A trailer for a new The West Wing one-off special episode was aired exclusively after the vice presidential debate yesterday.
The first episode of the show in 14 years will stream on HBO Max on October 15 but the trailer has not yet been uploaded to the network’s website.
Fans of the show shared the trailer on social media after it was shown on CNN following the debate between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence last night.
The show will recreate the Hartsfield Landing episode from season three, first aired in 2002, as a theatrical stage presentation to benefit Michelle Obama‘s When We All Vote non-profit organization.
The trailer for a special reunion episode of The West Wing featuring Martin Sheen as Josiah ‘Jed’ Bartlet (pictured) was released after the vice presidential debate last night
The trailer opens with a shot of Allison Janey as CJ Gregg (pictured) and Martin Sheen as Josiah ‘Jed’ Bartlet, who says: ‘What did I miss?’
The trailer opens with a shot of Allison Janey as CJ Gregg and Martin Sheen as Josiah ‘Jed’ Bartlet, who says: ‘What did I miss?’
It also shows Rob Lowe reprising his role as Sam Seaborn and Bradley Whitford as Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman.
Sterling K Brown also makes an appearance as Leo McGarry, in place of the late John Spencer.
Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Elisabeth Moss and Samuel L Jackson are all announced as masking special appearances in the episode.
Sterling K Brown also makes an appearance as Leo McGarry, in place of the late John Spencer, and Bradley Whitford returns as Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman (pictured)
At the end of the trailer, Sam Seaborn (pictured), played by Rob Lowe, says: ‘Mr President, welcome back’
At the end of the trailer, Sam Seaborn says: ‘Mr President, welcome back.’
Other cast members reuniting for the episode include Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney and Anna Deavere Smith, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff and Mary McCormack.
Aaron Sorkin is producing the special, along with original director Thomas Schlamme.
Fans of the show shared videos of the trailer on social media as they were swept up in excitement.
Fans of the show erupted in excitement for the special reunion episode after waiting 14 years
Others expressed frustration at the trailer only being shown after the vice presidential debate and not appearing on the HBO website
The West Wing cast will also join a virtual trivia night on October 14 in a fundraiser for Joe Biden’s campaign
They’re back! Martin Sheen, Allison Janney and Rob Lowe are seen filming a special episode of The West Wing for HBO Max on Friday in Los Angeles
Actors Bradley Whitford and Janel Moloney film scenes for the much anticipated new episode
The producers hope to raise awareness for When We All Vote, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization co-chaired by Michelle Obama, who will share a special message during the show.
The West Wing cast will also join a virtual trivia night on October 14 in a fundraiser for Joe Biden’s campaign.
The episode was shot under COVID Safe Way Forward Protocols and the cast and crew were photographed taking the guidelines seriously in production.
During filming, the actors were pictured standing next to hand sanitizer stations.
Since lockdown in Hollywood, there have been instructions for every element of production including the setup of production offices, location scouting, travel, castings and catering.
Since lockdown in Hollywood, there have been instructions for every element of production including the setup of production offices, location scouting, travel, castings and catering
West Wing aired on NBC from 1999 to 2006 for seven seasons and 156 episodes
Allison Janney won four Emmy’s for her character, Press Secretary C.J. Cregg
Sorkin said: ‘Tommy [director Thomas Schlamme] and I are incredibly excited to be getting The West Wing cast back together for this staged reading and to support When We All Vote in their efforts to get all of us involved in this election.’
‘With A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote, we are excited to revisit this legendary series and offer our passionate fans something that is substantial, meaningful and unforgettable, while also promoting an important message for our time,’ said Sarah Aubrey, head of original content for HBO Max.
‘Combined with WarnerMedia’s donation to When We All Vote, this special not only entertains, but also help ensure the organization can carry forth its mission to increase voter participation in every election.’
West Wing aired on NBC from 1999 to 2006 for seven seasons and 156 episodes, with Sheen, 80, playing the fictional Democratic president Josiah ‘Jed’ Bartlet.