'West Wing' plans live episode

The West Wing / NBC

NBC's The West Wing will air a live episode as part of November sweeps, the network announced today.

The pivotal episode will feature a "tension-packed" debate between presidential candidates Congressman Matt Santos (Jimmy Smits) and Senator Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda).

The move follows that of NBC comedy Will & Grace, which opened its final season last week with a live premiere. Like that series, The West Wing will telecast two versions: one for viewers on the East coast and one for those on the West.

The episode airs Sunday, November 6 at 8pm ET/PT.