The Morning Show is streaming now on Apple TV.
Apple made an outstanding choice in commissioning The Morning Show as its first major drama for the new streaming platform; after all, the media world is still shaking from the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment and abuse allegations, and the #MeToo movement is finally centre stage. Therefore, any drama that unflinchingly explores the role of men who have used their power and position as leverage is not only welcomed but essential viewing.
Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston) is the co-anchor of a morning talk show. However, when her co-host Mitch (Steve Carell) is accused of sexual misconduct and fired, Alex’s career is thrown into turmoil; after all, how does a partnership of 15 years suddenly fall apart overnight? As the show descends into chaos, Network Executive (Billy Crudup) spots an opportunity for change, bringing in a new talent that speaks to a changing American appetite for news, Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon). However, can an all-female-presenting team actually work? Or are the men still pulling the strings in the background?
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The talent onscreen and behind the camera shines throughout every episode of The Morning Show as Apple TV offers us a new, fresh and different drama. Here, elements of Network (1976) combine with The Newsroom (2012) to create an engaging drama that excels in its broader #MeToo messages.
The Morning Show is a snapshot of a male-oriented media landscape that speaks to the need for radical change. But it also talks directly about the changing landscape of TV News, highlighting the power of social media and soundbites as replacements for the once-trusted role of the TV anchorperson. The resulting drama may not seek to answer every question it raises about #MeToo, social media, female empowerment, and male power in season one, but trust me: this is a show that will return for a second bite of the Apple.
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Comedy writer and actor Mindy Kaling (The Office) and director Nisha Ganatra’s exploration of the ratings-driven world of the TV chat show is an intelligent comedic dissection of power, opportunity, ageism, and sexism in the TV industry.
Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson) is a seasoned late-night chat show host who has won multiple awards throughout a 30-year career. However, her show is struggling, as is her patience with her all-male writing team. That team (most of whom she has never met) sits within an all-boys club where their writing never reflects the personality or drive of the chat show host they write for, and Katherine has had enough.
Enter Molly Patel (Kailing), who is about to enjoy a big break others could only dream of after years of working as a quality control manager in a chemical plant. But is the studio system ready for female presenters and writers to take control?
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