Colbert Takes a Jab at New CBS Boss
Stephen Colbert provided some light-hearted ribbing during his show, targeting the new head of CBS, David Ellison. This took place on Thursday’s edition of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” where Colbert also tied in a mention of National Boss Day with his humor aimed at Ellison, the CEO of Paramount Skydance.
“I want to congratulate my new boss, Paramount CEO David Ellison. Mr. Ellison, I love you,” he quipped, glancing at what he called the “David Ellison Appreciation Camera.”
Ellison, who has transitioned from being the CEO of Skydance Media, became the CEO of the newly formed Paramount Skydance following the merger with Paramount in August 2025. This merger happened shortly after CBS revealed it would cancel Colbert’s show at the end of the current season, citing financial challenges.
During the episode, Colbert jovially suggested that maybe buttering up Ellison would buy him a bit more airtime.
“Tonight, we’re in a celebratory mood because it’s National Boss’s Day. Treat your boss well. How about some awkward chit-chat until the elevator shows up?” he humorously suggested before reiterating, “Mr. Ellison, I love you”—adding playfully, “Then I’ll give you a few more months.”
The announcement about the cancellation of Colbert’s show followed CBS’ financial settlement with Donald Trump over a lawsuit regarding an edited interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris back in 2024.
Colbert also expressed thoughts on CBS’ decision, suggesting the company’s actions appeared to be yielding to Trump to secure regulatory approval for the merger with Skydance. He remarked that the legal term for such financial strategy might be interpreted as a “huge bribe.” This snippet wrapped in humor brings an interesting light on the tensions in the media landscape.
Additionally, Ellison and his ventures have drawn criticism from some liberal commentators, particularly concerning his recent acquisition of the independent media outlet, The Free Press, and the hiring of founder Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. Weiss has stirred up discussions around various controversial topics, from DEI initiatives to gender ideology. It’s a situation, I guess, where there seems to be more than meets the eye.
