The Morning Show Season 4: Cast, Release Date & Reviews

Few TV dramas handle cast departures as openly as The Morning Show. Season 4, which premiered on September 13, 2024 on Apple TV+, doesn’t just swap characters—it writes their exits into the plot.

Release date: September 13, 2024 ·
Number of episodes: 10 ·
Network: Apple TV+ ·
Rotten Tomatoes score: 85% (critics) ·
Main returning cast: Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass

Seven facts paint a clear picture of what season 4 brings and how it fits into the series:

Is there a season 4 for The Morning Show?

Yes. The Morning Show season 4 premiered on September 13, 2024 on Apple TV+, with the first two episodes dropping together. The season consists of 10 episodes and concluded in November 2024. Apple TV+ gave the green light for a fourth season in April 2023, months before season 3 even aired, signaling the network’s confidence in the drama (PureWow).

When was The Morning Show season 4 released?

Season 4 premiered on September 13, 2024. Episode 1 and 2 were available immediately; subsequent episodes rolled out weekly every Wednesday through November 2024 (Rotten Tomatoes episode list).

How many episodes are in The Morning Show season 4?

There are 10 episodes in season 4, consistent with the run of previous seasons (Rotten Tomatoes).

The implication: Apple TV+ is betting on the show as a long-term anchor, given the early renewal.

Why is Stella leaving The Morning Show?

Stella Bak, played by Greta Lee, has been a key figure at UBA (now UBN) as a smart, ambitious executive. In season 4, her departure is written into the story as a result of the network consolidation and creative conflicts at the merged company. According to PureWow, Stella’s exit is one of the early turning points: “The season starts with a bang” when Stella makes a bold choice that removes her from the network.

Who is Stella in The Morning Show?

Stella is a no-nonsense executive who rose from an assistant to a top position at UBA. She is celebrated for her strategic mind and for challenging the network’s established power structures. Greta Lee has played the role since season 2 (Rotten Tomatoes).

Did Greta Lee leave the show?

Yes. Greta Lee’s character Stella leaves in the first episode of season 4. The show’s writers gave her a storyline that allows the character to exit with agency—she makes a principled stand and walks away. Whether she could return as a guest later remains open (Actors With Issues (review blog)).

The pattern: the show is willing to sacrifice beloved characters to keep the narrative fresh.

Is The Morning Show season 4 good?

Yes—with caveats. Season 4 holds an 85% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 78% audience score. Critics praise the performances of Jennifer Aniston and Billy Crudup, who continues to steal scenes as the mercurial Cory Ellison. However, some reviews note uneven pacing in the middle episodes and the challenge of integrating so many new characters at once (Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus).

What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for season 4?

Season 4 currently has an 85% Certified Fresh rating from critics and 78% from audience on Rotten Tomatoes (Rotten Tomatoes).

What are critics saying about season 4?

The critical narrative is largely positive. Many highlight the chemistry between Aniston and Witherspoon, and the infusion of new energy via Marion Cotillard and Jeremy Irons. A recurring note: the AI-driven plotline feels timely, if a bit heavy-handed (Actors With Issues).

“Not great, not terrible — just fine for now.”

— Actors With Issues (review blog)

The trade-off: stronger performances from veterans, but a slower middle that may test casual viewers.

Will Jennifer Aniston be in season 5 of The Morning Show?

Yes, Barring unforeseen changes, Jennifer Aniston is expected to return as Alex Levy in season 5. Apple TV+ renewed the series for a fifth season in October 2024, and both Aniston and Reese Witherspoon are attached to continue (Rotten Tomatoes renewal notice).

Has season 5 been confirmed?

Yes. Apple TV+ officially ordered season 5 in October 2024, while season 4 was still airing. The early renewal suggests the show remains a priority for the streaming service (Rotten Tomatoes).

Who is returning for season 5?

Alongside Aniston and Witherspoon, Billy Crudup (Cory Ellison), Mark Duplass (Chip Black), and other regulars are expected back. The fate of new additions Marion Cotillard and Jeremy Irons has not been confirmed, though given their high-profile billing, they may return in recurring roles.

What this means: the central duo of Alex and Bradley will continue to drive the story, with Cory likely remaining a wildcard.

Why did Julianna Margulies leave The Morning Show?

Julianna Margulies played Laura Peterson, a veteran journalist who became involved with Bradley Jackson. Her character was written out at the end of season 3. According to the show’s writers, Laura’s story reached a natural conclusion after she left the network and moved on professionally and personally (Actors With Issues).

Who did Julianna Margulies play?

Margulies played Laura Peterson, a respected broadcast journalist who joins UBA and later develops a relationship with Bradley. Her character was introduced in season 2 and became a fan favorite.

Was her departure planned by writers?

Yes. The seasonal arc for Laura Peterson was designed to conclude after season 3. Margulies commends the decision in a behind-the-scenes interview, noting that Laura’s exit was “one of the most satisfying endings” she has played.

The catch: losing Margulies removes a strong supporting pillar, but it frees up space for new characters like Celine Dumont (Cotillard) to take on larger roles.

Timeline of key events

• April 2023: Apple TV+ renews The Morning Show for season 4 (PureWow)
• September 13, 2024: Season 4 premieres (Rotten Tomatoes)
• October 2024: Apple TV+ renews the show for season 5 (Rotten Tomatoes)
• November 2024: Season 4 finale airs

These key dates show the show’s momentum and the network’s commitment to keeping the series alive despite the turnover.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear about season 4

For Apple TV+, the data is clear: the show has enough momentum to warrant a fifth season, but the loss of two audience favorites means the next season will need to convert new viewers into loyal fans.

“Starts with a bang.”

— PureWow (entertainment outlet)

For a deeper look at the cast changes and premiere date, check out this detailed season 4 coverage from another outlet.

Frequently asked questions

For fans of the show, season 4 represents a deliberate transition. The cast turnover could have felt jarring, but the writers folded it into the story’s central tension: who controls the future of news. The creative gamble is that new characters like Celine Dumont and Ben will fill the void left by Stella and Laura. For Apple TV+, committing to a fifth season early means betting that Aniston and Witherspoon can keep the show’s momentum despite the cast turnover.