Stephen Colbert weighed in on Paramount Skydance’s $108 billion hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery by calling on its “beloved parent company” to instead use the money to “cancel” a popular CBS show.
The comedian addressed the bidding war during Tuesday’s monologue for “The Late Show,” where Colbert explained how Paramount Skydance was able to make such a big offer for WBD.
“Just yesterday morning, my beloved parent company, Paramount, reportedly launched a hostile takeover bid for Warner Brothers, valued at $108 billion,” he said. “Wow. I have to say, if my company has that kind of green, I’m sure they can afford to cancel one of their best shows.”
In response to the joke, Colbert’s studio audience erupted in joy, forcing the late-night host to calm the crowd down in order to continue.
“CBS, you heard the people,” Colbert continued. “Bring back “The Equalizer.” We need our queen back. Why do you think America has become so unequal?
Colbert was, of course, referring to the TV adaptation of Queen Latifah’s “The Equalizer,” which was canceled after five seasons in May. Likewise, Colbert was also canceled this year, with CBS citing financial reasons at the time. His show is expected to end in May 2026.
“It turns out that Paramount got a little help in terms of liquidity. Their offer includes $24 billion from wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi,” Colbert continued. “And when the Saudi dictator gives you billions of dollars, I’m sure there’s no catch.”
He then joked, “On a completely unrelated story, I’m looking forward to next season’s new CBS hit comedy, ‘Young Mohammed bin Sheldon’.”
Watch Colbert’s full monologue above.
“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS.
