Karen Pittman Hints at Morning Show Season Four and Departure from And Just Like That
Karen Pittman always found humor in the chaos of balancing multiple shoots on different coasts for And Just Like That and The Morning Show, traveling back and forth several times a month. She even used her first-class flights from New York to Los Angeles to take out the braids that defined her character Dr. Nya Wallace in the Sex and the City sequel.
Stepping onto both sets was always a surreal experience for Pittman, who has made a name for herself in the industry. From Broadway to guest roles on various shows to recurring roles in The Americans and Luke Cage, she has now taken on lead roles in The Morning Show and And Just Like That.
Her journey began with The Morning Show on Apple TV+, where she portrayed Mia Jordan, a producer at UBA. The show explored the #MeToo movement in its first season, shedding light on workplace dynamics and personal struggles.
She then joined And Just Like That on HBO, bringing diversity to the show. Pittman has recently decided not to return for the third season as she embarks on a new project, starring in Netflix’s Forever. She is balancing filming for Forever in L.A. with the upcoming fourth season of The Morning Show.
Originally from Nashville, Pittman can still walk the streets of New York without much recognition. The 38-year-old actress sat down with THR to discuss her roles in The Morning Show season three, her departure from And Just Like That, and how she distinguishes her characters.
How did new Morning Show showrunner Charlotte Stoudt change things up in season three?
Charlotte brought a new dimension to Mia Jordan, delving deeper into her personal life and emotions. The aim was to reveal the mystery and complexity of Mia’s character, offering viewers a glimpse into her inner world.
Especially as a Black woman in the network news business, correct?
Mia’s character faces challenges related to race in the workplace, especially highlighted in season three with the George Floyd news. Pittman emphasizes the importance of portraying authentic experiences and relationships, showcasing the complexities of African American women in the 21st century.
What was the biggest challenge of season three?
Balancing Mia’s personal growth and professional challenges authentically posed a significant challenge. Pittman pushed for moments of joy and vulnerability for her character, juxtaposed with the weight of reporting on critical events like George Floyd’s murder during the pandemic.
Were there ever times where you said lines from one show on the other show?
Never. Pittman uses music to transition between characters and shows, maintaining the distinct personalities of each. She immerses herself in the world of her characters, ensuring a seamless portrayal on screen.
Sarah Shatz/Max
How hard was it to make the decision to leave And Just Like That?
Scheduling conflicts and personal considerations led to Pittman’s decision to depart from And Just Like That. She acknowledges the love for her character and colleagues on the show but had to prioritize other commitments and personal matters.
Are you satisfied with where Nya’s character arc left off?
Pittman believes there is more to explore in Nya’s story but leaves the decision to the show’s creators. She remains open to revisiting the character and delving deeper into her background.
In the off season of The Morning Show, do you ever imagine how Mia would be handling all these big headlines happening in the world right now?
Pittman separates herself from Mia’s character outside of filming but closely follows news and journalism. She immerses herself in the world of morning shows, researching and absorbing the energy to portray authenticity on screen.
What are your hopes for Mia in season four?
Pittman looks forward to peeling back more layers of Mia’s character and exploring the power dynamics within UBA. She is excited about the direction of the character in the upcoming season of The Morning Show and expects it to be a rich and engaging storyline.
This story first appeared in a June standalone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.