Yes the relationships are unrealistic, and some of the speeches are sickly enough to make your teeth hurt. But Sorkin is untouchable at this stuff. Buy three copies so they keep making it.

I'm not one to bother with reviewing things but I make an exception on well written and skilfully produced television and movie productions. For those unfamiliar Aaron Sorkin, he is an absolute expert at writing for TV and movies in such a way as to capture sometimes complex issues and yet deliver them to the audience in such a way that even if you don't understand the full complexity of the issues, you always get the drama associated to it – and it is that drama that makes his work such an enjoyable and pleasurable experience to watch. The characters are smart, witty, funny, varied and always enjoyable. The Newsroom perhaps took the first 2 or 3 episodes to find its stride, but once the foundation has been laid for the setting and characters, the drama begins to unfold and develop depth and each programme gets better and better. Certainly towards the end of the series I found myself watching what felt more like little mini movies as a posed to just your usual television, such is the quality of the writing and drama. Sorkin is always at his best in television as it gives him the time to reveal each characters varied complexities over time – and or course the drama builds with it. So this is one to watch out for as each series will only get better and better. I can't recommend his work highly enough, and it would also be worth checking out the likes of The West Wing, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and Sports Night, all of which are of equal calibre and entertainment va­lue.

When Sky TV launched their SoHo Channel The Newsroom was one of their lead offerings. Written by Aaron Sorkin (of West Wing fame) it gained a following in the USA. I enjoyed the series; the two lead actors are excellent and the production values are high. This said I only give it 3 1/2 stars. At times the script is so wordy it borders on tedium, also some of the characters slip into a stereotype mould and become unbelievable. Also on odd occasions the editing is ragged. I take one star away for the over written script and clumsy editing, and another half because it is very American and I suspect many N3ew Zealanders will find the series confusing.