The Morning Show director and cast respond to negative reviews: ‘Some people are wanting you to fail’
The Morning Show’s director and cast have responded to criticism of the series, which premiered to mixed reviews in November on AppleTV+.
Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon star in the series, which chronicles the fall-out after a news anchor, played by Steve Carell, is accused of sexual harassment.
It was awarded two stars by The Independent, which wrote that the show is “fraught with anxiety about what it is and who it’s for”.
Speaking at the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour on Sunday (19 January), director Mimi Leder said: “You know, I think we were a new show. I think people didn’t know what to expect. There were a lot of expectations on the show. And I’m really glad and happy people have responded to the show so powerfully and with great vigour…
“We welcome all input and I think, of course, some people are rooting you on and some people are wanting you to fail. It’s just kind of the nature of the beast.”
Witherspoon added: “Look, we make product and then it is up to you guys. You have to decide how you feel about it. That’s how it works. I have no problem hearing very real opinions about material. It actually helps us make it better and work harder about parts that don’t make sense. I welcome the criticism.”
Aniston then chipped in with: “Especially constructive criticism.”
The team also teased where The Morning Show is headed in its second season. “We have a lot explore. It’s not just #MeToo. We explore racism, sexism, homophobia – all the things currently happening in news media,” said Witherspoon.
“We’re just beginning because there’s a whole new world order. It’s chaos. No one knows who is in charge. What does leadership mean at this point? And I think that’s what we’re exploring in this culture as we speak.”
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