Steven Moffat, who created the series Sherlock, is interested in writing a British version of The West Wing. Telling The Times he felt “any attempt to take contemporary politics seriously” had been missing from British television drama, Moffat said of the idea: “I think it might be necessary.”
“We’ve got a problem,” Moffat elaborated. “We think that being cynical is sophisticated, but that’s how adolescents think. 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?”
Why does Moffat want to make a British version of The West Wing?
Moffat caveated that his version of The West Wing would still be funny, noting: “Things that make me laugh are huge for me. It’s truth at speed. Drama is when you’re trying to be profound, and comedy is when you succeed.”
The West Wing, and the style of series creator Aaron Sorkin, have faced a renewed backlash in recent years. Critics of the show have dinged the show’s overly optimistic view of politics and its flattering portrayal of politicians. The NBC drama has remained popular nonetheless.
Moffat, a prolific two-time Emmy-winning writer and creator, currently has two projects coming out. The first is a play titled The Unfriend — which is at the Wyndham’s Theatre, London WC2, until March 9. The second is the upcoming ITV miniseries Douglas Is Cancelled, starring Karen Gillan and Hugh Bonneville.
