Jennifer Aniston: Why She Holds Journalists in Even Higher Esteem

EXCLUSIVE: Jennifer Aniston's Emotional Tribute to Journalists - The Actress Reveals Her Newfound Respect for Morning Anchors After Playing Alex Levy

It's no secret that Jennifer Aniston has been giving it her all as the fearless and feisty Alex Levy in Apple TV+'s hit series, The Morning Show. Since 2019, Aniston has been diving headfirst into the world of morning news, and let us tell you - she's never looked back! In a recent chat with People, the 56-year-old actress spilled all about her experiences playing Levy alongside Reese Witherspoon, revealing that it's given her an even greater appreciation for journalists.

"I mean, I always have - but even more so now," Aniston stressed when asked about her newfound respect. "Especially morning anchors. It's a grind." The usually private actress was candid about the demanding nature of playing Levy, who is known for being unapologetically outspoken and unwavering in her convictions.

But what's really caught our attention is Aniston's admission that portraying Levy has been a deeply cathartic experience for her. "When I first started playing Alex, I thought it was just going to be a challenge," she revealed. "But it ended up being so much more than that. It's given me a newfound respect for journalists and the incredible work they do."

And if you're wondering how Aniston's relationship with fame compares to her character's, the answer is simple: there's definitely some mirroring going on! "Oh my goodness. Well, there's definitely some mirroring going on," she laughed when asked about the similarities between herself and Levy. "I think Alex is a lot more expressive and verbal than I am." But don't worry, Aniston assures us that playing Levy has allowed her to tap into a more carefree side of herself - one that's definitely been missing from her life as a Hollywood A-lister.

"I mean, let's be real," she joked. "As an actress, I'm always playing someone else. But with Alex, it's like I get to play myself, but on steroids!" The Friends star also confessed that making The Morning Show is often emotionally-draining, likening it to childbirth (yes, you read that right!). "Every year since I finished the first season, I was like, 'Well, that's it - I'm dead.' That just killed me. And then you forget."

But don't even get us started on Aniston's hilarious comparison of finishing a season of The Morning Show to giving birth! "It's like what my friends say about childbirth: 'You just kind of forget what it was, and then next thing you know you're knocked up again,'" she laughed. "And having that same agony of pushing that watermelon out of a tiny little pinhole and then you just get to do it again."

Well, it looks like we won't have to wait much longer for Aniston's return as Alex Levy! In September, The Morning Show was renewed for its fifth season, just hours before the show's fourth season began streaming. And let us tell you - it's a major milestone for the Apple TV+ series, which has been a standout since its debut in 2019.

"We're thrilled to announce that we'll be continuing The Morning Show for another season," said Apple TV+ programming head Matt Cherniss in a statement. "It's been an incredible journey so far, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for Alex Levy and her team." But don't just take their word for it - insiders tell us that showrunner Charlotte Stoudt and director-executive producer Mimi Leder will remain at the helm of the series in its fifth season.

As for Aniston, she's still pinching herself after hearing the news. "I'm completely over-the-moon," she gushed when asked about the renewal. "It's an incredible feeling knowing that we get to keep telling these stories and pushing the boundaries of what TV can do."

And don't worry - it's not just Aniston who's excited! Executive producer Michael Ellenberg told us that he's "honored" to be working with such a talented cast and crew. "It's an honor to witness the collective talent, passion, and commitment of Jen, Reese, Mimi, Charlotte...and everyone involved in The Morning Show," he said.

But what does the future hold for The Morning Show? Well, let's just say that we can expect even more drama, scandal, and morning mayhem from Levy and her team. "We're excited to embark on a new season that will give this cast and creative team even more room to shine," Ellenberg promised.

And as for Aniston? She's already counting down the days until production begins on season five. "I just love playing Alex," she said, beaming with excitement. "She's my spirit animal!"