If Then (The Morning Show)
Stella's AI chatbot exposes her secrets at the unveiling event.
"If Then" is the sixth episode of the fourth season of the American drama series The Morning Show, inspired by Brian Stelter's 2013 book Top of the Morning. It was released on Apple TV+ on October 22, 2025, and marks Greta Lee's final appearance as a main cast member. The episode received generally positive reviews, with particular praise for Lee's performance.
Quick Facts
- Series
- The Morning Show
- Director
- Millicent Shelton
- Writer
- Zander Lehmann
- Photographer
- Tobias Datum
- Editor
- Blake Maniquis
- Length
- 55 minutes
- Released
- 22 October 2025
Facts from the source article.
Plot
Celine pressures Stella to launch UBN's unfinished AI program early. Alex meets Brodie for drinks; Brodie agrees only if he can host the presidential debate. Stella, anxious about her future, tells Miles she wants to leave for Naples with him, but he hesitates, leading to an argument. She later confides in her personal AI chatbot about her insecurities as CEO. Meanwhile, Bradley and Chip identify Sophia Volk, a former quality control manager at Martel Chemical Plant, as an associate of Kenneth Stockton; Bradley contacts her. Cory learns from his mother that Celine's family paid Fred to suppress the Wolf River story. He confronts Celine, who intimidates him into silence. Stella and Celine decide to pull Brodie from the debate after the event, but he backs out last minute, forcing them to host. The AI program is well received until Stella's chatbot reveals her private thoughts, including her affair with Miles. Humiliated, Stella visits Miles, who agrees to go to Naples. The next morning, Alex announces Stella's resignation and Celine as interim CEO. Stella leaves Mia a flash drive and a letter encouraging her to exploit the coming power void. Celine visits Miles, declaring she gave up everything for him and still loves him; Miles stays with her. Stella boards her plane alone, devastated.
Development
The episode was written by executive producer Zander Lehmann, his third writing credit, and directed by Millicent Shelton, her third directing credit. It marked Greta Lee's final appearance as a main cast member. Charlotte Stoudt said it was difficult to leave the character but that Stella needed to rediscover herself away from UBN, adding that Stella is divided about her role and uncomfortable with the choices she must make. Lee commented that the pressure had built up over years and was unsustainable, and that while the ending was sad and shocking, she felt Stella was at peace and liberated.
Critical reviews
Maggie Fremont of Vulture gave the episode 3 out of 5 stars, noting that the AI storyline was expected to backfire but not so spectacularly. Michel Ghanem of Elle praised Greta Lee's performance as Stella breaking free from suppression. Denis Kimathi of TV Fanatic rated the episode 4.7 out of 5, writing that it lays groundwork for an intense season finale and questions whether UBN can recover.
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