The phrase "What makes America the greatest country in the world?" is famously addressed in a memorable scene from the TV series The Newsroom, written by Aaron Sorkin. In this scene, a college student asks panelists the question, and while some give typical answers like "Diversity and opportunity" and "Freedom," the character Will McAvoy (played by Jeff Daniels) delivers a powerful monologue. He reflects that America is no longer the greatest country in the world, citing past virtues such as standing up for what was right, fighting moral wars, waging wars on poverty (not poor people), caring for neighbors, making technological advances, exploring the universe, curing diseases, fostering great artists and economy, aspiring to intelligence, and uniting behind great leadership. However, he emphasizes that these qualities have diminished and the first step to solving problems is recognizing that America is not currently the greatest country anymore. This moment serves as both a critique and a call to recognize the country's challenges while recalling its potential and history of greatness.

This scene from The Newsroom is often referred to when discussing the concept of American greatness in film or television since it captures a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective rather than a simple patriotic slogan.