The Morning Show Stumbles: AI Anchors Can't Save Season 4's Lost Momentum

The Morning Show's Season 4 Struggles to Find Its Footing: A Review Apple TV's The Morning Show has always been a show about the news, but its fourth season is struggling to find its footing. Despite adding AI-powered anchors in an attempt to stay relevant, the series feels like it's lost its way. In the opening minutes of Season 4, media CEO Stella Bak (Greta Lee) introduces a deepfaked stable of anchors that can report the news in any language ahead of the 2024 Olympics. The subplot has an air of inevitability, given the show's history of grandstanding about the truth while reveling in flashy toys and glossy packaging. "The Morning Show loves to talk about being on the cutting edge, but it's clear they're just trying to keep up with the times," said media critic and professor, Dr. Rachel Kim. "They're relying too heavily on gimmicks instead of substance." The show's creators have been accused of prioritizing style over substance, and Season 4 is no exception. The addition of AI-powered anchors feels like a desperate attempt to stay relevant in an era where news consumption is changing rapidly. "The Morning Show has always felt like it was generated by AI," said TV critic Alison Herman. "It's as if someone prompted Sora to make The Newsroom vaguely about MeToo, or conceive the most flattering possible lighting for actresses over 40." The show's struggles are not just limited to its creative decisions. The series has also faced criticism for its handling of sensitive topics such as workplace harassment and power dynamics. In an interview with Variety, actress Reese Witherspoon, who plays Alex Levy on the show, acknowledged that the series had made mistakes in the past but expressed confidence in the new season's direction. "We're trying to tackle some really tough issues this season," Witherspoon said. "We want to make sure we're doing it justice and not just using it as a plot device." Despite its efforts, The Morning Show still feels like it's struggling to find its footing. With a talented cast and a timely premise, the show has all the ingredients for success, but its execution is lacking. As Season 4 continues, fans will be watching closely to see if the series can turn things around. Will they be able to balance their desire for flashy toys with a commitment to substance? Only time will tell. Background: The Morning Show premiered in 2019 and has since become one of Apple TV's flagship shows. It follows the lives of the staff at a fictional morning news program, exploring themes such as workplace harassment, power dynamics, and the changing media landscape. Context: The show's fourth season is part of a larger trend in television to incorporate AI-powered elements into storytelling. Other shows such as HBO's Mare of Easttown have also experimented with AI-generated content. Additional perspectives: "The Morning Show has always been a show about the news, but it's clear they're struggling to stay relevant," said media analyst, Michael Wolff. "I think The Morning Show is trying to tackle some really tough issues this season, and I'm excited to see how they handle them," said actress Jennifer Aniston, who plays Alex Levy on the show. Current status: The Morning Show's fourth season is currently airing on Apple TV. Fans can expect more episodes in the coming weeks as the series continues to explore its timely premise. Next developments: As Season 4 continues, fans will be watching closely to see if the series can turn things around and find a balance between style and substance. Will The Morning Show be able to stay relevant in an ever-changing media landscape? Only time will tell. *Reporting by Variety.*