The Morning Show Review ~ Captivating Story and a Stellar Cast

Apple TV+ hits it out of the park with The Morning Show. It’s about the lives of the people who work on a morning news program called “The Morning Show” and what happens following the sexual misconduct scandal of one of their anchors. Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston) and Mitch Kessler (Steve Carell) have been friends and co-hosts for fifteen years. Mitch’s behavior and subsequent firing creates immense repercussions for both of them, their families, and their coworkers. This also opens a door for a new co-host for Alex. Enter Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon). And Bradley brings a different set of complications.

A glimpse into their lives

The Morning Show is so well written and perfectly acted. The topic is controversial and important and it feels that way but, to me, it didn’t feel like it was someone’s agenda. It felt like a story. It felt like a glimpse into the lives of these people dealing with a terrible situation. There are manipulations, truth seeking, cover ups, selfishness, and lack of responsibility. All the things you expect to see in a scandal. But what is so interesting to me is the humanity. The writers really take the time to show the flaws, the mistakes, the ugliness and the beauty in literally all of these characters. And these actors are up for the challenge.

The most amazing cast

This is the most stellar cast. I don’t remember seeing Jennifer Aniston in anything this serious before and she is great. She really shows her range as an actress. I have seen Reese Witherspoon in serious shows but I feel like she has completely reinvented herself for this role. She is layered and believable. It’s so unfortunate that Steve Carell plays the role that he plays because I love him so much. But he is so great that I hated him at times. But I also felt other feelings for him too (no spoilers). He’s one of the few comedians that can really act in a dramatic role. Billy Crudup plays one of my two favorite characters, Cory Ellison. Quirky, network executive, Cory, can be somewhat single-minded when it comes to the show but he does have a heart as well. The way Crudup portrays the character is original and captivating. He won and Emmy for Season 1. Mark Duplass plays producer, Chip Black, my other favorite character. Chip bends over backward for the show and will do anything for Alex. Duplass makes Chip seem like a genuine, likable, real person. There are so many more amazing performances. I cannot say enough about this cast.

You won’t be sorry

I’ll be honest. I watched the trailer for this about a year ago and wasn’t interested. Then my TV soul sister, Lisa, told me to watch it. So I immediately did. And I was not sorry for one second. I am only sorry that I have to wait for another season. I will tell you that I thought Season 1 was stronger than Season 2 but I still enjoyed both immensely. That’s how good it is. Apple TV+ has the goods. Happy Streaming!

Good Stuff: Socially relevant, intriguing stories, AMAZING cast

Bad Stuff: Waiting for Season 3

Where to Watch: Apple TV+