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Monday 22 May 2023

Script Idea: The West Wing meets Designated Survivor

 The West Wing meets Designated Survivor: A Script that Brings Together the Best of Both Shows



Political dramas are always popular, with The West Wing and Designated Survivor being two of the most beloved shows in this genre. Both shows captivated audiences with their intricate plotlines, complex characters, and intense drama. With such a large fan base, it’s no wonder that fans have been clamoring for a crossover event. While this may never happen on the small screen, we've got the next best thing – a script that brings together the best of both shows. This post will explore a fictional story that combines the best elements of the West Wing and Designated Survivor. From the political intrigues and high-stakes negotiations to the interpersonal relationships and personal struggles of the characters, this script will give fans of both shows something to cheer about. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into this exciting crossover event!


1. Why The West Wing and Designated Survivor are great shows

The West Wing and Designated Survivor are two incredibly popular television shows that have captured the imagination of audiences around the world. Both shows share common themes, such as politics, drama, and intrigue, but they also bring their own unique styles and approaches to the screen.

The West Wing, which aired from 1999 to 2006, is widely regarded as one of the greatest television dramas of all time. It follows the lives and careers of the staff of the White House, from the President of the United States to the West Wing staffers who support him. The show's fast-paced dialogue, complex characters, and gripping storylines keep viewers on the edge of their seats, and its exploration of the inner workings of the US government has proven to be both compelling and educational.

Designated Survivor, on the other hand, is a more recent show that premiered in 2016 and ran for three seasons. It tells the story of Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member who becomes President of the United States after a devastating attack kills the sitting President and most of his cabinet. The show's mix of political drama, action, and suspense has made it a hit with audiences, and its exploration of the challenges and responsibilities of the presidency has been praised by critics.

While both shows have their own unique strengths, a script that brings together the best of both worlds could be a game-changer. By combining the fast-paced dialogue and complex characters of The West Wing with the high-stakes drama and suspense of Designated Survivor, you would have a show that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The result would be a must-watch for fans of political dramas, and a show that captures the best of both worlds.

2. The similarities between the two shows

Despite being set in different scenarios - The White House and the U.S. Capitol - The West Wing and Designated Survivor share many similarities. Both shows focus on the political aspects of running a country, with a heavy emphasis on the internal workings of the government and the relationships between those in power. The shows also highlight the immense responsibility that comes with holding public office, as well as the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives in the public eye.

Another similarity is the use of fast-paced dialogue and intricate storylines to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Both shows are full of complex characters with their own motivations, and the plot often twists and turns as new information is revealed. The use of multiple storylines also keeps the audience engaged and invested in the characters.

In addition, both shows address important political and social issues, such as terrorism, gun control, and immigration, in a nuanced and thought-provoking way. The writers of these shows have a knack for exploring these issues in a way that is both informative and entertaining.

Overall, The West Wing and Designated Survivor share a lot in common, and fans of one show are likely to enjoy the other. The combination of these two shows in a script would be a dream come true for many fans, and could potentially create an entirely new genre of political drama.

3. The differences between the two shows


While both The West Wing and Designated Survivor revolve around politics and the presidency of the United States, they have distinct differences in their approaches and themes.

The West Wing is known for its fast-paced dialogue, intricate character relationships, and exploration of political issues from both sides of the aisle. The show is set in the White House and follows the staff of the President as they tackle everything from foreign policy to domestic issues.

On the other hand, Designated Survivor takes a more action-packed approach to politics. The show follows a lower-level cabinet member who becomes President after a terrorist attack on the Capitol kills all those above him in the line of succession. The show focuses more on the President's personal life and struggles to lead the country in the aftermath of the attack.

Both shows have their strengths and weaknesses, but by combining the best elements of each, we can create a new script that captures the excitement and heart of both shows while also bringing something fresh and unique to the table.

4. How the two shows could come together

The West Wing and Designated Survivor are two of the most popular political dramas on television. Both shows have a unique style, but they share a common theme: the challenges and complexities of governing in modern times.

Bringing these two shows together would be a dream come true for many fans. Imagine a storyline in which President Kirkman from Designated Survivor is faced with a crisis that requires the expertise of President Bartlet and his team from The West Wing. The two presidents could come together to tackle a problem that neither of them could solve alone.

The possibilities for this crossover are endless. Perhaps a terrorist group threatens to attack the United States, and both presidents must work together to prevent a disaster. Or maybe a natural disaster strikes, and they must coordinate relief efforts to ensure that everyone affected is taken care of.

The West Wing and Designated Survivor have both shown that they are capable of tackling tough issues and presenting them in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. By bringing these two shows together, we could see a storyline that is even more complex and compelling than anything that has come before it.

5. Developing the script concept

When developing a script concept that merges two beloved shows, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First, you want to make sure that the concept is unique and not just a rehashing of the same old ideas. Second, you want to stay true to the tone and style of each show while also finding ways to blend them together seamlessly. And third, you want to make sure that the story you're telling is compelling and engaging, with characters that the audience will care about.

To start, think about what elements of each show you want to bring to the table. For example, maybe you love the fast-paced, dialogue-heavy scenes in The West Wing, but you also appreciate the high-stakes, conspiracy-laden plotlines of Designated Survivor. How can you blend those elements together in a way that feels fresh and exciting?

Next, consider the characters you want to include and how they will interact with each other. Are there any characters from one show that could easily fit into the world of the other? How will they clash or work together to achieve their goals?

Finally, make sure that your script has a clear and compelling plot that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Whether it's a political crisis, a personal tragedy, or a high-stakes conspiracy, the story should be engaging and emotionally resonant, with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers hooked. With careful planning and a strong vision, you can create a script that brings together the best of both The West Wing and Designated Survivor and leaves audiences eager for more.

6. Building the plot and characters

When it comes to building a plot and characters that bring together the best of The West Wing and Designated Survivor, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, the plot should be driven by a sense of urgency and high stakes. Both shows excel at creating tense situations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, so it's important to incorporate this element into your script.

In terms of characters, you want to create a diverse and dynamic cast that brings together the best of both worlds. Take inspiration from The West Wing's ensemble cast of smart, witty, and passionate individuals, and combine it with Designated Survivor's emphasis on strong leadership and political savvy.

One approach could be to focus on a team of advisors who are tasked with helping a new president navigate the challenges of the modern political landscape. This could include a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, each with their own unique perspectives and approaches to problem-solving.

As you build out your plot and characters, be sure to keep the themes of both shows in mind. The West Wing is known for its idealism and optimism, while Designated Survivor leans more towards realism and grit. By finding a balance between these two approaches, you can create a script that is both compelling and thought-provoking.

7. Tying in the best elements of each show

When it comes to bringing together two of the greatest shows of all time, The West Wing and Designated Survivor, it's essential to identify the best elements of each and combine them in a way that resonates with the audience. The West Wing is famous for its witty dialogue, complex characters, and political intrigue, while Designated Survivor is renowned for its pulse-pounding action, dramatic twists, and suspenseful plotlines.

One way to tie in the best elements of each show is to create a narrative that seamlessly blends political drama with high-stakes action. This could involve a terrorist threat that requires President Kirkman to work closely with the staff of the Bartlet administration to prevent a catastrophic attack. The characters could be written to complement each other, such as CJ Cregg and Emily Rhodes working together to handle crisis communications, or Toby Ziegler and Aaron Shore strategizing on how to thwart the terrorist's plans.

Another way to bring together the best of both shows is to incorporate the personal lives of the characters, showing how they balance the demands of their jobs with the challenges of their relationships. This could involve President Kirkman seeking advice from President Bartlet on how to navigate a tricky situation with his wife or White House Chief of Staff Leo McGarry bonding with Chief of Staff Aaron Shore over their shared experiences in the job.

Ultimately, tying in the best elements of each show requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of what makes each show so beloved by its fans. With the right approach, it's possible to create a script that not only does justice to both shows but also brings something new and exciting to the table.

8. Bringing the script to life

Bringing a script to life is no easy task, but with dedication and hard work, it can be done. Once the script is written, it's important to find a talented and dedicated cast and crew to help bring the script to life. This includes finding actors who embody the characters, a director who can bring the story to life, and a production team that can create a realistic and engaging visual world.

It's important to have a clear vision of what you want the final product to look like. This includes choosing the right locations, creating the right costumes, and using the right lighting and sound effects to set the tone of each scene.

Rehearsals are also important to ensure that the actors are comfortable with their lines and movements and that the director is happy with the overall pace and flow of the production.

During the filming process, it's important to keep an open mind and be flexible when necessary. Sometimes things don't go according to plan, but with a talented cast and crew, you can improvise and find new solutions to make the scene work.

Post-production is also crucial in bringing the script to life. This includes editing the footage, adding sound effects and music, and color grading to create the right atmosphere.

Finally, sharing the finished product with the world is the ultimate goal. With the right marketing and distribution strategy, the script can reach a wider audience and become a success. With hard work, dedication, and the right team, any script can be brought to life and become a memorable and entertaining production.

9. Casting the perfect actors

Casting the perfect actors is crucial for any TV show or movie. For this script that brings together the best of both shows - The West Wing and Designated Survivor - it is important to cast actors who can really bring the characters to life and do justice to the script.

For the role of President, it is important to cast an actor who can portray both the intelligence and the charm that is required for the character. Perhaps someone like Martin Sheen, who played President Bartlet in The West Wing, would be a good fit.

For the role of the Chief of Staff, an actor who can portray a mix of loyalty and ambition would be perfect. Someone like Kal Penn, who played Seth Wright in Designated Survivor, would be a great fit for this role.

Similarly, for the role of the Press Secretary, an actor who can handle the pressure of the job while being quick-witted and charming would be required. Allison Janney, who played CJ Cregg in The West Wing, would be a great candidate for this role.

In short, casting actors who can do justice to the characters and the script is absolutely essential for any successful TV show or movie. With the right actors in place, the script that brings together the best of both shows - The West Wing and Designated Survivor - is sure to be a hit with audiences.

10. Conclusion and final thoughts

In conclusion, it's clear that a combination of The West Wing and Designated Survivor could make for an incredible show. Both shows have their own unique strengths and storylines that would blend together perfectly.

The West Wing's fast-paced dialogue, complex characters, and political drama would combine seamlessly with Designated Survivor's thrilling action and suspenseful plot twists.

This script has the potential to capture a wide audience, appealing to fans of both shows as well as new viewers who are drawn in by the exciting premise.

Overall, this mashup would be a perfect fit for today's political climate, with its focus on leadership, integrity, and the challenges of governing in a complex world.

Hopefully, the powers that be in Hollywood take notice and bring this idea to life on the small screen. Fans of both shows would be thrilled to see their favourite characters and storylines come together in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.



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