Aaron Sorkin: Well There You Have It (Re-Release)

Literally! With Rob Lowe59mApril 13, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this re-released episode of *Literally! With Rob Lowe*, host Rob Lowe sits down with legendary screenwriter Aaron Sorkin for an intimate and nostalgic conversation that spans their shared history in television and film. The discussion centers on the highly anticipated *West Wing* reunion special, with both men reflecting on the emotional weight of returning to their iconic roles after 19 years. Sorkin praises the cast’s enduring chemistry and sharpness—especially Martin Sheen’s remarkable performance at age 80—while Lowe shares personal memories of reading the pilot and being moved to tears by the scene where Sam Seaborn declares he’ll run for president. They reminisce about the grueling production schedule of the original series, the unique challenges of filming long ensemble scenes in the Oval Office, and the behind-the-scenes humor, including Richard Schiff’s legendary scene-stealing antics and Allison Janney’s legendary 'Hardware' nickname. The conversation also touches on Sorkin’s upcoming directorial effort, *The Trial of the Chicago 7*, his casting philosophy, and the enduring legacy of both *The West Wing* and *Parks and Recreation*, which he calls a 'Valentine to public service.' The episode closes with a promise of a future part two, covering Sorkin’s Oscar win, *Moneyball*, and his Steve Jobs commencement speech.

Key Takeaways
1

The *West Wing* reunion special feels like a time capsule—cast members aged well, and the chemistry remains electric.

2

Sorkin considers the pilot and 'Shadow of Two Gunmen' as foundational episodes that defined the show’s identity.

3

The original *West Wing* production was grueling: 13-16 hour days, five days a week, with Friday shoots often ending at sunrise.

4

Allison Janney was cast based on a single scene where she tripped on stairs—Sorkin immediately recognized her potential.

5

Rob Lowe’s iconic 'Stop pooping' line in *Parks and Rec* was an ad-lib that led to him becoming a full-time cast member.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

The West Wing Reunion: A Nostalgic Homecoming

It was kind of like going to see the Rolling Stones. You're like, do they still have it, those guys? Do they?

Highlight
10:00
10 min

The Legacy of the West Wing: From Pilot to Perfection

I remember reading that scene where he says, I'll run for president one day. And I remember bursting into tears.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

The Grind Behind the Glamour: Life on the West Wing Set

The duo dives into the brutal production schedule of the original series—13-16 hour days, five days a week—with Lowe recalling how he’d wake up in Studio City and be on set in seven minutes. They also discuss the unique challenges of filming large ensemble scenes in the Oval Office.

30:00
10 min

The Cast: The 27 Yankees of Television

When you have Shaq and Kobe on the same team, there's just aren't enough basketballs.

Highlight
40:00
10 min

Behind the Scenes: Auditions, Accidents, and Ad-libs

Stop pooping is an ad-lib. That's amazing.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
The audience never knew. The critics never knew. You would have known. Thank God you were getting a cigarette.
Rob Lowe33:59
Viral: 92.0
I remember reading that scene where he says, I'll run for president one day. And I remember bursting into tears.
Rob Lowe7:55
Viral: 90.0
The West Wing reunion was motivated by a civic mission: to inspire voter turnout through the power of storytelling.
Aaron Sorkin58:20
Viral: 88.0
Speakers

Host

Rob Lowe

Guest

Aaron Sorkin
Topics Discussed
west wing reunion95%public service storytelling92%aaron sorkin career90%casting and ensemble dynamics88%parks and recreation legacy87%theater and live performance85%directorial debut83%tv production challenges80%
People & Brands

aaron sorkin

person

120xPositive

rob lowe

person

115xPositive

the west wing

media

85xPositive

parks and recreation

media

45xPositive

allison janney

person

25xPositive

martin sheen

person

15xPositive

mike schur

person

12xPositive

richard schiff

person

10xPositive

the trial of the chicago 7

media

8xPositive

christopher walken

person

5xPositive

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