Sorkin' In It: The Films & Television of Aaron Sorkin

Casey’s still mad that someone tried to blow up the building. Brian and Lex are mad because — no, they didn’t: It was a bomb threat hoax. There’s a difference, Casey. Meanwhile, Jeremy chases down a cricket story. Or a wicket story. We don’t understand it either. And Rebecca returns — only good things can follow, right? RIGHT?! Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Casey and Dan can’t get over a bomb threat. Jeremy breaks up with Natalie, but it doesn’t take. And Dana gets pushed around by the suits in Isaac’s absence. Casey and Dan may be rattled, but Lex and Brian aren’t worried. We are here for you, dear listener, in your time of need. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

The team is covering the sweet 16 and Bobbi Bernstein returns. She’s not the only one, because Rebecca’s “ex,” Steve Sisco, makes a surprise visit. The team is eagerly anticipating Isaac’s return, but they’re going to have to wait a little bit longer. Finally, Casey has some very particular thoughts regarding cake, and your pals Lex and Brian don’t agree. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Jeremy gets some devastating news that’s eerily similar to news Sam Seaborn will get in a couple years in another universe. Dan is excited to watch a baseball game with Rebecca. Is the whole episode a home run worth watching? Brian and Lex are happy to tell you. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Jeremy’s writing to his sister, again. Dana’s fearful about losing Gordon, again. And an underdog is doing great, again — but this time, the Sports Night crew is mad at the athlete instead of supportive. Weird. Luckily, Brian and Lex are there to make sense of it all. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Gordon cancels plans with Dana. She mistakenly calls this getting stood up. Brian and Lex are annoyed by this. On the flip side, there’s a surprisingly intriguing subplot about Casey’s missing shirt. And since the episode is called “Sally”, you can bet there’s plenty of Sally, too. Yay? Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Even when we like episodes, Brian can’t stand Sorkin’s titles. This is no exception. Dana’s going snorkeling, until she isn’t. We wonder if anyone truly LOVES snorkeling. Dan enlists Jeremy as the world’s unlikeliest wingman. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Teri Polo appears as Rebecca, and Dan is charmed (and so are we). She appears to be… less so. Everyone staff is worried about Isaac’s job, and no one at Sports Night can keep a secret. That’s a fact we told many, many people. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Casey and Dana become the absolute worst dates ever, and Dan is forced to cohost the show with a woman who hates him. On the plus side, Natalie gets the chance to shine, and Jeremy is — much like we are — quite impressed. But wow do find Casey and Dana difficult to like in this episode. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Dan thinks it’s time for Casey to “get back out there.” Just as long as there’s no flirting with Sally. Meanwhile, Dana can’t keep Isaac’s secret, and Jeremy gets one of the funniest lines in the whole series. Brian and Lex are there to laugh… and Sorkin’ In It. P.S. Go Birds! Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Dan is desperate for Isaac to step up and encourage the president of the network to fight racism. You’ll never guess whether Isaac steps up. (Spoiler alert: He does.) Also, Donna Moss appears in a storyline that’s good with an execution that’s less good. Our thanks to Brian Warren, Lex Friedman, and the whole Sorkin’ In It team. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Dan’s in the zone and can’t wait to head out to Atlantic City, but fate has other plans. Poker will still be played, though. Jeremy’s emotions may be played with too, as he and Natalie work through some things. Also, Isaac is getting smaller, and Dana lacks any compassion. At least Brian and Lex are here, so we all can try Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s the circle of life! By which we mean, Dana goes to see The Lion King on Broadway. Also, Sports Night covers an Everest climb. Brian has corrections for Aaron on mountaineering. And Dan’s looking for a good place to donate his money. Hopefully he’s already a member of The Incomparable. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s S1E8 of Sports Night — Thespis! Somehow, functional grown adults believe they are being haunted by a Roman god. Or a Greek ghost. Or something. Meanwhile, Isaac frets about his pregnant daughter, and a dumb joke about a turkey is telegraphed from a mile away. Luckily, Brian and Lex are. Let’s Sorkin’ In It together. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Jeremy is writing a letter. And falling in love. And Dana’s getting ready to lip sync to “The Jackal”. Wait, wrong Sorkin show - it must be a dance to “Boogie Shoes”. And the team covers a sad story. Almost as sad as their kerning. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Natalie keeps screwing up, and no one will call her on it. Jeremy’s trying to protect Natalie from seeing death threats — and ends up finding the best place to eat in all of Manhattan. And Casey’s mad as hell at a terrible coaching decision. The best decision YOU can make? Checking out this episode of Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Lex and Brian are at the news desk to record another episode of Sorkin’ In It. This time, the Sports Night team lands a huge interview with a major athlete, but there are surprise conditions. Not only that, but Dana sends Natalie to the pre-interview and… unpleasantness ensues. But, good news, everybody - Dan has a quirky subplot to rise to the challenge: He’s contemplating growing a goatee. Okay. What’s next? We’re Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Dan sang happy birthday to Casey. What a jerk! But at least we get to meet Yeardly Smith, and she’s not voicing a Simpson. Meanwhile Casey is frustrated by a fly. Or Dana’s new boyfriend. Or something. None of this makes sense, but have you looked around lately? Escape from the world, friends. Join us. Sorkin’ in it. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Jeremy gets “the call”. Hospitalization ensues. And the “will they or won’t they” storyline between Casey and Dana kicks into high gear — a gear it may never leave. We don’t love everything, but we do love the character development for Will and Isaac. And you. We also love you. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

We owe you an apology. Whoops, our mistake: We owe you a podcast about the Sports Night episode called “The Apology.” Dan must apologize after voicing his support for a group advocating the legalization of marijuana. The episode is as strong as that premise is dated. Except for Josh Malina’s storyline. But that’s okay. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s season one, episode one. We’re watching Sports Night for this season of Sorkin’ In It. We meet a slew of characters. We deal with that grating laugh track. And we wonder if Casey’s gonna quit the show halfway into the Sports Night pilot. (Spoiler alert: He doesn’t.) Will Brian or Lex quit the podcast in this first episode of our new season? Only one way to find out. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

We’re kicking off a brand new season of Sorkin’ In It. And this time, we’re watching Sorkin’s first series: Sports Night. So stick around. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Wipe away those tears, the series finale of Studio 60 is upon us. We’re in K&R part 17 by our count: Tom’s brother remains in peril. As does Jordan. And, sigh, somehow Matt & Harriett’s relationship. But, hey, it’s a finale, and fan service abounds. We promise. Stick with it. We take as long to discuss the final episode as it takes to watch it. And, in true Sorkin fashion, we talk about What’s Next. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s here: The penultimate episode of Studio 60. Jordan’s still in the hospital. Jack’s mad at Sim. And we spend a lot of time in flashbacks learning why Matt and Danny left in the first place… even though we still don’t get all the answers. Maybe the REAL answers are the friends we made along the way — while we were Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s the second in another multi-part set of episodes, continuing with K&R Part 2. Part one exceeded our expectations. Will part two? Spoiler alert: no. Tom’s brother remains captured. Simon chats with the press and it goes poorly. We flashback a lot. Jordan’s still in trouble. Yikes. It’s not all bad, and at least we’ve got each other. Never Sorkin alone. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s the first in another multi-part set of episodes, kicking off with K&R Part 1. Lex and Brian usually don’t think too highly of these, but turns out this one was pretty good? There’s a lot happening in here with Tom’s brother in peril, Jordan in the hospital, and flashbacks. No need to get fatootsed, your intrepid hosts, Lex and Brian, are here to Sorkin’ In It with you. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Breaking News: that’s the name of this episode of Studio 60. A fact which is not breaking news, because it aired many many years ago. But this is an episode filled with crises: Jordan’s baby is in peril. So is Tom’s brother. And so is Matt. Big ep. Luckily, Brian and Lex are ready. Let’s Sorkin’ in It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

There’s a strike on set and Matt & Danny are nowhere to be found. But who is here? Allison Janney, kinda playing herself… even though nobody acknowledges that she worked with several of these people on the West Wing. It may melt your brain a bit, but this turns out to be one of the more fun episodes of the series. No need for cue cards, or the three leads. Watch out for that coffee cup, Lex and Brian are Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Matt battles writer’s block, and he needs a miracle. (Spoiler: It’s Harriet.) Speaking of Harriet, she and Luke aren’t getting along. (Spoiler: He dumps her. It’s a miracle.) Meanwhile, Danny and Jordan work together to take care of a robot baby, and Cal’s got a guillotine. Can you stick your neck out and guess what happens next? We can. That’s why we’re Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

“The Friday Night Slaughter” refers to the moment when all the sketches for the night’s show are on the chopping block. Matt has flashbacks to when he first met Harriet. And he remembers a writer who used to work at Studio 60 who no one else remembers. It reminds us of our old cohost, Wrian Barren, a troubled young fella with great hair that he always kept covered with a backwards baseball cap. We might not like fictional, anagram-named characters. We might not love this episode of the TV show. But we still love Sorkin’ In It with you. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s the Harriet Dinner Part II! The sequel nobody asked for. With good reason. Danny and Jordan escape the roof. Tom’s stuck at dinner with Kim, who’s too drunk to function. And the Harriet/Matt romance is quickly becoming more of a no-mance. Luckily, Lex and Brian are here, and we’re Sorkin’ it all up. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

The Harriet Dinner is the thirteenth episode of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. It’s an episode. It’s not a great one. Danny and Jordan are locked on a roof. Cal is locked in a battle with animals. Harriet and Matt are locking horns. And it’s an absolute lock that this episode isn’t going to be our favorite. (Even though we love Cal. He’s great.) Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

When the going gets tough, the tough name their episodes after days of the week. In “Monday”, Jordan’s dealing with multiple difficult humans — among them Danny and a newly-hired mean girl who heads up reality programming. Jack goes to a concert to enlist the help of our pal Zhang. Darius and Sim start a fight. And Tom pursues Lucy, because this show sometimes has more drama than the reality shows it pans. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

No one has more Christmas spirit than Matt and - and he’s Jewish. Danny is joining Jordan at the obstetrician, and it only gets weirder. Harriet gets a movie… And also maybe love interest? Oh, and Simon and Tom are there, but not for any good reason. From that description you make think we didn’t like this episode, but you’d be surprised! Find out in this brand new episode of Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Too many butts. Not enough funny jokes. Still pretty good? Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Ricky and Ron are closing a deal with Fox for “Peripheral Vision Man”; and ironically, Matt gives them some side-eye about it. Meanwhile, Harriet’s contemplating posing for pictures in her underwear, which we suppose beats posing for pictures in someone ELSE’s underwear. Jordan needs Danny to make some cuts, Danny warns Jordan her job is in danger, and boy, we’re hungry for a Snickers. No reason. Except that we’re Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Nevada Day Part 1 defied our expectations… which meant we got our hopes up for Nevada Day Part 2. Will the light mix of casual homophobia, causal racism, and heavy belief beggaring win us over this time around? Or will we find more joy in discussing the correct pronunciation of Nevada? At least Lex has Brian, and Brian has Lex. And you’ve got both of us. Join us: We’re Sorkin’ In It together. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Uh oh. It’s the Nevada episode. This is the one Lex was worried about before he and Brian started rewatching Studio 60. And it’s the first half of a two parter. But… maybe it wasn’t as bad as Lex remembered? It has John Goodman. It has time travel storytelling. How bad could it be? Only way to find out? Start Sorkin’ in it. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

In this episode, we discuss “The Wrap Party,” a Studio 60 episode that certainly exists in our timeline. Things happen! For example, an old guy wanders into the studio. Matt and Sim go clubbing, sort of. Jordan tries to make friends. Listen, we’re still absolutely enjoying Studio 60, and we’re having plenty of fun chatting about it, but this episode doesn’t make our top 10 list so far. That’s ok! You’re in good hands with your ol’ pals Lex and Brian. Let’s do what we do best, and that’s go Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Lauren Graham hosts Studio 60 (but we barely see her). Christine Lahti plays a reporter and we see more of her (a Lahti of her? Is that a thing?). We get a lot of Matt/Harriet star-crossed romance (yawn). But we do get a lotta lute (which is fun to say, try it!). Meanwhile Jordan passes on a surefire hit, and we’re still shipping her and Danny (the kids still call it shipping, right?). Anyway, it’s a new Sorkin’ In It (yay!). Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Oh no! Studio 60 stole a joke, and now they have to break in LIVE to the west coast’s rebroadcast to cut that joke. Because that makes sense. Okay, okay, it doesn’t make sense. Meanwhile, Harriet gives Matt a gift that drives him batty, and we meat a new character — a reporter played by Christine Lahti, who knows how to push Matt and Danny’s buttons. (It involves buttons.) Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

We don’t subject this podcast to a focus group, because we already know we’re doing everything perfectly. This episode of Studio 60 takes us deep backstage for writing and rehearsing an episode of the show within a show. Ricky and Ron are in maximum jerk mode. There’s pressure on Jordan and the show not to lose many viewers from last week. And there’s other Jordan drama that’s totally unnecessary. But you know what IS necessary? This episode of Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

If you’ve been thinking that this podcast needs more choir robes and Phil Donahue jokes, then boy oh boy are you in luck! Lex and Brian are back, covering Episode 2 of Studio 60, “The Cold Open”, which feels very much like a part 2 of the Pilot. Matt battles writer’s block until inspiration strikes him. Perhaps it should have struck him harder? Grab your local philharmonic, warm up your singing voice — it’s time for Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

We survived The Newsroom. Will Studio 60 be better, worse, or just… different?The only way to find out is to dive into the pilot episode, cleverly titled “Pilot.” Let’s meet new characters! Let’s meet old Sorkin friends — and names! Let’s debate Sorkin tropes! Live from Hollywood, it’s the new season of Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s Studio 60 time! Now that our coverage of The Newsroom is done, you may find yourself experiencing new feelings you’ve never had before. Sadness. Grief. Elation. Relief. But we hope you also feel eager anticipation about what’s ahead. And what is that you may ask? For Season 3, Lex and Brian are covering Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. It’s a show about a show. Imagine that! Episode one comes out next week, and here’s the preview. Or trailer. Or kickoff. You know what? Here’s where we tell you everything we think about Studio 60 before we start watching! Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Today, Lex and Brian cover the series finale of The Newsroom. It’s an episode with a funeral, plenty of flashbacks, music, bowling, and Sorkin just trying to tie up a few loose ends. Did Lex and Brian find themselves satisfied? Elated? Relieved? There’s only one way to find out. Also, stay tuned to the end of the episode for the big reveal of what Sorkin show we plan to cover next! Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

In this penultimate episode of this season of Sorkin’ In It, Lex and Brian cover what is possibly the least-beloved work of Aaron Sorkin’s career; and we’ll come right out and say that it earns every bit of that terrible reputation. Will is in jail, Maggie and Jim are in Russia, and Charlie’s getting worked up trying to hold it all together. Spoiler: It ends poorly. But we keep our chins up and find that we still enjoy getting to talk about it… even if some of our focus is on how not good it is. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Subpoenas. Rushed (but beautiful) weddings. Courtrooms. Handcuffs. It’s an overstuffed Newsroom, and boy does Jim disappoint us. Almost as much as he disappoints Hallie. Meanwhile, Mackenzie and The Source get soaked, and ACN gets acquired. Brian and Lex get… kind of frustrated. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Richard/Toby sees no cause for optimism, but Brian and Lex do: They’re here covering season three, episode three of The Newsroom: Main Justice. We’re at the White House Correspondence dinner, and so is BJ Novak, who is so ridiculous. And we meet the source! Oh, and the steady downfall of Jim (and perhaps Jim and Hallie) continues. No matter what, though, our obligation (and yours) is to keep Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

In this week’s episode Brian briefly forgets the entire concept of the written word and how TV works. We forge ahead, undaunted by any single hosts unhinged intro, and cover Newsroom S3E2, called “Run.” We meet a few new characters and see familiar faces while the network is faces a takeover, Maggie scores a new lead, and Neal is definitely in trouble. Which we mostly don’t care about. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s the premiere of the final (short) season of The Newsroom, and Brian and Lex are watching. Sadly, the Genoa storyline is STILL sticking around — this time affecting the team’s reporting on the Boston Marathon bombing. Plus Neal gets a Genoa of his own. (Where by “Genoa,” we mean, “storyline we wish would go away.”) With all that said, you might think this is a lousy episode, but we actually… like it? And this episode just might bode well for the final season of the TV show! Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.