Even though she’s considered TV royalty, Jennifer Aniston hasn’t graced television screens since she ‘got off the plane’ to be with Ross in the Friends series finale in 2004. Which is why we were thrilled when news broke of Apple TV’s new dramedy The Morning Show. Jen’s back! Just don’t expect to see aversion of Rachel Green –our favourite Friend’s new character, Alex Levy, is ruthlessly ambitious.
In the show, news anchor Alex finds herself at the centre of the #MeToo movement when her longtime co-host (played by Steve Carell) is fired for sexual misconduct. The role, says Jen, has everything: ‘children, guilt, power struggles, being a woman in the industry, going through a divorce, publicly going through a divorce, feeling alienated, being just a little bit of a screw-up’. Jen is also an executive producer of the show, alongside her old friend, Reese Witherspoon.
‘When we found out that we were among one of the first shows to be bought by Apple, Reese and I both had this pinch-me moment,’ she says. ‘The first women to help launch a network as actors and producers, having a beautiful piece of that pie that we really earned and deserved –we had a big toast to that.’
Her character has to grapple with sexism and ageism in the industry, among other issues. ‘Alex’s sell-by date expired long ago, and she’s trying to stay relevant,’ says Jen. ‘The show was always about the abuse of power, and women and sexism. We sold it in the summer, then Harvey [Weinstein] happened in the fall… Reese and I were like, “The show is writing itself.” It was as if the universe was begging for this patriarchal society to be exposed. It’s crazy.’
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'
Emily Nagoski wrote the book on women and desire - literally. And then her own sex life dried up. Here's what a prolonged sex drought (and a load of research) taught her about maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship.
'We have to tell HARD STORIES'
Theatre director and playwright Yaël Farber is spending time in South Africa after her critically acclaimed run of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre in London. We chatted to her about the importance of the pursuit of truth.
THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe
We really got into it this month! Read on for more on the allure of a loosey-goosey jumpsuit, vintage-hunting and jingle-jangling jewellery, the best places to find quality African design and short-girl styling tips.
LIFT your GAME
Thought weightlifting was just for bodybuilders and powerlifters? Not so. In fact, 'lifting heavy shit' may be the secret to longevity, hormone regulation and mood for women through perimenopause and beyond.
TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS
Armed with a six-month programme from Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Jennifer Morin set about tackling her sun damage and melasma.
PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Here's how to get the most out of loyalty cards.
BIG SKY Country
Namibia. Twelve friends, five vehicles, 4000 km, thirteen days. Eight punctures, one angle grinder. One martial eagle, one full moon, one ghost town. Plenty of top-quality braais, maybe not quite enough oysters... and the best time ever.
IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?
Leaks, damp and poor ventilation in old or poorly built new homes are being fingered for a growing health concern: mould.
HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE
The Korean word 'nunchi' describes 'the ability to be sensitive to other people's moods and thoughts'. It's an underrated skill that we seem to have lost.
How to write a memoir
Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.
