In a bold move that’s sure to spark debate, Stephen Colbert took a sarcastic jab at his new boss, David Ellison, on National Boss’s Day—just months before his show is set to end. But here’s where it gets controversial: was it a harmless joke or a thinly veiled critique of the corporate shake-up at Paramount? Let’s dive in.
CBS late-night host Stephen Colbert, whose show is slated to conclude in May 2026, didn’t hold back during his opening monologue on Thursday’s episode of The Late Show. With a wink and a nudge, he aimed his wit at David Ellison, the newly appointed CEO of Paramount Skydance, following the merger between Skydance Media and Paramount in August. Colbert’s playful yet pointed remarks came on National Boss’s Day, a holiday he humorously described as an excuse for awkward small talk with superiors.
“I want to take a moment to celebrate my new boss, Paramount CEO David Ellison: Mr. Ellison, I love you,” Colbert declared, gazing into what he dubbed the ‘David Ellison Appreciation Cam.’ But the sarcasm didn’t stop there. After the declaration, Colbert winked and quipped, “That oughta buy us a couple more months,” leaving viewers wondering if he was genuinely buttering up his boss or subtly mocking the corporate dynamics at play.
And this is the part most people miss: Colbert’s show cancellation was announced just one month after the Skydance-Paramount merger, with CBS citing financial reasons. The timing raises questions—was Colbert’s departure tied to the corporate reshuffling? Adding fuel to the fire, the network’s $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump in July 2025, over a controversial 60 Minutes interview, had already put Colbert on the offensive. At the time, he openly criticized CBS and Paramount, suggesting the settlement was a ‘big fat bribe’ to secure regulatory approval for the Skydance merger.
Colbert’s Thursday monologue wasn’t just about Ellison, though. He also poked fun at the awkwardness of Boss’s Day, joking, “I hope you all treated your boss to their favorite gift—two minutes of awkward chitchat until the elevator arrives. Remember to say your kids’ names so they don’t have to.” It’s classic Colbert humor, blending wit with a touch of social commentary.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Ellison’s leadership has already drawn criticism from prominent liberals, particularly after his joint company acquired The Free Press and appointed its founder, Bari Weiss, as editor-in-chief of CBS News. This move has sparked debates about media independence and corporate influence. Is Ellison’s vision for Paramount Skydance a step forward or a cause for concern?
As Colbert’s show winds down, his jabs at Ellison and the broader corporate landscape serve as both comedy and commentary. But the question remains: Was Colbert’s sarcastic nod a final act of defiance, a plea for job security, or simply a comedian doing what he does best? Let us know what you think in the comments—is Colbert’s humor hitting the mark, or has he crossed a line? And what does Ellison’s leadership mean for the future of Paramount? The floor is open for debate!
