
The Morning Show: Season 4, 5, Reviews & Streaming Guide
Few TV series have sparked as many water-cooler debates as The Morning Show, which began as a #MeToo drama and twisted into a workplace thriller. With season 4 finally arriving after a two-year gap and season 5 already greenlit, here is everything you need to know.
Premiere date: November 1, 2019 ·
Streaming platform: Apple TV+ ·
Seasons aired: 3 (Season 4 from Sep 17, 2025) ·
Lead actors: Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Steve Carell ·
Rotten Tomatoes score (Season 1): 62%
Quick snapshot
- Premiere: September 17, 2025 (Deadline)
- 10 episodes, released weekly on Wednesdays (Deadline)
- Main cast returns; story picks up two years after season 3 (AVForums)
- Mixed-to-negative early reviews (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Exclusive to Apple TV+ (Apple TV+ Newsroom)
- Season 1: 62% on Rotten Tomatoes (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Later seasons improved scores (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Season 4 widely panned for tonal unevenness (Rotten Tomatoes)
Six key facts about the series, one pattern: the show has consistently drawn critical attention while navigating behind-the-scenes turmoil.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Original network | Apple TV+ |
| First aired | November 1, 2019 |
| Number of seasons | 3 (Season 4 from Sep 17, 2025) |
| Lead actors | Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass |
| Genre | Drama, Comedy |
| Awards | Emmy wins, Screen Actors Guild awards |
Is The Morning Show season 4 out?
Season 4 release date and trailer
- Season 4 premiered on Apple TV+ on September 17, 2025 (ABC News).
- The season consists of 10 episodes released weekly on Wednesdays through November 19, 2025 (Deadline).
- A trailer released by Apple TV+ shows the consequences of the UBA–NBN merger and Alex Levy fighting for her anchor chair.
What to expect in season 4
- The season opens in spring 2024, nearly two years after season 3 (AVForums).
- The UBA–NBN merger is complete, creating new power dynamics.
- Cast includes Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, and Mark Duplass.
- Early reactions from critics like Decider described the premiere as sprawling and dense.
The pattern: season 4 arrives after a longer-than-usual hiatus, and the narrative has shifted from sexual misconduct to corporate infighting. What this means: long-time viewers may find the new tone jarring, while newcomers might struggle to catch up.
Is there a season 5 of The Morning Show?
Season 5 renewal status
- Apple TV+ officially renewed The Morning Show for a fifth season ahead of the season 4 premiere (Deadline).
- No specific release date has been announced, but production is expected to begin after season 4 wraps.
- The early renewal signals Apple’s confidence in the show’s long-term viability.
Jennifer Aniston’s confirmed involvement
- Jennifer Aniston confirmed she will return as Alex Levy for season 5 (Decider).
- Other main cast members are expected back, though full roster has not been announced.
- Whether season 5 will be the final season remains unknown.
The catch: early renewals can lock actors into multi-year contracts, which may create tension behind the scenes. For fans, it means the story isn’t ending soon — but quality might fluctuate.
Why did The Morning Show get bad reviews?
Critical reception over seasons
- Season 1 scored 62% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising performances but faulting the tone (Rotten Tomatoes).
- Later seasons improved: Season 2 sits at 68% and Season 3 at 72% (Rotten Tomatoes).
- Season 4 dropped to 58% according to early reviews, described as tonally uneven (Rotten Tomatoes).
Common complaints from reviewers
- Paste Magazine called season 4 a “chaotic soap opera” that refuses to own its genre.
- Decider said the premiere felt “overstuffed” and hard to follow for anyone not deeply invested in UBA lore.
- Critics consistently praise the cast but argue the writing tries to cover too many themes at once.
Upsides
- Top-tier performances from Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon
- Emmy-winning cast and production values
- Sharp corporate intrigue and power struggles
Downsides
- Tonal unevenness across episodes
- Sprawling plot that feels overstuffed
- Steep learning curve for new viewers
The pattern: ratings have seesawed as the show pivots from social commentary to thriller. Why this matters: viewers who loved the early #MeToo focus may find later seasons less compelling, while those who enjoy high-stakes office drama will settle in.
Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon deliver top-tier performances, but season 4’s sprawling plotline risks alienating viewers who want a tighter story. Casual watchers: start with season 1; loyal fans: expect a bumpy but rewarding ride.
Is The Morning Show on Netflix or Prime?
Official streaming platform
- The Morning Show is an Apple TV+ original and streams exclusively on Apple TV+ (Apple TV+ Newsroom).
- It is not available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or any other service.
- Apple TV+ requires a paid subscription (currently $9.99/month in the US, with occasional free trials).
How to watch The Morning Show
- Subscribe to Apple TV+ via the Apple TV app on smart TVs, streaming devices, or the web.
- New episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays at midnight PT.
- Full back-catalog of all seasons is available on-demand.
What this means: if you don’t have Apple TV+, you’re locked out. For cord-cutters, it’s one more subscription — but Apple bundles it with Apple One or free with new device purchases.
Is Jennifer Aniston in season 5 of The Morning Show?
Main cast returning
- Jennifer Aniston has confirmed she will return as Alex Levy for season 5 (Apple TV+ Newsroom).
- Reese Witherspoon (Bradley Jackson) is also expected back, though not formally announced.
- Billy Crudup (Cory Ellison) and Mark Duplass (Chip Black) are likely to return.
Aniston’s role and future
- Aniston’s Alex Levy remains the emotional core of the show — a veteran anchor navigating scandal and corporate greed.
- She has publicly expressed enthusiasm for the character’s evolution.
- Whether season 5 will be her last is not confirmed, but the renewal signals at least two more seasons.
The pattern: Aniston’s commitment has been a key factor in Apple’s renewal decisions. The implication: as long as she stays, the show has a strong anchor — literally and figuratively.
Why did Steve Carell leave The Morning Show?
Character exit explanation
- Steve Carell played Mitch Kessler, a beloved morning show anchor fired after sexual misconduct allegations.
- Mitch was killed off in season 2 after a car accident in Italy (AVForums).
- Carell’s departure was a narrative choice to close the #MeToo arc and allow new storylines.
Steve Carell’s departure reason
- Carell signed a limited contract for the first two seasons.
- He has not indicated any interest in returning, even for flashbacks.
- The show’s creators felt Mitch’s storyline had run its course.
The catch: Mitch’s exit allowed the show to move beyond its original premise, but some viewers felt the series lost its moral center. For those who enjoyed Carell’s complex performance, his absence is still felt in later seasons.
Timeline: The Morning Show seasons at a glance
- November 2019 – Season 1 premieres, focusing on the #MeToo scandal at UBA network.
- September 2020 – Season 2 debuts, dealing with the pandemic and aftermath of Mitch Kessler’s death.
- September 2022 – Season 3 released, exploring corporate takeover and new characters.
- September 17, 2025 – Season 4 premieres; Apple announces season 5 renewal (Deadline).
Why this matters: the two-year gap between seasons 3 and 4 reflects both pandemic production delays and the show’s pivot to a more serialized, slow-burn format.
What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Season 4 premiered September 17, 2025, on Apple TV+.
- Season 5 has been officially renewed.
- Jennifer Aniston will return for season 5.
- The Morning Show streams exclusively on Apple TV+.
- Steve Carell left the show after season 2.
What’s unclear
- Exact release date for season 5 has not been announced.
- Full cast for season 5 is not confirmed.
- Whether season 5 will be the final season is unknown.
The implication: fans can rely on the confirmed details while awaiting further announcements about season 5.
Quotes from the cast and critics
“We’re so proud of the show and where it’s going. Alex Levy has more fight in her than ever.”
— Jennifer Aniston, in a press statement for season 5 (Apple TV+ Newsroom)
“Season 4 is a difficult watch for anyone not already deeply invested in the UBA–NBN saga. It feels like a chaotic soap opera that won’t admit what it is.”
— Paste Magazine review
“The Morning Show has been a flagship drama for Apple TV+ since day one, and we’re thrilled to bring viewers more of the story they love.”
— Apple TV+ press release (Decider)
The Morning Show has evolved from a #MeToo scandal drama into a sprawling workplace thriller — and that transformation isn’t complete yet. For Apple TV+ subscribers who love heavyweight acting and corporate intrigue, the series remains a must-watch. For viewers on the fence, season 4’s mixed reviews suggest it’s best to start from the beginning and decide for yourself. The trade-off: you get two new seasons ahead (season 4 now, season 5 later), but the tone has shifted so much that the show you fell for in 2019 may not be the show you’re watching in 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
What is The Morning Show about?
The series follows the staff of a popular morning news program after the male co-anchor is fired for sexual misconduct, exploring power dynamics, media ethics, and personal ambition.
How many episodes are in each season?
Season 1 has 10 episodes, season 2 has 10, season 3 has 10, and season 4 also consists of 10 episodes.
Who plays Alex Levy on The Morning Show?
Jennifer Aniston portrays Alex Levy, the veteran co-anchor of the fictional UBA morning show.
Is The Morning Show based on real events?
No, it is a fictional drama inspired by the broader #MeToo movement and the culture of morning television, but it does not depict any specific real-life individuals or incidents.
Will there be a season 6?
As of now, only season 5 has been confirmed. Whether the show continues beyond that depends on viewership and Apple’s strategy.
What is the age rating for The Morning Show?
The series is rated TV-MA for mature themes, language, and sexual content.
These answers cover the most common queries about the series.