How to watch The West Wing reunion special online on HBO Max and from anywhere

By Mo Harber-Lamond
last updated

The West Wing, but not as we know it

watch the west wing online
(Image credit: HBO)

Well, it may be bizarre, but we can't wait to see it – a word-for-word re-enactment of season three's Hartsfield's Landing set for stage, complete with guest appearances from Michelle Obama, Samuel L. Jackson and Bill Clinton to name a few. While we'll leave it up to you as to whether the episode itself bears any parallels to 2020's looming presidential title fight, there's one thing for certain: it's not to be missed. So, here's how to watch The West Wing reunion online from wherever you are.

The West Wing reunion Cheat Sheet

The West Wing reunion is available to watch now. HBO Max is your destination if you're in the US, with a VPN coming to your rescue (opens in new tab) if you find yourself away from the States.

Fully titled 'A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote', this very special reunion-of-sorts is in aid of the Michelle Obama-chaired non-partisan non-profit When We All Vote, which aims to get people using their ballots, no matter who they're voting for. And what better West Wing episode could've been chosen? 

In Hartsfield's Landing, Jed Bartlet is in the throes of a re-election campaign, with a small but seemingly incredibly important New Hampshire primary front and center, and throughout the episode he plays chess with Sam and Toby. We won't say any more – if you know, you know, and if you don't, just watch the thing!

Performed at the Los Angeles Orpheum Theater this October by the full original cast (except, sadly, the late John Spencer), the show is punctuated by act breaks in which we'll be treated to guest appearances by Michelle Obama, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bill Clinton, Marlee Matlin and Samuel L. Jackson – quite the star-studded turnout, then.

Performed with respect to Covid-19 social distancing guidelines, this is very much a work of our times – and whether you watch it to rekindle that West Wing fire you've had since the infamous bicycle crash, or you just want to see a bit of history being made, we'll be right there glued to the screen with you. Here's how to watch The West Wing reunion online from wherever you are.

How to watch The West Wing reunion online from outside your country

Taking a well-earned vacation or out of the country on business? Not a problem. You can easily catch The West Wing reunion from almost anywhere, despite geo-blocking restrictions.

The solution is simple. Just download a VPN to alter your IP address to your home country, which will then let you watch your favorite shows – like The West Wing – no matter where you are. Once installed, select the location of your home country and simply click connect. That's all there is to it. 

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How to watch The West Wing reunion for free in the US for free

on HBO Max (opens in new tab)

It couldn't be simpler to watch the West Wing reunion in the US. You can stream The West Wing reunion on HBO Max (opens in new tab). HBO's streaming service is usually $14.99 a month, but offers a 7-day free trial to new users, which means you can watch The West Wing reunion for free. Also, if you already have access to regular HBO, you might be entitled to HBO Max for free – bargains all round, then.

If you're out of the country, you can also log in to your HBO Max account from anywhere if you grab a VPN (opens in new tab). All you need to do is select a US location, and you're good to go.

Can you watch The West Wing reunion online in Canada?

Unfortunately we can't say for certain whether The West Wing reunion will be airing on Crave (opens in new tab), which plays hosts to most other HBO content north of the border. 

However, if you've got a US cable or OTT subscription with HBO and you're in Canada, you'll be able to access HBO Max by using a VPN (opens in new tab). All you need to do is connect to a US location, and sign in to HBO Max.

If you just want to watch any old episode of The West Wing, you'll have to head over to the likes of Apple TV or Google Play and purchase a series.

Can you watch The West Wing reunion special online in the UK?

Again, it doesn't look like those in the UK will be getting access to this West Wing special any time soon.

However, if you're in the UK but have an HBO subscription back home, all you need to do is grab a VPN (opens in new tab). Once you've got that, you can log on to a US location, fire up HBO Max, and get watching.

If you want to watch The West Wing episodes you know and love and don't have a box of the DVDs, you'll be able to get them from the likes of Amazon or Apple TV.

Can you watch The West Wing reunion online in Australia?

In a word, no. Just like the UK and Canada, The West Wing special will not be aired on any domestic networks or services. 

If you're on a trip to Australia, though, and you've got access to HBO at home, all you need to do is grab a VPN (opens in new tab), connect to a US server, and log in to HBO Max. Then you can stream it just as if you were on your sofa. 

However, if you just want to watch the regular Hartsfield's Landing from season 3 (or any episode, for that matter), you can stream The West Wing on Binge (opens in new tab), Stan, or Amazon Prime (opens in new tab).

Mo Harber-Lamond
Mo Harber-Lamond

Mo Harber-Lamond is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide, and contributor for TechRadar. He focuses on cybersecurity content for Tom's Guide, and creates insightful content across the board to help readers make informed buying choices.

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