Julianna Margulies, who portrayed the seasoned journalist Laura Peterson on Apple TV’s “The Morning Show,” will not be returning for the upcoming fourth season. This news has been confirmed by Deadline, marking a significant change for the series.
Margulies joined the show in its second season, playing a former war correspondent who later became a host on UBA 365. Her character, Laura Peterson, developed a romantic relationship with Reese Witherspoon’s character, Bradley Jackson. However, their relationship faced turmoil when Bradley concealed her brother’s involvement in the January 6 Capitol attacks.
The departure of Margulies comes as the show prepares to introduce Academy Award-winner Marion Cotillard in a major role for Season 4. Cotillard will play Celine Dumont, a savvy operator from a storied European family, adding a new dynamic to the series.
Season 3 of “The Morning Show” left viewers with a cliffhanger regarding the fate of UBA. Jennifer Aniston’s character, Alex, managed to thwart Paul Marks’ (Jon Hamm) attempt to acquire UBA for his tech company, Hyperion. Now, it appears UBA will merge with another media company, potentially leading to layoffs and restructuring in the upcoming season.
Variety was the first to report Margulies’ exit. Her character, Laura Peterson, remained a significant presence in Bradley’s life throughout her time on the show, even after their relationship ended in Season 3. However, this will no longer be the case moving forward.
The cast of “The Morning Show” includes notable names such as Jennifer Aniston as Alexandra Levy, Billy Crudup as Cory Ellison, Mark Duplass as Chip Black, Néstor Carbonell as Yanko Flores, Karen Pittman as Mia Jordan, Greta Lee as Stella Bak, Jon Hamm as Paul Marks, and Nicole Beharie as Christine Hunter.
The third season of “The Morning Show” aired from September to November 2023, and the show had already been renewed for a fourth season in April 2023. The series has also been recognized as one of TVLine’s Dream Emmy Nominees for Outstanding Drama Series.
The departure of Margulies is a significant development for the show, especially considering the impact her character had on the storyline. Her relationship with Bradley Jackson was a central plot point, and her absence will undoubtedly change the dynamics of the series.
The third season of “The Morning Show” tackled several major events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the January 6 insurrection. The show has been known for addressing real-world issues, and it appears that trend will continue in the upcoming season.
The flashback episode titled “Love Island” in Season 3 revealed crucial details about Bradley’s involvement in the January 6 insurrection. Bradley, after breaking up with Laura and leaving their quarantine hub in Montana, went to cover the insurrection in Washington, D.C. During the chaos, she unintentionally recorded her brother, Hal, assaulting a police officer. Bradley chose to delete the footage to protect her brother, a decision that haunted her throughout the season.
This storyline highlighted the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists and added depth to Bradley’s character. With Margulies’ departure, it will be interesting to see how the show continues to explore these themes and develop Bradley’s character.
The introduction of Marion Cotillard as Celine Dumont is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the series. Cotillard’s character is described as a savvy operator from a storied European family, suggesting she will play a significant role in the unfolding drama at UBA.
As “The Morning Show” prepares for its fourth season, fans are left wondering how the absence of Julianna Margulies will impact the storyline. Her character’s departure marks the end of an era for the show, but it also opens the door for new plotlines and character developments.
The show’s ability to tackle real-world issues and create complex, relatable characters has been a key factor in its success. With a talented cast and a commitment to addressing current events, “The Morning Show” is poised to continue captivating audiences in its upcoming season.
As the series moves forward without Margulies, viewers can expect new challenges and opportunities for the characters they have come to love. The departure of a beloved character is always bittersweet, but it also signifies growth and change, both for the show and its audience.
“The Morning Show” will return for its fourth season with new episodes, continuing to explore the intricate world of media, ethics, and personal relationships. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the story unfolds and what new twists and turns await in the ever-evolving landscape of UBA.
