The cast of The West Wing have reunited to film a voting special ahead of the US election - their first time on screen together in 14 years. Photo / Getty Images
The cast of The West Wing have reunited to film a voting special ahead of the US election - their first time on screen together in 14 years. Photo / Getty Images
The entire cast of The West Wing are set to appear onscreen together for the first time since the iconic political show ended.
Ahead of the US election on November 3, the original gang have been spotted filming in Los Angeles, where they are currently shooting a one-off TV specialto encourage Americans to register to vote.
It will mark 14 years since the last episode of The West Wing aired back in 2006, with the NBC series now streaming on Binge.
Rather than shooting fresh material, the cast are re-creating episode 15 from season three, which was written by show creator Aaron Sorkin, who is also returning to produce the special.
The President, played by Martin Sheen in a scene from The West Wing. Photo / Supplied
The episode first aired in February 2002 and follows President Josiah "Jeb" Bartlet (Martin Sheen) as he runs for re-election.
Actors returning for the special include Sheen, Bradley Whitford (Josh Lyman), Rob Lowe (Sam Seaborn), Richard Schiff (Toby Ziegler), Dulé Hill (Charlie Young), Allison Janney (CJ Cregg) and Janel Moloney (Donna Moss).
Janney, 60, who played press secretary CJ Cregg, uploaded a photo from the set in full costume, fit with a face mask to comply with coronavirus guidelines.
Set to air overseas on HBO Max on October 15 – two weeks before the all-important US election – the show is being made to support When We All Vote, a non-profit founded by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2018.
The organisation aims to encourage people to vote (voting in elections is not mandatory in the United States).
"With a West Wing special to benefit When We All Vote, we are excited to revisit this legendary series and offer our passionate fans something that is substantial, meaningful and unforgettable, while also promoting an important message for our time," head of original content for HBO Max, Sarah Aubrey, said last month.
"Combined with WarnerMedia's donation to When We All Vote, this special not only entertains but also help ensure the organisation can carry forth its mission to increase voter participation in every election."
The West Wing first aired in 1999 and finished its seven-year-run in 2006, having won 26 Emmy Awards.
