Someone once asked me, “What’s a show that was ahead of its time?” For the longest time I didn’t have an answer to that question. However, that all changed once I watched a classic Aaron Sorkin masterclass in writing. The Newsroom depicts a news anchor who isn’t the nicest man to be around but transforms into a leader of his family or newsroom.
Aaron Sorkin is known for his fast pace and sharp dialogue, which makes simple conversation so interesting. Every single scene had my complete and undivided attention, as I witnessed some of the best dialogue I have ever seen. However, that is largely due to each actor bringing their A-game in every single scene.
Jeff Daniels is on another level here, as he depicts this affluent, successful, heartbroken news anchor so well. In the first scene, you understand what you will be walking into. It is made clear right away that Will McAvoy isn’t the nicest guy however, he will tell you how he feels about a situation honestly. The iconic first scene when McAvoy is asked, “What makes America the greatest country in the world?” immediately tells you all you need to know going forward.
Sorkin gives each character within the show their own moment to shine no matter how big or small their role is. For example Jim Harper is a character you find yourself continuously rooting for. Even if it was something small like finally getting his thirty minutes to talk to the candidate, it felt earned.
It is safe to say you will never get bored of these characters just because of the pace they are talking about. It completely captures the chaotic nature of a newsroom during a tragedy type of event. That is something that this show also does exceptionally well. It takes real-life events and makes you feel like you are a part of them once again or as if you are experiencing them for the first time. A great example of this would be when the Boston Marathon bombing happened in the Newsroom; it completely captured the shock that this event caused.
It is sad that this show only received one Emmy during its three-year run. However, Jeff Daniels was nominated for Lead Actor in a Drama Series throughout the three-year run and won for his work in season one in 2013.
The show was only on HBO for three perfect seasons on television as this was Sorkin’s intention. Even though it felt as if this show could go on forever, Sorkin did the right thing and ended it perfectly. I wish Hollywood would push to make riveting and unique shows like this one.
As an aspiring journalist, watching this show made me want to chase my dreams even more. This show highlights how creative and alive this industry may make you feel. Even though it may make you want to rip your hair out, the final product of your work is all more rewarding.
I am forever in debt to my parents for telling me to watch this show.
