10 Riveting TV Shows to Keep You Hooked Until The Morning Show Season 4

Article Overview

The Morning Show season 3 ended with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting season 4.

Fans of the gripping intensity and office-centric drama of The Morning Show will also appreciate the themes explored in House of Cards and Succession.

The Morning Show drew inspiration from compelling series like The Newsroom, Murphy Brown, and West Wing.

The Morning Show season 3 has officially concluded, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting any news on the release of season 4. However, in the meantime, there are numerous similar series available to binge. The season 3 finale, which aired on November 8, left viewers on yet another cliffhanger, heightening the anticipation for the next installment. Thankfully, The Morning Show, recognized as one of the top shows on Apple TV+, was already renewed for a fourth season even before season 3 began airing.

The cast of The Morning Show season 3 is comprised of highly talented and renowned actors, including Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Billy Crudup, Jon Hamm, Julianna Margulies, and more. For those who have appreciated their performances in The Morning Show, exploring other projects from these actors is worth considering, as they have a multitude of captivating work to delve into. Nevertheless, The Morning Show's distinct combination of intensity, workplace-driven drama, reflection of current events, and fusion of news and entertainment places it in a category of its own. Fortunately, there are numerous other series that have paved the way for The Morning Show's success and are readily available for binge-watching.

10. House Of Cards

(2013 - 2018)

House of Cards

Release Date February 1, 2013Cast Kevin Spacey, Michael Gill, Michael Kelly, Robin Wright, Kate Mara, Nathan DarrowGenres DramaSeasons 6Streaming Service Netflix

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House of Cards, similar to The Morning Show on Apple TV+, was one of Netflix's initial original series and enjoyed immediate success when it premiered in 2013. Like the Apple TV+ drama, it boasted a noteworthy cast including Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Kate Mara, and others. Adapted from the 1989 novel and the 1990 BBC series of the same name, House of Cards is a gripping political thriller centered around Frank Underwood (Spacey), a ruthless politician, and his ambitious wife and political lobbyist, Claire (Wright).

What truly links The Morning Show to House of Cards is the blurred distinction between anti-hero and villain portrayed by their main characters. In season 3 of The Morning Show, Cory fully embraced his role as the villain, and there are numerous other characters who exhibit questionable morals and often struggle to discern between right and wrong. With six seasons and 73 episodes, House of Cards provides ample hours of captivating television to keep viewers engaged as they await the release of The Morning Show season 4.

9. Being Mary Jane

(2013 - 2019)

The BET series Being Mary Jane, created by Mara Brock Akil, who is also known for creating and producing the popular sitcoms Girlfriends and The Game, stars Gabrielle Union as the successful TV news anchor in the title role for 5 seasons and 52 episodes. Originally titled Single Black Female, the series primarily focuses on Mary Jane's romantic life, making it a great match for viewers who enjoy the romance in The Morning Show. As the story unfolds, Mary Jane faces the challenge of balancing her career success and her personal life, a predicament that many of The Morning Show's characters also encounter.

8. Succession

(2018 - 2023)

Succession

Release Date: June 3, 2018

Cast: Hiam Abbass, Alan Ruck, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Natalie Gold, Nicholas Braun, J. Smith-Cameron, Matthew Macfadyen, Peter Friedman, Brian Cox, Arian Moayed, Jeremy Strong, Rob Yang, Dagmara Dominczyk

Genres: Drama, Comedy

Seasons: 3

Streaming Service: HBO Max

Succession, an acclaimed drama series that has dominated the television landscape for the past five years, consistently outshining competitors like The Morning Show, has captivated audiences worldwide. The show centers around the gripping narrative of the Roy family and their colossal media empire, Waystar RoyCo. Aptly titled, Succession explores the power struggles and conflicts within the family and beyond, all vying for the coveted position of CEO as Logan Roy's health steadily declines.

The battle for power and the CEO position is a central theme in The Morning Show, particularly in season 3, which has drawn comparisons to Succession. If you appreciate the business and behind-the-scenes aspects of The Morning Show, as well as the intricate power dynamics, Succession is a highly recommended choice. This satirical comedy-drama series concluded its four-season run in May 2023, offering new viewers the luxury of immersing themselves in the suspenseful elements without the need to wait for weekly releases to discover who would assume the role of Waystar RoyCo's new CEO.

7. The West Wing

The West Wing

Released on September 22, 1999, The West Wing is a highly acclaimed drama series. It boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, and Allison Janney, who gained fame through their roles in Aaron Sorkin's political drama. The series, spanning seven seasons, can be streamed on HBO Max. Its main focus is the fictional President Josiah Bartlet and his administration, with the title itself serving as a representation of the primary setting.

6. 30 Rock

The popularity of dramas like The Morning Show can be attributed in part to the immense success of The West Wing. Originally airing on NBC from 1999 to 2006, The West Wing captivated audiences with its seven seasons and 150 episodes, offering a compelling glimpse into the inner workings of the Executive Branch of the federal government. Drawing inspiration from the strengths of The West Wing, The Morning Show Season 3 has once again flourished as an ensemble series.

(1999 - 2006)

30 Rock

Release Date: October 11, 2006

Cast: Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer, Scott Adsit, Judah Friedlander, Katrina Bowden, Keith Powell, Lonny Ross

Genres: Comedy, Satire

Seasons: 7

Streaming Service: Peacock

While The Morning Show incorporates comedy, 30 Rock stands out as one of the greatest modern sitcoms. This semi-autobiographical series by Tina Fey draws inspiration from her time as a head writer for Saturday Night Live, where she made her breakthrough. Set against the backdrop of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the home of NBC's New York City studios, 30 Rock showcases the wild and amusing behind-the-scenes chaos of a fictional live sketch comedy show.

Many viewers have embraced the campiness of The Morning Show, whether intentional or delightfully accidental. A laugh-out-loud comedy series also provides a nice break from the intensity and occasional darkness of The Morning Show. Fey, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer, Alec Baldwin, and more deliver comedic masterpiece performances worth visiting or revisiting. The seven seasons and 139 episodes of 30 Rock may seem like a tall task but with its 22-minute episodes and brilliant humor, they can go by in a flash and leave viewers wanting more.

5. Great News

(2006 - 2013)

Another sitcom produced by Tina Fey, Great News, unfortunately didn't achieve the same level of success as 30 Rock. The show followed Katie Wendelson, played by Briga Heelan, who was an up-and-coming segment producer for the news program The Breakdown. Things take a humorous turn when Katie's mother, Carol (played by Andrea Martin), joins the show as an intern. This dynamic between their personal and professional lives led to comedic moments throughout the show's two seasons on NBC. Currently, all 23 episodes are available for streaming on Netflix. Great News offers a unique and entertaining plot that distinguishes it from The Morning Show and is definitely worth a watch.

4. NewsRadio

(2017 - 2018)

A more critically acclaimed NBC sitcom was NewsRadio, which aired from the latter half of the 1990s and spanned 5 seasons. The show's focus was on its titular format rather than television. The ensemble cast, consisting of Dave Foley, Stephen Root, Andy Dick, Maura Tierney, Vicki Lewis, and others, brought comedic brilliance to the series. Interestingly, Joe Rogan portrayed an electrician at the station who was known for his propensity to share conspiracy theories, adding a touch of irony.

During its later two seasons, NewsRadio ventured into the realm of surrealism, transporting its characters to outer space. This unusual turn connects the show to The Morning Show season 3, episode 1, and even to the Titanic. With a total of 97 episodes, NewsRadio offers ample content to keep viewers engaged while awaiting the release of The Morning Show season 4.

3. The Newsroom

(1995 - 1999)

The Newsroom

Release Date: June 24, 2012

Cast: Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer, John Gallagher Jr., Alison Pill, Thomas Sadoski, Dev Patel, Olivia Munn, Sam Waterston

Genres: Drama

Seasons: 3

Network: HBO Max

Before The Morning Show, there was The Newsroom. This HBO series, created by Aaron Sorkin, aired for three seasons and consisted of 25 episodes. Similar to The Morning Show, The Newsroom takes viewers inside the world of a fictional cable news channel. Jeff Daniels portrays the nightly news anchor and managing editor, alongside a talented ensemble cast including Emily Mortimer, John Gallagher Jr., Alison Pill, Olivia Munn, and more. For fans awaiting season 4 of The Morning Show, The Newsroom serves as an excellent alternative to enjoy.

2. Sports Night

(2012 - 2014)

The final show by Sorkin on this list, Sports Night only lasted for two seasons. However, many viewers were disappointed when ABC canceled it and wished it had been given another chance. The show drew inspiration from SportsCenter and revolved around a nightly cable program called Sports Night, which was co-anchored by best friends Casey and Dan. Casey was played by Peter Krause and Dan by Josh Charles, who later went on to co-star with Julianna Margulies in The Good Wife. Similar to The Morning Show and other shows on this list, Sports Night featured a mix of on-air tapings, behind-the-scenes drama, and comedic moments.

Despite winning some Emmy Awards and earning a Golden Globe nomination for Felicity Huffman (who played the executive producer of Sports Night and later went on to star in Desperate Housewives), the show struggled to find a solid viewership. After it was canceled by ABC, Sorkin had the opportunity to pitch the comedy-drama series to other networks. However, he chose to focus his attention on The West Wing instead, which was understandable. Viewers of The Morning Show can immerse themselves in Sorkin's world by watching Sports Night and other shows, and can perhaps notice some similarities and influences on the Apple TV+ series.

1. Murphy Brown

(1998 - 2000)

Murphy Brown surpasses all other shows on this list in terms of longevity, with an impressive 11 seasons and 260 episodes. Furthermore, it stands out as the only series on the list that received a revival, albeit a brief 13-episode one. This opens up the possibility and hope that other shows may one day be rebooted as well. Candice Bergen, the star of Murphy Brown, has earned five Emmys and two Golden Globes for her role, and it's evident why when watching the show.

In Murphy Brown, the titular character is an investigative journalist and news anchor. She initially worked for a fictional CBS television newsmagazine and later became a part of Murphy in the Morning. Murphy's presence on camera and her drive make her a media icon, comparable to the duo of Alex Levy from The Morning Show. The popularity of The Morning Show, which features two strong female leads, owes much to the influence of Murphy Brown and Bergen's character. If the 260 episodes of Murphy Brown are not enough to keep viewers entertained during the hiatus before Season 4 of The Morning Show, there are still nine other shows on this list to explore.

Editor's P/S

As a fan of "The Morning Show", I am eagerly awaiting the release of Season 4. In the meantime, I have been exploring other TV shows that offer similar themes and captivating storylines. One series that particularly stands out is "House of Cards".

"House of Cards" is a political drama that delves into the ruthless world of politics, power, and ambition. It features an exceptional cast, including Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, who deliver outstanding performances. The show explores the dark side of human nature and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. The complex characters and intricate plotlines kept me hooked from the very first episode.

Another show that I highly recommend is "Succession". This series follows the lives of the Roy family, who are the owners of a global media empire. It offers a fascinating portrayal of wealth, privilege, and the cutthroat world of business. The characters are complex and flawed, and the show does an excellent job of exposing their vulnerabilities and inner struggles. The writing is sharp and witty, and the performances are top-notch.