If there was a Golden Globe category for 'Most Real-world Event Topics Squeezed into a TV Series,' Apple TV+’s glossy rollercoaster ride, “The Morning Show,” would bag the award. From tackling issues like the #MeToo movement and COVID-19, the drama doesn't shy away from injecting social topics into its storyline. Although it maintains a precarious balance between reality and melodrama, it never ceases to exhilarate its audience. As someone acquainted with morning shows and news programs, I can vouch for its addictive performances, glamorous backdrops, and nail-biting plot twists.

Regardless of its sometimes surreal portrayal of network television, Season 4 keeps the stage ablaze with Oscar winners Jeremy Irons and Marion Cotillard joining an ensemble of exceptionally gifted actors, including the dynamic trio Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, and Billy Crudup. Complete with breath-catching views of Manhattan from wraparound balconies and large-scale NYC protests, the visual splendor of the show remains unrivalled. However, as the plot thickens, the storyline’s credibility takes a nosedive, threatening to unravel the entire show into implausible, self-important twaddle.

After we waved goodbye to our lead characters in separate ways at the end of Season 3, Season 4 needs a lot of explaining on their reunion. The series conveniently pushes the characters back into each other's lives through somewhat strained plot strategies that feel too good to be true. Amidst this, let's not overlook the return of the fiery producer Chip Black with Mark Duplass delivering an electric performance.

Season 4 is embedded in the context of spring/summer 2024 with the Summer Olympics in Paris front and center. Despite the robust realness of this setup, there's a weird silence on the 2024 presidential elections - arguably the freshest headline of that summer. The initial episodes focus on an international incident involving Alex but abruptly switches lanes to explore various dubious life decisions made by our characters - moments that will undoubtedly make viewers scream advice at their screens.

Marion Cotillard plays Celine Dumont, a power-hungry, well-connected European elite who keeps the drama alive with her shady dealings serving delicious secrets in the background. One of the spotlights of “The Morning Show” is how it candidly explores the challenges faced by its female minority roles in the industry.

Jeremy Irons graces the screens as Alex's estranged father in a subplot that seems tailor-made for Emmy nominations. The fantastic character sketch leads to a father-daughter showdown unrelated to the main plot but intense regardless. The new-to-the-team podcaster Brodie Harman, portrayed by Boyd Holbrook, is a ratings surge waiting to happen despite a character depth that feels a touch out-of-date.

While Crudup continues to intrigue as the nuanced Cory, Aniston and Witherspoon look somewhat wearied and trapped in their roles. With the announcement of a fifth season, here's hoping for the much-needed resuscitation of the show that will leave us wanting more.

The fresh drama of Season 4 of “The Morning Show” is all set to go live on Apple TV+ from September 17th. Be sure not to miss it!