If you loved
What's Next
Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack · Book
What hooked you in What's Next was the way creative camaraderie transforms high-pressure workplace dynamics into a meaningful, lasting cultural legacy.
Films on the same thread
Saturday Night
Jason Reitman · Film · 2024
Shares a thread with What's Next: Behind-the-Scenes.
Just as What's Next captures the lightning-in-a-bottle energy of a hit series, this film mirrors that creative pressure by documenting the chaotic, ensemble-driven origins of a television institution.
People We Meet on Vacation
Film · 2026
Explores: opposites attract, long-distance friendship, emotional intimacy.
Much like the deep professional bonds celebrated in What's Next, this story echoes the warmth of long-term friendship and the shared history that defines the most significant relationships.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Olivia Newman · Film · 2026
Explores: Grief and healing, Intergenerational friendship, Hidden secrets.
If the intergenerational connection in What's Next resonated with you, you will appreciate this character-driven exploration of how unlikely human bonds provide comfort and discovery during life's transitions.
Past Lives
Celine Song · Film · 2023
Explores: Reconnection, Missed Connections, Fate vs. Free Will.
The reflective, nostalgic tone of What's Next finds a cinematic parallel here, focusing on the weight of shared pasts and the profound impact of connections formed early in life.
Series on the same thread
The West Wing
Aaron Sorkin · Series · 1999
Explores: Presidential Administration, Moral Dilemmas, Idealism vs. Realism.
This series is the essential companion to What's Next, providing the original high-stakes workplace environment and the idealistic camaraderie that Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack celebrate in their book.
Podcasts on the same thread
Office Ladies
Audacy & Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey · Podcast · 2026
Shares 2 threads with What's Next: behind-the-scenes, television history.
This podcast mirrors the structure of What's Next perfectly, offering a deep dive into television history through the lens of genuine friendship and intimate behind-the-scenes production memories.
The Preamble
Sharon McMahon · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Critical thinking, Media literacy, Civic engagement.
If the civic-minded spirit of What's Next left you wanting more, this podcast continues that mission by making complex political landscapes accessible through thoughtful, honest, and critical analysis.
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 production and ongoing legacy of the series. The authors draw upon their direct experiences working on the show to explore how the program was created and why it remains significant to audiences today.
Is What's Next written by the cast of The West Wing?
Yes, What's Next is written by Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack, who were both cast members on The West Wing. They utilize their unique positions as former colleagues to offer readers an inside look at the development and cultural impact of the television series.
What kind of behind-the-scenes information is included in What's Next?
In What's Next, the authors share professional insights into the creation of The West Wing. The book details the experiences of the cast and production team, documenting how the series was made and examining the lasting legacy that the show established within the television industry.
Does What's Next cover the full legacy of The West Wing?
Yes, What's Next explores the legacy of The West Wing by discussing the show's creation and its enduring influence. Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack reflect on their time as cast members to explain how the series was produced and why its impact continues to be felt.