News
B&B's Brad Bell on Hope's Upcoming Pill Popping, Jack Wagner's departure and how CBS supports its soaps!
Photo Credit: CBS
This month is The Bold and the Beautiful’s silver anniversary! That’s right the show turns 25- years-old on March 23rd and to begin the month long celebration, TV Guide kicks us off with a refreshing new interview with the man who pulls the all the strings of the number two CBS soap, executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell.
During the chitchat, several things were revealed including how the upcoming story turn for Hope Logan (Kim Matula) will come about …. yes from virgin to pill-popper, the sudden departure of soap icon Jack Wagner from the series, and the difference in the downturn of the soap climate on how a network like CBS handles their programming as opposed to ABC! Here are a few intriguing excerpts below!
Brad on how Hope gets hooked on prescription pills: “Hope is living with Liam, a married man. It’s completely contrary to everything she’s been up on her box espousing. Parents are buying Hope’s clothes for their kids because they want a positive, anti-Kardashian role model. When it’s revealed that she’s living with Liam, they feel they’ve been duped. She’s labeled an adulteress and hypocrite and it becomes a media nightmare. The paparazzi will swarm her and the people who were once her fans turn on her on the various websites. S he’s already been taking anti-anxiety pills — prescribed by a psychiatrist — but the story will take a turn and those pills become detrimental to her well-being. ”
Brad on taking Jack Wagner off-contract with B&B : “It wasn’t an easy decision. It’s no secret I haven’t given him the types of stories that he deserved. He is an incredibly gifted actor, with such range and talent, and he’s also a great gentleman. It’s really best for both of us. Professionally, I’d love for him to remain available to us on a recurring basis. Personally, I wish him nothing but the best and, if that means losing him to GH, then I’ll have to live with that.”
Brad on the support he receives from the CBS Network for his show in a climate where soaps are being canceled left and right: Even in these more difficult times for soaps, the network has been fantastic. Les Moonves and Nina Tassler have been very complimentary and continue to allow me great creative freedom. I can’t imagine a better working relationship with a network. NBC and ABC have made the mistake in their daytime divisions of programming to the bottom line, just putting on cost-effective shows solely to make a profit. CBS puts quality and loyalty first and I have great faith that they will keep us around.”
What do you think of Hope’s new storyline? Wagner being let-go? And, how Bell illustrates how NBC and ABC have treated their soap? Let us know!
ABC has named their ‘Bachelor’ for the upcoming 30th season of the reality series. Sam Hartman, a 27-year-old NFL quarterback who plays playing for the Washington Commanders, will be handing out the roses as he searches for love.
The upcoming season of The Bachelor will premiere in 2027 on Sunday, March 21 at 8 p.m ET. on ABC and streaming the next day on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S.
The announcement was made, and Hartman’s first interview was on the Friday, November 13 edition of Good Morning America, where he shared with cohosts Sam Champion and Rebecca Jarvis: “I’m excited but also very nervous, I have a tough time holding conversation with one girl. 30 is going to be pretty tough.”
Photo: NFL
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS QB WRESTLED WITH THE NOTION OF BECOMING THE BACHELOR
Hartman also revealed his initial thoughts on appearing on The Bachelor: “Honestly, at first, I was like ‘no way. The connotation of it − I don’t know.” Ultimately the QB was swayed to take on the reality franchise lead for its upcoming season.
A Charlotte, North Carolina, native, Hartman played for Wake Forest and Notre Dame in the college ranks. It was there he set ACC records, including most career touchdown passes and 300-yard passing games. Sam was also featured in the documentary series QB1: Beyond the Lights. Currently, on the NFL’s Washington Commanders, he serves as a quarterback on their practice squad.
FORMER ATHLETES THAT ALSO GAVE OUT THE FINAL ROSE
The pick of Sam Hartman aligns with pro athletes who have appeared on the show in the past including: now ‘Bachelor’ host, NFL quarterback Jesse Palmer, former soccer player Juan Pablo Galavi, ace car driver Arie Luyendyk Jr. and former NFL practice squad player Colton Underwood.
The Bachelor is executive produced by Scott Teti, Jason Ehrlich and Andy Frank serve as executive producers.
You can check out Sam Hartman talking about being cast as the series lead for the upcoming season 30 of The Bachelor with GMA below.
Now let us know, will you be checking out the 2027 season of The Bachelor featuring Sam looking for love? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
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‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
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Brad Bell is rewriting history read the entire interview Karen Spencer NEVER had a relationship with Ridge it was Thorne!!! If you want to center around teenyboppers that’s fine but the acting classes would help. And if you want to spice this up bring in Deacon, oh thats right your sister-in-law ruined his character. My head is spinning and I just threw up pea soup. I use to watch this on my lunch hour not anymore.
Yes!! Bring back Deacon!! I just want him to love the crap out of Hope & put Ridge in his place!
CBS has favored loyalty & quality over cost?! This man is an idiot! Maybe he would like to define his idea of loyalty after all CBS cancelled a show in GL that was older than TV itself!!! And quality…B&B has never been a quality show. Outside of Susan Flannery, not one person can act on that show! The stories are tired & predictable. I don’t care if they won an Emmy, it’s garbage. I can’t believe we’ve lost GL, ATWT, OLTL & AMC and his junk is still on the air. If not for the cushy post Y&R time slot, B&B would be gone! Hope he remembers this interview when CBS finally pulls the plug!
I like Brad Bell for more reasons than supporting the soap genre. Thanks Bell for not going all Hollywood when you could so easily have done so. You obviously remember the people that helped U get where U are; you have remained grounded and practical.
I think he is speaking the truth, otherwise I would still be getting home from work and be able to watch “One Life To Live” !
But ABC took that away from us.
I am sure that some people many be getting tired of all the OLTL fans crying about this…. but it is still a great loss to us.
It’s not so much of getting tired, I talk to people all over the site, but I only want to talk about GH with folk, NOT One Life to Life. IT IS OVER…….. I will continue to FIGHT for One Life, petition for it, send soap and all the rest, BUT there is no need to compare One Life to GH, and wish the entire cast of One Life over to GH. OLTL had it’s movement in time, and General Hospital STILL have their’s, and we must ACCEPT that and move on…! So as a fan, I’m not tired of the fans crying over OLTL ; I’m tired of the wish list of OLTL fans coming over to GH. Tired of it. Fans should continue their fight, but not at the expense of wishing GH turn into OLTL….
OLTL had it’s movement in time, and General Hospital STILL have their’s….!!!
I can appreciate your response, and I take no offense with it, as in the past, I may have been one of the fans guilty of wishing in the way you have expressed. However, I have not mentioned GH in my comment today… but will take everything you have said into consideration and be more caring and repectful to the GH fans in future postings.
Sometimes I wish we could hear each others comments rather than just read them, so much can be lost with injecture in text and and the absence of vocal tone.
Thank you, Brian.
Brian said: ” Sometimes I wish we could hear each others comments rather than just read them, so much can be lost with injecture in text and and the absence of vocal tone. ”
This Brian is a TRUE Fact…!
Wagner (Frisco) can come back to GH. That has always been his home.
Since Felicia is going to reconcile with Uncle Mac, who is a good pairing for Frisco?
Carly?
who said anything about felicia reconciling with mac?
Me
keep dreaming.
if bell thought wagner was that great of an actor he would have given himm better storylines – he just blowing smoke to us…………….
I donot want to see Frisco or Felicia back on the canvas, separate or together. Frisco is too ringled up for Carly. Jack should have stayed out the sun.
lol
Jack Wagner is just one of the many male actors he has let go the bottom line is young actors cost less money I am surprised Jack lasted as long as he did. Brad Bell is terrible about not wrapping up their storylines he just drops them with no mention of them again. My sister could never stand this show because Ronn Moss who is suppose to be super stud acted so feminine! Usually over the years if you were paired with KKL you had a short life so JW lasted longer then most of us thought.
BB was good earlier, but lately I am sick of Steffy, Liam, Hope -that’s all they have to give? Now they let all the older actors go , but oh they were good ones, shame on BELL!!! Many us tired of Liam,Hope & Steffy its sick watching these three day in and day out Monday-Friday. They don’t have other story lines to provide us? Brooke, Ridge & the rest of the gang should stay home. This is turned out horrible lately!
Bell get with it man your losing your VIEWERS!
Stephanie & Eric bore me to tears! & The Steffy/Liam/Hope story is being killed w/sexual anxiety stuff. It’s just really awkward to watch. I can only hope it’s brief but these way story lines seem to drag on, I doubt it. More Katie, more Bill, more Brooke!!! Where’s Amber? & Rick?
Tell all the fans who watch the soaps on your network to NOT watch Kati Couric when it hits ABC. We the soap fans who support the genre DONOT support any new show, on any network PUT ON in place of a soap. I am an ABC viewer and since I lost AMC and OLTL, I change the channel and I DONOT go to CBS and watch THE TALK, because it replaces a CBS soap opera and I support the soap genre. Sprend the word to fans who watch your network, and post on ” New-Soap Buzz” for your network. Thank You.
* In fact do a copy/paste and, SAVE this to your inbox.
They will STOP canceling our soaps when they know other soaps fans (that aren’t made at them about their soaps cancellation) wont jump the network and support a show. I change my television at 1 and 2 pm to WHATEVER channel that is running a soap opera, just so they can get the ratings, and I go on about my business.
I am deeply frustrated,as a HOPE fan,that she is being wasted,her values are wasted just for the need to SATISFY a married guy,Liam.Liam never deserved and whatever he does,he will never deserve Hope.We,really are very sad for the late storyline for Hope,but we still have a hope that Hope will realize Liam is just a selfish boy who does not deserve her pure love.Thomas and Hope has had the greatest chemistry in new generation and Veterans Day romance(just like we were watching a fairytale from a beautiful book),Cabu scenes were the only scenes where we really witnessed HOPE’S EYES WERE SHINING! Thomas and Hope scenes and chemistry are so like Brooke&Ridge’s.So why not use this perfect chemistry with a new storyline? We want writers to write Hope falling in love with Thomas.Liam is killing the show.Do writers watch the show with the eyes of the fans? if they don’t,please someone tell them that HOPE&THOMAS storyline need to be written before Hope’s character is totally ruined by Liam the worthless one.Thanx
I agree Samet the pill popping storyline for Hope is not what I expected. However; I do believe the writers are trying to make a point with the deep seated issues Hope had been surpressing since childhood. She and her mother almost being rape. Also the enormous pressure she has put on herself to be a role model for young girls. What she is about to experience is a real life situation that could turn out to be a positive for her in the end. I disagree with the notion that Liam is the one that ruining her character. I have no doubt he will be there and love her 100% when she goes through this trial. There is a special love and bond the two of them share. You can feel it when they are in a scene together. If you think about all the troubles both Liam & Hope have encounter and still have this undying love for each other. I do believe the writers are making a point that Liam & Hope is B&B destiny couple.
Frankly, I would like to see a new guy come into the picture down the road and takes a romantic interest in Hope. I think Liam assumes that Hope is always going to be there for him. I hope the writers shake things up a little bit. As I stated earlier, Liam is not going to desert Hope when she goes through this crisis. I truly believe that he will be her rock through this ordeal. I also believe that BIll definitely has a hidden agenda in this whole Hope/Liam/Steffy triangle. He wants to keep Steffy close because of his past steamy relationship with her. Those feelings are still there.
The Hope/Liam storyline has been completely and irreparably ruined by the writers. The Y&R was my favorite soap and the only one I watched regularly. Then, one day I tuned in to B&B and saw the character Hope whom I adored immediately. I was hooked on the love storyline between the Liam/Hope characters. How they met and how their relationship developed was awesome. Their wholesomeness, their friendship, and later, the love that developed between them was mesmerizing. She had principles and stood by them, regardless of what others did and thought of her. I was so impressed with the direction of the storyline, having Hope hold on to her values and resisting the temptation to be with Liam after he betrayed her. Then, someone got the idea to turn Hope into a desperate, pill popping adulteress who will do anything to keep Liam. I HATE what the writers did to Hope’s character, and to be honest with you, I tried to continue to watch the show but I can’t. I absolutely hate the show now and no longer bother to tune in. I purposely turn the channel from B&B now as I find it painful to watch. And just for the record, every character on a soap does not have to be turned into someone without morals. There are so many viewers who adored Hope and what she stood for who now hate what the writers have turned Hope into. (read the message boards). I use to read them and was overjoyed to see how many people loved what Hope stood for. NOW, I actually wish, since this is soap opera land, that Hope’s sleeping and moving in with Liam could all be a dream and Hope’s character is redeemed back to what it was. Until then, I just don’t care to watch any more.