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NBC Planning Live ‘West Wing’ for Sweeps

Oct 6, 2005  •  Post A Comment

NBC will broadcast a live episode of the political drama “The West Wing” during the November sweeps, featuring a debate between the show’s fictional presidential candidates.

The Nov. 6 episode will have Congressman Matt Santos (Jimmy Smits) and Senator Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda) face off in a debate.

Shooting a drama live is not unfamiliar for “West Wing” executive producer John Wells. In 1997 Mr. Wells produced a live season premiere of his Thursday night series “ER.”

Two live versions will be telecast, one for the East Coast and another for the West Coast. The live episode is being written by former Democratic political strategist Lawrence O’Donnell and directed by Alex Graves, both executive producers of the series.

“The West Wing” is from John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television Production.