7.9
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Mister Sterling
2003·Show
Mister Sterling fingerprint
Strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension5
- Fast Pace5
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Hopeful
- Hopefulness7
- Wholesome6
- Family Dynamics6
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Satire & Parody1
- Situational Comedy0
World
Everyday modern life, politics, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances, dialogue, and characters
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
- Character Depth8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Mister Sterling is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowHopeful
Emotionally, it's hopeful.
All heart traits
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, politics, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, politics, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances, dialogue, and characters
The performances, dialogue, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
Mister Sterling is an American television serial drama created by Lawrence O'Donnell that ran from January to March in 2003. It starred Josh Brolin as an idealistic United States Senator, and featured Audra McDonald, William Russ, David Noroña, and James Whitmore as members of his staff. Despite mostly positive reviews, the show, which aired on NBC on Friday nights, was cancelled after 10 episodes after the show only ranked 58th in the yearly ratings
Although it had numerous similarities to The West Wing in style and tone, it was not set in the same universe as O'Donnell's other political show. It is unknown if a cross-over would have ever occurred had Mister Sterling not been cancelled; however Steven Culp played presidential aspirant Sen. Ron Garland on Mister Sterling and House Speaker Jeff Haffley on The West Wing, and Democrats appeared to be in the majority in the US Senate on Mr Sterling, while in The West Wing consistent Republican control of both Houses of Congress was a key plot point.
James Whitmore was nominated for a 2003 Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for playing former Governor Bill Sterling, the senator's father.
Political DramaIdealistic SenatorWashington D.C. SettingCharacter-DrivenSharp DialogueMoral DilemmasGovernmental ProcedureEnsemble CastContemporary Politics
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Mister Sterling
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Mister Sterling worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 7.9). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Mister Sterling rated?
Strong language
Content advisories: strong language.
How many seasons does Mister Sterling have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 10 episodes of about 60 minutes each.
When did Mister Sterling air?
S1
It ran from 2003 to 2003 and has ended.
What language is Mister Sterling in?
English
It was made in English.
What tropes does Mister Sterling use?
Nobody PoopsCorrupt PoliticianBroken PedestalGovernment ProceduralWide-Eyed IdealistHolding the FloorEagleland
TV Tropes lists 7 storytelling tropes for Mister Sterling, including Nobody Poops, Corrupt Politician, Broken Pedestal.