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‘Brilliant Minds’ Featuring Al Calderon Pulled from NBC Schedule

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: NBC

Going into Wednesday, the NBC primetime medical drama Brilliant Minds, was already on the bubble and hadn’t yet received a renewal pick-up for another season. Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto in the leading role, and Al Calderon as one of this season’s new characters, Nurse Nico Silva.

As Days of our Lives fans know, Calderon exited Days of our Lives and his part of Javi Hernandez was recast (the new actor in the part has not officially been revealed). However, DAYS and Calderon have made clear after Javi’s recent exit that he is still on the show till May. That’s because Days of our Lives tapes 10 months ahead of streaming new episodes on Peacock.

While Brilliant Minds and much of the NBC primetime programming block is taking a hiatus for the next two weeks, while the network brings you pretty much round the clock coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, when they are over, NBC has replaced Brilliant Minds with The Voice: Battle of Champions series beginning on February 23rd and airing Mondays thereafter in the 9-11 pm ET/PT time slot.

Photo: JPI

This move currently leaves the final 6 episodes of Brilliant Minds second season without a definitive time when they will be back on broadcast TV. Sources told Variety that, the plan is to, “at some point later in the season or over the summer,” air the reminder of the medical drama’s season.

Nielsen data has shown the series has been in a ratings decline its second season. However, rumors are swirling that the final fate of Brilliant Minds won’t be decided or revealed until the NBC Upfronts in May.

It should also be noted, Brilliant Minds faces a climb as their are a reported five drama pilots in contention for the 2026-2027 season, including the revival of the hit drama The Rockford Files that originally starred James Garner and ran from 1974-1980.

The loglines for the reboot share, “A contemporary update on the classic series of the same name. Newly paroled after doing time for a crime he didn’t commit, James Rockford returns to his life as a private investigator using his charm and wit to solve cases around Los Angeles. It doesn’t take long for his quest for legitimacy to land him squarely in the crosshairs of both local police and organized crime.”

So, with things not looking too good at the moment for Brilliant Minds, that begs the question of could Al Calderon go back to reclaim his role of Javi on Days of our Lives? If the final decision is not known till May, and something were to be worked out, Calderon would not be seen again until well into 2027 on the soap opera.

Have you enjoyed Brilliant Minds this season with Zachary Quinto, Teddy Sears (ex-OLTL) and Calderon? Do you think NBC is going to pull the plug on it for good? Will you miss Al Calderon on DAYS when May comes and the new actor beings on-screen? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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I feel like NBC fumbled the bag with this series. Could have been excellent. As for his return to Days of Our Lives, I am pretty sure they recast him already, so it’d be unfortunate for that new actor.

I love Brilliant Minds. I sure hope it renews.
It’s on ABC not NBC.

It’s on NBC here.

Are you dying on that hill? I’d like to see your proof that it’s on ABC.

Someone needs to learn their alphabet! Its on NBC

There’s little-to-no chance this show returns in the fall.

As for Calderon, wishful casting – bring him on to GH as Justine’s brother who is paired with Lucas once Marco is exposed and eventually leaves the canvas by mid-year.

Oh I love the Idea of him with Lucas, make him a nurse and pair him with Lucas

Well it figures that they would have an extended “break” in the show’s schedule, right when they finally get around to dropping some big hints about how Dr Wolfie ends up in the looney bin.

Yeah, I got about halfway through this last episode when I finally put 6&6&6 together and realized that this young woman he’s been spending so much time with, at his “missing” father’s house …

**Spoiler alert** – if you haven’t seen this week’s episode yet, you might not want to read further!

well it turns out she ain’t really there at all. Which makes me wonder if the same thing is also true of dear old dad himself, who was around earlier this season, but then disappeared again.

Guess a doctor having those sort of hallucinations probably should be figuring out his own brain before trying to do that for other mortals?

As far as Al Calderon goes… it’s really too bad Days isn’t on this ridiculous taping schedule, because then he might have had time to go back and wrap up the story. It’s certainly looking like they sent Javi out of town, supposedly to visit his sick father, so they could bring on the recast, and then give Leo the option of going back to DumbMitri if there’s no “chemistry” between NuJavi & Leo.

I will definitely miss Al on days.

Not sure why Brilliant Minds has low ratings it’s a excellent show and the only explanation I can come up with with why this show is low rated is because people watching and the network doesn’t know good when they see it a lot of worst shows currently on primetime than this one

I don’t know why he even left Days for that show…. It has been on the brink of cancellation for awhile what a shame I loved him on days

Brilliant Minds is one of the worst shows I have watched in close to 50 years. The premise and the script a awful. It never should have aired in the first place

Brilliant Minds was brilliant in Season 1. The show was destroyed in Season 2 and many viewers fled. What was once a thoughtful, intelligent drama in the first season became an adrenaline-induced disaster that fired some beloved cast members. NBC has no one but themselves and the showrunner for Season 2 to blame.

I agree with you, Jeff. I don’t know why they felt the need to get rid of 2 of the main actors from Season 1 and add at least 2 new characters in Season 2, even though I like Al Calderon. And, as we learned in the latest episode, they wasted screen time on a character that wasn’t even real! I still want to watch the remaining episodes…

I love Brilliant Minds. I hope they don’t cancel the series!!

I love Al and Javi but I WANT PETER PORTE TO STAY!!!!!

i knew this would happen!im surprised he left Days for a show that is on the brink Definitely will miss him as Javi and now here come the Gh fans conjuring up a role for him

Al Calderon is one of those actors who is always grounded in the scene and imperceptibly makes you watch him. His absence from the screen–regardless of which show–is a loss for everyone.

I love Brilliant Minds and hope it stays on the air. I can never catch it when it airs but I always watch it on demand.

I hope it renews and doesnt disappear from NBC but no matter what we say NBC thinks the ratings r bad and still takes it off. I am in fear of Brilliant Minds leaving NBC and Peacock.

Brilliant Minds is brilliant maybe they need to change the time and day to get better viewers or different company. As for Calderon hope he has a job on either.

I love love love that show! I can think of a few others that should go!!

This is crazy who cares about The Voice Brilliant Minds deserves to be on TV and it’s stupid to delay because of something stupid like The Voice same with found they got rid of found over stupid Sports that don’t mean anything take all the good stuff of the TV and put so much stupidness on NBC is getting ridiculous the only reason why I watch NBC now is because of Days of Our Lives other than that I wouldn’t watch it at all found and Brilliant Minds are good stable on NBC in my opinion

I love Javi on Days and Brilliant Minds. Him and Leo were one of my favorite couples. They need to keep him on Days if Brilliant Minds leaves. I love both shows. I like Javi better than Dimitri.

I love Brilliant Minds! Yes, it can sometimes be a little dark, but I also find it very informative.

Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.

The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.

Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Genie Francis

Photo: NATAS

In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year,  A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.

The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).

The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”

Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.

So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.

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Days Of Our Lives

‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

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Kyle Pryor

For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!

Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.

He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.

Dominix

Photo: Peacock

Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2.  In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.

Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.

So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.

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Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)

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Conner Floyd

Fasten your seat belts Days of our Lives fans, as the mystery of Dominic Marino continues to unravel on all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera. Last week, Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) learned that he may have a half-brother, who may be the biological child of his father, the late Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), giving him great pause, because he knows Stefano had kidnapped Marlena for four years back in the late 80s and early 90s.

Chad has already been hunting down clues with his current girlfriend Belle Black (Martha Madison) in Italy and Salem, which revealed a photo of a young boy with Stefano with the date 1992 on the back of it, hidden inside Stefano’s chess set. So, what’s next?

Conner Floyd chatted on the Michael Fairman Channel in a new virtual interview released on Sunday, October 18, where he spoke on what the new addition to the DiMera family could do to the already dangerous sibling rivalries, the state of Chad’s relationship with Belle and much more.

EJ and Chad

Photo: JPI

DIMERA RIVALRY

After finding out from EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) that Dominic Marino could be the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano and Marlena, Conner Floyd explained, “I think it blows Chad’s mind a little bit. I think there’s a lot of things working there with old Chad. Obviously, bringing in another DiMera could cause some noise and the whole situation with Marlena’s a little awkward as well because he’s dating Belle, so this could cause a little tiff there. I think his head’s spinning and he does not know what to expect, but I also think he kind of expects that from Stefano, for sure.”

As to how this will change and color Chad’s relationship with EJ, Floyd responded, “Chad knows EJ’s not happy about it and I think he’s going to be real upset if this gets in his way of doing what he wants to do with the DiMera legacy and all that. However, for Chad, I think he’s just going to keep a sharp eye, see what this guy’s about, see if he’s here to cause some trouble or here to be a friend and kinda play it by ear.”

Belle and Chad

Photo: JPI

BELLE OF MY HEART

With Chad and Belle already being sleuths, Floyd says, you can look for the duo to continue getting to the truth. “I think Chad and Belle are committed to this. They’re going full National Treasure, Nicolas Cage,” says Conner. “They’re going to follow the clues. They’re going to get some answers.”

Since beginning in the role of Chad in June of 2025 and debuting on-screen back in April of 2026, the former Y&R star (where he played Chance Chancellor), says it was Madison who helped him get comfortable in his new surroundings.

“Martha is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to get tagged up with when I started here, just because she knows everybody,” shares Floyd. “She knows where to go, who to talk to. She’ll get the tea if you want, and so it was kind of cool. Martha took me under her wing, showed me the ropes. She’s a sweetheart.  I love working with her too. She’s a great actress.”

But, is Chad in love with Belle after such a tortured past with his beloved Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Floyd thinks so! “I think he’s into it. They’re such good friends and they have such a rich history. I think he’s in for the ride. You know, it’s one of those things you probably overlook at first and then they reconnected, and it feels easy and they’re going on these fun adventures.”

MAKING CHAD HIS OWN

Conner had the arduous task of being the successor to Billy Flynn in the role of Chad.. Flynn had played the part for 12 years before deciding to exit and head to Y&R. So, how did Conner approach learning the ins and out of Chad? Floyd shared, “I really dove into Chad when I first got this job. I liked that he kind of walks this tightrope of DiMera and not DiMera, you know. He want to so honor his family roots and really do something for the DiMera family, but he doesn’t want to fall into that trap that all the other DiMera have found themselves in. Chad is a DiMera at heart. He’s got those demons, but he’s just trying to keep them contained.”

Susan Seaforth Hayes

Photo: JPI

ICONIC

When Floyd got to DAYS, it was none other than Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) who most surprised him in the most delightful way, given that he knew Hayes was a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the current longest-running cast member on the canvas.

“I love working with Susan Hayes! I love her. She’s a sweetheart. Susan is one of the nicest people there. I just thought she was cool and it’s Susan Hayes, you know?  We’ve had a lot of scenes together, which is nice,” explained Conner.

“We’ll go to her dressing room, we’ll run our scenes, and then we’ll spend about an hour just talking about life and she’ll tell me about a book she’s reading. She’s such a history buff, which blows my mind. She’ll start dropping all these historical facts on me. I learn something new by the time I walk out of her dressing room every time!”

Now below, check out the full conversation with Conner Floyd via the Michael Fairman Channel.

Weigh-in: Do you like Chad and Belle as couple? Do you think Chad will get to the bottom of the Dominic Marino mystery? If so, do you think Dominic is truly Stefano and Marlena’s son … and what about Rita (Maggie Carney) in all this? Let us know your theories in the comment section.

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