Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Great actors and a strong storyline in compelling drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Morning Show
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say the show features impressive performances and a gripping narrative, but is laden with inappropriate content and strong language that many find unsuitable for younger viewers. While it addresses serious issues like sexual misconduct and workplace ethics, the excessive cursing and mature scenes leave some teens feeling uncomfortable and disillusioned.
- impressive performances
- serious topics
- inappropriate content
- excessive language
- strong messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A generation of TV watchers has grown up watching Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston) and Mitch Kessler (Steve Carell) on THE MORNING SHOW. So when news breaks that multiple women have accused Mitch of sexual misconduct, he's fired from the show, leaving Alex devastated and without a co-host (and Mitch ready to fight the charges). At the same time, Alex learns that network executives, led by Cory Ellison (Billy Crudup), have been trying to replace her for years, and a strong contender for her job is her new co-host, bold conservative TV journalist Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon).
Is It Any Good?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how realistic The Morning Show is. Does the show seem to mirror real morning shows and dramas about their hosts? Do women over 40 have a harder time finding roles in entertainment? How believable is it for a male celebrity to be accused of misconduct and lose his job?
How do Alex and Bradley measure up as role models? What qualities help them to succeed? How does the show suggest to viewers how hard they work and how talented they are? How is the cost of their work depicted?
How do characters demonstrate courage and perseverance in The Morning Show? Why are those important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 1, 2019
- Cast : Jennifer Aniston , Reese Witherspoon , Steve Carell
- Network : Apple TV
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Award : Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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