Breaking — HBO’s “The Newsroom” is a pretty divisive show.
Jeff Daniels stars as Will McAvoy in this Aaron-Sorkin-caricature-of-an-Aaron-Sorkin-show about a news anchor and his executive producer, MacKenzie McHale (Emily Mortimer), who are out to save America one hard-hitting interview at a time. They want to reform the news by turning its focus back to informing the American electorate, reporting stories without the influence of money or concerns about ratings, and exposing those who would lie rather than state the facts.
Why you hate yourself for watching it: You’ve been Sork’ed into another “West Wing” with the quick, punchy dialogue and the personality-plus characters. The show is set in the recent past, which makes for some pretty baffling Monday morning quarterbacking of how certain news events should have been covered, had everyone involved been as noble and sanctimonious as the News Night team. Even if you can stomach the lofty diatribes, the characters don’t have much fun. These people put on formal wear for a New Year’s Eve party in their own office, for crying out loud.
Especially cringeworthy: Preachy, neverending monologues by a very pompous McAvoy. And Mac, who you initially rooted for as the tough-as-nails producer brought in to turn the show around, completely falls apart the minute her ex-boyfriend MacAvoy’s dates begin to parade into the office. Considering that we hadn’t seen enough of her being as ballsy as advertised, it was disappointing to see her flustered so easily (and continuing to act flighty each week).
Why you love it anyway and can’t stop watching: Despite all the criticism that its “unrealistic,” who asks for realism from their television? It’s nice to take some pretty hairy events in the news that you probably already forgot about because of the 24-7 news vomitorium/cycle that we live in and think about them all over again in different (and sometimes entertaining) ways. The dialogue is generally smart and witty, and the pacing of the show – after you get past the seemingly endless opening credits – is quick and even enough to keep you engaged. And Sam Waterston as Charlie is as charming as ever.
The upshot: Own it. For every Newsroom hater, you’ll find a Newsroom fan.