PRESIDENTS of the United States of America are allowed two terms, just eight years in office, and now a similar restriction faces the highly acclaimed television drama series about the White House, The West Wing.

News that NBC is scrapping the show at the end of its seventh series in May prompted a wave of anguish yesterday among many of America’s so-called wing nuts. Part of the programme’s appeal was that six years after George Bush’s election to the White House, The West Wing still had a Democrat president — Josiah Bartlet, played by Martin Sheen.

But it was also known for its innovative camera work and plot lines. At one time its close-ups of Cabinet infighting were required viewing among Tony Blair’s aides in Downing Street.

It spawned a genre of political drama, including 24, which is now in its fourth season. One wing nut, calling himself “Othkarwise”, admitted yesterday to feeling tearful as he wrote the following internet chatroom posting: “Where do I look now to keep pretending there is a government somewhere that actually cares about governing for ‘the people’? Where will I ever find a President Bartlet?”

The final series will concentrate on the race to replace President Bartlet, which is between a Democrat played by Jimmy Smits and a Republican portrayed by Alan Alda. The vote will take place before the last episode on May 14.

Some followers were more sanguine about the decision to end the show. Ratings had declined steadily from a peak of 17.1 million to 8 million after NBC moved it to a Sunday slot. There were also grumbles about the plot lines becoming tired or unrealistic, especially after the departure of Aaron Sorkin, the creator of the show, at the end of the fourth season.

Kevin Reilly, NBC’s entertainment president, said that the decision to axe the show which has won 25 Emmys, was made before actor John Spencer, who played Leo McGarry, the former chief of staff, died of a heart attack last month.

He said: “There’s a point where you look at the ratings and you just say, ‘It’s time’. It’s been a huge part of our history and the profile of the network. It’s tough.”

BUSY DAYS AT THE OVAL OFFICE

First Episode President Bartlet is injured in a bicycle accident and spin-doctor Sam Seaborn spends the night with a call girl

End of First Series Ku Klux Klan shoot and injure the President

Season Two The President is threatened with impeachment for not disclosing that he has MS

Season Four The President's daughter is abducted by terrorists

Season Six Terrorist training camps in Qumar and Syria are bombed

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