Aaron Sorkin has insisted that The Newsroom is no way based on controversial newsman Keith Olbermann.
Sorkin responded to suggestions that Jeff Daniels's character is patterned after the outspoken, left-leaning Olbermann in a chat with Vulture.
"Let's be really clear about this - no character on the show is based, even a little bit, on anyone from real life. Okay? Anyone," the writer declared.
He went on to say: "Jeff Daniels is not playing Keith Olbermann. [His character] Will bears no resemblance to Keith Olbermann... I'd really like to put that away.
"Any similarities you might be able to find are purely coincidental. Keith wasn't on my mind at all."
Six-time Emmy winner Sorkin previously admitted he expects a varied reception to The Newsroom, saying: "I know for sure not everyone is going to love this.
What to Read Next
"A lot of great storytelling is happening on television, and you've got to look around for the good stuff."
The Newsroom premieres on Sunday (June 24) on HBO in the US. The series will air in the UK on Sky Atlantic from July 10.
Watch a trailer for The Newsroom below:
Justin is a freelance entertainment journalist and writer. He first joined Digital Spy as a freelance entertainment reporter in 2010 and also worked as a sub-editor for the brand, serving as Night News Editor from 2016 to 2024. Over more than a decade, Justin has covered numerous major entertainment events from the US and has interviewed a wide-ranging group of public figures, from comedian Steve Coogan to icons from the Star Trek universe, cast members from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reality stars from numerous Real Housewives cities and the Below Deck franchise. Justin has also been on the ground to cover major pop culture events like the Star Wars Celebration and the D23 Expo. He's written for titles across the Hearst network, plus the likes of CBR and Us Weekly.
