Overview
- In his Dec. 9 monologue, Stephen Colbert contrasted CBS’s decision to end The Late Show with Paramount’s reported $108 billion hostile offer for Warner Bros. Discovery.
- He noted reports that roughly $24 billion of the offer is backed by sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, joking about potential strings attached.
- CBS announced in July that The Late Show will conclude in May 2026, saying the program loses about $40 million annually.
- Netflix previously confirmed a definitive $82.7 billion agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, setting off a bidding war with Paramount.
- Paramount has denied any political motive in canceling the show and says the move was purely financial, as entertainment unions raise antitrust concerns about further consolidation.