Season 2 of The Studio will directly confront the absence of its late star Catherine O'Hara, with creators Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg confirming that her loss will be woven into the narrative.

O’Hara, who passed away on January 30 at the age of 71 following a brief illness at her Los Angeles home, played Patty Leigh in the show’s first season — a powerful studio executive and mentor figure to Rogen’s character, Matt Remick. Her performance earned her an Emmy nomination in 2025 for supporting actress in a comedy series.

Speaking to The Times of London, Goldberg reflected on the difficulty of moving forward without her. “It has been an unbelievable challenge,” he said. “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… she was the anchor, and now the anchor is gone.”

Rogen added that the show will not shy away from acknowledging that void. “If anything, we’re acknowledging the idea that we are a little anchorless. But, honestly, that is a part of life and what we all experience,” he said. “And so while we try to not dwell too much on heavy themes in this show, they will be there in this second season. We are not ignoring it.”

The upcoming season follows a highly successful debut run, with the series winning 13 Emmys. Apple TV+ renewed the show for a second season in May 2025, with production slated to begin in mid-January, as Rogen had earlier revealed during the Golden Globe Awards.

Across a career spanning five decades, O’Hara became a beloved figure in comedy, known for standout roles in films such as Home Alone, Beetlejuice and Best in Show. She also earned widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek, a role that won her an Emmy in 2020.