Julianna Margulies will not be returning for the fourth season of “The Morning Show,” according to recent reports. Margulies, who portrayed journalist Laura Peterson and was a love interest for Reese Witherspoon’s character, Bradley Jackson, has decided to exit the Apple TV+ drama series. This news comes as a significant shift for fans who have followed her character’s journey since her introduction in the second season.
Margulies’ character, Laura Peterson, was a former war correspondent who transitioned to hosting UBA 365. Her relationship with Bradley was a central plotline, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when the two characters quarantined together. However, their relationship ended in the third season, setting the stage for Margulies’ departure.
The decision for Margulies to leave the show was made before her controversial comments on a podcast in November, where she criticized the Black and LGBTQ+ communities for not supporting Israel following the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7. Margulies later apologized for her remarks, stating that any form of prejudice is abhorrent to her. Despite the controversy, her exit from “The Morning Show” was unrelated to these comments.
According to Variety, Margulies was offered a role in one episode of the upcoming season, which she declined. This decision marks a significant change for the series, which has been known for its star-studded cast and complex storylines. Margulies’ departure leaves a gap that will undoubtedly affect the show’s dynamic moving forward.
In light of Margulies’ exit, the show has announced that Marion Cotillard will join the cast for Season 4. The Oscar-winning actress is set to play Celine Dumont, a savvy operator from a storied European family. Cotillard’s addition to the cast brings a new layer of intrigue and star power to the series, which already boasts a lineup including Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Billy Crudup, and Jon Hamm.
The third season of “The Morning Show” has continued to deliver its signature blend of high-stakes drama and topical issues. The season opened with Bradley Jackson, played by Witherspoon, being promoted to evening news anchor and dealing with the fallout from her romantic relationship with Laura Peterson. The show has not shied away from addressing real-world events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the January 6 insurrection, often blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
As the series moves into its fourth season, it will be interesting to see how the departure of a key character like Laura Peterson will impact the storyline. The show has a history of tackling complex issues and character dynamics, and Margulies’ exit will likely be no exception. Fans can expect the series to continue its tradition of high drama and unexpected twists.
New episodes of “The Morning Show” Season 3 are currently premiering on Wednesdays on Apple TV+. With the addition of Marion Cotillard and the departure of Julianna Margulies, the upcoming season promises to bring new challenges and developments for the characters of UBA. As always, the series remains a compelling watch, blending real-world issues with the fictional drama of a high-stakes newsroom.
