The West Wing first premiered on NBC in 1999, with its pilot episode airing on September 22 of that year. Aaron Sorkin created the political drama, which follows the fictional Democratic administration of President Josiah Bartlet.
The series premiered during the 1999–2000 American television season and initially occupied a Wednesday-night primetime slot. Its first season ran for 22 episodes, ending on May 17, 2000. The show ultimately lasted seven seasons and concluded in 2006 after depicting the Bartlet administration and the presidential transition that followed it.
The year can be confused with 2000 because the second season began in October 2000, or with 2001 because the series became especially prominent during its early award seasons. The premiere itself, however, belongs firmly to 1999. Its ensemble included Martin Sheen as Bartlet, John Spencer as Leo McGarry, Allison Janney as C.J. Cregg, Richard Schiff as Toby Ziegler, Bradley Whitford as Josh Lyman, and Rob Lowe as Sam Seaborn.
The West Wing was broadcast by NBC from September 22, 1999, through May 14, 2006. Its fast-moving dialogue, long tracking shots, and idealized but conflict-filled White House workplace made it one of television's defining political dramas.