News
CONFIRMED: The Meredith Vieira Show Cancelled … Another Talker Down!
Courtesy/NBC
Just after Christmas, On-Air On-Soaps posted an item about the rumors that the second season of The Meredith Vieria Show would be its last. Today it was confirmed after its failing ratings.
Meredith Vieria told Deadline in an statement: ” I am so sorry to see our show come to an end after this season, but I am also incredibly proud of the work our staff has done and forever grateful to our supportive viewers. We promise to spend our final weeks producing the best broadcast we know how. And have a blast doing so!”
As for Meredith’s next gig she is heading to Rio! After wrapping production on her talker how she will segue to work on NBC’s coverage of the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
As to what happens now in the NBC daytime block to fill the void left by the departure of The Meredith Vieira Show, the NBC stations in four top markets, including New York and Los Angeles, are launching a 4 PM newscast, with the 3 PM-5 PM block of Steve Harvey and Ellen sliding to 2 PM-4 PM. (many other NBC stations already have a 4 PM local newscast.) NBCU Domestic TV Distribution has Harry launching in fall 2016, but the syndicated daytime variety show hosted by Harry Connick Jr. was sold to the Fox stations last fall.
So, what do you think of the cancellation of The Meredith Vieria Show? Isn’t time to just stop putting more talk shows on daytime folks?
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
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Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
DANCING WITH THE STARS: A Shocking Elimination on Grammy Night Leaves Ballroom Silenced
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Y&R’s Matt Cohen Talks Role as Compassionate Zookeeper in Rom-Com ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
Alice Halsey Returns to ‘Days of our Lives’ as Rachel Black – Find Out How Long!
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I did not know there was a Meredith Vieira Show ..
however-
I would like the slot to remain empty until they find something that would be at the least sorta interesting…….
Not another game or talk show, they really are not doing well and they are rotting minds.
Perhaps they should show webcams and then people can watch hamsters running on their wheels, or watch peoples bird feeders yah!
Su…I’m taking you last sentence as one of you tongue-in-cheek bits of humor. But it’s not too far from what they’ve been showing in my market…how about a guy and girl showing funny Youtubes.
Kill the talk shows before they kill the soaps!
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bring on a new soap opera for sure
I would love to watch a brand new soap. And it doesn’t have to be on five days a week for an hour.
I would like to see a soap on Mondays and Fridays-the rest of the week a revived Match Game…
its true they could either run a soap for only a few days a week or use a half hour format and run a game show or something. There are definitely ways they can look to make it more cost-effective for the network. I would love to see another soap even if its just for a few days a week or in the half hour format.
Good Riddance!!!!
Personally, I like her. But I won’t mourn the demise of a chat show in day time.
daytime is too saturated with talkers. no talkers in recent years have been successes. all the shows that replaced OLTL have flopped
But it’s on mostly NBC affiliate stations.
YAY! Brian Frons fail! Yet they will try ANOTHER boring talk show. Cannot fathom why “The Chew” survives.
Brian Frons needs to be beaten up and tortured, for cancelling OLTL. and AMC. he is the most hated man, besides Donald Trump. lmao.
Yes you are right on that one my friend too
“Harry” Really????????????
Yes, it’s way past time to stop putting on more talk shows. Since they won’t spend the money for drama series, bring back afternoon cartoons for kids. Or reruns of “I Love Lucy” or “The Danny Thomas Show” or “Bewitched.” There is always updated versions of “Password”, “To Tell the Truth”, or “What’s My Line.” I”m sure many of the people following the board have never heard of any of these shows. So, they’d be new to them. Something other than another talk or cooking or life styles show or a judge show.
Harry Connick Jr.’s new show is in a variety show format, not a talk show.
I sincerely believe if there are going to be talk shows, put them on a talk network, food shows should go on a food channel, soap operas on a soap channel. And reality shows on a reality channel. That way, people could just watch what they want whenever, and the rest of us wouldn’t have to suffer! I don’t like the shows where all 5 women are trying to talk over each other all at once, nor do I like the shows where the men talk over each other all at once. I like Meredith Viera, but I don’t watch her show. And yes, I still say bring back All My Children…if not new episodes, start with the first show and play them straight through in syndication. Thanks!
I agree for the re-runs!! Why not?? Heck NbC could redo Sunset Beach all over again, i would watch!!
Viewers are tired of talk shows. I as a viewer want to get lost in a story and be entertained. Am tired of talk shows. Afternoons are my relax time before the kids get home and before getting dinner ready.
Have you tried sampling soaps from other countries? A few of them are available on Hulu while some viewable on niche channels on cable and digital subchannels, depending on where you live (and with English subtitles).
Coronation Street. Better than anything on in the U.S.
such a shame they couldn’t put a new soap in the timeslot or bring back older soaps we still hold near and dear to our hearts : Santa Barbara and Another World . Wouldn’t mind seeing these 2 get revived ! Are you listening and reading NBC ?
I’ve always enjoyed Meredith Vieira and, this past fall… her show was catching on to me a bit. I’d love her to return to The View to resume as Moderator but I doubt we’ll ever see that happen. NBC seems to be holding her tight. Meredith is a true gem!
Honestly unless it’s Oprah returning…. I never want to SEE
another daytime talk show again!!! They are ALL equally
hosted by ill informed, unprepared, SILLY, SILLY individuals.
Love Ellen, sorry! Far more genuine than Oprah!
This has to be good news for DOOL, the networks must realise how hard it is to replace soaps by now!
Except syndicated shows are not programmed by the networks themselves. At least as far as I know, their syndication arm does but whatever programming they provide to affiliates doesn’t really benefit the network, especially if said shows airs on competing affiliates of a rival network in the same TV market.
repeats – besty of soaps – from last 50 years..
this would be a ratings winner!!!
We all discussed this and laughed at the networks for not finding a answer for those dreaded soaps that people actually watched!
Question: Who the hell watches Steve Harvey?
Comment: Harry Connick Jr. would be great for daytime. He will succeed. The guy has is a mega talent who can talk to or interview any walk of life and be compassionate and make him or her interesting. He is handsome and funny. This will work and I will tune in. I predict he will be the male version of Ellen on daytime!
Harry will fail, he is very annoying. Bring back One Life To Live back.
Obviously I disagree with you about Harry but yes, I certainly would like to see a soap return but that lawsuit with Prospect Park has to be settled before OLTL OR AMC ever returns.
No, bring back Guiding Light!
I agree – bring back OLTL! And then immediately send Roger Horwath back there, and could he please take Michelle Stafford with him!
I agree that a new talk show is not the answer. there are too many and ABC talk shows have bitten the dust in the last few years. a newscast would be a better idea.
Meredith had a talk show?
The show was awful…bring back Access Hollywood, which at least entertaining….
When is the The View getting the Axe?
Not. Soon. Enough.
Remember when the View wasn’t afraid of intelligent and informed women? What Meredith left they began a disastrous descent into Stoopidville. (Hi, flat earth Sherri!)
Replying here…i like Coronation Street and it is better than what we have here…i keep thinking Callum is still alive and his mother knows it!
I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE TAKE TIME TO SIT AROUND AND WATCH THESE NOTHING TALK SHOWS…THE WORST EVER IS THE VIEW AND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CANCELLED YEARS AGO BUT THE NETWORK PLAYS ITS FAVORITES. NOTHING AGAINST MEREDITH ,ONLY THE SHOW….. LETS GET BACK TO SOME NEW SOAP OPERAS FOR GOOD DAYTIME SLOTS…….I THINK A GAME AND TALK SHOW NETWORK SHOULD BE IN THE WORKS….
I’m so sick of the talk shows. Viewers should prove they care more about soaps by not supporting talk shows. Kill “The Talk” and “The View” before they kill another soap within the same network or competing networks!
I love Meredith, but her talk show really sucked. Put me too sleep lol.
Maybe NBC and Brian F could take the wasted money on these boring, never last, waste of time talk shows and develop writing programs for up and coming new soap writers….with the success of Hollyoaks, Eastenders and Coronation Street in the British soaps airing at night, I’m sure NBC could find some talent out there to produce at least a half hour soap, right????? So tired of these pointless talk shows and who wants another hour of “the News”? the world is bad enough without having to watch more news…we need some fantasy, comedy, romance, even if it’s only for half an hour…I would love to be writing for a soap….we need new writers, not the same repetitive writers that move from soap to soap…listen up, NBC…there are loyal viewers who would watch another soap….
Right on Scott H! If you really want to write for a soap maybe MF could let you know who to contact and how to “apply.”
I wish they would seize the opportunity to bring back Guiding Light, but not likely any soap will be revived nor will a new one be introduced.
I am very sad. This is the best talk show on daytime TV. I just found it a few months ago and I love it. The panel is smart and sassy and the topics are interesting. But it really is about Meredith. She is just real and genuine and like the rest of us. I hope producers will reconsider canceling the show.