What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedWhat's Next
Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack · Book
If you loved What's Next, start with Nicky Byrne HQ — a podcast on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to What's Next across media.
If you loved What's Next, you crave the electric alchemy of high-stakes creative collaboration and the enduring bonds of workplace camaraderie.
Films on the same thread
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Olivia Newman · Film · 2026
Explores: Grief and healing, Intergenerational friendship, Hidden secrets.
Like What's Next, this story captures the profound beauty of unlikely connections, focusing on the deep, human resonance that forms when people navigate life's transitions and hidden secrets together.
People We Meet on Vacation
Film · 2026
Explores: opposites attract, long-distance friendship, emotional intimacy.
Just as What's Next celebrates the enduring intimacy of long-term professional partnerships, this story mirrors that deep emotional history, charting the evolution of a complex, decade-spanning personal bond.
Saturday Night
Jason Reitman · Film · 2024
Explores: Creative Process, Pressure, Debut.
If the behind-the-scenes magic of What's Next captivated you, this intense portrait of a creative troupe under pressure offers that same raw, unfiltered look at ensemble dynamics and debut.
Don't Say Good Luck
Julia Hart · Film · 2026
Explores: family conflict, performance anxiety, high school social hierarchy.
Similar to the creative dedication highlighted in What's Next, this narrative explores the high-pressure environment of performance, where personal stakes and professional aspirations collide within a tight-knit, demanding group.
Series on the same thread
The West Wing
Aaron Sorkin · Series · 1999
Explores: Presidential Administration, Moral Dilemmas, Idealism vs. Realism.
Since What's Next explores the legacy of this iconic series, returning to the source material provides the same witty, idealism-driven workplace camaraderie that defines the original political drama's enduring appeal.
Sports Night
Aaron Sorkin · Series · 1998
Explores: Work-Life Balance, Ethics in Journalism, Ensemble Cast.
This show mirrors the fast-paced, high-pressure professional environment of What's Next, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and personal sacrifices made by a dedicated ensemble working toward a common, demanding goal.
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast
Lisa McGee · Series · 2026
Explores: Friendship, Secrets, Guilt.
The deep-seated loyalty and shared secrets among friends in this mystery echo the camaraderie found in What's Next, showing how long-term bonds withstand the weight of complex, high-stakes history.
The Librarians: The Next Chapter
Dean Devlin · Series · 2025
Explores: found family, secret societies, fish out of water.
Much like the collaborative spirit celebrated in What's Next, this story follows a group tasked with solving complex problems, emphasizing how a disparate team finds unity through shared purpose.
Podcasts on the same thread
Nicky Byrne HQ
Podcast
Explores: music industry, entertainment industry, life as a performer.
If the insider perspective of What's Next intrigued you, this podcast offers that same authentic, behind-the-scenes look at the realities of navigating a high-profile career within the entertainment industry.
Nickson and Nate
Podcast
Explores: media industry, career development, professional challenges.
Echoing the reflective nature of What's Next, these conversations provide an unfiltered, industry-focused look at the professional challenges and storytelling nuances that define a long-term career in media.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the primary focus of What's Next by Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack?
What's Next provides personal insights from two cast members of The West Wing regarding the creation and lasting legacy of the television series. The book explores the behind-the-scenes experiences of the actors and the impact the show had on viewers and the industry.
Is What's Next written by cast members of The West Wing?
Yes, What's Next is written by Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack, both of whom were cast members on The West Wing. They utilize their unique perspectives from working on the show to share details about its production and long-term cultural significance.
Does What's Next cover the legacy of The West Wing?
Yes, What's Next specifically addresses the legacy of The West Wing. The authors reflect on how the series was created and discuss the enduring influence the show has maintained since it originally aired, offering fans a deeper understanding of its history.
What kind of behind-the-scenes information is included in What's Next?
What's Next includes behind-the-scenes insights regarding the creation of The West Wing. Because the authors were cast members, the book details the process of making the series and provides firsthand accounts of what occurred during the production of the show.