Mister Sterling 

The scandal-free son of a former Governor of California is appointed to be Senator, whereupon it's discovered he's an independent. Modern day Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Creator:

Lawrence O'Donnell

Stars:

Josh Brolin, Audra McDonald, William Russ

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Josh Brolin	...	Bill Sterling 10 episodes, 2003
Audra McDonald	...	Jackie Brock 10 episodes, 2003
William Russ	...	Tommy Doyle 10 episodes, 2003
David Norona	...	Leon Montero 10 episodes, 2003
Dale Raoul	...	Pat Conway 10 episodes, 2003
Chad Hillman	...	White House Photographer 10 episodes, 2003
Dean Cameron	...	Derek / ... 9 episodes, 2003
Chandra West	...	Laura Chandler 7 episodes, 2003
Randy Oglesby	...	Democratic Senate Majority Leader 7 episodes, 2003
Stanley Kamel	...	Arthur Peyton 6 episodes, 2003
David Starzyk	...	Anthony Marino 6 episodes, 2003
Kathryn Harrold	...	Senator from Nevada 5 episodes, 2003
Gerald McRaney	...	Burt Gammel 5 episodes, 2003
Nicole Forester	...	Sterling's Receptionist / ... 5 episodes, 2003
Brad Hammer	...	Intern 5 episodes, 2003

Storyline

Bill Sterling, Jr. - a non-politico teacher at a Los Angeles correctional facility - is selected by the governor of California as a replacement for a deceased U.S. Senator, primarily thanks to the popularity of his father, a former governor. Upon arrival in Washington, Senator Sterling declares that he is not a member of either major political party. He approaches his job with a refreshing honesty and vibrance that breeds loyalty and fascination in his staff and bitterness among his colleagues.

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Plot Keywords:

senator | politics | u.s. congress | 

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Taglines:

The most dangerous thing in Washington is an honest man.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Did You Know?

Trivia

This show was supposedly set in the same 'universe' as the The West Wing (1999), but there was at least one verbal reference to 9/11 in "Mister Sterling", and 9/11 was not incorporated into the "West Wing" 'universe' (unless you count the stand-alone episode "Isaac and Ishmael").

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Quotes

Jackie Brock: Do you know what you're doing here? Do you? Or is this just some crazy roller coaster ride to nowhere that's gonna make us all look like idiots?

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Connections

Spun-off from The West Wing (1999)

User Reviews

Best New Show On Television This Century

No, I don't work for NBC. I also don't watch a lot of television. Mr. Sterling is the first program in many, many years that I make it a point to NEVER miss. Where it could be very bland and formulaic, it transcends; where it could pander to popular opinion, it takes chances; where it could be "West Wing Part 2," it stands on its own...and IMO, it stands head and shoulders above West Wing. A senator with a conscience - whoda thunk it? The show pulls no punches, portraying a Senate that many of us in the US like to pretend doesn't exist; a senate of favors and political intrigue, where "doing the right thing" is measured in how you can get the most campaign contributions or 5-second soundbytes on CNN.

If you only watch an hour of television a week, make it Mister Sterling. You won't regret it. In a world where "The Real World" is anything but, and "reality television" is an oxymoron, this bit of creative fiction provides more "reality" than I can recall seeing in a television show in this century. Maybe I'm being a bit over-enthusiastic about it, but I don't think so. If this show is given a chance to succeed, I think it can become the sleeper hit of the 2003 season, and beyond. A truly amazing show.

Details

Official Sites:

Universal

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 January 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

O kyrios Sterling

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

NBC Studios, Universal Network Television, Lawrence O'Donnell Jr. Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min (10 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1