News
B&B's Brad Bell On The Return Of Sean Kanan As Deacon Sharpe!
Photo Credit: Russell Bear
On yesterday’s 51st anniversary episode of General Hospital, viewers saw the end of the line for AJ Quartermaine as played by Sean Kanan when AJ met his maker.
Now, The Bold and the Beautiful’s executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell speaks to TV Guide Magazine’s Michael Logan about how GH’s loss is B&B’s gain, when Kanan returns to the CBS soap opera as the devious Deacon Sharpe on June 13th!
In the candid conversation with Bell, the head honcho talks about how his plans for Deacon’s return which apparently includes possibly being romantically teamed with none other than Quinn (Rena Sofer), and how Bell had wanted Sean Kanan back to B&B for some time. Here are a few excerpts!
Brad Bell on what he has planned for Deacon upon his return: “Deacon is also the father of our central character, Hope Logan (Kim Matula) which makes him especially valuable right now. We’re going to find out that he’s been going from town to town trying to get something going for himself. He eventually finds his way back to Los Angeles, ostensibly because he misses his daughter. But, as we all know, he’d sell her to the highest bidder if it served his purposes.”
Brad Bell on the possible pairing of Quinn and Deacon: “There’s always room for more trouble! And it becomes especially potent when trouble meets trouble. You’re going to see some great stuff with Deacon and Quinn.”
So, what do you think of a Deacon and Quinn pairing and stirring up trouble for the Forresters and the Logans, and the Spencers? Glad Sean is back on B&B? Comment below!
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.
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
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I started watching more regularly a few weeks ago…i watched Sean K. on GH and hope Brad Bell writes better for his Deacon character than what GH had done to his A.J. character!!!
This sounds like it actually has potential to be something. Hope deacons return works out and has nada to do with Relish wars or killing fashion editors! Or ill mentions of his weight!
Can’t wait.
Can’t believe GH killed AJ. Of course, he’s been killed before…
I wanted A.J., and Carly to be the next Alan and Monica…the two had amazing chemestry in scenes together!!!
I thought AJ and Carly were great together!!! Sadly, Sonny always has to win on GH. Loosing AJ was a big loss. If the writers were smart, they would have sent Sonny us the river and kept AJ.
Sad GH chose not to write a story line for A J – bringing Sean back & then wasting great talent & the history of the character to kiss up to the Mouse has brought nothing positive to the show. Sean again as Deacon with possible pairing with Rena/Quinn will be dynamite!
I like Quinn…she’s the one got me turning in…
I like Quinn too. Quinn + Deacon=DANGEROUS FUN!
Did Brad Bell actually call Hope the CENTRAL character on B&B?! I always thought that was Brooke. But, I guess “like mother, like daughter” applies here.
I’m not happy GH decided to kill of A.J. His return had so much potential. But, now B&B gets Deacon back, and it will be interesting to see the interaction between him and Quinn.
I’m also hoping Adrienne Frantz will return as Amber! How great would that be?
I was surprised he called Hope the central character as well. I thought it was an ensemble, but a lot storylines do revolve around her. I do like Hope and the actress.
Would love to see Amber return, but don’t think it will happen. They wasted her return IMO when she came back a few years ago. There were some good stories, like with her mom and the baby drama, but she could have been used more effectively. But Brad seems to have his favorites and that’s who he writes for.
And that’s why I think he should not be the head writer of the show. He’s a good executive producer but some of his stories are absolutely terrible and he tends to waste talent, like Adrienne Frantz’s return, not writing for Jackie, Nick, Bridget, Thorne, etc.
And he tends to hire too many great actors (Crystal Chappell, Hillary B. Smith, Ricky Paul Goldin) without story to match their talent.
Brad most certainly did not use Ricky to his potential. He could have gotten some guy off the street for the role. He could have done lots more with that character. I read more about Ricky coming and the character than we saw him onscreen.
I can’t wait for Deacon’s return to B&B and wish Sean Kanan all the best there.However that been said i read somewhere that a few months ago Brad Bell did approach Sean about returning to the show but he told Brad that he was under contract to GH for a long time.So i’m wondering if Sean didn’t know B&B wanted him would he still have wanted off GH?Sean has every right to criticize how GH used him but he did it after he already knew he had another job lined up.
Sean/AJ .. his heart was always with B&B..
He tried something different/GH but he wanted back to B&B bhe caleed Bell and asked to come back to B&B..
AJ was written true to the GH character AJ was what he was and was writen as AJ ..
He was not a saint nor a romantic love type character..
Anyways all is well that ends well..
Sean has returned home to his B&B..
I think you’re rather alone or in the minority on that…or at least on this site. Seems like most of us did feel AJ could be a romantic lead…especially since Sean Kanan is so good-looking. Also seems like most posters here, including myself…think AJ was more of a saint than not…his downfall caused more by others than his own doing.
I think he was genuinely excited to be back at GH…having played AJ so long ago and would have stayed regardless of other offers if his situation at GH was better. He expressed his discontent and while I’m extremely angry and disappointed that he’s no longer on GH, I hope for his sake that his role on B&B is more rewarding to play.
But for me, not being a B&B viewer, Sean’s soap “home” is GH.
First and foremost, Sean will always be”AJ” to me as well, rebecca1!!! I gave up on “B&B” years ago when it became too repetitive, so even “Deacon” will not lure me back, but best of luck to SK on his return. I only hope his talent/energy are better appreciated/utilized by BB than were by”Cartini.” Over the weekend I was recalling the excitement that “AJ’s” reintro brought to GH and how SK looked so pleased to finally be reprising his role as the misunderstood bad boy-he truly seemed to “relish”the opportunity (no pun intended….) and for the brief time he was given suitable material, he really ran with the role-ahh such lovely memories! It honestly does make one wonder what could have been, and I, too, concur that Sean would have kept his home at GH had his character been given the proper attention and story arcs. It’s all a crying shame….almost feels like a real death in the family as we have to adjust to our favorite Quartermaine’s glaring absence. Sigh……
I know, Shay! That’s what I meant when I stated on one of my posts regarding the emotional investment we place in these characters…it’s a double-edged sword. We’re given the gift of being able to suspend our disbelief…the ability to intellectually know that you’re watching a show…and yet at the same time…care. So while being drawn into the show/any show…we also have to go through the emotions of loss. Thankfully we…to quote Cher…”snap out of it!!!!” rather quickly. (though I’m kinda feeling a tad depressed as I write this…AJ/SK…come back!!! 😉 )
LOL. We’re no doubt more upset than SK is over his departure at this point; perhaps he’d be moreso if he hadn’t gotten another show so quickly. As a viewer I mourn the loss of the character which yes, I did feel emotionally invested in. And I agree, his return was triumphant in the sense that he was placed centerstage for a bit…we were able to witness the FINALLY realized love of father (AJ) and son. Those, for me, were such sweet long-awaited, long overdue moments. And I’m so glad the writers at least gave Michael a mind of his own. He overcame the poisoning of his mind toward AJ that Carly and Sonny instilled in him, forged a relationship with his bio dad against their wishes and at least got to hear from AJ’s mouth the true version of what happened. I do give the writers that much…so far Michael’s loyalty toward AJ has been completely emotionally gratifying…while at the same time it drives story due to Michael’s conflicted love/loyalties.
I, like you (and probably quite a few others)..anticipated AJ’s return and the possible resurgence of the Q’s with AJ’s return and the probability of Michael being brought more and more into the fold. Though you can never replace the “golden era” of the Qs…so many are gone…they could have built anew with AJ/Michael/Tracy/Monica…possibly even Jason if they really do bring him back…would have been nice to see some of the comic moments with Alice…
I guess the reason we watch soaps is for a moment in time we believe in these people and whichever little town they reside…and thus there demise and/or misfortunes effect us.
One other thought…I wonder if enough fans protested AJs demise and Sean’s departure if something could have been done. But SK was already swooped up by B&B so it’s a moot point…
Well put, rebecca1! All that you stated here is right on the mark….unfortunately, it is also now water under the bridge, and we need to move on. But I do have to say that we are certainly not by any means the only ones to have experienced outrage and disappointment over this latest GH development. I have visited a number of other soap websites this week, and the consensus seems to be pretty evident that the GH showrunners’ cavalier handling of AJ Quartermaine’s death (and by extension, Sean Kanan’s departure) has not been at all well-received. On the contrary, it has stirred a great deal of resentment and anger, so at least we can take some small comfort that we are not alone in our dismay and displeasure…LOL. That being said, I highly doubt any protests would have made a whit of difference to this current regime….they are going to do exactly what they want to do, and what we (the audience) think seems to matter none. In this day of social media/online commentary, they receive enough feedback on a daily basis to have a very good idea of what is loved and what is loathed, and yet, they still appear to be hellbent on having it their way. Quite frankly, the only time I have seen any indication that they have taken viewer reaction into consideration is with the expanded role for the magnificent Kathleen Gati as Dr. O…..she had so many plaudits from the fans that I do believe she was given a larger, more regular presence due to our enthusiastic requests. Then again, perhaps the fact that she is such a delight for which to pen words and deeds had far more to do with their decision and our opinions actually meant nothing….they just adored her that much!!!! Oh well, it is what it is….however, my concluding thought is that I do hope that Sean has had the opportunity to witness and enjoy how much support he has garnered here at MF from his loyal followers…there have been so many strongly positive and lovely tributes to his acting talent and portrayal of the much-beloved AJ, so at least he can leave GH with the knowledge that he will be sorely missed as part of the Port Charles population!!!!
Ditto!
Right back at ya, rebecca1!!!! Penned a spirited thumbs-up to your two fabulous rebuttals (to David) on the previous GH thread. Hope you will get the chance to read it!!!!
I’m a big Sean Kanan fan and I’m happy to hear he’s landed on his feet at B&B. I’m looking forward to Deacon and Quinn mixing it up and I hope SK becomes a major force on B&B in 2014.
Although I’m happy that Sean Kanan has somewhere else to go after Ron C.’s fit of pique killed off his beloved character, I will always prefer blue-blooded AJ Quartermaine to white-trash Deacon Sharpe! However, the fact he can play both so convincingly just goes to show the actor’s talent and versatility. Good luck with this return engagement, Sean…hope it turns out far better than the one GH completely squandered.
I agree. Shame on the casting and writing staff at General Hospital. Hate to see the Quartermaine’s decimated.
agree Shay.
I am happy he is back, I would like him with brooke
GH’s loss of a great actor, legacy character from a core family. Best of luck, Sean. You’ll always be AJ Quartermaine to me. Funny, Sean worked with Rena on General Hospital, both Quartermaines. Two amazing people with such amazing talent! Surely missed in Port Charles.
thinking the same thing. Rena was great as Lois…must be fun to work together again. soaps are the ultimate microcosm…fans see the same faces on different shows once they’re killed or written off…and actors get to work with each other again. There really is no room for them to throw stones in the shrinking world of soaps…they’re stuck with each other!
Ned’s wife with Junior ,tongue in cheek .LOL I want to wish Sean the best. GH IIC have no idea what the fans want to see, or maybe they just don’t care.
Deacon and Brooke.
Hope needs a father.