Stephen Colbert Mocks Paramount CEO After CBS Show Cancellation Announcement

Stephen Colbert used his Thursday monologue on The Late Show to sarcastically celebrate Paramount CEO David Ellison on National Boss's Day, humorously professing his 'love' for Ellison in hopes of extending the show's run. This came after CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show, citing financial reasons, despite its strong ratings. The cancellation followed controversy over CBS and Paramount's $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump, which Colbert criticized as a "big fat bribe" to secure regulatory approval for the $8 billion merger between Paramount and Ellison's Skydance Media. The merger made Ellison the new boss overseeing Colbert's show. Colbert's monologue highlighted tensions between creative talent and corporate decisions amid shifting media landscapes and political entanglements. His pointed humor reflected broader concerns about the influence of corporate mergers and political settlements on media content and talent.