The Newsroom poster

TV series

The Newsroom

2012TV-MA3 seasons8.1 / 10

More as the story develops.

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.

Streaming, rental and purchase options

Where to watch in United States

Checked Sep 1, 2026

The Newsroom is available to stream on HBO (Via Hulu), HBO Max, HBO Max (Via Amazon Prime), and YouTube TV in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

Availability and prices can change. Confirm the details on the streaming service before you subscribe, rent or buy.

Synopsis

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.

Season 1 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

Episode 1

We Just Decided To

1h 12m7.7 / 10

"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.

Episode credits

Directed by Greg MottolaWritten by Aaron SorkinGuest stars Adina Porter, Chris Chalk, Jesse Eisenberg, David Harbour, Margaret Judson, Thomas Matthews, Trieu Tran, Riley Voelkel

Where to watch The Newsroom

Episode 2

News Night 2.0

58m7.4 / 10

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.

Episode credits

Directed by Alex GravesWritten by Aaron SorkinGuest stars Adina Porter, Chris Chalk, Wynn Everett, Alexandra Rodriguez, Charlie Weirauch, Chris Messina, Margaret Judson, Thomas Matthews

Where to watch The Newsroom

Episode 3

The 112th Congress

59m7.5 / 10

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.

Episode credits

Directed by Greg MottolaWritten by Aaron Sorkin, Aaron Sorkin, Jon Lovett, Aaron SorkinGuest stars Jane Fonda, Adina Porter, Chris Chalk, Wynn Everett, Tristin Mays, David Harbour, Charlie Weirauch, Chris Messina

Where to watch The Newsroom

Episode 4

I'll Try to Fix You

1h7.4 / 10

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.

Episode credits

Directed by Alan PoulWritten by Aaron SorkinGuest stars Jane Fonda, Adina Porter, Chris Chalk, Wynn Everett, Kelen Coleman, Charlie Weirauch, Emily Wilson, Chris Messina

Where to watch The Newsroom

Episode 5

Amen

54m7.7 / 10

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.

Episode credits

Directed by Daniel MinahanWritten by Aaron SorkinGuest stars Adina Porter, Chris Chalk, Wynn Everett, Patrick Fabian, Merle Dandridge, Kelen Coleman, David Harbour, Charlie Weirauch

Where to watch The Newsroom

Episode 6

Bullies

58m7.6 / 10

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.

Episode credits

Directed by Jeremy PodeswaWritten by Aaron SorkinGuest stars Adina Porter, Chris Chalk, Wynn Everett, Charlie Weirauch, Margaret Judson, Thomas Matthews, Trieu Tran, David Krumholtz

Where to watch The Newsroom

Episode 7

5/1

53m7.1 / 10

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.

Episode credits

Directed by Joshua MarstonWritten by Aaron SorkinGuest stars Adina Porter, Chris Chalk, Wynn Everett, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Kelen Coleman, David Harbour, Charlie Weirauch, Margaret Judson

Where to watch The Newsroom

Episode 8

The Blackout Part I: Tragedy Porn

58m7.4 / 10

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.

Episode credits

Directed by Lesli Linka GlatterWritten by Aaron SorkinGuest stars Jane Fonda, Adina Porter, Chris Chalk, Wynn Everett, Charlie Weirauch, Chris Messina, Margaret Judson, Thomas Matthews

Where to watch The Newsroom

Episode 9

The Blackout Part II: Mock Debate

55m6.7 / 10

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.

Episode credits

Directed by Alan PoulWritten by Aaron SorkinGuest stars Adina Porter, Chris Chalk, Wynn Everett, Kelen Coleman, Charlie Weirauch, Margaret Judson, Thomas Matthews, Trieu Tran

Where to watch The Newsroom

Episode 10

The Greater Fool

1h 1m7.8 / 10finale

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.

Episode credits

Directed by Greg MottolaWritten by Aaron SorkinGuest stars Jane Fonda, Adina Porter, Chris Chalk, Wynn Everett, Kelen Coleman, Charlie Weirauch, Chris Messina, Sarah Scott Davis

Where to watch The Newsroom

Episode information updated Sep 17, 2026

More about The Newsroom

Cast

Jeff DanielsWill McAvoy
Emily MortimerMacKenzie McHale
John Gallagher Jr.James Harper
Alison PillMargaret Jordan
Thomas SadoskiDon Keefer
Dev PatelNeelamani Sampat
Olivia MunnSloan Sabbith
Sam WaterstonCharlie Skinner

Credits

Created by
Aaron Sorkin
Written by
Aaron Sorkin, Ian Reichbach, Aaron Sorkin, Aaron Sorkin, Jon Lovett, Deborah Schoeneman, Adam R. Perlman, Dana Ledoux Miller, Elizabeth Peterson, Michael Russell Gunn

Production details

Status
Ended
Series type
Scripted
Episodes
25
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • HBOUnited States
  • HBOUnited States

Themes

intensejournalismjournalistnewspoliticstelevision broadcasttelevision networktv news anchor