News
James DePaiva added to the list of guests on The View Salutes OLTL!
Courtesy/ABC
Llanview’s own Max Holden is back for one final walk down memory lane, when James DePaiva joins wife Kassie DePaiva (Blair) on next week’s very special edition of The View! It all happens next Friday, January 13th when The View Salutes One Life to Live just prior to the airing of its network finale on ABC!
The episode will celebrate Llanview with a few surprise guests, exclusive never-before-seen footage from the final taping (and a sneak peek at the last episode!) as well as videotaped special messages from past stars and a highlight reel featuring memorable moments from the show’s 43 years on the air.
James will join Kassie and previously announced special guests: Erika Slezak (who is co-hosting the episode), Judith Light, Robin Strasser, Hillary B. Smith and Robert S. Woods!
Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
Two soap opera alums very familiar to fans of General Hospital and The Young and the Restless are paired together in a new short-form digital series from none other than Issa Rae’s production entity HOORAE Digital.
Look for Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, GH)) and Loren Lott (ex-Ana Hamilton, Y&R) as part of the cast of The Compatibility Experiment, premiering on October 14, 2026, exclusively on TikTok and its companion microdrama platform, PineDrama.
In the video teaser, it appears that Bellow and Lott play a couple, Kelvin and Camila, set in a Love Island reality show-esque environment trying to win the one million dollar cash prize, only what could go wrong?
Photo: HOORAE
The Compatibility Experiment loglines share that it brings a fast-paced, relationship-focused reality check—much like Love Island with a twist. The show takes a participant’s current relationship, introduces them to a potentially more compatible partner, and forces them to navigate the differences with life-changing money on the line.
The new series is part of a groundbreaking content deal between HOORAE Digital and TikTok to develop premium short-form storytelling. The ensemble cast also features; Ayona, Reggie Luck, JaNa Craig, Tosin Morohunfola, Jessica Jacoby, Georgia Warner, and Nick Cassidy.
General Hospital fans know Tajh Bellow for his performances as TJ Ashford, and who earned two Daytime Emmy nominations along the way during his run. Bellow took over the role in 2018 and last appeared on the ABC daytime drama series in December of 2024.
Loren Lott first appeared as Devon’s (Bryton James) sister Ana Hamilton on The Young and the Restless from 2018 to 2019; making a brief return in 2024. She has continued to perform on the stage and screen with recent credits including: Bel-Air, Cherish the Day, and All American: Homecoming.
Check out the trailer for The Compatibility Experiment below and let us know what you think of its concept and if you are glad to see Tajh and Loren again? Hoping they might return to daytime in their GH and Y&R roles at some point in the future? Weigh-in via the comment section.
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DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Weighs In on Who She Thinks is Trina’s Stalker (Exclusive)
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Days Of Our Lives2 days agoREPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
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Beyond the Gates2 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
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General Hospital1 week agoAlley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
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News1 week agoJudith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
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Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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thats nice
Im glad he will be on ,Ive always like james depaiva,always wondered why they never brought him back. guess lack of a storyline .can not believe we have 6 more days ,and its over.next friday will be a very sad day.
James has been working behinnd scenes as a director.
I didnt know that ,and Im always up on the one life to live news ,Still think they should have brought him back , well Its to late now,today when star sang you only have one life to live ,the tears were going ,bo is shot ,cole ,vicki ,clint had a heart attack ,will be an interesting monday,but it only brings us closer to the end.1loveabcsoaps,what are you going to call yourself after friday?1loveabcsoap?and abc soaps in depth ,never will be the same ,more than half of my life Ive watched one life to live ,my afternoons will be different .
OLTL always seems to get less than it deserves. One hour of The View won’t be long enough to survey 43 years of history, or even the last 10. And what about Florencia Lozano, Trevor St John, Jerry Van Dorn, and other significant players? I like James DePaiva, but he hasn’t been a regular since 2003.
James has been working behind scenes as a director.
OK, thanks, I had no idea DePaiva directed. I didn’t mean to discount his role or influence.
One Life to Live has always been the black sheep of ABC because it historically has had the lower ratings among ABC’s three soap operas. Brian Frons didn’t even bothered to go to New York to tell the OLTL cast that their show had been cancelled; he just made the annoucement to them through a camera. That tells you a lot about ABC thinks of OLTL. I remember back in the 1980s and 1990s, ABC would regurarly air promos of All My Children and General Hospital during the evening while restricting promos of OLTL during the day only.
But no matter what ABC or the Nielsen survey say, I will always find OLTL to be a product far superior than AMC or GH.
Heather you are Right! In retrospect, I remember the night-time promo’s of AMC and GH.
Your Right! OLTL has never been the Darling of the lineup. It’s always been AMC because of Susan Lucci and her strong ties to Agnes Nixon, and that over top, Super Glamorous Erica, whose character and glamour of the show attracted Hollywood types. And then there was the Super Couple of General Hospital (Luke and Laura) who made History in their role, and not long after came dreamy eyes Sonny Corinthos, and Brenda Barret another Super Couple who burnt up the screens and was as POPULAR as Like and Laura. OLTL was just sugestive of cow boys and gals, who had some money, and was intertaining in it’s own right, more grounded if anything. It was the “middle child” in the TRUE sense of the word. But let me tell you this, what goes up, must come down, and everyone and everything has it’s moment and JUST do… The Fall out of OLTL is far superior than it was for AMC. Yes, there was a Fall out when it was announced that BOTH soaps would be canceled, BUT people on these Blogs on the internet are NONE STOP in their conviction for OLTL. Although General Hospital is still on, (and we all have hope that GH will redeem itself BC IT always does) GH is taking a licking FROM the FANS, bc OLTL got canceled. So the other two darlings of the ABC line up is having their EGO’s served to them on a Silver platter by the Fan’s who have been NONE STOP with their petiton and SUPPORT of OLTL, relinquishing AMC and blasting GH. To tell you the truth, it took me by surprise myself. It just goes to show, everyone has their moment…. And sometimes the middle child can come out on TOP, as the Fans show of support for OLTL.
I think part of the problem has been that OLTL has been sandwiched in between the AMC and GH time slots for so many years. Everybody always assumed AMC and GH were better and that OLTL was some kind of cheap filler. It’s true, as you say, that AMC and GH were more heavily promoted. AMC and GH supposedly had bigger stars too.
But I have never cared for either AMC or GH compared to OLTL. I always thought OLTL was better and was baffled why I was in the minority, but I assumed it was because OLTL was never as trendy or attention-grabbing as the other two. But the intergenerational family drama and acting by the ensemble cast on OLTL has been consistently superb. It’s such a shame it took cancellation for more people to notice.
It really irritates me when people suggest only “old” people watch soaps. For the Week of December 19-23, 2011, when kids were on vacation, OLTL was second in the rating among girls 12-17 years old. It had more than twice the number of viewers in this category compared to either B&B or GH:
Girls 12-17 Viewers (Compared to Last Week/Last Year)
1. Y&R 81,000 (+43,000/-7,000)
2. OLTL 67,000 (+37,000/+24,000)
3. B&B 33,000 (+3,000/-29,000)
4. GH 29,000 (+1,000/-10,000)
5. DAYS 12,000 (+2,000/-27,000)
https://www.soapoperanetwork.com/ratings/ratings-days-hits-lows-for-third-straight-week
OLTL had the potential to build on and increase its number of viewers. Nobody will ever admit it was a mistake to cancel OLTL, when it should have been GH instead. What monumental stupidity; sfs.
The reason OLTL was canceled instead of GH was because GH had higher ratings than OLTL as the time of the cancellation notice. I believe OLTL took over GH in the ratings around the month of June, especially with that persistent mob storyline that just won’t go away.
OLTL has always been a simple soap and that’s why I always enjoyed it. Too bad it never ranked #1 in its history as did AMC, GH, Y&R or ATWT. But then again, the reason OLTL never ranked #1 is probably because of its simplicity and its tight budget whereas AMC continued, even on its very last day, to be overbudget. I do agree with 1loveabcsoaps that most of the backlash comes from OLTL rather than AMC. It sure took everyone by surprise: the fans, ABC, the media and certainly Agnes Nixon who has always prefered AMC over OLTL.
I’m not a fortune-teller. But I doubt that GH and DAYS will get the fan support that OLTL received when it’s their turn to get canceled.
RIP OLTL (1968-2012)
I dont buy it, the ratings that is,abc lied as they are now about the chew,the ratings werent counted , soapnet not counted anyone that taped the soaps at the time they went on ,not counted and heres the big one anyone over 49 years old NOT COUNTED,ABC said they are getting rid of the soaps because women are working ,and as Ive said before, oh ok abc the reason the ratings are high now for the chew is because all the working women are staying at home now to watch the chew, yeah right , they all decided to quit there jobs and come back home to watch the chew,who watches that stuff? as erika slezack says BULLSHIT,abc killed the soaps because of greed the almighty dollar.and because of that greed hundreds of people are without work at 2 soaps possibly 3 soaps ,abc I hope your happy with all that money and your cheep crap programing .And I dont care what anyone has to say abc /disney has enough money to keep those 3 soaps on ,3 hours 5days a week .abc daytime will never be the same,3 soaps with all that history killed for shit tv ,I just dont understand ,who are the real morons at abc who did this ,brian frons didnt do this alone.I know I keep repeating myself ,but this pretty much is the truth behind abc/ disney.
I agree all the other soap on today is boring. At least OLTL keeps you hanging everyday. I am a 43 old male and have been watching OLTL since 1985. ABC is so stupid getting rid of one of the best soaps ever.
James is the BEST. I have tried to write something 3 times regarding his devotion to the show, meeting his wife there, and his contribution to making OLTL, MUST WATCH T.V., in the 80’s and 90’s, before moving behind scene as a director. (This website has knocked me off 3 times, this is my 4th times writig this, but I’m afraid to invest a 4th times writing ALL OF THAT, and being booted off again.) He is married to Kassie (Blair) and my heart goes out to he family if two jobs where lost when the show cancelled. James, Thank you for the triangle of Cord, Tina and Max. U always brought so much enthusiasium to the role. I also shall never forget how Max and Blair set out TV screnes on fire…. (and obviously feel in love for real). Thank you for your contribution to daytime and one of the BEST triangles in soap history. May God Bless you, your wife and family.
So sad – 43 years of history. It will be great to see James & all the past actors that were such a big part of the show – especially Robin Strasser who always spoke her mind.
Join us in sending soap bar’s to the ABC Studio’s in NYC. PASS THIS ON…. AND POST ON OTHER SOAP OPERA SITES, including abc.com. See how abc likes being BOMBARDED with soap bar’s from Fan’s all across the United States.
@1loveabcsoap
LOL, you do realize that ABC is gonna go completely berserk when they see all these soap bars on their studio on January 16. I remember two years ago, ATWT fans did the same thing to CBS. CBS completely freaked out because they thought that the soap was anthrax . Procter & Gamble had to step in to tell fans to cut it out.
I don’t think anything can be done to save OLTL at this point (Slezak even acknowledged it on an interview last week). But if sending soap bars can scare the living sh!t out of ABC to stop them from cancelling General Hospital, I say GO FOR IT.
I’m so happy James is going to be a part of this. I wanted him to return for the end……and win Blair back. I am not a Todd and Blair fan. On a related note…..I remember when Kassie was the guest host of The View. If only she would have gotten the job over that annoying Elizabeth Hasslebeck. We need more Kassie on TV!!!!
Yes ,on one life to live ,elizabeth hassle beck is not the only annoying person on the view ,all five of those women are loud mouths ,thats why I dont watch ,abc is going to have hour after hour of non stop garbage on.and the best way to get even with abc ,DONT WATCH.You really dont like todd and blair?
They have great chemistry….but i would be happy if Blair fell back in love with Max. Todd will always be Todd and hurt her…..like if she finds out Tomas is innocent and being held prisoner because of Todd. Everyone makes Todd out to be some romantic hero…..but he is an evil murderer….kidnapper…and rapist. Blair deserves so much better after all he put her through. She should end up happy and not a foolish victim.
I have always loved todd and blair together ,I hope that todd is not the killer I hope his mother messed with his head I never liked the rape story but it was good drama. ,if I recall ,I could be wrong but todd wasnt to have a story after the rape ,r.h. was that good so they had to make todd feel bad about what he did .anyway ,theres only 5 more days ,we will never know if blair and max could have crossed paths again,I just want all my one life to live family to live happily ever after .Ive watched for 43 years,best soap ever.
I FLOVE James DePaiva. Max Holden was a great character and I never understood why the show wrote him off after killing off Luna, Al, Gabrielle and never mentioning his twins with Luna. I was sure I would see Max before the finale but Mr. DePaiva was never asked back. I am enjoying OLTL as the end nears but I’d trade seeing the crazed, one-note characters for seeing the characters that made Llanview a community, like Max, Larry, Wanda, Hank, RJ and Renee.
Max has been behind the scene for year’s directing.
Thanks for the info. You stated that up-thread. I would had loved to see Max Holden on-screen. Kassie DePaiva confirmed that James DePaiva was never asked to return as Max Holden before the finale.
I loved James DePaiva as Max and am glad he is going to be on the View. He had such great chemistry with Andrea Evans, Fiona Hutchinson, Luna, and of course his real life wife Kassie.
I have loved Max on one life to live.With Blair and all has beens they shared was tremendous and spectacular with Gabrielle and Asa and the Beucannons and the Mannings it was the best. Watching Starr grow up. I have seen for so many years that i get tongue tied on what to say about all the episodes i have seen. I was always running to see or find out what was going on next. sitting there on Monday hoping to see what else the show was doing and i felt like i was there with the marriages and Vicky and Clint . I have seen all and when the stories would break i would know why and i loved solving the mystery which is where drama came from these soaps.The are the Pride of our lives and i don’t know where i would’ve been without them watching them and growing with them. One Live to Live All My children and General Hospital are my shows and i just can’t jump on a plane to see them but tv i was able to see they story and just feel like i was apart of it all.I am so upset with ABC i know they are doing what they think is best but i really think they don’t know what they have done by ending these beautiful shows and there isn’t any show that they put on worth it. it is just like dancing with the Stars you never know what story they will have up next.Generations and story lines that they have told to help and i have watched them and i have learned a lot by sitting and watching them knowing how to love and how to stand up for yourself . i have learned from soaps.