Reneé Rapp returns to acting, joins 'The Morning Show' for season 5

Reneé Rapp joins 'The Morning Show' season 5 in major recurring role after music hiatus

Reneé Rapp is returning to acting with a major recurring role in the upcoming fifth season of Apple TV's "The Morning Show," Deadline has exclusively reported.

The actress-singer, who stepped away from screen acting to focus on her music career, will play Samantha, described as a young rising star in the UBN news division determined to make it in media on her own terms.

Rapp's casting marks her first television role since leaving HBO Max's "The Sex Lives of College Girls" after season two. She has since released two albums and toured extensively, leading to questions about whether she would ever return to acting.

Her screen career launched rapidly with two high-profile credits: a lead role in "The Sex Lives of College Girls" and starring as Regina George in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical "Mean Girls," a role she originated on stage.

The fifth season of "The Morning Show" continues to expand its ensemble, recently adding Jeff Daniels and Jesse Williams to the cast. Rapp joins series stars and executive producers Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, along with returning cast members Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass, Nestor Carbonell, Karen Pittman, Nicole Beharie and Jon Hamm.

"The Morning Show" hails from television studio Media Res, with Charlotte Stoudt serving as showrunner and executive producer. Mimi Leder directs and executive produces.

Rapp's return to acting signals a shift back to screen work after dedicating herself entirely to music, during which she built a substantial fanbase as a recording artist and live performer.

The actress-singer is represented by WME and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.

Apple has not yet announced a premiere date for season five of the drama series, which has been a cornerstone of the streamer's original programming since its launch.