Sandra Oh Shines in Underrated Netflix Series The Chair with 86% Rotten Tomatoes

Sandra Oh became well-known for her role as Dr. Cristina Yang, an ambitious cardiovascular surgeon on Grey’s Anatomy. Fans have missed her dearly since she left the show over a decade ago. If you’re still yearning for more of Oh’s acting, you might have stumbled upon The Chair, a 2021 academic drama series available on Netflix. This brief series has some similarities with Grey’s Anatomy in terms of exploring the challenges women face in fields like academia and medicine.

In the latest season of Grey’s Anatomy, Cristina’s enduring influence is evident as female characters navigate their roles as doctors and mothers. Meredith’s romantic adventures continue to captivate viewers, yet they are contrasted by Cristina, who prioritizes her career over personal life. The “twisted sisters” also contribute humorously to the show’s appeal. Although Grey’s Anatomy seems hard to surpass due to its compelling narratives and dark comedy, Oh delivers outstanding performances elsewhere in her acting career.

The Chair Features Sandra Oh Like You’ve Never Seen Her Before

Sandra Oh Stars As A Trailblazing English Professor

In “The Chair,” Dr. Ji-Yoon Kim (Oh) takes on a groundbreaking role as the first woman of color to head the English department at Pembroke University, a university resembling an Ivy League institution in New England. Simultaneously juggling her duties and personal life, Ji-Yoon is a single mother who has recently adopted her daughter in her 40s. The series features actors like Jay Duplass, Bob Balaban, Nana Mensah, and Holland Taylor as Ji-Yoon’s fellow faculty members. However, Sandra Oh steals the show with her captivating performance.

Ji-Yoon shares traits with Cristina, both being dedicated scholars who are deeply invested in their work. Yet, Ji-Yoon faces an uphill battle as she strives to challenge deep-rooted biases within academia. Unfortunately, she encounters various issues from her fellow English professors, some requiring attention, others not. Oh skillfully portrays Ji-Yoon and offers insights into a historically discriminatory field. Despite repeatedly hitting roadblocks, Ji-Yoon persists in her efforts because of her deep passion for the cause.

Why Netflix Canceled The Chair After One Season

The Chair Never Found Its Audience

Netflix didn’t give a clear explanation for cancelling The Chair; instead, they were largely quiet about the series after its first season ended, leading viewers to believe it had been cancelled, which the cast and crew later confirmed. Nowadays, many Netflix shows are terminated early when they fail to attract massive viewership, and it appears that The Chair was simply another project that didn’t meet the popularity of Stranger Things. Additionally, some Reddit users speculate that the show’s theme may have been too specialized and not adequately promoted, preventing it from reaching its potential audience.

The Chair Is Highly Underrated & Deserved More Love

Sandra Oh Leads A Complex Exploration Of The Culture Of Academia

The show titled The Chair concludes in a way that leaves viewers feeling unsatisfied as none of the characters seem particularly content, yet Ji-Yoon finds serenity after being forced out of a role she found distressing, even though she ensured a worthy successor took her place. Unfortunately, despite its well-crafted narrative and insightful critique of academia, the series known as The Chair did not receive the recognition or acclaim it merited. It offers a rich tapestry of subplots that delve into issues such as hidden racism and sexism, perspectives on cancel culture, and corruption within this field.

In this story, Ji-Yoon’s struggle to secure tenure for another woman of color and her attempts to make a white male colleague acknowledge his mistake starkly illustrate the prevailing privileges within the setting. Meanwhile, a long-time female colleague struggles to get a decent office, despite everyone battling the threat of budget cuts to the English department, which is increasingly perceived as less valuable in contemporary society. The Chair, starring Sandra Oh, offers a multi-layered exploration delving into both the significance of literature and the challenges faculty members face when advocating for its importance, making it another outstanding addition to her body of work.

2025-06-02 22:07