76 Things We Need to Talk About from ‘The Morning Show’ Finale

Warning: This story contains spoilers from the series finale of The Morning Show

The ending of another season of The Morning Show gives fans a post-show slump that even the biggest cup of coffee can’t fix.

The Apple TV+ series, which follows Jennifer Aniston’s Alex Levy and Reese Witherspoon’s Bradley Jackson as they contend with drama both on and off the anchor desk, showcases all the behind-the-scenes, on-camera and in-person mayhem at the fictional broadcast network UBA. The Morning Show wrapped up season 4 on Wednesday, Nov. 19, but luckily, fans (like me) of the show won’t have to say goodbye forever: the streamer promised a season 5 even before the latest one aired.

This season of The Morning Show may have been one of its best. With Greta Lee’s Stella Bak showcasing the harmful impact AI-generated content could have on the industry, Karen Pittman’s Mia Jordan reclaiming her voice in the industry, and Nicole Beharie’s Christina Hunter revealing she used performance-enhancing steroids after suffering a pregnancy loss, every episode delivered some of the most intense and heart-wrenching moments we’ve seen thus far. Not to mention, the new additions to the cast — Marion Cotillard (Celine Dumont), William Jackson Harper (Ben), and Aaron Pierre (Miles) — stirring the metaphorical pot and adding their own drama to the midst of it all.

With so much to discuss in a season that has included deepfakes, betrayal, spats and solidarity, let’s do a stream-of-consciousness breakdown of the final episode, titled “Knowing Violation,” as we say goodbye — for now — to the most chaotic crew in broadcast television.

1. Okay, we’ve had a crazy season, so far. I’d argue it is the best one yet (with season one following closely behind it), so I’m so ready to watch — and break down — this episode. 

2. Wow, what a start! Bradley is really going through it when we open on her stuck in a Belarusian prison. What an image — and a honest, harsh reality that far too many journalists endure — to kick off this finale.

3. Wait, who is this looking at these files? Is this a journalist actually looking into Wolf River? Who is sending this information? I need answers!

4. I’m sorry for screaming, but … DID THEY JUST SAY BRADLEY HAS BEEN AWAY FOR TWENTY-EIGHT DAYS? This is insane! We need to bring her home immediately!

5. One thing that I know to be absolutely true about [network exec] Cory Ellison (Billy Crudup) is that he is going to find himself next to someone powerful, but even I couldn’t predict he’d fall for the latest head of UBA! 

6. Now, we are back to Mark Duplass’ Charlie “Chip” Black and Alex. But, somehow someway we are not getting the right information on how we are going to go save Bradley from that prison? Can we focus on that now, please? Bradley is hanging on for dear life!

7. You know, I may stand alone in this, but hear me out. Everyone always sees Cory as this big bad wolf. But, I really don’t think he ever was or is the villain! I genuinely believe he cares about the company and preserving journalism. He may be a little intense, but he has to be in that job, right?

8. With all that being said, Cory has really bad taste in women. 

9. I’m looking at Bradley now and there’s one thought going through my head: She is going to produce one amazing, Pulitzer-worthy story when this is all over. 

10. These scenes of Bradley being detained are every journalist’s biggest fear — truly terrifying to watch, especially if you can envision yourself in her shoes.

11. Cory is one of my favorite characters in The Morning Show, and this scene with Chip is exactly why. He always gets straight to business without the need to sugarcoat anything. He is like, ‘Let’s cut to the end of this, Chip. What do you want?’ That energy is definitely a part of his charm, and the reason he always rises like a phoenix from the ashes.

12. I hate how everyone immediately blames Cory and assumes the worst. I genuinely believe he is in the dark about this entire situation, but again, they always paint him as the villain. 

13. I promise they are going to push Cory to his breaking point this season! Leave that man alone!

14. “While we’re on the subject, quick question. What do you think is worse: Pretending to love someone, so you can f— them over or killing yourself in front of them?” is a crazy thing to say. But somehow, Crudup managed to make it work.

15. I hate that Chip just tried to make Cory feel bad for what Bradley did to him. 

16. Speaking of Bradley, despite everything she’s done, I feel so bad for her right now. She doesn’t deserve this at all. I’d be surprised if she doesn’t leave the industry after this situation. She is going through it, and these people are not letting up on her!

17. Okay! Bradley still has a little fight left in her! Just hold on Bradley! Help is coming (hopefully)!

18. And, it gets worse! They just took away the box spring! That’s a new low. Poor Bradley.

19. Is this a dream sequence of Cory and Bradley? And if so, who is dreaming? Is it Bradley, who has taken every opportunity she can to break off her relationship with Cory, or Cory, who as I have said before, has terrible taste in women?

20. I bet Bradley wishes she stayed teaching and didn’t come back to New York now. Her relationship with Cory would have been semi-okay. She would have been teaching the future of journalism and truly living under the radar. 

21. Honestly, and I understand that I may stand alone here, I don’t like Bradley and Cory in a romantic relationship. I don’t think they mesh well and their relationship — to me — wasn’t developed enough on that level. 

22. Ah, the answer I was looking for! It was Cory “I Have a Terrible Taste in Women” Ellison dreaming about him and Bradley. 

23. It took long enough! I will clap and cheer every time she’s on my screen. This season was and will forever be Karen Pittman’s! Her character had one of the best arcs this season and every scene was electrifying! Give her the Emmy early!

24. The AI meltdown of episode 6 shows the exact dangers of letting AI do what a human should — and it is absolutely frightening. 

25. Ben is raising some interesting questions. Did Mia mess with the AI system before she left? 

26. Cory always gets pulled into stuff because of Bradley! Chip always gets pulled into things because of Bradley! Last season, Julianna Margulies’ Laura Peterson got pulled into things because of Bradley! Alex gets pulled into things because of Bradley. Why can’t anyone see that everyone always gets pulled into things because of Bradley? 

27. But, I guess we have to know what you discovered after getting pulled into yet another situation by Bradley, Cory.

28. It just dawned on me that they gave Mia’s rightful job as Head of News to Ben, who’s now asking for her help to solve a problem that he is technically supposed to solve. Very. Interesting.

29. Wait, Mia, how are you involved in this? Who are you texting?

30. Cory is never going to trust anyone romantically ever again after this season, and honestly, I’m not mad at that.

31. I think it clicked! He figured out that Celine and the Dumont family are responsible for Wolf River!

32. It takes blackmail to try and get Bradley back home? Celine is so evil! 

33. Cory should put on a cape. He is always saving the world. My only question is who’s going to save Cory?

34. I just love seeing the wheels turning in Mia’s brain!

35. Okay, wait. Alex, what happened? What did you find out?

36. I wouldn’t have predicted that! Celine paid for the AI mishap with Alex! Cotillard has been the perfect antagonist for this season!

37. After everything UBA has been through, we have another person trying to come in and take over. Alex, you cannot back down! You just need to get Celine out of the network!

38. Oh look! It’s Jon Hamm’s Paul Marks! In a surprising turn of events — considering he was last year’s network antagonist — he seems to be the only person who understands the urgency of saving Bradley.

39. Again, Paul saying exactly what needs to be said to Alex! Alex did in fact stop Paul from ruining UBA! How is Celine any different? Alex can do this again!

40. And who do we go to when we need something done? We go to Cory, also known as the fixer and the man with a bad taste in women, apparently!

41. But hmm … before Alex shows all her cards, maybe check if Celine is in the room?

42. Whoops! She was coming into the room. And, the look on Alex’s face is heartbreaking! I know it seems bad, but Cory is just so misunderstood and, again, he has a bad taste in women! 

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43. How did Celine manage to get the Alex Levy to back down and leave without a fight?

44. You know what, Mia, it’s time to take control of Head of News. This is your chance to get things back on track. Take your rightful place and show the people how to really run a news division.

45. Alex, I can’t believe you are not blowing this all up! This is not who you are. Burn UBA to the ground and start fresh! There’s no way they are allowing Celine to just walk away with the keys to UBA.

46. *sings* Aaron Pierre, that’s Mufasa! 

47. I will say a few years ago when they announced Pierre was joining the cast, I moved The Morning Show up on my personal “Need to Watch” list. Being that he was the original purpose for me watching the show (before I fell in love with the story), I must admit that I am a little disappointed that I haven’t seen enough of him this season.

48. Wait, what? Is Miles mad Celine cheated on him when he was cheating this entire time with Stella? Or is he angry simply because Celine cheated with Cory?

49. My goodness Miles is angry, and I really really can’t understand why?

50. I will say, me not viciously hating Miles’ character is a testament to how much of an incredible actor Pierre truly is. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s really good looking.

51. What do you mean Cory was the fall guy? I need more of an explanation, Miles!

52. Wait, Cory’s mother is involved in this whole Wolf River thing? How?

53. Pierre has literally been on the screen for a few minutes after disappearing for several episodes and my jaw is on the floor! He’s truly giving this role everything he has.

54. Cory looks determined and seems to be ready to give Alex exactly what she needs to take Celine down! Once again, Cory saves the day.

55. Right now, Alex’s dad (played by Jeremy Irons) and Chip are like the angel and devil on Alex’s shoulders. It’s hilarious to see.

56. Cory always finds out about important, critical pieces of information right before being betrayed, so he never actually gets taken down. This is why he is always the one you call in a pinch. 

57. My girl Mia wants to lead the newsroom so badly, and I support it. I’ve said it once, and I’ll gladly say it again, Mia would show these people at UBA how it’s supposed to be done with ease and grace.

58. Okay, Alex seems to be ready to set fire to it all! This is the Alex that I know and love! Blow it all up and deal with what happens later!

59. Ben literally never knows what’s going on. So I ask again, how did he even get this job over Mia? Can I please see his résumé and credentials?

60. Now, he’s trying to cut this huge story from running? This is literally breaking news. The newsroom would seem completely biased if they take it off the air. That’s journalism 101.

61. Every time Ben is on the screen, I have to question how he got the Head of News position, and why is he in it if he’s going to just ask Mia all the important questions? He’s clearly not qualified to be in the role.

62. Look at Cory! I knew I saw determination in his eyes! He’s going to add more fuel to this fire and reveal everything he knows about Celine, the Dumont family and Wolf River.

63. Cory Ellison to the rescue! Never ever call his intentions and love for the network into question. What a fantastic play from him.

64. Look at Celine’s face! She just knows it is over! There are no more tricks to play.

65. Cory is always going to be top two characters on this show to me! Another big win for him on this show.

66. The only person to top Cory for me is Mia! I actually need to apologize to her for even thinking she would be involved in the AI fiasco with Alex. 

67. And, now I need to know what she means by “you and me.” What is her new role at UBA? I need to hear her say it to believe it.

68. To Miles, thank you for your help in taking Celine down. It was truly needed, and I will always appreciate you. 

70. If Cory always falls for the wrong woman, then Alex is right behind with a broken picker. I guess she’s back to falling hard for Paul.

71. Now, please tell me all this work burning UBA to the ground saved Bradley! 

72. There she is! Welcome home Bradley! She absolutely has been through a lot!

73. The one thing I love about Alex and Bradley is that they fight like sisters. No matter how up and down their relationship is, they always come back together and support each other in the end. 

74. Love all the peace and love, but let’s get back on that plane before they change their mind and take Bradley back.

75. I just need to add that if I were Bradley, I would never listen to heavy metal or rock music ever again. And, I would take the longest shower of my life when I returned home. 

76. And seventy five thoughts later, that’s a wrap on season 4 of The Morning Show. Now I’m ready to talk about what I need to see in season 5.