Sorkin' In It: The Films & Television of Aaron Sorkin

First, they watched all of Aaron Sorkin’s movies. Then they watched all of The Newsroom. Then they powered through Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Now cohosts Brian and Lex continue their journey through the works of Sorkin by watching every episode of Sports Night.

4.38: Celebrities (Sports Night S2E15)

Jeremy meets an intriguing woman…primarily because he wasn’t invited to the office game of Celebrities. Breakups are hard. What’s not hard is breaking DOWN… another Sports Night episode. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

12-04
26:18

4.37: And the Crowd Goes Wild (Sports Night S2E14)

Casey can’t see. It’s funny, even if it beggars belief. Sam’s leaving the show. That’s sad, even if it was inevitable. And there’s a break up on the show, but don’t worry, it’s not Brian and Lex. By some counts, this is our 100th show, and we’re still together, Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

11-13
26:44

4.36: Dana Get Your Gun (Sports Night S2E13)

Dan wants to see Tom Waits, which is hard to explain. (Wait a sec. Lex, did you write this? I happen to like Tom Waits. Anyway…) Dana inherits a gun, which is also strange (OK, we both agree here). William H. Macy’s Sam gets a big storyline and a dramatic moment, and the substitute anchor filling in for Dan is so terrible that it — you guessed it! — beggars belief. We’re Sorkin’ In It all, though, so let’s discuss. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

10-30
25:20

4.35: The Sweet Smell of Air (Sports Night S2E12)

Lex and Brian are back, and certainly missed you, dear listener. Sam’s back too, and Dana’s a bit “psyched out”. Meanwhile, the team lands an interview with Michael Jordan, but turns out there are strings attached; and Casey has to figure out how to talk to a bunch of 5th graders. What could go wrong? We’ll let you know as we do what we do: Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

10-16
24:58

4.34: The Cut Man Cometh (Sports Night S2E11)

Dan and Casey cover a boxing match. Or at least, they try to. There are a couple challenges, including The Cut Man, a fast TKO, and Dan’s dad being a jerk. Luckily, neither Brian nor Lex is a jerk, nor do they insist you call them Cut Man. They just want you to join them for another edition of Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

10-02
28:44

4.33: The Giants Win the Pennant, the Giants Win the Pennant (Sports Night S2E10)

Cracks are forming in Dana’s dating plan while Dan is recruiting a reluctant Isaac for a special feature on, you guessed it, the Giants winning the pennant back in 1951. Sure, Lex and Brian are wondering how Sorkin continues to pick the strangest titles for his shows, but you, dear listener, need not worry. Just keep Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

09-12
25:29

4.32: A Girl Named Pixley (Sports Night S2E9)

You know how Brian and Lex hate Dana’s dating plan for Casey? Boy oh boy, does it come to a head this week, in A Girl Named Pixley. On a podcast named Sorkin’ In It, two hosts named Lex and Brian are an emotion called annoyed. Also, Jeremy might win an award. (Spoiler: He doesn’t. Just ask Natalie.) Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

08-29
23:36

4.31: The Reunion (Sports Night S2E8)

Fresh off his drug scandal, Dana’s brother is coming to visit. Casey tells her to be nice. Dan is TOO nice when reviewing Natalie’s audition tape — until he veers unnecessarily hard the other way. Casey is failing his audition for “best friend ever” with Brian and Lex, but no matter. We’re still Sorkin’ in it together. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

08-14
30:32

4.30: Kyle Whitaker's Got Two Sacks (Sports Night S2E7)

Dana’s excited about a fresh NFL steroids scandal… until she realizes her own brother is caught up in the mix. Also, Jeremy eventually fires an intern who absolutely should be fired, even if maybe Jeremy’s motivation for the firing isn’t perfect. You know what IS perfect, though? Our analysis. Join Brian and Lex. Let’s Sorkin’ In It together. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

07-31
28:11

4.29: Shane (Sports Night S2E6)

How far would you go for a friend? Or, maybe an acquaintance who helped you that one time? Casey asks himself this same question as he considers re-editing an interview to make the guest look not terrible. Meanwhile Dan can’t seem to say the name “Kafelnikov”, and we roll our eyes at a very throwaway subplot about Natalie disagreeing with the pope. Lex and Brian get into it with their patent-pending banter and always-good vibes so you can keep smiling while you Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

07-10
31:29

4.28: Kafelnikov (Sports Night S2E5)

Good news, friends, this podcast is Y2K compliant, and so are Brian and Lex, as they break down the quite possibly mis-titled episode of Sports Night, “Kafelnikov”. Jeremy’s pretty sure he’s got everything prepped for the new millennium, but does he? Meanwhile, Dan meets a woman in bar who says he really should call her, but maybe for reasons he doesn’t suspect. Don’t hit that panic button, just stay tuned for Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

07-03
25:35

4.27: Louise Revisited (Sports Night S2E4)

With a title like “Louise Revisited”, Sorkin fans may think this is another “Jeremy narrates the episode” trope, but Lex and Brian are relieved to find out that’s not the case. Instead we have a silly subplot about a “Who’s cooler, Dan or Casey” online poll and way too much time spent dwelling on undergarments. This may sound like a bit of a mess, but not to worry, Lex and Brian are here to help you Sorkin’ in It (and they’re both wearing underwear). Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

06-22
27:36

4.26: Cliff Gardner (Sports Night S2E3)

Rumors abound: Is the network bringing in a ratings consultant? Not exactly—Isaac is. Dana’s enforcing her terrible dating rule, Dan is reckoning with it, and the new guy at the show is… intimidating. Especially his mustache. There’s a lot to process. That’s why Brian and Lex are here. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

06-13
33:47

4.25: When Something Wicked This Way Comes (Sports Night S2E2)

Dana has an epiphany, but Casey isn’t a fan (Brian and Lex aren’t either). Meanwhile, Dan had breakfast with Hillary Clinton and tropes ensued. This may sound like an ominous episode title, but Lex and Brian found plenty to laugh about. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

06-06
24:36

4.24: Special Powers (Sports Night S2E1)

Lex and Brian don’t know if women have special powers, but maybe Aaron Sorkin does. Season two of Sports Night kicks off with a killer montage as Casey tries to work up the courage to ask Dana out. Jeremy and Natalie are fighting. Isaac’s back. There’s a lot to unpack - and a lot to love. You’re listening to Sorkin’ In It on the Incomparable podcast network, so stick around. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

05-22
18:36

4.23: What Kind of Day Has It Been? (Sports Night S1E23)

It’s the first time Sorkin named an episode of television “What Kind of Day Has It Been.” Luckily, that’s not the most memorable part of the episode, either. Brian and Lex agree this COULD have served as a SERIES finale if necessary, but luckily, it didn’t. Casey interacts with his son; Dana interacts with her camera. And we’re there, along with you, as we blissfully Sorkin’ in it all. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

05-15
29:45

4.22: Napoleon's Battle Plan (Sports Night S1E22)

It’s the penultimate episode of Season 1 of Sports Night, and we learn that Casey’s “plan” isn’t as much of a plan… or is it? Meanwhile the fellas can’t seem to find their pants, Dana confronts Gordon, and Jeremy can’t stop talking about blood. That all may sound a bit weird, but don’t worry, Lex and Brian have your back. Let’s go Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

05-08
30:09

4.21: Ten Wickets (Sports Night S1E21)

Casey’s still mad that someone tried to blow up the building. Brian and Lex are mad because — no, they didn’t: It was a bomb threat hoax. There’s a difference, Casey. Meanwhile, Jeremy chases down a cricket story. Or a wicket story. We don’t understand it either. And Rebecca returns — only good things can follow, right? RIGHT?! Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

04-24
25:44

4.20: Ordnance Tactics (Sports Night S1E20)

Casey and Dan can’t get over a bomb threat. Jeremy breaks up with Natalie, but it doesn’t take. And Dana gets pushed around by the suits in Isaac’s absence. Casey and Dan may be rattled, but Lex and Brian aren’t worried. We are here for you, dear listener, in your time of need. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

04-17
26:55

4.19: Eli's Coming (Sports Night S1E19)

The team is covering the sweet 16 and Bobbi Bernstein returns. She’s not the only one, because Rebecca’s “ex,” Steve Sisco, makes a surprise visit. The team is eagerly anticipating Isaac’s return, but they’re going to have to wait a little bit longer. Finally, Casey has some very particular thoughts regarding cake, and your pals Lex and Brian don’t agree. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren Referenced Works Sports Night [Amazon] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

04-10
28:28

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