A behind-the-scenes look at the people who make a nightly cable-news program. Focusing on a network anchor, his new executive producer, the newsroom staff and their boss, the series tracks their quixotic mission to do the news well in the face of corporate and commercial obstacles-not to mention their own personal entanglements.
We Just Decided To
"News Night" anchor Will McAvoy returns to work after a public meltdown to find most of his staff has jumped ship, but new hires help steer the show when news of a catastrophe breaks in the spring of 2010.
News Night 2.0
MacKenzie takes charge of the revamped "News Night" and lobbies economist Sloan Sabbith to file a nightly financial report. Meanwhile, Jim takes responsibility for Maggie's mistake. Charlie puts a halt to Reese's meetings with Will. A confidential breakup story is a secret no more.
The 112th Congress
Will's apology for the lack of integrity in newscasts sets off constant critiques of the Tea Party before the November 2010 midterm elections, but draws the ire of network executives and Atlantis World Media CEO Leona Lansing. Meanwhile, Don confronts Elliot about his analytical skills. Jim helps Maggie during a panic attack. Mac is unnerved by Will's endless parade of romantic conquests.
I'll Try to Fix You
Will becomes tabloid fodder after a confrontation with a gossip columnist on New Year's Eve, which threatens to undermine his credibility on a current news investigation. Meanwhile, Don urges Maggie to set Jim up on a date with her roommate. Mac's boyfriend pitches a story about the government's inability to prosecute financial crimes. Neal tries out his Bigfoot theory on anyone who will listen.
Amen
News of unrest in Wisconsin in February 2011 in response to the governor's call for budget cuts bubbles up during coverage of the ousting of President Mubarak in Egypt, and Neal finds someone who can provide updates from Cairo as the staff strive to give equal attention to both uprisings.
Bullies
Sloan subs for Elliot during the Japanese nuclear crisis following the March 2011 earthquake, but her harsh questioning of a Tokyo power-company representative could damage her credibility. Meanwhile, Will has a bout of insomnia that leads him to therapy, and he learns a lesson about bullying after his rude behavior in an interview.
5/1
An anonymous source contacts Charlie and provides advance details on an imminent story of national importance. When news breaks that the President will be making a televised speech that night, the 2.0 staff cuts short its one-year (and one week) anniversary party and rushed back to the newsroom amidst a flurry of speculation as to what exactly happened.
The Blackout Part I: Tragedy Porn
The ratings for "News Night" plummet after it downplays a pair of sensational stories, and Will and Mac must find a way to lure back enough viewers to justify the network's quest to air a Republican debate. Meanwhile, Will considers writers for an all-access profile. Sloan is disappointed by the lack of coverage of an important financial story. Charlie learns a National Security Agency whistle-blower's identity.
The Blackout Part II: Mock Debate
The "News Night" staff host a mock debate for two Republican Party officials. A power outage energizes Mac's thought process. Charlie evaluates an intelligence-agency insider's reliability. Lisa does an on-air interview. Neal poses as an Internet troll.
The Greater Fool
Mac is shaken by a potentially devastating revelation from gossip columnist Nina Howard. Meanwhile, Sloan mulls a new job opportunity. Neal's Internet alias could prevent a catastrophe. Will, Mac, and Charlie confront Leona and Reese during a volatile lunch meeting.
