Jennifer Aniston Opens Up About Filming Intimate Scene with Jon Hamm on ‘The Morning Show’ Set

In a candid new interview, acclaimed actress Jennifer Aniston delved into the intricacies of filming an intimate scene with co-star Jon Hamm for the third season of Apple TV+’s hit drama, The Morning Show. Alongside her fellow executive producer and co-star Reese Witherspoon, Aniston sat down with Variety to discuss her experiences, shedding light on the professionalism and comfort that characterized the production of the show’s latest season.

The particular scene in question, which featured Aniston’s character, Alex Levy, engaging in a romantic encounter with Jon Hamm’s billionaire character, Paul Marks, was a pivotal moment in the sixth episode of season three. This interaction marked the beginning of a brief but impactful romance between the two characters, adding a significant layer to Alex Levy’s evolving storyline. Aniston, 54, spoke warmly about her collaboration with Hamm, 52, and commended director Mimi Leder for her exceptional guidance in navigating what could often be a sensitive and challenging aspect of filmmaking.

When asked about her preparation for the scene, Aniston emphasized the seamless cooperation she experienced. “Having Mimi there, you’re protected. I never felt uncomfortable,” she shared, highlighting the secure environment fostered by Leder. She further praised Jon Hamm, known for his role in Mad Men, for his unwavering consideration and professionalism throughout the process. “Jon was such a gentleman, always — I mean every move, every cut, ‘You OK?’ It was also very choreographed,” Aniston revealed, underscoring the meticulous planning and mutual respect that went into staging the sequence.

The conversation naturally steered towards the contemporary practice of employing intimacy coordinators on set. Aniston offered a unique perspective, rooted in her extensive career in Hollywood. Despite the industry’s increasing adoption of intimacy coordinators, a role designed to ensure actor comfort and safety during sensitive scenes, Aniston opted to forgo one for this particular sequence. “They asked us if we wanted an intimacy coordinator. I’m from the olden days, so I was like, ‘What does that mean?’ They said, ‘Where someone asks you if you’re OK,’ and I’m like, ‘Please, this is awkward enough!'” she recounted, elaborating on her initial surprise and eventual decision. “We’re seasoned — we can figure this one out.”

Aniston’s statement reflects a seasoned performer’s confidence in her own ability to communicate boundaries and work collaboratively with trusted colleagues. While acknowledging the value intimacy coordinators bring, especially for younger or less experienced actors, her choice speaks to a level of comfort and established rapport with her director and co-star. This highlights the evolving landscape of filmmaking and the diverse approaches taken to ensure a respectful and professional working environment, particularly when dealing with intimate on-screen moments. The experience shared by Aniston, Hamm, and Leder serves as an example of how clear communication, trust, and a highly professional crew can ensure actors feel safe and supported without the need for an additional on-set facilitator.

Beyond the technicalities of the intimate scene, Aniston also expressed her genuine delight in working with Jon Hamm, a friend she has known for decades. Their professional collaboration on The Morning Show was, for Aniston, a natural extension of a long-standing personal relationship. She disclosed that their friendship dates back to the 1990s, where they were introduced by none other than actor Paul Rudd. “But that was fun. I’ve known the Hammanator for a long, long time,” she affectionately quipped, using a playful nickname for her co-star.

This enduring friendship undoubtedly contributed to the undeniable chemistry between Alex Levy and Paul Marks on screen. Actors who share a real-life bond often bring an authentic ease and depth to their fictional relationships, which can significantly enhance the audience’s viewing experience. For Aniston and Hamm, their pre-existing rapport likely streamlined the process of developing their characters’ dynamic, making their on-screen romance feel more believable and organic. Their comfort with each other, established long before they stepped onto The Morning Show set, allowed them to approach sensitive scenes with a level of trust and understanding that might take much longer for colleagues meeting for the first time.

The Morning Show itself has earned critical acclaim for its timely exploration of power dynamics, media ethics, and the #MeToo movement within the high-stakes world of morning television. Jennifer Aniston’s character, Alex Levy, a veteran news anchor, navigates complex professional and personal challenges, consistently pushing boundaries and evolving through each season. The introduction of Jon Hamm’s character, Paul Marks, a charismatic and enigmatic tech billionaire with ambitious plans for UBA (the network portrayed in the show), provided a compelling new antagonist and love interest for Alex, driving much of the season’s narrative tension.

The series, which also stars Reese Witherspoon as Bradley Jackson, Alex’s fiery co-anchor, has been praised for its strong performances and its willingness to tackle difficult subjects. Both Aniston and Witherspoon serve as executive producers on the show, granting them significant creative input and a vested interest in the quality and direction of the storytelling. Their dual roles ensure a strong vision for the show’s development and character arcs, including how intimate scenes are portrayed and handled behind the scenes.

The wrap-up of filming for the third season, which concluded in February, was an emotional milestone for the cast and crew. Jennifer Aniston commemorated the occasion with a heartfelt post on Instagram, expressing her gratitude and reflecting on the intense yet rewarding experience. Her post included several behind-the-scenes glimpses, notably a shot featuring her and Jon Hamm, underscoring their camaraderie. The final slide of her Instagram tribute captured a poignant moment where Aniston, addressing the entire crew, became visibly emotional. “I am so lucky to get to work with you,” she stated, her voice choked with emotion, a testament to the strong bonds forged during the challenging yet fulfilling production process. This sentiment resonates deeply, reflecting the collaborative spirit and personal connections that often form the bedrock of successful television productions, making the journey as memorable as the final product.