The newsroom-set Apple TV+ series, The Morning Show, starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, is back for a fourth season. Since its 2019 premiere, the show has become renowned for its outlandish plot lines and star-studded cast. As it returns, it continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of drama and chaos.
Back in September 2019, Apple announced its late-to-the-party streaming service, Apple TV+, promising original content from “the world’s greatest storytellers.” One of its flagship offerings was The Morning Show, a glossy, high-stakes drama exploring the cut-throat world of morning television. The series was notable for its A-list cast, including Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell, with Aniston and Witherspoon reportedly earning $2 million per episode.
The Evolution of a Drama
Initially inspired by Brian Stelter’s 2013 book Top of the Morning, which detailed the real-life antics of American TV anchors, the show took an unexpected turn following the real-world firing of NBC’s Matt Lauer amid sexual misconduct allegations. This incident prompted a rewrite, focusing the storyline on a #MeToo case of sexual assault within the fictional UBA network. This pivot was praised for its nuanced handling of a sensitive topic, resonating with viewers when it first aired in November 2019.
Beyond the #MeToo narrative, the show made itself timely by incorporating real-world events, from the Los Angeles wildfires to the Las Vegas mass shooting. However, as the series progressed, it ventured into more unpredictable territory. In one memorable arc, Aniston’s character, Alex Levy, became a national sensation after live-streaming herself while battling COVID-19. Meanwhile, Witherspoon’s character, Bradley Jackson, embarked on a surprise lesbian relationship and even flew into space with a tech billionaire.
The Critics’ Perspective
Despite—or perhaps because of—its increasingly wild storylines, The Morning Show has drawn both criticism and fascination. In 2023, The Guardian’s Adrian Horton labeled it “the most ridiculous show on TV,” while Vulture described it as “crazy,” noting that season two had taken “sniffs of plot coke [cocaine].” Inkoo Kang from The New Yorker called it “a uniquely destabilizing viewing experience” but pondered, “Why can’t we stop watching it?”
“It’s definitely a wild ride,” says Rhiannon Evans, a UK-based entertainment journalist. “I think what it does is it gets itself into some plot corners and incredible moral dilemmas that make you wonder: ‘How on earth are they going to get out of this one?'”
Despite the chaos, the show has maintained a strong viewership. Although Apple TV+ does not release official figures, it was revealed in December 2023 that The Morning Show had become its most-watched series, with viewership increasing by 20% between seasons two and three.
The Allure of Escapism
The show’s appeal lies not only in its topical relevance but also in its escapism. Fans appreciate the high-gloss production and the Architectural Digest-worthy sets. One viewer expressed excitement for the return of Alex Levy’s New York apartment, while others revel in the show’s absurdity. “This show is stupid and insane and laughable, and I will watch every episode they give me,” commented a fan on Reddit.
The fourth season promises to deliver more of the same chaotic entertainment, with new star additions like Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, William Jackson Harper, and Aaron Pierre. Following last season’s merger between the UBA and NBN networks, viewers can expect more unhinged power struggles, a plane crash aired live, and fantastical storylines involving false imprisonment and Russian oligarchs.
Balancing Reality and Drama
At times, the show’s melodramatic elements clash with its references to real-life events, such as the Ukraine war or the repealing of Roe v Wade. However, Kevin Taft, a US entertainment journalist and former co-host of The Morning Show After Show podcast, argues that the series successfully blends timeliness with over-the-top drama.
“I actually like that they put in real-life events, because it really is more interesting to see how they work in what’s truly happening,” Taft explains. “When a show or movie ignores [real events], that just seems false to me.”
As The Morning Show continues its run, it remains a testament to the power of star-driven storytelling and the allure of a well-crafted, albeit chaotic, narrative. Fans eagerly await each new episode, drawn in by the drama, the glamour, and the ever-present question: What will happen next?
