Stephen Colbert Turns National Boss’s Day Into Biting Shot at CEO Who Canceled Him

The Late Show host Stephen Colbert celebrated National Boss’s Day by mockingly declaring his “love” for Paramount CEO David Ellison — but only in the hope of buying his show “a couple more months.”

“I join you tonight in a celebratory mood because, as you know, today is National Boss’s Day,” Colbert said as he kick off his opening monologue. “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.”

Then, looking directly into a “David Ellison Appreciation Cam,” Colbert aimed higher: “I want to take a moment to celebrate my new boss, Paramount CEO David Ellison.”

Pausing, he looked down the lens and said with a straight face: “Mr. Ellison, I love you.”

As the host walked back, he punctuated the moment with a wink: “That oughta buy us a couple more months.”

CBS announced in July that The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will end in May 2026, marking the close of both Colbert’s tenure and the network’s long-running late-night institution.

CBS called the decision “purely financial,” though it followed Colbert’s criticism of parent company Paramount over its $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump. The network insisted the choice was “agonizing,” praising Colbert’s “cutting-edge comedy” and “must-watch monologue.”

Watch above via CBS.