The Morning Show Season 4 Faces Criticism for Bloated Storylines Amid Paris Olympics Focus

The Morning Show Season 4, set in spring 2024, continues the fictional drama of UBN two years after a major merger, with Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston) navigating leadership challenges amid layoffs and tensions over AI integration, while Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon) returns after dealing with the FBI. The series blends high-stakes newsroom drama with increasingly absurd and melodramatic elements, including an Iranian defector storyline during Olympic coverage and a mix of spycraft and personal entanglements, but critics argue the show feels bloated and fatigued with too many plot threads and a drop in narrative focus. Despite its initial acclaim for tackling timely cultural issues such as the #MeToo movement, the show has shifted towards soap opera-style melodrama with less impactful social commentary, and its timing often lags behind real-world events, frustrating viewers. Key characters like Stella and Cory face professional and personal challenges amid the network's uncertain future, while the show's handling of controversial topics like manosphere politics and AI feels cautious. The season's opening episode features a dramatic rescue of an Iranian athlete seeking asylum, highlighting the show's ongoing attempt to mix topical issues with sensational storytelling. Overall, while the star power of Aniston and Witherspoon remains a draw, critics suggest The Morning Show is struggling to maintain its earlier relevance and coherence.