CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses sexual violence.
The first episode of the highly anticipated sophomore season of Apple TV+’s newsroom drama “The Morning Show” was released on Sept. 17 after nearly a year off of filming due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Morning Show” was created by Jay Carson and Kerry Ehrin and premiered in November 2019. The series follows the lives of journalists and executives at the fictional news network UBA. The show examines critical issues including sexual assault, racism, cancel culture and the changing landscape of broadcast journalism.
The first season focuses on sexual assault allegations against journalist Mitch Kessler (Steve Carell), the host of the eponymous “Good Morning America”-esque morning show. Co-host Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston) announces fiery field reporter Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon) as Mitch’s replacement, inciting a storm of controversy and change.
The central conflict of season one revolves around a character who was assaulted by Mitch years before allegations against him surfaced. “The Morning Show” puts Mitch’s actions at the center of a national dialogue about the #MeToo movement, painting an unflinching portrayal of the severity of sexual assault that can be difficult to watch at times. The season culminates in a shocking twist that sets up several major elements of the second season’s plot — primarily a large overhaul of the network.
Season one gives viewers a multifaceted glimpse into the situation, focusing not only on the hosts of The Morning Show but also producers Chip Black (Mark Duplass), Cory Ellison (Billy Crudup) and Mia Jordan (Karen Pittman), all of whom play pivotal roles in sculpting the show’s narrative.
With so many characters involved, it’s hard to keep track of who is complicit in UBA’s large-scale corruption. The main characters are all depicted as morally gray individuals, and their fractured relationships are at the forefront of season two.
“The Morning Show” does not ignore the challenges of COVID-19. The first episode of season two flashes back and forth between the pre- and post-pandemic world, creating a jarring sense of confusion with montages of empty New York City streets and an eerie soundtrack. During the 2020 New Year’s Eve ball drop, Cory receives shocking news about the future of UBA just as a person sneezes menacingly in the background, teasing the beginnings of the pandemic.
The second season of “The Morning Show” also strikes a different tone than the first. While the first season focuses on the cover-up of a predator’s actions, season two places emphasis on how the main characters have changed since the fallout of the scandal, alongside a pandemic.
Stylistically, season two differs from the first with an increase in uniquely filmed sequences, longer monologues and a powerful soundtrack that enhances the characters’ emotions. With nuanced acting, pertinent dialogue and an intriguing plot, “The Morning Show” does not shy away from heavy issues. The performances from Aniston, Crudup and Witherspoon highlight the complexities of their characters and keep viewers intrigued each episode.
Crudup, who won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Cory, portrays the power-hungry network head with slippery, scheming charisma. Aniston’s portrayal of Alex—a woman desperate to retain prominence while contending with her own complicity in a toxic environment— is outstanding. Bradley, a die-hard journalist, goes through many identity changes in the second season, and Witherspoon’s acting reflects the personal turmoil of her character wonderfully.
While the second season doesn’t feel quite as enthralling as the first, new characters and storylines keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The additions of UBA executive Stella Bak (Greta Lee) and anchor Laura Peterson (Julianna Margulies) add another layer of intrigue to the plot of the second season as well.
Though the second season is already more than halfway through, some of the character arcs set up by season one have yet to be fully explored. The acting makes “The Morning Show” worthwhile, but the focus of this season’s plot doesn’t feel entirely fleshed out. With only three episodes left, hopefully the end of season two will tap into the same captivating verve as the first.
Edited by Lucy Valeski | lvaleski@themaneater.com