According to Mimi Leder, the director of “Morning Show,” Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston make her job quite easy. She describes both actresses as “incredible,” highlighting their intelligence and thorough preparation.
Leder, who is 73, noted that as they develop the script for a fictional television network, she already has a clear vision of where the story is headed by the time filming starts.
Once the cameras are rolling, she says, it’s electric. “When the two of them share the screen, it’s so vivid,” she explained. “Their chemistry is palpable—alive and breathing.”
The Apple+ series has always engaged with contemporary issues. It kicked off with a #MeToo storyline in the first season, later delving into the Covid-19 pandemic, the Capitol riots, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The current season is no exception and dives into the “elusive nature of biased American truth,” which is bound to stir some discussions.
Leder admitted that while she loves directing the series, it’s quite challenging due to the complex topics it covers. “It’s political and emotional, so it’s both tough and rewarding,” she said.
The Emmy-winning director mentioned that this season showcases women’s increasing influence, describing it as “a fascinating dynamic.” She continued, “The world feels chaotic, and our show mirrors that—in terms of power, loyalty, and even deepfakes, we try to portray it with a touch of dark humor.”
After years in the industry, Leder shared that she’s encountered many odd situations but one question stands out as particularly distracting.
She recalled being asked, “How does it feel to be a female director?” expressing her frustration. “It’s just a silly question,” she pointed out, noting that male directors never receive similar inquiries.
In addition to Witherspoon and Aniston, the drama features a cast that includes Billy Crudup, Julianna Margulies, Mark Duplass, Nestor Carbonell, Karen Pittman, Greta Lee, and Jon Hamm.
The first four seasons of “Morning Show” are available for streaming on Apple TV+.
