Stephen Colbert took a cheeky shout out to his boss, Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, to jokingly ask for an extension following the cancellation of “The Late Show.”
The late-night host made the call during his opening monologue Thursday night, when he commemorated National Bosses Day, which occurs annually on October 16.
“I join you this evening in a celebratory mood because, as you know, today is National Bosses Day,” Colbert began. “I hope you all gave your boss his favorite gift: two minutes of awkward small talk until the elevator arrives. Remember to say your kids’ names so they don’t have to.”
The host didn’t leave the joke there, as he then continued by speaking directly into a “David Ellison Appreciation Cam.”
“I want to take a moment to celebrate my new boss, Paramount CEO David Ellison,” he added. “Mr. Ellison, I love you.”
Still, Colbert made it clear he had an ulterior motive for bringing up National Boss Day, as he later quipped, “This should buy us a few more months.”
“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” is set to end in May 2026, a decision that was announced by the host in July. At the time, Colbert informed those tuning in that CBS was ending not only him, but also the popular late-night program.
“It’s not only the end of our show, but it’s the end of ‘The Late Show’ on CBS. I’m not being replaced,” he said. “All of this is disappearing. »
CBS explained their decision with a statement, in which they said it was a “purely financial” decision – although it followed Colbert criticizing CBS parent company Paramount for its $16 million settlement with President Trump.
“Our admiration, affection and respect for the talents of Stephen Colbert and his incredible team have made this heartbreaking decision even more difficult,” the network added. “Stephen took CBS late night by storm with cutting-edge comedy, must-see monologue and interviews with entertainment executives, politics, news and journalists from every field.”
Many in Hollywood rallied behind Colbert following the news, with the latter winning the Outstanding Talk Series award at the 2025 Emmy Awards.
“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS.
