Following the exciting conclusion of The Newsroom season 1, we eager fans are already looking ahead to season 2. Given show creator Aaron Sorkin’s dedication to including real news stories, which headlines could we expect to see when The Newsroom returns to our screens next year?



What we know:

Show creator Aaron Sorkin has confirmed that The Newsroom will remain 9-18 months behind current events. Season 2 has an approximate release date of June 2013, so assuming the season airs June-August (as it did this year), we can expect real headlines from January 2012 – December 2012. Finally, we have to consider the American-centric nature of the show.

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With all of that in mind, what are our predictions?

American News Stories

Occupy Wall Street

Beginning in September 2011, Occupy Wall Street was the most well-known manifestation of the “Occupy” movement. Beginning in September 2011, Occupy Wall Street was the most well-known manifestation of the “Occupy” movement. As the fictional Atlantis Cable News offices are located in New York, we would be surprised if they skipped this story, especially as the “Occupy” movement made headlines worldwide. As part of the so-called 1%, we are sure Will would have plenty to say about this protest.

Penn State Scandal

The scandal, surrounding assistant coach Jerry Sandusky culminated in a criminal court case, the firing of several members of staff and huge fines and penalties for the school. The scandal, surrounding assistant coach Jerry Sandusky culminated in a criminal court case, the firing of several members of staff and huge fines and penalties for the school. We can’t see them spending a huge amount of time dedicated to this, but it was a huge story so we think it will get some kind of Newsroom treatment in season 2.

‘ObamaCare’

In June 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of “Obamacare,” or the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.” The overhaul of the American health care system was one of the major reforms of the Obama administration. In June 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of “Obamacare,” or the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.” The overhaul of the American health care system was one of the major reforms of the Obama administration. We can’t see Sorkin skipping over this one – particularly given how controversial the case was in the media. He spent a lot of season 1 focusing on Republicans; this would give the Democrats a turn.

Aurora Shooting

On July 20 2012, a mass shooting occured in Aurora, Colarado, which had the highest number of casualties in an American shooting, ever. On July 20 2012, a mass shooting occured in Aurora, Colarado, which had the highest number of casualties in an American shooting, ever. While still fresh in our minds, Sorkin would be amiss to skip what was one of the biggest and most tragic stories of the year. Additionally, he placed such a strong focus on gun laws during season 1 of The Newsroom that we don’t see anyway he could avoid it.

Chick-Fil-A Controversy

The president of Chick-Fil-A created controversy in July 2012 when he made remarks opposing same-sex marriage, and implied his company followed the same policy. The president of Chick-Fil-A created controversy in July 2012 when he made remarks opposing same-sex marriage, and implied his company followed the same policy. With a range of responses, including protests, boycotts, and celebrations of support (Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day), this gives Sorkin the chance to address yet another social issue (and let’s be honest, he generally doesn’t pass up those kinds of opportunities).

The Election

We may not get up to the actual election, but there is no way Sorkin will ignore the election buildup. In fact, we suspect the majority of The Newsroom season 2 will be dedicated to election coverage – and how great would it be to get an episode showing the News Night team covering election night? We may not get up to the actual election, but there is no way Sorkin will ignore the election buildup. In fact, we suspect the majority of The Newsroom season 2 will be dedicated to election coverage – and how great would it be to get an episode showing the News Night team covering election night? From the Republican Presidential primaries, to Mitt Romney’s securing of the nomination, and President Obama’s support of same-sex marriage, there’s a lot to cover, and we expect most of it to turn up in season 2.

International News Stories

Death of Muammar Gaddafi

The death of Muammar Gaddafi on October 20, 2011 was a huge international news story. From a purely narrative perspective, we aren’t sure how much time would be given to it, considering we had an entire episode dedicated to the death of Osama Bin Laden. The death of Muammar Gaddafi on October 20, 2011 was a huge international news story. From a purely narrative perspective, we aren’t sure how much time would be given to it, considering we had an entire episode dedicated to the death of Osama Bin Laden. Then again, they already hinted at how big this story was during “5/1,” so we don’t think they will skip it entirely, although it certainly won’t get an entire episode dedicated to it.

London Olympics

Now here is a question – how much non-political news do we think News Night would cover? The Olympics certainly made news, but were they newsworthy? They took over international consciousness for most of July and August 2012, so they will get in a mention. Now here is a question – how much non-political news do we think News Night would cover? The Olympics certainly made news, but were they newsworthy? They took over international consciousness for most of July and August 2012, so they will get in a mention. This could easily be a throwaway segment, or create another “what is newsworthy” discussion for our characters. Although, we do assume the American medal tally will make an appearance at some point, merely for bragging rights.

Eurozone Economic Crisis

The ongoing financial crisis in Europe is cause for concern internationally, having already spread through Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Cyprus. The ongoing financial crisis in Europe is cause for concern internationally, having already spread through Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Cyprus. With Sloan doing a nightly segment on the show, they can’t skip this giant economic crisis. This probably means we will be getting more scenes with Sloan explaining economics to Mac, but we can deal. There was a brief mention of this situation in the finale, which gives us hope that it will be featured next season.