Sue Johanson, Oxygen's 77-Year Old "Talk Sex" Host, Calling It Quits

NEW YORK — Sunday night is getting less steamy.

Oxygen's "Talk Sex" call-in show with colorful septugenarian educator Sue Johanson is ending its run after six seasons, the network announced Tuesday.

The final show airs at midnight Sunday.

"I'm going to miss it terribly," Johanson told The Associated Press. "It's been part of my life and I just love it. I'm going to miss writing scripts. I'm going to miss having to read books. I'm going to miss playing with sex toys."

Her final show will count down the year's top 10 sex toys.

Her show, derived from a Canadian radio program that began in 1984, offered practical advice and the latest information on sexually transmitted diseases. It was all the more colorful hearing it from a Toronto-based nurse who looked and sounded like your grandmother.

Now 77, Johanson said she had to recognize that 1 a.m. (when her shows ended) was not her finest hour. Since it's a call-in show, taping the show earlier didn't make sense.

"I have been on television for 32 years," she said. "I think it's time. I figured if we haven't got it by now, we're not going to get it. We've got to make room for somebody else."

She said she enjoyed working with Oxygen and wasn't pushed out. The only editing Oxygen ever did was to urge her not to use a particular slang for penis.

"Talk Sex" is Oxygen's most-popular late-night show, and its ratings among young viewers this season were the best ever, the network said.

Material from the show will continue to be available on Oxygen's Web site and on demand.

Johanson said she isn't retiring and will continue to give lectures. "I'm a ham," she said. "I love a large audience."

Comments

[smokeystover39]

Now there goes the REAL "Straight Talk Express". You will be missed....­..........­..........­....

[Whycee54]

I loved watching Sue. I learned alot.. SUE, can I take your place?

[manndan]

"This one sounds like an Evinrude." Her irreverent comments on the toys will be missed.

[SassyDevil]

That sucks! I didn't know the show is going off the air! I only started watching it a few months ago! I noticed there were times when she didn't seem to get what she was being asked, or didn't always relate to the younger viewers, but she always gave great advice, and much needed advice, at that!

Oxygen, hire me! I'm not a nurse, or a sex therapist, but I know a lot! Ok, I need to brush up a bit, but you could do worse! :-D

[sisterdebmac]

It was a really fun show. Gonna miss it, but it did seem to be getting harder for Sue to focus. She sure taught me a lot!

[zigzag1]

Never forget accidentally tuning in as this charming older lady was comparing different types of dildo's. Her information was always accurate, and she offered it in a non-judgmental and frank manner. Sue treated the subject of sex as though it was teaching how to grow house plants, normal and lot's of fun. I'll miss seeing you, Sue.

[hugs4u]

I only was able to catch her show a few times, but it was a very educational and informative show, it will be missed.

[mrBlue1]

It was an ugly job, but someone had to do it, and, darn it, Sue you did! Was it as good for you.....? How 'bout a ciggie? Best Luck in all ways.

[Weathermaker]

why exactly was an ugly job? You want an ugly job? try press secretary in the bush administration.

[kellygrrrl]

bummer! I love you Sue!