25 Years Later and Still Reaching for the Stars: Reflections on The West Wing’s Lasting Impact

Twenty-five years ago, a television show aired that would redefine how many of us see politics, service, and yes—hope. The West Wing wasn’t just a political drama; it was a beacon of idealism and humanity in public service, wrapped in dialogue that soared, as if each word mattered. Yesterday marked the 25th anniversary of that series, and I’ve been reflecting on how much it has shaped me, as well as countless others who have taken up the mantle of service in real life.?

The West Wing didn’t just make politics accessible; it made it noble. It made us believe that, despite the mess and the gridlock, there could be something good on the other side. Those quick, quippy walk-and-talks, those moments of heartfelt debate in the Oval Office, those ideals felt larger than life because they were. They didn’t just exist in the West Wing of the Bartlet administration—they were planted in our own hearts, too.?

One episode in particular that still rings in my ears is “The White House Pro-Am” from Season 1, where President Bartlet debates the role of the First Lady’s influence on healthcare policy. There’s a quote that sticks with me: “You don’t just have power, you have opportunity.” In that one line, I hear an invitation. Healthcare—arguably one of the most complex, frustrating, and vital sectors of our country—represents both the power and the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives.?

For me, it’s personal. The West Wing’s stories of fighting for what’s right, even when it’s hard, helped carve a path for my career in healthcare. Whether it’s supporting Medicare Advantage programs or taking the time to listen to members and their lived experiences, I’ve come to realize that public service is not confined to those in elected office. It’s in every touchpoint we create to make our healthcare system more human, efficient, and compassionate.?

Today, many people working in healthcare, education, and government were inspired by this show. You’ll find them quoting Toby Ziegler’s speeches or CJ Cregg’s sharp press briefings. They talk about Bartlet’s visionary leadership, but what they’re really talking about is what it means to serve—what it means to take the weight of the world, or at least a broken system, and believe you can fix it.?

In Season 5, Episode 12 of The West Wing, “Slow News Day,” Toby Ziegler embarks on a risky mission to reform Medicare, driven by his unwavering belief in the program’s importance to the American people. Toby captures what is at the heart of the matter,?

“The thing about Medicare is, it’s not just a program, it’s a promise. A promise we made to take care of people when they need it most.”

I’ve been known to go off on a tangent from time-to-time on delivering the promise of value based care. It’s a promise not only to the 67.4 million Americans enrolled in the program today but to ourselves. That we are the architects of what we will inevitably inherit. That we have the supreme honor and privilege to create a world better than generations before us have received so on the fateful day when we age into the program not only will it be solvent, it will live up to the promise made.?

The show didn’t solve healthcare nor do I think healthcare is a thing to solve, but rather it gave us a vision of leadership that values people over politics, which still resonates today. In the episode "He Shall, from Time to Time," President Bartlet says: “What’s next?” That question wasn’t just about his presidency—it’s about all of us. The baton passes, the fight continues, and those who have been inspired by this show feels the responsibility to carry on.?

It’s a strange thing to credit a fictional world with such real-world impact, but The West Wing wasn’t just fiction—it was an invitation to dream bigger, to work harder, to believe that we could make the world just a little bit better. In healthcare, that belief is everything. We may not have all the answers, but we have the opportunity. And like Bartlet, when we’re asked what’s next, we must be ready to move forward.

So if you are a first time viewer or long time fan, here’s to 25 years of dreaming and doing. To those of us working in the service of others, be it through policy or care, let’s keep walking and talking. Because the work matters. Because the people matter. Because we still believe in a future where the best of us rises to meet the challenge.

“Decisions are made by those who show up,” as President Bartlet said.?

So… What’s next??