Coming at ya with zero spoilers

1. There really is something wrong with the mainstream media

For those of you who have not seen the show here is the one sentence Wikipedia synopsis. “It features an ensemble cast including Jeff Daniels as anchor Will McAvoy, who, together with his staff set out to put on a news show in the face of corporate and commercial obstacles and their own personal entanglements.” The premise behind this news show is that it will be one that will present only unbiased facts that facilitate relevant, honest debate with the intention of informing American voters. I interpret this as a deliberate and exhilarating smackdown on the lacking mainstream media that people patronize today. I should mention now that this is a largely political show. A politically interested viewer will get more from this show. If you are not at all interested in politics… still watch the show.

Jon Stewart said it best. The mainstream media, particularly Fox News and MSNBC, is utterly biased towards “sensationalism, conflict and laziness;” in addition to “relentless partisanship.” I wholeheartedly agree with Jon Stewart and that is why, in addition to its quality drama, I think The Newsroom is so refreshing. Whether you agree or not The Newsroom will make you re-evaluate your opinion on how news is presented to you. And it will do so by respinning the biggest news stories of this past year.

2. Jim, Pam, and Roy

This one is for The Office fans. The Newsroom has its own version of one of America’s favorite love triangles. Now normally I am a staunchly intolerant of love triangles but I make special exceptions for situations involving extraordinarily likable characters, biting banter, and realism. Enter Jim, Maggie, and Don. The start of the show introduces us to a dating Don and Maggie whom are often unhappy and often breakup. Then Jim becomes a member of The Newsroom scene and uses his Office Jim like adorableness to try and steal the maidens heart. The trio are strongly reminiscent of their Office counterparts with special Newsroom twists. You’ll be cringing and ranting like Dwight Shrute in no time.

3. The upcoming elections

With the upcoming presidential elections coming up The Newsroom feels especially relevant. All the news stations are in a shark frenzy and your friends keep honey badgering you on who your going to vote for… or maybe not. The Newsroom is the perfect venue for you to indulge in pop culture and still be around the political machine. For example the show touches on the Republican debates as well as the the role anchors play delivering political information. I have found the show to be a useful parallel to the real life news coverage of the presidential race. The show will keep you grounded in a sense to the sensationalism of the media.

4. Aaron Sorkin

Aaron Sorkin is the Academy and Emmy award winning American writer behind The West Wing, Moneyball, The Social Network, and much more. He possesses a special brand of bluntness and satire that shines through all of his works. The Newsroom is no different. A lot will say that The Newsroom is biased from the liberal perspective. I would say that The Newsroom is biased from the Aaron Sorkin perspective. Aaron Sorkin may have strong liberal leanings but I do not believe the show pushes a political agenda. The show pushes Aaron Sorkin’s opinions but that is what distinguishes the show from the mindless pandering of cable networks.

5. It is not your typical HBO show

The Newsroom distinguishes itself from its HBO counterparts. It has none of the fantasy, sexual, or violent elements that characterize True Blood and Game of Thrones. It is not fantasy trip but a human study and societal analysis presented with wit and drama. It relates more to your daily life rather than the weekend escape.

6. Olivia Munn

Olivia Munn is an American actress, comedian, model, television personality and author. I admittedly was not a huge fan of Olivia at the start of her career because she didn’t quite seem authentic in her stint on Attack of the Show. Her recent roles in Magic Mike and The Newsroom have opened my eyes to her talent and charisma. Olivia plays the awkward economics expert Sloan Sabbith on The Newsroom. In this role she is adorable, sensitive, and hilarious.

7. It is your typical HBO show

Fearless, uncensored, sophisticated, manic.

8. The whole cast is dynamite

I mean it the whole cast is dynamite. Glorious dialogue.

9. A time to reflect

The Newsroom touches on a great deal of intellectual topics and political issues. The show frames sensitive debates boldly with their coverage of actual news events from the past year. Watching these fictional coverages gives the viewer the opportunity to reflect on how these actual major events unfolded for the better or worse. Drama about news sometimes has the capacity to elicit stronger emotions than just watching the news itself. The Newsroom pitches to all of the heavy hitters: the environment, drugs, gay rights, the economy, the Republican presidential debates, the role of government, and most of all the ineptitude of modern news. The viewer can’t help but form opinions on each of these issues and reflect upon them. One particular scene that involved an in-show interview concerning gay rights was a sledgehammer to the cerebral cortex. I’m talking goosebumps on your soul. Chills in your heart. The Newsroom ignites intense, vivid passion. Positive or negative this is something to be celebrated.

A great deal of this article has been concerned with the political impact of The Newsroom. I want to emphasize that the drama and personal relationships in the show are also worthy of your reflection. There are a variety of personal entanglements that test your perspective on loyalty. Loyalty is a heavy theme throughout the show that inspires those oh so delightful “what would I do?” moments. The lead anchor on the show Will McAvoy (Jeff Daniels) has a densely layered relationship with his executive producer MacKenzie McHale (Emily Mortimer) that test your favoritism and allegiance more than once.