©The Hollywood Reporter - Apple TV+The story picks up almost two years after the events of season three. In the world of the series, it's now spring 2024, and the merger between UBA, the parent company of The Morning Show, and the rival network NBN has been completed.
Jennifer Aniston returns as Alex Levy, who has been promoted to a top executive at the merged network. She must learn to handle her new position of power while also grappling with the question of what's true and who she can trust. In the teaser, we hear her say that "now more than ever, we must question everything we see and hear," setting the tone for the season.
Reese Witherspoon returns as Bradley Jackson, Alex's former co-anchor, who is still grappling with the personal and legal fallout from her actions in season three. Bradley says in the teaser, "The truth always comes out," emphasizing her inner struggle and growth.
In the previous season, Alex, through clever maneuvering, sidelined Paul Marks—played by Jon Hamm. The tech billionaire attempted to take over UBA, but Alex ultimately forced him to defeat and thus secured control of the merger. Bradley, on the other hand, faced potential charges of evidence tampering and obstruction of justice after attempting to protect her brother, who was involved in the January 6th Capitol attack, by withholding incriminating evidence.
According to showrunner Charlotte Stoudt, the fourth season is about taking responsibility and learning to move on. She argued that everyone must learn to deal with the consequences of their choices, but that life always goes on despite everything.
The teaser doesn't contain any new footage, but it does feature narration that hints at tensions and new dynamics between both returning and new characters. For example, Mark Duplass and Billy Crudup return as longtime confidants of Alex and Bradley. They speak of "trashing dirt" and offer to do "the dirty work," further fueling the political and moral conflict within the newsroom.
Jon Hamm, who plays Paul Marks, also remains a shadow figure and, in the teaser, gives Alex the challenging advice that you "really, really have to want it" if you want to lead an organization.
In addition, the female executives, played by Greta Lee and Karen Pittman, are grappling with their new positions in the merger's power dynamic. New faces add to the tension: Boyd Holbrook plays the provocative podcaster and talk show host Brodie, while Oscar winner Marion Cotillard makes an appearance as Celine Dumont, a cunning and strategic woman from an influential European family. Cotillard's character states in the teaser that she wants to know "who's an ally and who's a risk," making it immediately clear that she, too, is playing a game of intrigue.
Nestor Carbonell and Nicole Beharie also return for season four. New to the fourth season are Jeremy Irons, Aaron Pierre, and William Jackson Harper, alongside Marion Cotillard and Boyd Holbrook.
With its fourth season, The Morning Show builds on its reputation as a sharp and timely series that not only explores personal dramas but also offers thought-provoking reflections on the modern media world and the question of what truth means in an age of constant noise.
The Morning Show returns on Wednesday, September 17th. This ten-episode season begins with one episode, followed by a new episode every Wednesday until November 19th. Watch the trailer below.
