Actress Sandra Oh, known for her roles in television series like ‘Killing Eve’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ delivered an impassioned critique of CBS and Paramount networks during her guest appearance on Stephen Colbert’s show, in which she expressed her frustration over the cancellation of The Late Show. The news of the cancellation was met with mixed reactions from media personalities and the public, but Sandra Oh’s direct condemnation of the decision was particularly notable, as she did not hesitate to voice her strong opinions during the appearance. Her remarks, laced with a mix of anger and sorrow, highlighted concerns over the state of free speech in the country and the impact of canceling the show on the culture.
During her appearance, Oh stated, ‘Like probably everyone here and everyone who is so supportive outside wants to say that I am so sorry and saddened and properly outraged for the cancellation of late-night here.’ She continued, ‘Not only for yourself and for this entire family who are here, but for what it means, of what it means where we are in our culture and what it means for free speech.’ Her emotional response was further amplified as she concluded her remarks with, ‘So I just want to say, sorry, and also if I can have your hand, to CBS and Paramount, a plague on both of your houses.’
Colbert, who was visibly moved by Oh’s words, thanked her for the support, stating, ‘It was very nice of you to say that.’ The episode, however, was not just a platform for Oh’s expression; it was also a space for other voices to be heard. Other media figures, like Jon Stewart, have weighed in on the situation, offering their own perspectives on the decision to cancel the show. Stewart, known for his critical take on media and politics, argued that the cancellation was part of a larger corporate merger, pointing out that the decision to silence a liberal critic of former President Trump was the ‘path of least resistance’ for the $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, which is still pending approval from the Trump administration’s FCC.
While some withinCBS, like Tony Dokoupil, have offered a more tempered view, suggesting that the change in the late-night industry and the broader political landscape play a significant role in the decision, others remain firmly convinced that the cancellation was a direct result of the networks’ desire to suppress a liberal voice. The debate continues, but what is clear is that the decision to cancel ‘The Late Show’ has sparked a wide-ranging conversation about the state of media, free speech, and the role of corporate interests in shaping the content that is broadcast to the public.