While we loved The Social Network and are excited for Aaron Sorkin to work on any movie, we’re even more enthused about the idea that he’s gearing up a new TV show, especially since his latest creation puts him firmly back in the territory he covered so well with The West Wing and Sports Night. Now he’s starting to find actors to bring his motor mouth scripts to life, with Jeff Daniels in negotiations to take the top spot.
The as-yet-untitled series, which as of right now is just in the pilot stage at US channel HBO, is set behind the scenes of a cable news show. If he signs a deal, Daniels would play the central figure, news anchor Will McCallister, described as smart and talented but also a man with a raging ego who makes life tough for those who have to be around him.
“Those” will include his female executive producer (dear Aaron: West Wing’s Janel Moloney has not had a really solid job since that show finished and she deserves something great) and the team who work to put the nightly news programme together.
And Daniels already has a six-degrees-of Sorkin-connection – he recently co-created a pilot with Sorkin veteran Timothy Busfield (who we also hope crops up on the new show either directing, acting or, preferably, both).