The Morning Show

With its propulsive energy and a ripped-from-the-headlines premise that gives viewers the sense that they're getting a peek behind closed doors, this glossy drama demands attention. Though The Morning Show insiders are on the record as saying the show is not the Matt Lauer story, it's hard not to read into the storyline and wonder just what parts are inspired by real-life situations. It certainly doesn't hurt to have such five-star talent both in front of the camera. Jennifer Anniston is steely and relatable as a venerable anchor who feels her crown starting to slip, Reese Witherspoon is fiery as a colleague on the rise, and perhaps only an actor as lovable as Steve Carell could make the errant Mitch appealing and sympathetic. These characters click, with us and with each other, and they make you care about the people who are caught in a maelstrom of competing interests.

The Morning Show also has interesting things to say about the changing nature of network news and journalism in a time and place when, as duplicitous network chief Cory Ellison (a shark-eyed Crudup) has it, "People get their horrible news in the palm of their hands, colored the way they like it." What people need, Ellison goes on to say, is not news, it's entertainment. And they want it delivered by a host with a sexual frisson, something Ellison and the network has started to think Aniston's Alex is too old to attract. Watching Alex twist and maneuver in an effort to turn the situation to her favor is fascinating -- and great, meaty television.