The Morning Show is adding new faces for its final run. Season 5 of Apple TV's newsroom drama is currently in production, and three notable names have already joined the cast, according to Deadline.
Jeff Daniels will play Lukas, described as a self-made billionaire and founder of a well-known investment firm, in a major recurring role. Daniels has also recently joined the cast of Apple TV's Shrinking Season 3.
Jesse Williams, known for his long run on Grey's Anatomy, will portray Vernon, UBN's newest Head of News. The character is described as "a brash pot-stirrer with a talent for grabbing and keeping an audience." The Head of News position has been something of a cursed role on the show. Last season it was held by William Jackson Harper's Ben, while Karen Pittman's Mia had long been angling for it. Showrunner Charlotte Stoudt told Deadline that things would "get interesting between" Mia and Ben in Season 5.
"Oddly enough, a door is open that wasn't open before, and Mia's now thinking, 'Well, gosh, maybe I wanted the wrong job. Maybe I wanted the big job after all,'" Stoudt told Deadline.
Reneé Rapp will also return to acting after a break following her role in HBO's The Sex Lives of College Girls. She plays Samantha, described as "a young rising star in the UBN news division determined to make it in media on her own terms."
Apple also revealed that Jeff Wilbusch will recur as Roman, Head of Protective Services for the UBN News Division, and Sydney Park will play Cory Ellison's new assistant, Leah.
Most of the existing ensemble is expected back, including Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass, Nestor Carbonell, Karen Pittman, Nicole Beharie, and Jon Hamm. Greta Lee will not return for Season 5. Aaron Pierre is also likely out, as hinted by showrunner Stoudt.
Season 4 ended with a major character departure partway through the season. Stoudt has said a time jump between seasons is likely, consistent with past installments. No release date has been announced.
