Talk shows are back on daytime television in what looks like a vengeance in syndication.  After several years of failed talkers that did not garner the ratings or fell creatively flat, with the success of the Kelly Clarkson Show and Tamron Hall that both launched last fall, there is plenty more on the horizon.

The annual National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) conference kicks off today in Miami and the organization reports that while ratings are not what they used to be for daytime talk shows the strength of Clarkson and Hall’s series have restored confidence in the business model.

According to Deadline, “Newcomers like Drew Barrymore and Nick Cannon are leading a new wave of hopefuls, giving a new shot of energy to NATPE.”  This following the failed talkers from Harry Connick Jr. Arsenio Hall and Katie Couric.

In addition to other offerings, there is also Debmar-Mercury and Will Packer’s Central Avenue, a pop-culture series that will debut this fall on Fox stations.

At the conference, negotiating timeslots and clearances will be a major focus for many NATPE regulars.

Steve LoCasio, chief operating and financial officer of the CBS Global Distribution Group said of Drew Barrymore’s talk show: “She really wants to do this. She has a message she wants to get out there.” But while the format of Barrymore’s show has not been firmed up, the test versions had conversations, serious topics, cooking segments and interviews with children and celebrities.

So, what do you think of the burgeoning arena of talk shows returning to daytime?  Do you like any of the ones currently on the air? Does a talker from Barrymore or Cannon interest you? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

Look for Spencer Cassadine to finally return to the canvas of General Hospital!  Next week, Nicolas Bechtel reprises his fan favorite role as Nikolas’ son!

What will happen when Spencer learns that the father he grieved for over three years is alive and well?

Meanwhile, Bechtel took to Twitter to confirm his return to the ABC daytime drama series expressing: “Well…it’s out of the bag. It was so hard not to reply to all of you. I’m back and I am still Spencer. I can’t wait for next week. Thank you SO much to everyone who supported me. I love being a part of this phenomenal show #gh”

Viewers are looking forward to scenes between Bechtel and Marcus Coloma (Nikolas), Maura West (Ava), Genie Francis (Laura) and James Patrick Stuart (Valentin). Will those all come to pass? Stay tuned.

So, happy to know Bechtel is back as the mischievous Spencer C.? Comment below.

Well, well, well! Looks who’s back in Port Charles!  A major surprise occurred during Thursday’s “Next-On-General Hospital” teasers when viewers saw Sonny’s former nemesis Marcus Taggert, and Sonny himself, in a clip from a scene.

Turns out that today on Friday, January 17th look for the return of Real Andrews to his role as Taggert!  Andrews took to his Twitter and Instagram account to confirm the casting news.

Maurice Benard tweeted: “@realandrews He’s Back!!! Bigger and better than ever. On General Hospital. You don’t want to miss it.”

While, Andrews tweeted: “It is going to be a great ride.”

Real played the role of Marcus from 1996-1997 and then again from 1998-2003.   He was last seen on the soaps on Days of our Lives back in 2016 and 2017.

In real life, Benard and Andrews are good friends.

Now the question is, could Taggert’s re-emergence tie in to the new case that Jordan (Briana Nicole Henry) is working on, and somehow the return of Nikolas Cassadine to the canvas?  Years ago, Taggert’s sister, Gia was involved with the dark prince, leaving fans speculating that perhaps Nik and Gia had a daughter, who could turn out to be Trina played by Sydney Mikayla.  Hmmm.

So, give a big “welcome back” to Real as Taggert hits the screen today on GH via the comment section below.