Trivia: The theme tune heard for the show "Capital Beat" is actually the theme music for the UK's "News at Ten" on ITV.
Trivia: Martin Sheen also played the President in the mini series "Kennedy" and in another character's vision in 1983's The Dead Zone.
Trivia: Martin Sheen's daughter, Renee, plays President Bartlet's assistant Nancy. Since she doesn't use her father's stage name, Nancy is credited by her birth name "Estevez."
Trivia: Not only did Martin Sheen play JFK in a TV miniseries, but Tim Matheson (VP John Hoynes) also played JFK in a 2000 miniseries "Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onassis".
Trivia: Janel Moloney (Donna Moss) was originally intended to be a rarely seen or heard background player (similar to Tobey and Sam's assistants). But very quickly, her banter and rapport with Josh became a fan favorite and she was promptly made a regular cast member and given much more screen time. When Mandy was dropped from the show after season one, Moira Kelly's name and image were dropped from the opening credits, replaced by Janel. As they say, "There are no small parts. Only small actors."
Take This Sabbath Day - S1-E14
Trivia: The pocket Bible that Karl Malden carries in this episode is the same one he carried in the film "On The Waterfront." Everyone on the set that day came to touch this piece of film history. (Stated on the commentary track.)
In the Shadow of Two Gunmen: Part I - S2-E1
Trivia: When shots ring out and President Bartlett is pushed into the car, Ron Butterfield's wounded hand is already wrapped in a bandage.
Election Day (Part 2) - S7-E17
Trivia: The election originally ended with Arnold Vinick as the victor. But in light of John Spencer's death (and by necessity, Leo's), the writers felt it would be too emotionally taxing on the audience for Santos to lose both his running mate and the election.
Suggested correction: The writers were not certain if they wanted Vinick or Santos to win, but it was not decided by John Spencer's death. They shot the scene in the thirteenth episode with John Spencer, indicating that it was decided well before his death that they wanted Santos to win. The direct quote "it would be too emotionally taxing on the audience for Santos to lose both his running mate and the election" is true, but said in the context of a decision being made independent of the death and subsequent character death.
