Huge TV news: Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston’s highly anticipated morning show drama has found a home, and it’s landed at an unexpected place. Apple snagged the as-yet untitled project with a straight-to-series two-season order, The Hollywood Reporter confirms. As expected, the star-studded series caused a bidding war.
In addition to starring, Witherspoon and Aniston will executive produce and co-own the show along with Michael Ellenberg’s Media Res company, which is producing for Apple. Twenty episodes are confirmed.
Described as “as an inside look at the lives of the people who help America wake up in the morning,” the series explores “the unique challenges faced by the women (and men) who carry out this daily televised ritual.”
While the project is based on an original idea by Ellenberg, Brian Stelter’s book “Top of the Morning: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV” will serve as “additional background” for the show.
Witherspoon just had a super successful run on the small screen with HBO’s critically acclaimed murder-mystery “Big Little Lies.” It’s uncertain if the ratings hit will return for a second season. The Oscar winner won an Emmy for producing the adaptation of Liane Moriaty’s bestselling book, and took home an Oscar in 2006 for her role as June Carter Cash in “Walk the Line.” Aniston scored an Emmy in 2002 for playing Rachel Green in “Friends.” Witherspoon guest-starred in two episodes of the iconic sitcom in 2002 and played Rachel’s sister.
Besides “Big Little Lies,” “Wild” and “Gone Girl” are among Witherspoon’s producing credits. Aniston’s include “Cake” and “The Switch.”
Jay Carson (“House of Cards”) will serve as showrunner. He’s also exec-producing and writing the series. Directors have yet to be announced, but this female-led series needs some women at the helm.