News
Are Historic Soap Wedding Bells Going To Ring For B&B's Rick & Maya?

Courtesy/CBS
This week on CBS The Bold and the Beautiful, Rick Forrester (Jacob Young) and Maya Avant (Karla Mosley) get ready to say their “I do’s”, but will one of these two lovebirds instead say, “I don’t?”
As the wedding episodes kick-off on Monday’s August 10th episode, it is historic in that this will be the first time in daytime history that a transgender character (Maya) walks down the aisle to get hitched!
But there are some major stumbling blocks including Maya’s father, Julius (Obba Babatunde’)! The man, who at first seem to want to put the past behind him and support his daughter (who used to be his son), has seemingly not been on the up-and-up about his feelings and his true intentions. This sets the stage for the bride to have a showdown with dear old dad.
B&B’s executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell told EW.com on Maya’s journey: “It’s been an honor to tell this positive story of love and acceptance and now we will see the drama peak as we reach Rick and Maya’s wedding day, which will not be an easy walk down the aisle. I’m told we’re the first show in television history to include a story with a transgender character getting married and my hope is that in the future there will be many more.”
After the jump, watch a clip from Maya’s big wedding day. Then weigh-in! Will Maya be Mrs. Forrester when all is said and done?
Bell wants to create another “first” on daytime. His hard sell of the transgender story is obvious and tacky. Bell cannot write a compelling romance.
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m afraid that you have been misinformed, Mr. Bell. B&B is most definitely NOT “the first show in television history to include a story with a transgender character getting married.” British soap, Coronation Street, married its beloved transgender character, Hayley, to cafe owner Roy Cropper many years ago. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hayley_Cropper
On American soaps this might be a first but Ive already seen a transgender marriage back in the 1990s on Britains Coronation Street and that storyline was better well done!!! Maya isnt the first transgender character: the syndicated ‘All That Glitters’ back in the 1970s featured a transgender character played by pre-Dallas star Linda Grey!!!
Sorry but I do Not want Rick and Maya happy! They don’t deserve it after everything they did and didn’t pay for it! The whole romance with them is so forced
I would have liked to have seen more–I don’t know the word, but more unhappiness with Maya and her lying and her behavior. It seems like everyone is like, oh, she’s transgender so she gets a pass on her bad behavior. Same with Rick. He did a lot of people wrong. Didn’t like Eric sticking up for him so much considering what Rick did (shooting a gun in the workplace, workplace harassment, hazing, etc.). And Brooke was so upset with Maya and now it’s like all is forgiven. There should at least be a little resentment or something between the Forresters and Maya. I know I wouldn’t be so Pollyanna with her!
I hear you, what Rick and Maya did during their power-rush days was despicable. But Caroline also got a huge pass on the crummy things she did to Maya in the beginning to discredit her. And then there’s Bill publishing the transgender expose’, amongst other things he’s done. No one has clean hands here. But as soap operas go, I’m going to give them all the benefit of seeing the errors of their ways…except Bill who never apologizes for anything.
I totally agree with you.
Tell me anybody who is still watching did Bridget even mention her dead niece Ally who is not even cold yet.
Bridget is a joke! Why is she even here? She cares about Rick? Ugh, would have prefered Amber coming to wish Rick and Maya good luck… Of course she could have stayed and decided she wanted Rick back… I think Brooke vs Amber was one of the rare times i enjoyed KKL
And Rick would be able to get it in further to Amber than he will ever be able to with Myron!
I think the acting is amazing but I just don’t like the story. After everything Rick did to Caroline & the way the two of them treated Ali. I would love to know what part of the country this is because those two would never be forgiven especially by Thorne. BTW Where was he during the wedding? And please enough of Brooke sticking her nose in Caroline & Ridge’s life. How does everyone feel about the new Thomas? I actually push mute when he’s on. I can’t stand the way he treats his father.He’s nothing but an ignorant showboy.
its the first transgender for a U.S television series which I think is amazing in its self but total kudos to coronation street for doing it first. I love Raya they have been amazing I love how this whole story has been told & whilst I do find it amusing that some people totally gave Caroline a pass for her part in rick going on his power trip & all the truly nasty things she did to Maya & thats not even bringing in what her uncle did, lets be real about us all being human beings and making mistakes. Anyway these Raya wedding episodes were powerful & so well written & the cast involved have been giving the performances of their lives. Its all just honestly damn good soap love it
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.

Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.

Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
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