'The West Wing' enlists big names for its When We All Vote reunion special - CNN

Brown, who filled in for the late John Spencer in the role of Chief of Staff Leo McGarry, also weighed in about the importance of Black voter turnout, while Emily Procter -- who portrayed Ainsley Hayes -- read the scene descriptions.

In addition to the chance to see the key players back in character -- none more remarkable than a seemingly ageless Martin Sheen, now 80, as President Bartlet -- Sorkin and director Thomas Schlamme took advantage of the vacant Orpheum Theater to approximate the experience of watching a stage play, only with a best-seat-in-the-house view.

Notably, that included shooting the performers from behind and revealing the rows and rows of empty seats, a poignant reminder of what's been lost on the theatrical front since the pandemic began.

Jackson, in his direct-to-camera plea to vote, acknowledged, "Our politics today are a far cry from the romantic vision of 'The West Wing,'" but asked why the program's values had to be "an unattainable TV fantasy."

It's easy to debate whether that sounds naive.

But for an hour or so, "The West Wing" special manages to bring the show, and its central ideals, back to life.

"A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote" is currently playing on HBO Max.

Like CNN, the streaming service is a unit of WarnerMedia.