Apple TV’s “The Morning Show,” starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, has been a subject of much speculation, particularly regarding the inspiration behind its characters. The series, loosely based on Brian Stelter’s book “Top of the Morning” which delves into the competitive world of morning television, has led many to wonder: Who Is Alex Levy Based On? Jennifer Aniston’s character, Alex Levy, a prominent morning show anchor, has been widely rumored to draw inspiration from real-life television personality Katie Couric, specifically during her tenure on NBC’s “Today” show.
While the cast has been careful to state that Steve Carell’s character, embroiled in a sexual misconduct scandal, is a composite of powerful men in media rather than a direct portrayal of Matt Lauer, the parallels between Alex Levy and Katie Couric have remained a hot topic. Now, Katie Couric herself has finally shared her thoughts on the show and the rumored connection to her career.
Couric, in a recent appearance on the podcast “Everything Iconic with Danny Pellegrino,” addressed the speculation for the first time publicly. She admitted to having “so many thoughts” after watching “The Morning Show.” Couric acknowledged the series captured the “long-term impact and the serious devastation that results from certain behaviors,” suggesting she appreciated the show’s exploration of sensitive issues.
Comparison of Jennifer Aniston as Alex Levy in 'The Morning Show' and Katie Couric, highlighting the rumored inspiration for the character.Katie Couric’s Take on Jennifer Aniston’s Portrayal
Speaking about Jennifer Aniston’s performance, Couric was complimentary, stating, “I think Jennifer Aniston is great.” However, she also offered a critique, suggesting a slight divergence from her own personality. “I wish they had made her more charismatic because I think you need a certain ebullience to pull off a show like that,” Couric commented. This remark hints at Couric’s perception of herself and perhaps a subtle commentary on how she views the portrayal of Alex Levy in relation to her own public persona.
Alex Levy: Inspiration or Loose Parallel?
The question of who is Alex Levy based on is complex. While “The Morning Show” is not a direct biography of Katie Couric, the similarities are undeniable. Couric’s time at the helm of “Today,” her experience in the high-stakes world of morning television, and the general atmosphere of the industry at that time certainly provide rich material for a fictional narrative like “The Morning Show.” The series taps into the behind-the-scenes drama, the pressures of ratings, and the personalities that drive these influential programs.
Couric herself chose to remain somewhat reserved in her comments, indicating that she would delve deeper into her reflections on “The Morning Show” and presumably, the parallels to her own life, in her upcoming memoir slated for release in 2021. She stated it was “very interesting for me to watch,” leaving audiences and viewers eager to learn more when her memoir is published.
More to Come in Couric’s Memoir
Adding another layer to the narrative, a source previously told Page Six that Couric was writing a memoir partly due to career challenges, stating “she can’t get a job on TV” and had “burned so many bridges” across major networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS. This context suggests that Couric’s memoir might offer a candid and potentially critical perspective on the television industry, her own career trajectory, and perhaps even further insights into the inspiration behind characters like Alex Levy.
In conclusion, while “The Morning Show” may not be a direct biopic, the character of Alex Levy resonates strongly with the public perception of Katie Couric and her experiences in morning television. Couric’s initial public comments, though measured, confirm that she sees the connections and has much more to say on the matter, promising a fascinating reveal in her forthcoming memoir for those intrigued by who Alex Levy is based on and the real-world inspirations behind the hit series.
