The winner of four consecutive Emmy Awards as Outstanding Drama Series, "The West Wing" -- under the direction of executive producer John Wells ("ER") -- continues to offer viewers a realistic, behind-the-scenes peek into the Oval Office as seen through the eyes of its eclectic group of frenzied staffers and the devoted First Family.

Now in its sixth season, the sophisticated, one-hour drama series stars Emmy winner Martin Sheen ("Apocalypse Now"), Emmy winner John Spencer ("L.A. Law"), Emmy winner Bradley Whitford ("My Fellow Americans"), Emmy winner Richard Schiff ("Deep Impact"), Emmy winner Allison Janney ("American Beauty"), Emmy nominee Dule Hill ("Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk!"), Emmy nominee Janel Moloney ("Sports Night"), Emmy winner Stockard Channing ("Six Degrees of Separation"), Joshua Malina ("Sports Night") and Mary McCormack ("Private Parts"). Gary Cole ("Midnight Caller") began a recurring role last season, as new Vice President Russell. Newly added recurring characters also include Emmy winner Jimmy Smits ("NYPD Blue," "L.A. Law") and Emmy winner Alan Alda ("M*A*S*H").

"The West Wing" holds the record for most Emmys won by a series in a single season (its first). Other awards include a Peabody Award for Excellence in Television, five Golden Globe nominations and one Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Series, and three Television Critics Association Awards.

At the opening of the 2004-05 season, Democratic President Bartlet (Sheen) and his impressive team have managed to hammer out a major peace plan for the Middle East. The president’s Chief of Staff, Leo McGarry (Spencer) suffered a major heart attack which forced him to abandon his post, and Bartlet appoints C.J. Cregg (Janney) in his stead.

Among Bartlet’s other loyal staffers are Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman (Whitford), a skilled strategist, and his sarcastic assistant, Donna Moss (Moloney), who is often there to take the wind out of his sails. Toby Ziegler (Schiff), is the president’s rumpled, cynical Communications Director. Rounding out the team is the president’s astute personal aide (who is now an assistant to the Chief of Staff), Charlie Young (Hill) and Will Bailey (Malina), a speechwriter who now serves the Vice President. Kate Harper (McCormack) advises the president on matters relating to national security and First Lady Abigail Bartlet (Channing) continues her role as a dedicated doctor and mother who is opinionated but staunchly supports her husband.

"The West Wing" is from John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television Production Inc. Wells serves as the executive producer. Aaron Sorkin is the creator.