it's all about the writing. The writing was so prescient. It seems as if there's a scene from the show that's relevant to events that happen now, almost on a weekly basis.

[Sarah 103]

What makes the show iconic is the way all of the elements, writing, acting/cast, directing and cinematography came together. While other shows had used it before, West Wing became synonymous with "walk and talks." 

[Bastet]

A show can't be iconic unless it fires on all cylinders - the writing (both the big ideas and the dialogue), the performances (individually and as an ensemble), the directing.  Add in the music, the set design, etc.  And then that this all came along at a time when we as a nation needed it, yet it's as timeless as it was timely, and you have iconic.

Edited September 23 by Bastet

[MaryMitch]

I didn't watch this show when it originally aired; I watched it as a balm to the chaotic administration of #45.

It's pretty amazing how well the show has held up. Every now I watch a couple episodes, and many of the plot lines still apply today.