The British writer and showrunner Steven Moffat (Inside Man, Dracula) wants to adopt a UK version of the 1999 NBC political drama series, The West Wing. According to Deadline, Moffat is ready to hop on the project and write it. Moffat is the co-creator of Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange, The Grinch), and has also worked on a chapter of the revival of Doctor Who.
Moffat told The Times, a UK newspaper, that he believes a much-needed look into British politics should be included in the country’s media.
“We’ve got a problem — we think that being cynical is sophisticated, but that’s how adolescents think,” said Moffat via Deadline. “Our cynicism about our politics has resulted in cynical politicians. If you tell a child they’re bad, they become bad. If you tell politicians they’re a bunch of egotistical maniacs, then where is the value in trying to be anything else?”
Starring Rob Lowe (St. Elmo’s Fire, Wayne’s World), Martin Sheen (The Departed, Apocalypse Now), Bradley Whitford (Get Out, Saving Mr. Banks) and Alison Janney (Juno, The Help), The West Wing is an award-winning series created by Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men, Molly’s Game). The series streamed for seven seasons from 1999 to 2006, which was around the same time George W. Bush was in office.
“I think it might be necessary,” stated Moffat via Deadline.
According to Deadline, Moffat has been working on a new TV drama that brings up the topic of cancel culture and is entitled Douglas is Cancelled. The show follows a TV host caught in a controversy after making a joke at a wedding. Moffat thinks that the idea of fear concerning cancellation is fascinating.
“I think there is a sense of nervousness about cancellation,” Moffat stated according to Deadline. “I don’t know how much we’d continue to fear cancellation if anyone was bombing us. If someone is capable of being cancelled, they’re a good person. You can’t cancel Hitler or the Yorkshire Ripper, only someone who cares about their reputation and has a conscience.”
Starring Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: End Game) and Huge Bonneville (Downtown Abbey, Paddington), Douglas is Cancelled is set to premiere on the UK channel ITVX in 2024.