Producer Lauren Neustadter Is Redefining What a Hello Sunshine Show Can Be
Lauren Neustadter, president of film and TV at Reese Witherspoon's production company Hello Sunshine, has spoken about a hectic summer in which the firm launched the Legally Blonde prequel Elle on Prime Video, premiered Lucky on Apple TV+, and wrapped filming on the fifth and final series of The Morning Show. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter's podcast I'm Having an Episode, Neustadter discussed why the company decided to conclude The Morning Show after this coming season, alongside plans for the third series of Big Little Lies under incoming showrunner Francesca Sloane.
The Morning Show was first announced in November 2017 and premiered in 2019, becoming one of television's most closely watched and costly productions; Neustadter said the team had originally envisaged only three seasons before extending to five. She noted the drama's themes had gained fresh relevance following the Me Too movement, which emerged after the show was first sold, and described an emotional wrap party at the Hollywood Roosevelt attended by hundreds of cast and crew after eight years of production, all filmed in Los Angeles.
- Hello Sunshine boss Lauren Neustadter reflects on a busy summer of releases
- The Morning Show will end after its upcoming fifth season
- Big Little Lies season three is coming, led by showrunner Francesca Sloane
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Hello Sunshine is a film and television company founded by actor Reese Witherspoon, with Lauren Neustadter leading its film and TV work. The company produces stories for several streaming services, including Prime Video and Apple TV+.
The Morning Show is a drama about people working in television news. It began in 2019, and its story has touched on workplace power and misconduct—subjects that gained wider public attention through the Me Too movement. Big Little Lies, another Hello Sunshine drama, is based on a novel and follows the lives of women in a wealthy California community.