From West Wing nostalgia to Netflix’s steamy politics, see why their on-screen “marriage” cracks them up.
Why Does Allison Janney Call Bradley Whitford Her “Brother”?
“Kissing him? Felt wrong,” Janney spills to PEOPLE about their Diplomat reunion.
Decades after West Wing’s C.J. and Josh dynamic, playing spouses in the Netflix thriller hit differently: “We’re sibling-coded!” Their solution?
Tackle bedroom scenes with humor: “We pep-talked hard,” she laughs. Chemistry reset: Successful… but weird.
Why Was Bradley Whitford Cast as Her On-Screen Husband?
“Debra Cahn’s genius,” Janney grins. The Diplomat showrunner (a West Wing alum) dreamed up the twist. “Brad as Todd? Perfect chaos,” Janney adds.
Whitford’s role as Vice President Grace Penn’s hubby? A full-circle nod for fans.
Secret perk? Their offscreen decades-long bond oozes into political power plays.
How Does The Diplomat Compare to The West Wing?
“War rooms, wittier.” Janney gushes over Keri Russell’s ambassador grit and Rufus Sewell’s “divine” messiness. But adding Whitford? “Next-level crème de la crème.”
Plot glue: Marriage turmoil meets nuclear crises. PS: Grace Penn’s VP-to-President arc? Season 2’s jaw-dropper. #TeamBradley forever.
📺 Quick Facts: Allison & Bradley’s Reunion Rewind
- OG Roles: West Wing’s C.J. Cregg (Janney) and Josh Lyman (Whitford) ruled 1999-2006.
- Diplomat Shift: S3 casts them as VP Grace Penn and husband Todd—power pair goals.
- Creator’s Nod: Debra Cahn called Whitford the “fantasy casting” for Todd.
- Awkward AF: Their kissing scene = “Sibling vibes never fade,” Janney jokes.
- Stream Status: The Diplomat S1-2 on Netflix; West Wing streams on Max.