Created by: Jay Carson
Watch it on: Apple TV
I loved The Morning Show for too many reasons. One – it hit to close too home. The opening scene of The Morning Show’s first episode sees a 3:30 am wake-up call on Jennifer Anniston’s iPhone. She gets up, runs on the treadmill, takes a shower, reaches her studio, gets her hair and makeup done before finally rolling and shaking up the world with her TV show ‘The Morning Show’. Okay fine, I don’t get up at 3am but I totally relate to the routine and anxiety. Two – it touches upon an all too relevant and burning topic on sexual assault allegation, very similar to the #MeToo allegations against NBC’s presenter Matt Lauer. So, The Morning Show is about a popular breakfast news program hosted by Alexy Levy (played by Jennifer Anniston) and Mitch Kessler (played by Steve Carell) broadcast from Manhattan on the UBA network that has excellent viewership ratings and is perceived to have changed the face of American television. After Alex’s on-air partner of 15 years, Kessler, is fired amidst a sexual misconduct scandal, Alex fights to retain her job as top news anchor while sparking a rivalry with Bradley Jackson (played by Reese Witherspoon), a haphazard field reporter whose series of impulsive decisions bring her into a new world of TV journalism.
The Morning Show is dynamic, quirky and moving, all at the same time. For most part of it, I was holding my breath till the end credits rolled. The writing is impressive and each episode has a meaningful and sensitive conversation. Most of all – what powerhouse performances!! Both the leads – Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston are simply incredible to watch. Reese plays the feisty, gutsy and aggressive Bradley Jackson but she also has a sensitive, pathetic side to her. Anniston, on the other hand, plays the not-so-easily likable Alex who has to be honest and dishonest all at the same time. She has that diva side to her while at the same time she has to be aloof and needy. Both the leading ladies hit every single note. I love their chemistry; they played each off so well. I love how Bradley admires Alex but at the same time, she doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind. If you liked Witherspoon in Big Little Lies, you’ll be blown away by her portrayal in this one! Anniston perfectly balances the vulnerability with the authority Alex commands. It is such a delight to watch her. Steve Carell’s portrayal of Mitch Kessler is brilliant. But the guy who shines here is Billy Crudup who plays Cory Ellison, the unconventional studio head. Initially you’d think he’s the typical selfish studio head but his character quickly becomes far more interesting. He is just super cool and I think he’s probably one of my favourite characters on television! Supporting cast includes Mark Duplass, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nestor Carbonell and Desean Terry.
The Morning Show has a touch of satire and always retains an element of surprise throughout each episode. The cinematography is excellent along with sleek production value. But really, the winner here is the script and direction. The Morning Show possibly ends with one of the most impressive season finales that I’ve seen in recent times. I can’t wait for a second season – I truly hope it comes back with one. Overall, this one’s a phenomenal television series which you shouldn’t miss!
Xoxo
Ritwika
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