Stephen Colbert Calls on Paramount to Revive Acclaimed Show

Stephen Colbert recently addressed the ongoing bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery during his monologue on The Late Show. In his remarks, he urged Paramount, his “beloved parent company,” to consider using its substantial financial resources to revive cancelled shows, particularly his own.

Paramount’s Hostile Takeover Bid

Colbert highlighted Paramount’s aggressive bid of $108 billion for Warner Bros. Discovery. He expressed disbelief at the amount, prompting him to suggest that if Paramount can muster that kind of cash, they should prioritize bringing back beloved shows.

Bidding War Insights

• Netflix is engaged in the bidding process, offering $82.7 billion.
• Paramount’s bid reportedly includes $24 billion from wealth funds in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.

This bidding war is driven by the rich intellectual property (IP) owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, which includes iconic franchises like DC superheroes, Harry Potter, and The Lord of the Rings. With such valuable assets in play, Colbert sees an opportunity for his show to be revitalized.

Call for Revival of The Equalizer

During the broadcast, Colbert humorously appealed to CBS to bring back The Equalizer, a show featuring Queen Latifah, which was cancelled after five seasons. He remarked that, in light of the financial windfall from Paramount’s bid, it would be a fitting time to revive successful programming.

Colbert’s Departure from The Late Show

In July 2023, CBS announced plans to conclude The Late Show, which Colbert has hosted since 2015. The show is scheduled to end in May 2026, citing financial challenges in the late-night television landscape.

CBS expressed that the decision is strictly financial and not a reflection of the show’s success or content. They acknowledged Colbert as “irreplaceable” and noted his impact on the late-night genre.

Colbert’s Tenure and Legacy

Stephen Colbert has documented a remarkable decade with The Late Show, recording significant moments from the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City. He previously gained fame with the satirical program The Colbert Report on Comedy Central.

As the television landscape continues to evolve, the fate of Colbert’s show remains a topic of interest, especially amid the high-stakes bidding surrounding Warner Bros. Discovery.