Wearing a Shirt That Isn’t Fitting: Community in Uproar as CBS Teases Replacement for The Late Show—And the Name Causing Confusion Isn’t What You Think

When Stephen Colbert took the stage on July 17, 2025, to break the news that The Late Show would end its impressive 33-year run on CBS in May 2026, the broadcast world braced for more than just an exit. Rather unexpectedly, Colbert and CBS mentioned that a replacement show was being lined up—one hinting at none other than Riley Gaines, the former Kentucky swimmer turned activist, best known for spearheading billion-dollar lawsuits in the sports world.

But wait—Riley Gaines? The name has left the entertainment community scratching its collective head.

The Big Reveal Behind the Hint

Colbert, 61, confirmed that the network is terminating The Late Show franchise but stressed he’s not being “replaced” in a traditional switchover. Instead, he framed it as a business decision tied to a “challenging backdrop in late-night” . CBS echoed this sentiment in a statement emphasizing the decision’s financial motivations and praising Colbert as “irreplaceable.”

In that same statement, though, CBS hinted at something new: a series hosted by someone with star power and—ahem—legal muscle.

Who Is Riley Gaines (and Why Is CBS Mentioning Her?)

Riley Gaines first made headlines in March 2024 as part of a group of female college athletes suing the NCAA. They alleged the NCAA violated Title IX by allowing transgender swimmer Lia Thomas to compete in the women’s category at the 2022 Division I championships 

Gaines and her co‑plaintiffs are pursuing damages—reports that have swirled into the billions. While some social-media buzz claimed she received a $50 million payout, Reuters, in August 2024, debunked those rumors, clarifying that no such settlement had occurred and that legal proceedings were ongoing .

Recently, Gaines has continued to be visible in mainstream media, including discussion around a social media spat with Simone Biles in June 2025—brought into focus by CBS News—where she was called a “straight‑up sore loser” for her viewpoints on transgender inclusion .

But Can a Legal Activist Host Late-Night TV?

That’s the million-dollar—or perhaps billion-dollar—question. Gaines has no background in comedy, entertainment, or television hosting. Nor does she have any known experience with late-night formats. Her public persona is that of a political activist and litigator, not a nightly monologue delivery star.

Yet CBS’s teaser was precise enough to spark widespread speculation across social media platforms. The network described its new direction as “bold, conversational, and anchored in current affairs”—a description that fits neither typical comedians nor crossover talk-show hosts.

Why the Community Is Confused

Genre Crossover: Audiences generally expect late-night slots to be filled by comedians, actors, or seasoned TV personalities—not activists known mostly for courtroom battles.
Mismatch of Skills: Hosting a nightly show requires comedic timing, guest interaction, and production savvy—all areas unfamiliar to someone like Gaines, whose public profile revolves around legal advocacy.
CBS’s Murky Messaging: Without a formal announcement or trailer featuring Gaines, the hint feels abrupt and unsubstantiated. Colbert himself emphasized that nothing was replacing him—yet CBS references someone who seems entirely unprepared for the role.
Reputation Clash: Gaines’s activism on transgender policies is polarizing. Brought into a mainstream entertainment platform, her presence could overshadow the program’s content and alienate parts of the audience.

What’s Next?

CBS will likely continue cryptic teasers in the coming weeks, possibly positioning Gaines as a host for a current-events–focused show, rather than a traditional Late Show successor.
A formal announcement is awaited, probably early 2026, that should clarify the format, tone, and host lineup.
The entertainment world is already weighing in, questioning whether this shift reflects a pivot toward opinion-based late-night programming instead of comedy sketches.

Final Thoughts

The hint that Riley Gaines—a name better known in sports litigation—could be stepping into late-night strikes many as a mismatch. Critics argue that late-night success requires charisma and comedic instinct, while supporters might welcome a fresh, unapologetic voice amid politicized media. Either way, public confusion is real.

If the rumors are accurate, CBS faces a pivotal decision: reshape the late-night discourse more seriously—or risk cultural backlash by miscasting an activist in a role built for comedians. And for viewers tuning in May 2026, the real curiosity may not be what’s on the lineup, but whether CBS has any clue what it’s doing.