Jennifer Aniston finds her role in "The Morning Show" both challenging and deeply rewarding. The actress, who stars in and executive produces the hit drama series alongside Reese Witherspoon, admits that making the show is a draining experience.
Aniston plays Alex Levy, a network morning anchor navigating the complexities of the cutthroat world of morning television. The series delves into themes of power struggles, rivalries, scandal, ageism, sexism, and the fallout from sexual harassment allegations, making it a layered and emotionally demanding project.
According to Aniston, "The Morning Show" is "a beast to film". She describes the show as complicated and emotional, tackling numerous relevant and current topics. The intensity of the subject matter requires a great deal of vulnerability and investment from the cast and crew.
Despite the challenges, Aniston has expressed that being involved with "The Morning Show" has been "unbelievably rewarding". She feels a great sense of accomplishment in taking on sensitive and potentially taboo subjects that are necessary to address in today's society. Aniston also appreciates the collaborative nature of the production, particularly during the first season when Apple was simultaneously building its streaming service. The shared experience of creating something new and navigating uncharted territory created a sense of camaraderie and excitement.
For Aniston, some scenes felt deeply personal, describing the show as "20 years of therapy wrapped into 10 episodes". The role allowed her to explore her own behavior and tendencies, particularly her inclination to normalize difficult situations and present a facade of being "fine". The show has been cathartic for Aniston, providing an opportunity to confront and process past experiences.
Kerry Ehrin, the showrunner of "The Morning Show," values Aniston's input and often seeks her perspective on pushing the boundaries of the storyline. Aniston encourages Ehrin to delve deeper and not shy away from difficult or uncomfortable truths. Aniston and Witherspoon's input was primarily focused on character development, ensuring the authenticity and depth of their respective roles.
"The Morning Show" has not only been a personal journey for Aniston but also a critical and commercial success. Aniston's portrayal of Alex Levy has earned her widespread acclaim, including an Emmy nomination and a SAG Award. She is proud of the show's ability to spark conversations and raise awareness about important social issues.