Wipe away those tears, the series finale of Studio 60 is upon us. We’re in K&R part 17 by our count: Tom’s brother remains in peril. As does Jordan. And, sigh, somehow Matt & Harriett’s relationship. But, hey, it’s a finale, and fan service abounds. We promise. Stick with it. We take as long to discuss the final episode as it takes to watch it. And, in true Sorkin fashion, we talk about What’s Next.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s here: The penultimate episode of Studio 60. Jordan’s still in the hospital. Jack’s mad at Sim. And we spend a lot of time in flashbacks learning why Matt and Danny left in the first place… even though we still don’t get all the answers. Maybe the REAL answers are the friends we made along the way — while we were Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

When the going gets tough, the tough name their episodes after days of the week. In “Monday”, Jordan’s dealing with multiple difficult humans — among them Danny and a newly-hired mean girl who heads up reality programming. Jack goes to a concert to enlist the help of our pal Zhang. Darius and Sim start a fight. And Tom pursues Lucy, because this show sometimes has more drama than the reality shows it pans.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

No one has more Christmas spirit than Matt and - and he’s Jewish. Danny is joining Jordan at the obstetrician, and it only gets weirder. Harriet gets a movie… And also maybe love interest? Oh, and Simon and Tom are there, but not for any good reason. From that description you make think we didn’t like this episode, but you’d be surprised! Find out in this brand new episode of Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Too many butts. Not enough funny jokes. Still pretty good?

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Ricky and Ron are closing a deal with Fox for “Peripheral Vision Man”; and ironically, Matt gives them some side-eye about it. Meanwhile, Harriet’s contemplating posing for pictures in her underwear, which we suppose beats posing for pictures in someone ELSE’s underwear. Jordan needs Danny to make some cuts, Danny warns Jordan her job is in danger, and boy, we’re hungry for a Snickers. No reason. Except that we’re Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Nevada Day Part 1 defied our expectations… which meant we got our hopes up for Nevada Day Part 2. Will the light mix of casual homophobia, causal racism, and heavy belief beggaring win us over this time around? Or will we find more joy in discussing the correct pronunciation of Nevada? At least Lex has Brian, and Brian has Lex. And you’ve got both of us. Join us: We’re Sorkin’ In It together.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Uh oh. It’s the Nevada episode. This is the one Lex was worried about before he and Brian started rewatching Studio 60. And it’s the first half of a two parter. But… maybe it wasn’t as bad as Lex remembered? It has John Goodman. It has time travel storytelling. How bad could it be? Only way to find out? Start Sorkin’ in it.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

In this episode, we discuss “The Wrap Party,” a Studio 60 episode that certainly exists in our timeline. Things happen! For example, an old guy wanders into the studio. Matt and Sim go clubbing, sort of. Jordan tries to make friends. Listen, we’re still absolutely enjoying Studio 60, and we’re having plenty of fun chatting about it, but this episode doesn’t make our top 10 list so far. That’s ok! You’re in good hands with your ol’ pals Lex and Brian. Let’s do what we do best, and that’s go Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Lauren Graham hosts Studio 60 (but we barely see her). Christine Lahti plays a reporter and we see more of her (a Lahti of her? Is that a thing?). We get a lot of Matt/Harriet star-crossed romance (yawn). But we do get a lotta lute (which is fun to say, try it!). Meanwhile Jordan passes on a surefire hit, and we’re still shipping her and Danny (the kids still call it shipping, right?). Anyway, it’s a new Sorkin’ In It (yay!).

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Oh no! Studio 60 stole a joke, and now they have to break in LIVE to the west coast’s rebroadcast to cut that joke. Because that makes sense. Okay, okay, it doesn’t make sense. Meanwhile, Harriet gives Matt a gift that drives him batty, and we meat a new character — a reporter played by Christine Lahti, who knows how to push Matt and Danny’s buttons. (It involves buttons.)

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

We don’t subject this podcast to a focus group, because we already know we’re doing everything perfectly. This episode of Studio 60 takes us deep backstage for writing and rehearsing an episode of the show within a show. Ricky and Ron are in maximum jerk mode. There’s pressure on Jordan and the show not to lose many viewers from last week. And there’s other Jordan drama that’s totally unnecessary. But you know what IS necessary? This episode of Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s the second in another multi-part set of episodes, continuing with K&R Part 2. Part one exceeded our expectations. Will part two? Spoiler alert: no. Tom’s brother remains captured. Simon chats with the press and it goes poorly. We flashback a lot. Jordan’s still in trouble. Yikes. It’s not all bad, and at least we’ve got each other. Never Sorkin alone.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

If you’ve been thinking that this podcast needs more choir robes and Phil Donahue jokes, then boy oh boy are you in luck! Lex and Brian are back, covering Episode 2 of Studio 60, “The Cold Open”, which feels very much like a part 2 of the Pilot. Matt battles writer’s block until inspiration strikes him. Perhaps it should have struck him harder? Grab your local philharmonic, warm up your singing voice — it’s time for Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

We survived The Newsroom. Will Studio 60 be better, worse, or just… different?The only way to find out is to dive into the pilot episode, cleverly titled “Pilot.” Let’s meet new characters! Let’s meet old Sorkin friends — and names! Let’s debate Sorkin tropes! Live from Hollywood, it’s the new season of Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s Studio 60 time! Now that our coverage of The Newsroom is done, you may find yourself experiencing new feelings you’ve never had before. Sadness. Grief. Elation. Relief. But we hope you also feel eager anticipation about what’s ahead. And what is that you may ask? For Season 3, Lex and Brian are covering Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. It’s a show about a show. Imagine that! Episode one comes out next week, and here’s the preview. Or trailer. Or kickoff. You know what? Here’s where we tell you everything we think about Studio 60 before we start watching!

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Today, Lex and Brian cover the series finale of The Newsroom. It’s an episode with a funeral, plenty of flashbacks, music, bowling, and Sorkin just trying to tie up a few loose ends. Did Lex and Brian find themselves satisfied? Elated? Relieved? There’s only one way to find out. Also, stay tuned to the end of the episode for the big reveal of what Sorkin show we plan to cover next!

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

In this penultimate episode of this season of Sorkin’ In It, Lex and Brian cover what is possibly the least-beloved work of Aaron Sorkin’s career; and we’ll come right out and say that it earns every bit of that terrible reputation. Will is in jail, Maggie and Jim are in Russia, and Charlie’s getting worked up trying to hold it all together. Spoiler: It ends poorly. But we keep our chins up and find that we still enjoy getting to talk about it… even if some of our focus is on how not good it is.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Subpoenas. Rushed (but beautiful) weddings. Courtrooms. Handcuffs. It’s an overstuffed Newsroom, and boy does Jim disappoint us. Almost as much as he disappoints Hallie. Meanwhile, Mackenzie and The Source get soaked, and ACN gets acquired. Brian and Lex get… kind of frustrated.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Richard/Toby sees no cause for optimism, but Brian and Lex do: They’re here covering season three, episode three of The Newsroom: Main Justice. We’re at the White House Correspondence dinner, and so is BJ Novak, who is so ridiculous. And we meet the source! Oh, and the steady downfall of Jim (and perhaps Jim and Hallie) continues. No matter what, though, our obligation (and yours) is to keep Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

In this week’s episode Brian briefly forgets the entire concept of the written word and how TV works. We forge ahead, undaunted by any single hosts unhinged intro, and cover Newsroom S3E2, called “Run.” We meet a few new characters and see familiar faces while the network is faces a takeover, Maggie scores a new lead, and Neal is definitely in trouble. Which we mostly don’t care about.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s the premiere of the final (short) season of The Newsroom, and Brian and Lex are watching. Sadly, the Genoa storyline is STILL sticking around — this time affecting the team’s reporting on the Boston Marathon bombing. Plus Neal gets a Genoa of his own. (Where by “Genoa,” we mean, “storyline we wish would go away.”) With all that said, you might think this is a lousy episode, but we actually… like it? And this episode just might bode well for the final season of the TV show!

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Brian and Lex agree that this season finale feels like it was potentially a series finale, maybe written before Sorkin knew he had one more season of The Newsroom to go. Mac and Will walk off the set, Jim worries about a mistake he made, and Maggie remains alive. Oh, and spoiler alert: Obama wins. Add to that love is in the air with MANY of our characters, and you just know you’re gonna love Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s the first in another multi-part set of episodes, kicking off with K&R Part 1. Lex and Brian usually don’t think too highly of these, but turns out this one was pretty good? There’s a lot happening in here with Tom’s brother in peril, Jordan in the hospital, and flashbacks. No need to get fatootsed, your intrepid hosts, Lex and Brian, are here to Sorkin’ In It with you.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s election night, in 2012, and the team has decided to resign, but what’s this? The head of the network won’t let them? This and much more coming up in the first of a two-part collection of episodes to round out Season 2 of The Newsroom. “Hey Lex, do you think we should resign, too?” “No way, Brian, we’re going to keep Sorkin in it!”

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

We won’t retract a single word of this podcast episode, but the same can’t be said for the team at News Night. The Genoa report blows up in their faces, with nary a whiff of chemical weapons in sight. Who’s resigning? Who’s in trouble? Who’s Sorkin’ in it? We definitely know the answer to that last one.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Jerry Dantana starts playing fast and loose with reality. Will makes a guest appearance on a morning show. And Jim gets a visit from Hallie… and his old nemesis. Oh, and Maggie’s drinking alone. At least Brian and Lex have each other!

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Will’s dodging calls from his dad. Sloan’s private photos are on the Internet. Jim’s worried about Maggie. Plus, there’s news to report. Can the staff of News Night keep their heads above water? One thing is certain: They will — with a little help from Brian and Lex — find a way to keep Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Unintended consequences abound in this episode of The Newsroom, and Brian and Lex have much to abudiate. People act like babies, we can’t quite figure out the installed apps on Jim’s Mac, and we debate who’s at fault for what happened in Uganda. One intended consequence of listening to this episode is clear: We will delight you as you join us for this week’s episode of Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Who the heck is Willie Pete — another new character?! We investigate that, while Will tries to figure out who leaked info to Nina. Jim tries to overthrow the Romney bus. And Maggie’s getting ready for Uganda. Meanwhile, Brian and Lex are still struggling to love the Genoa plotline. We’re trying.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

With a title like “The Genoa Tip”, you might be excused for thinking this episode of The Newsroom is about a piece of genoa salami, but no, my friend, this an episode about lots of things that aren’t that. It’s actually the title of Season 2, Episode 2 of The Newsroom, and while there are lots of complicated plot lines that may or may not hold together, you’re safe in Lex and Brian’s capable hands.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s a brand new season of The Newsroom. Lex and Brian have high hopes for a reboot that helps the show gel better. And there’s a new theme song! New characters! New hairstyles! Join us as we determine whether the headline is: “Newsroom improves” or just “Newsroom is more of the same.”

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s the Season 1 finale of The Newsroom. Maggie’s handing out sandwiches. Jim’s on the bus. Will’s in the hospital. Brian and Lex? They’re Sorkin’ in it.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

The Blackout continues! And then immediately… it ends. The News Night team pitches the RNC on why they should get the debate, Maggie and Jim convince Lisa to talk about her barely-there relationship with Casey Anthony, Neal is trolling, and there are rosebuds and flowers afoot. Brian and Lex just try to keep up.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Breaking News: that’s the name of this episode of Studio 60. A fact which is not breaking news, because it aired many many years ago. But this is an episode filled with crises: Jordan’s baby is in peril. So is Tom’s brother. And so is Matt. Big ep. Luckily, Brian and Lex are ready. Let’s Sorkin’ in It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s the first half of a Newsroom two-parter. Will succumbs to ratings pressure and starts covering Casey Anthony, because he’s desperate to reinvent presidential debates. Leona’s desperate to find a way to fire Will. Anthony Weiner… Well, he’s just plain desperate. Oh, and Mackenzie’s ex is writing a cover story on Will — at Will’s invitation. Brian and Lex are just trying to keep Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Charlie meets a whistleblower. Sloan, Don, and Eliot get stuck on the tarmac. And Will? Will gets stoned. Plus, Obama good, Osama bad. Brian and Lex break down the highlights and lowlights of a jam packed Newsroom episode. You get to Sork it all up.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Who ARE the bullies? Will’s journalistic integrity is threatened by an interview that pushes the boundaries of both his professional and personal ethics. Sloan stumbles in covering a Japanese nuclear accident. And Brian and Lex don’t necessarily agree on who the real bullies are. One thing they DO agree on, though: It’s time to get Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

It’s the Valentine’s Day episode, so of course The Newsroom focuses on… an embedded stringer reporter in Egypt during Arab Spring. Meanwhile, Will sets his sights on the Koch brothers, and Mackenzie’s becoming gossip fodder. But mostly, Brian and Lex are really frustrated with the ridiculously misplaced Rudy homage. Amen to that.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

This episode of The Newsroom is all about feelings. Aaron Sorkin feels that smoking is cool. Neal feels more people should listen to his Bigfoot theory. And Lex and Brian feel that Don’s the worst. You, too, can have feelings about Sorkin, Bigfoot, and much more in this week’s episode.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Fire up your fax machine, because this episode of The Newsroom offers all the ingredients of a classic Sorkin show, with multiple plot lines, jumping forward and back in time, grandiose speeches, and Sorkinisms like “Can we have the room please?” But, does it hold together? Your pals Lex and Brian decide if it’s time to BLEEP around or just play golf in another episode of Sorkin’ in It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Lex and Brian were excited to dive into the second episode of The Newsroom, News Night 2.0. Fresh off the high of their successes in Episode 1, now Will’s team drops the ball a few times with some pretty predictable gaffes — but we also get meet a few new interesting characters. Is News Night 2.0 2 much 2 soon? Let Brian and Lex tell you.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

We kick off Season 2 with the pilot for The Newsroom, Aaron Sorkin’s series about the inner workings of, well, a newsroom. There are plenty of new characters to meet (with a surprising number of Mac/Mc/Mack names to keep track of), but your ol’ pals Brian and Lex will help try to keep things straight while we discuss what to expect for the season and break down episode one. Step into the control room, don your headset, straighten your papers on the desk, and let’s get Sorkin’ In It!

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Lex and Brian finished reviewing all of Sorkin’s movies. You may find yourself sad, disappointed, and wanting more. Well, turn those frowns upside down, folks! Lex and Brian looked into it, and here’s some breaking news: Aaron Sorkin doesn’t just write movies, but he does TV, too. Season 2 starts soon, and here’s the trailer. We’re diving deep on The Newsroom.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

“Lexy, you got some splainin’ to do!”

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

There’s a strike on set and Matt & Danny are nowhere to be found. But who is here? Allison Janney, kinda playing herself… even though nobody acknowledges that she worked with several of these people on the West Wing. It may melt your brain a bit, but this turns out to be one of the more fun episodes of the series. No need for cue cards, or the three leads. Watch out for that coffee cup, Lex and Brian are Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

The year is 1968. The setting is Chicago, at the Democratic National Convention. Tensions are high. And Lex and Brian are ready to hold court, with a podcast about Aaron Sorkin’s 9th film, The Trial of Chicago 7. Sorkin assembles yet another incredible cast, this time with Sasha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Jeremy Strong, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. We won’t spoil our takes on the film until you listen to the show, but we’ll just say this: Some of the cast is guilty… of the best accent work yet in Sorkin’s oeuvre. Bang the gavel — it’s Sorkin time.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Lex and Brian discuss Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut, Molly’s Game. It’s the classic tale of a former world-class skier turned underground elite poker game runner. Jessica Chastain turns in a command performance, but how does the story hold together when Sorkin as both the writer and director? Find out as Lex and Brian go all in on poker puns with their take on the film: This is the hand you’re dealt; let the chips fall where they may. One last thing… Listen up, Hollywood. If you write 3 P’s on a whiteboard, don’t erase the whiteboard between shots. You’re not going to write it the same way the next time, and people like Brian and Lex will notice. This is table stakes, folks.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

When a film is called “Steve Jobs,” it can be hard to separate your feelings about the movie from the person it’s based on, but Lex and Brian are willing to try — and they might even thank the Apple II team, while they’re at it. They also reminisce about their first Macs and their own Apple origin stories. Whether it’s Sorkin’s artistic choices or Jobs’s life choices, it’s all on the desktop for Lex & Brian. Turn on Do Not Disturb, because it’s time for another Classic episode of Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Batter up: It’s time for another episode of your favorite Aaron Sorkin film podcast, and Lex & Brian hit it out of the park. This time, it’s 2011’s “Moneyball” with Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, and Philip Seymour Hoffman (sadly, no Joshua Malina). Lex throws a curveball: He’s not sure this even IS a Sorkin film. Either way, this is the only Moneyball-focused podcast that mentions Richard Kind’s cat. Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, folks: It’s time for Sorkin’ In It.

Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.