What began as a heartfelt tribute quickly turned into headline-making controversy when Sandra Oh used her appearance on The Late Show to blast CBS and Paramount for cancelling the show.
The award-winning actress didn’t hold back, and her passionate message divided viewers across the internet.
A Bold Goodbye to Colbert
Sandra Oh, best known for her roles in Killing Eve and Grey’s Anatomy, made an emotional appearance on The Late Show just weeks after the long-running program was canceled by CBS and Paramount.
The show, hosted by Stephen Colbert, had run for 10 seasons before being abruptly axed—sparking widespread speculation and frustration, especially from fans of politically leaning late-night comedy.
“Like probably everyone here,” Oh began, visibly moved, “I’m so sorry and saddened and properly outraged.”
She praised Colbert’s work and criticized what she suggested were deeper implications for freedom of speech and cultural values in America.
“A Plague on Both Your Houses”
Oh didn’t mince words when it came to the network and studio behind the cancellation.
Turning to Colbert, she dramatically said, “If I can have your hand… to CBS and Paramount – a plague on both of your houses.”
Her Shakespearean insult drew laughs and gasps, but Colbert himself kept it classy, wagging his finger with a smile and responding, “I think they’ve been great partners.”
Despite his diplomacy, it was clear that Oh’s comments resonated with many fans who feel the decision was unjust.
Online Reactions: Applause and Criticism
Social media lit up after Oh’s appearance.
Supporters praised her courage and theatrical flair, with one X (formerly Twitter) user writing, “Sandra Oh wishing a plague on CBS and Paramount on Stephen Colbert’s show—she’s everything.”
Others called her “too funny” and applauded her for turning the network’s own stage against them.
But not everyone agreed. Some critics, including CBS Mornings’ Tony Dokoupil, said Oh was off base by tying the show’s end to political motives.
“The business is broken,” he said bluntly.
“Politics changed, and so did the economics of late-night.”
Shifting Tides in Late-Night TV
Dokoupil argued that while Colbert’s show had cultural impact, networks now face a different landscape.
“It got way more one-sided than anything Johnny Carson ever did,” he said, referencing the late-night legend who famously avoided political extremes.
“We should reflect on those changes—it’s a major cultural shift.”
Others echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the industry isn’t what it used to be.
With viewers spread across streaming platforms and online clips, traditional late-night shows face a steeper climb to stay relevant and profitable.
Jon Stewart and David Letterman Step In
Sandra Oh wasn’t the only one to speak out. Comedy veterans David Letterman and Jon Stewart also stood by Colbert.
Stewart, in particular, took aim at the ongoing $8 billion Paramount merger with Skydance Media.
He accused executives of squeezing out the very shows that built their value.
“The shows you now seek to cancel, censor, and control—that $8 billion came from those f—ing shows,” Stewart raged.
He saw Colbert’s cancellation as part of a broader effort to sanitize or shift media content during Donald Trump’s second presidential term.
Business vs. Emotion: The Other Side
But once again, Dokoupil offered a reality check.
“The merger isn’t about reruns of a comedy show,” he said.
“It’s about movies, sitcoms, sports—not CBS Mornings reruns either.”
His point: mergers are driven by high-earning content, not political satire or variety programming.
While acknowledging the emotional responses of people like Oh and Stewart, he insisted that practical business considerations can’t be ignored in these decisions.
Fans Stand Behind Colbert and Oh
Despite the back-and-forth, a large portion of fans appreciated Sandra Oh’s stance.
Some were especially touched by her empathy for the production team behind The Late Show.
“Stephen is probably really sad because 200 people will be out of work,” one Instagram user wrote.
“He’s a good man and he feels responsible.”
Another added, “Technically, she used their own platform against them. Genius move.”
A Defining Moment for Free Speech?
Sandra Oh’s appearance has sparked a broader conversation: Was this just about a canceled TV show—or something bigger? For many, it felt like a battle over what voices get to be heard, and what kinds of commentary still have a place on major networks.
Whether you agree with her or not, Sandra Oh certainly made sure her message wouldn’t be forgotten.
And in the ever-changing world of media, that kind of passion may be exactly what some believe we need right now.
