“The Morning Show” boasts a star-studded cast featuring acclaimed actors Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, making it one of the standout offerings on Apple TV+. Both actresses reportedly earned over $1 million during the show’s first season, with their salaries significantly increasing by Season 4. The hefty price tag for the cast’s salaries alone reached approximately $50 million, while the entire production cost for the initial two seasons was estimated at $300 million.
The lucrative financial arrangements for Aniston and Witherspoon can be attributed not only to their performances but also to their roles as executive producers of the series. While the details of their ownership points remain unconfirmed, Witherspoon has publicly addressed the topic of their significant earnings. She expressed her thoughts to The Hollywood Reporter, addressing the criticism regarding their salaries.
Witherspoon remarked, “There seemed to be a resentment, as if we weren’t worth it or it was bothersome, and I thought, ‘Why is that bothersome?’” She emphasized that the executives at the network make informed decisions when determining salaries. Comparing her situation to that of high-profile athletes like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, she highlighted the strategic reasoning behind their compensation, suggesting that the network is confident in an eventual return on investment.
The performance of “The Morning Show” has validated this financial investment, as the series has garnered 27 Emmy nominations and secured four wins to date. The viewership has also evolved positively, with the show moving from being the second most-watched program on Apple TV+ to claiming the title of the platform’s most popular series by Season 3. Critics, while divided on its quality, rated the show at 75% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, illustrating the challenging balance between critical and audience reception.
Ultimately, both Aniston and Witherspoon have proven to be invaluable assets to the platform, contributing significantly to the show’s success and branding for Apple TV+. Their impressive salaries appear justified, not only by the show’s accolades but also by their enduring popularity among viewers.