David Ellison's Paramount is getting rejected so often in its pursuit of Warner Bros. that it's starting to feel less like corporate strategy and more like a rom-com where the protagonist can't take a hint.

According to Gizmodo, Ellison has attempted "at least a dozen times" to convince Warner Bros. shareholders to choose Paramount's bid over Netflix's offer. Each time, he's been told no. Then he tries again. It's honestly impressive in its futility.

A judge recently ruled that Paramount hasn't "identified [or suffered] any cognizable, irreparable harm" from the Netflix deal, denying their motion to fast-track a lawsuit that would block the acquisition. Translation: even the courts think this is getting desperate.

Now Ellison is reportedly "looking to rally European support" and using "family connections" to keep the dream alive. Sources suggest he's particularly interested in CNN specifically, viewing it as potential leverage with the Trump administration. Because nothing says "strategic media acquisition" like openly admitting you want a news network for political purposes.

Here's the thing about these mega-mergers: they never actually benefit viewers. Paramount and Warner Bros. are both struggling legacy studios trying to compete in the streaming era. Combining two wounded companies doesn't create strength - it creates a bigger company with the same fundamental problems, plus layoffs.

The streaming wars were supposed to give us more choice. Instead, we're watching the same old media consolidation playbook, just with apps instead of cable boxes. Ellison can keep trying, but whether it's Paramount or Netflix that wins, the audience loses either way.

In Hollywood, nobody knows anything - except that desperate executives will always choose mergers over innovation.