From Fandom to the Booth

Brenda Song, known for her Disney Channel roles and recent Netflix work, stepped into the broadcast booth on Aug. 22 as a guest color analyst for the Los Angeles Rams' preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. The 38-year-old California native joined the CBS Los Angeles coverage during the third quarter, as reported by multiple outlets. BuzzFeed noted that Song was in the broadcast booth during the game, while The Hollywood Reporter added that the Rams invited Song and longtime partner Macaulay Culkin to the matchup, and she offered color commentary during the third quarter.

Song's appearance followed a viral 2025 podcast moment on Mythical Kitchen's Last Meals, where she gave a detailed breakdown of the Rams' defensive strategy, as reported by BuzzFeed, Newsweek, and the New York Post. During that appearance, host Josh Scherer asked her what she would have done to prevent Saquon Barkley from running for 200 yards, and Song called out defensive coordinator Chris Shula, explaining how she would fix the defense. Newsweek quoted her saying: "Let me tell you, Chris Shula, I like you a lot. I like what you've done with our front four. But my issue is: We don't have a run-stopper. We don't use our middle linebackers in the middle. We can't stop the run."

The New York Post reported that Song also criticized the offensive line for allowing Jalen Carter to sack Matthew Stafford twice during the 2025 playoffs. BuzzFeed noted that her podcast appearance led to her announcing the official Rams schedule a few weeks later.

A Dream Realized Inside SoFi Stadium

The Hollywood Reporter described Song's debut as a "dream come true," noting that she was on air when Alex Cook returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown, contributing to the Rams' 34-0 victory. Song expressed her passion in comments after the game: "Every play matters. Every inch matters. There's no other game like it. That's why I love it so much."

Rams chief marketing officer Kathryn Kai-ling Frederick praised Song's addition to the broadcast: "Brenda is one of our most loved and invested fans. Between her deep knowledge of the game, her on-camera presence and the enthusiasm she brings to everything she does, we knew she would add a fresh perspective and fun energy to the broadcast."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Song sat next to Rob Havenstein, and her love for defense dates back to favorites like Dennis Rodman and Aaron Donald. She expressed excitement about Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and Myles Garrett, the reigning defensive player of the year who is now a Ram. Song's Rams fandom, she said, started with her love for the Lakers and Kobe Bryant, and she began watching football when Culkin explained the game to her during a Rams-Seahawks game. She and Culkin attended the Super Bowl in 2019.

BuzzFeed reported that internet reactions were positive, with one comment noting, "Song is a lifelong Rams fan and looked like a veteran talking football." The outlet also noted it remains unclear whether Song will make more guest appearances.

Personal Life: Engagement to Macaulay Culkin

Reports diverge on Song's marital status. Newsweek described Song as "married to former child actor Macaulay Culkin," while Hindustan Times reported that she is not legally married but is in a long-standing relationship with her fiancé, Culkin. The Hindustan Times provided a detailed account of their relationship: they met briefly in 2014 and grew closer in 2017 while working on Changeland. Culkin proposed in January 2022, and Song has described him as "my unicorn," saying, "I wasn't going to settle for anything, but he is exactly what I was hoping to look for."

The couple have two sons, Dakota (born April 2021) and Carson (born in 2022), according to Hindustan Times, which also noted Dakota was named after Culkin's late sister. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed they have two young boys.

Beyond Football

Song's career extends beyond the gridiron. She stars in Netflix's Running Point, which The Hollywood Reporter says has been renewed for a third season. Newsweek noted she plays Ali Lee, Chief of Staff for the Los Angeles Waves basketball franchise. Song also recently wrapped the film The Fifth Wheel, directed by Eva Longoria and written by Paula Pell and Janine Brito, featuring Nikki Glaser, Fortune Feimster, and Kim Kardashian, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In her immediate post-game comments, Song was already looking ahead: she predicted the Rams will win the Super Bowl on Valentine's Day at SoFi Stadium, with #99 on the field, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.