Beyond the Gates
Jon Lindstrom in Opening Credits of ‘Beyond the Gates’ as GH’s Kevin Is Headed Back to Ireland Without Laura
As the first full week of 2026 began, Jon Lindstrom was making moves on-screen. First, the fan favorite and talented actor/author is now in the opening credits of season two of Beyond the Gates in his role of Joey Armstrong. At the same time, and while he also appeared in the opening credits of his longtime role of Dr. Kevin Collins on General Hospital, in story, Lindstrom’s Kevin was having a come-to-Jesus moment with his wife, Laura (Genie Francis).
The story point sends Kevin off the Port Charles canvas where Lindstrom continues to shoot his more intriguing role of the shady mobster on the CBS soap opera which shoots in Atlanta, Georgia, while General Hospital tapes in Los Angeles.
On the Monday, January 5 episode of GH, after Laura learned of Sidwell’s (Carlo Rota) threat against her grandson Ace, Laura urges Kevin to accept the teaching position in Dublin that he so wants to do, and to bring the little boy with him to keep him safe. Kevin says he would only go if Laura would come too, otherwise he is staying behind.
Courtesy/ABC
Laura tells him she must stay in Port Charles to protect Sonny (Maurice Benard) and the rest of their family. She feels she is safe from harm since Sidwell needs her in the mayor’s office to do his bidding. Laura also points out that Sidwell could take out his revenge on Lulu (Alexa Havins Bruening) or her other grandchildren. Kevin says he won’t abandon his wife.
Eventually, Laura implores Kevin goes to Ireland with Ace. It would allow her to focus on what she needs to do to take down Sidwell. At that point, Kevin finally agrees to leave with Ace. In that moment, Laura leans on her husband as he holds her, saying she loves him more now than ever for agreeing to take Ace with him, and for looking after the little boy and putting the child first.
When Lindstrom began airing in his most recent GH return in early December of 2025, he shared with TV Insider that it was “difficult to find the time” to carve out time in his schedule to play Kevin while he was playing BTG’s Joey.
In his decision to focus on his role on Beyond the Gates, Lindstrom added, “In all fairness to me, it had whittled down to about one or two shows a month, so Kevin had been fairly inactive for a long time. I haven’t seen him have a really active story since the show Port Charles or unless Ryan (Chamberlin, Kevin’s twin) was around, so it was kind of a no-brainer.”
As for future appearances on GH, Jon related. “It all comes down to scheduling. ’l’ll do GH anytime. I just don’t know if we can work it out. I’m busier than I’ve ever been, and I thought I’d be retired by now!”
So, glad to see Jon in the opening credits of Beyond the Gates? What did you think of the story plot and reasoning between Kevin and Laura on General Hospital, that sends Kevin to Ireland? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Swapping out Ben Gavin (Derek Baldwin) for Jon Lindstrom (Joey Armstrong) was a smart decision on so many levels, and his opening shot is outstanding! Hoping this means he is upped to contract, as well!
Does BTG (like GH does) include recurring performers in their credits or does that mean Jon is on contract there now?
As for writing Kevin (and Ace) off for the canvas for a bit – it’s certainly better than coming up with lame excuses for not showing the character. Laura’s story can progress with a logical reason for her husband not being around.
Congrats to Jon for being in high demand, with both acting and another book on the way.
As of Friday, January 2, Lindstrom was listed as recurring; it remains to be seen if he has been upped. But Beyond the Gates only has its contract/series regulars in their openings.
You need to get a job honey instead of policing this website
Stop being racist and maybe I’ll consider it.
Michael, is there a genuine way to block Dottie from responding to my comments?
Michael
Thanks for all you do on this site and providing an open forum for commentary.
Dottie has repeatedly posted racist digs at Beyond the Gates which negate any other benign comments she makes.
This is one area where I’m in agreement with Scott. Restricting her from commenting will make your monitoring much easier.
Dottie, just a suggestion. You’ve gone out of your way time and time again to express your unmitigated disdain for Beyond the Gates while injecting racial slurs as to leave no doubt as to your motivation. You started this puzzling behavior even before this new daytime series aired just based on the promotions. Why not just scroll on by when you see a Michael Fairman blog on Beyond the Gates? Otherwise, you might come off as some kind of troll.
How is she protecting Sonny? He’s really protecting HER ‼️
I didn’t mention the Sonny connection in my comments. At this point, they’re in it together.
While this idea of shipping Kevin & poor little nameless “Ace” off to Ireland is a convenient plot poiot to explain Kevin’s absence, I suspect there’s a future plot twist at work here.
Of all the places they could send Kevin off to, why Ireland?
Remember that Kevin’s psycho niece, Ace’s mother Esme was raised by an Irish nanny. And while most mortals in Port Charles assume that Esme drowned in Paris, they never found her body, and I can say for a fact that she’s not in Hell. (and we all know she wouldn’t be going the other direction)
I’m predicting that Esme’s going to stumble across her as yet unnamed offspring in Ireland soon. Perhaps during February sweeps. Or mid March, if they really wanted to play up the Irish card with a St Patrick’s Day twist.
This is one of your better speculative storylines. None of this, however, could be done until the Sidwell story wraps- and I’m guessing we’ve got another 6 months to go.
I’m guessing we see a new Spencer sometime later in 2026. One or two of Liz’s kids will be recast. I won’t hold my breath, but a new Dillon would be my top request.
I’m thinking Sidwell should wrap by end of February.
That gives them just 6 weeks to wrap everything up. We haven’t even delved into the Nathan connection yet. I’m going with a May sweeps resolution.
Esme called the baby Ace before he was born and named him Ace after he was born. His name is Ace.
That’s true, but Helena would rolling over in her grave to learn her great grandson had that name.
While Scout is in the same vein as Ace, at least her legal first name is Emily. Ace could’ve been short for Horace or Wallace. Even a middle name for Nikolas Cassadine II
I love the name Scout. It was the name of a great character in the book and movie To Kill a Mockingbird.
I love Jon but want him on GH. I miss him. But if can’t make it work then he needs to be recast. Just like Ned i want him back too. I need my Kevin and Ned fix.
Sorry you’re disappointed you’re not getting your Ned and Kevin fix. Recasting doesn’t always work out.
You can’t be a good junkie if you wait on Kevin and Ned fixes . They’re rarely on.
I totally agree with you
It makes sense to explain Kevin’s absence while Laura is dealing with the Sidwell situation. But, it doesn’t make me happy. I think Laura and Kevin make a formidable team and I want to see Kevin on air regularly. I understand that could be challenging given Jon’s BTG role. I hope they could work out a schedule that satisfies both shows.
I totally agree with you. That would be great
I don’t blame Jon Lindstrom. He’s a brilliant actor and GH just wasted him. I miss him but glad he found work elsewhere. GH’s loss is BTG’s gain.
True,his facial expression does not represent his role on GH,he is slimy and sneaky
Hoping Jon will come back when, or just before, this sidwell storyline wraps up. Glad he’s got something to tide him over til gh can find something for Kevin to do in port chuck.
I wished Kevin had come back permanently to help on the fight against Sidwell! He’s wasted on BTG.And a child so young shouldn’t be sent to a strange house , in a strange country , with a Nanny he doesn’t know . Kevin will be gone all the time to work.
Jon Lindstrom is a great actor. I like him on both shows
He brought too much Joey Armstrong with him to Port Charles. Kevin never acted tough even during a crisis and he had that Joey tough look.
Yes I noticed that too, but I also liked that Kevin got a back bone
Sick of GH not giving air time to long time characters and good actors. This is why they lieave.
Who left? Jon will come back when his schedule permits.
What if Sidwell has connections in Ireland? And Sunny has no connections, then they have Sidwell coming at them from two directions (two countries).
Maybe Sonny, does, have connections in Ireland.
After almost an entire YEAR GONE we finally got to see Kevin Collins again! With that said Why would anyone blame JL for choosing BTG over GH?? Joey Armstrong is One of my Favorite Characters. Love Love Love Joey and Vanessa!
Jon Linstrom is a superb actor! He’s great on BTG! I hope he continues to play the role of Joey Armstrong.
Jon seems to be more appreciated at Beyond The Gates so he should go where the work is. I enjoyed his first novel and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
I love him in Beyond the Gates!!
I was wonder how he,was going to work to soaps so I knew one was just temporary. So when GH brought up his job being moved I knew he would be leaving GH, good way to segway him off GH for a while
Segue not segway dear
It was great and to keep their grandson Ace safe
I love Lindstrom in BTG. I love the romance between Joey and Vanessa. Good decision Linstrom. I was just thinking about both characters this weekend and I said that I hope he stay with BTG.
I love Jon Lindstrom’s Joey Armstrong on the BTG. He fills his role exceptionally. He plays the gangster boss like a real mobster. Vernon is supposed to be the guy with all of the power, but to me it’s Joey Armstrong and Bill Hamilton.
So happy to see Jon Lindstrom on the credits for Beyond the Gates!!
He will be missed on GH and I wish him the best in his upcoming role
I want to see Kevin back in Port Charles to help Laura and Sonny take down Sidwell
Good plan, he will be missed but always allows a come back in the future
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
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.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Daytime Emmy Winners Ambyr Michelle and Tamara Tunie to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Just over a week ago, Beyond the Gates stars Ambyr Michelle and Tamara Tunie broke ground becoming the first performers in the history of daytime’s newest soap opera to win Daytime Emmys!
Michelle became the first, when she took home gold statuette earlier in the ceremonies in the Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series category. Later, Tunie joined her when she took home the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series, the first Emmy of her veteran career.
Now, both actresses visit the Michael Fairman Channel live for two separate chats! Ambyr Michelle will be with us on Wednesday, November 11 beginning at 6pm ET/3pm PT, while Tamara Tunie follows the next day on Thursday, November 12 beginning at 7pm ET/4pm PT.
Photo: CBS
Find out what happened on their Emmy night both behind the scenes and in front of the camera, and in the celebration afterwards, plus what’s next for Eva and Anita in story on the CBS soap opera.
AMBYR TOOK A ‘SEAT AT THE TABLE’
Daytime Emmy viewers will recall Ambyr’s heartfelt Emmy acceptance speech, when she shared, “I don’t just see an award. I see every audition, every rejection, every moment I questioned my artistry. And to Eva Thomas, thank you, girl. Playing your pain made me process my own.“
She ended her speech with, “To my beautiful Black women and girls, take up space, be undeniable, create your tables, and fill those seats. When the tables are full, and those seats are full, make the table even bigger. So that the women coming up behind you never have to ask permission to belong.“
Photo: CBS
TAMARA HONORED THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE HER AND HER MOM
Tamara Tunie received a standing ovation when her name was called after her win in an enduring career. Tunie began by sharing, “My heart is so full right now. This is the best welcome back to daytime ever, There is a host of Black actresses who paved the way for me, and I feel them as I stand here tonight, beginning with the legendary Cicely Tyson, the first Black woman to appear on a daytime television show, The Guiding Light.”
Tunie went on to thank her co-stars and everyone at Beyond the Gates and soap opera fans, plus getting to share the screen with the legendary Clifton Davis as Anita’s husband, Vernon Dupree. However, it was Tunie’s mother, who at 92, was with her on Emmy night that she thanked the most.
“There is one person who has been on this journey with me every single step of the way, who has traveled across states, countries and oceans to support my dream,” she expressed. “I would not be who I am as an actor or a woman without her love, support, encouragement and mere presence, She has been my example, my role model and my inspiration. I accept this honor on behalf of my mother … who, at 92 years young, crossed the country yet again to see me take this goal tonight. I love you, mommy!”
HOW YOU CAN JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Make sure to join us in the live chat with your questions for Ambyr and Tamara in what is sure to be emotional conversations.
If you cannot be with us live, but have a question you would like posed to either actress, make sure to drop in the comment section below and we just might pose it during the live broadcasts.
So, were you happy to see Ambyr and Tamara win Emmy gold? What are your hopes for Eva and Anita as the holiday season approaches and with 2027 just around the corner? Let us know in the comment section.
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
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)
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)
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (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)
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