Seth Rogen on the Challenge of Making The Studio Season 2 Without Catherine O’Hara

Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the co-creators of the Apple TV+ satirical comedy series The Studio, have detailed the difficulties of producing the show’s second season following the death of star Catherine O’Hara.

O’Hara passed away in January 2026 at the age of 71. The cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer cited as an underlying cause.

In a series of interviews with The Times of London, Rogen and Goldberg described the process of returning to the project without O’Hara as an unbelievable challenge.

Impact on Production and Narrative

The second season of the series had been written with O’Hara’s participation before her passing. Because the scripts were already set, the creators noted that the shock waves of her loss permeate the entire new season.

O’Hara played Patty Leigh, a former Hollywood studio head and mentor to Rogen’s character, Matt Remick. Rogen described O’Hara as the anchor of the show and stated that the production is now a little anchorless.

Obviously emotionally, dealing with the loss, but also when it comes to the show itself. We wrote it for her to be there. We had it all set and the shock waves permeate throughout the entire new season. It’s been difficult. You worded it better than we could – she was the anchor and now the anchor is gone.

Evan Goldberg

Rogen confirmed that while the show typically avoids dwelling on heavy themes, the second season will acknowledge O’Hara’s death and incorporate those themes, stating, We are not ignoring it.

Tributes and Legacy

The loss of O’Hara was felt across the entertainment industry, given her acclaimed roles in the Home Alone series, Schitt’s Creek and The Last Of Us, as well as various comedy films directed by Christopher Guest.

Macaulay Culkin, who starred with O’Hara in Home Alone, shared a tribute following her death, writing, Mama. I thought we had time.

Rogen also paid tribute to O’Hara in February 2026 during a Directors Guild Award speech for The Studio. He described her as an utter genius and the nicest person in the entire world, noting that the crew worked hard to make the show worthy of her presence.

Current Status of Season Two

The second season of The Studio is currently in production, though a premiere date has not yet been announced.

Recent reports indicate that Madonna was spotted on the set of the second season, leading to speculation that she will appear in the upcoming episodes.