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
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.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Beyond the Gates is set to air two upcoming episodes on Friday, October 2 and Monday, October 5 on CBS, which will feature the residents of Fairmont Crest gathering at the Dupree family home for a spirited tailgate ahead of Banneker’s Homecoming, decked out in the university’s signature crimson and gold.
The episodes celebrate African American heritage by showcasing the longstanding homecoming traditions of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU’s) through the show’s fictional Banneker University.
With five generations of the Dupree family having attended Banneker, Homecoming is more than a celebration – it’s a cherished family legacy. For the Duprees and the Fairmont Crest community, it offers an opportunity to honor their shared history, celebrate their HBCU pride, and come together for a special day filled with family, friendship, and tradition.
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER U. FIGHT SONG
The excitement culminates with a spirited bus ride to the game, where the entire group proudly sings “Fight On,” Banneker University’s beloved fight song and we know the cast members of Beyond the Gates CAN SING! Ahead of the episodes, CBS released some promotional photos and more to engage viewers to tune-in to the 15-time Daytime Emmy nominated daytime drama.
The series is produced by CBS Studios, as part of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. Created by head writer Michele Val Jean, executive producers include Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
Photo: CBS
Beyond the Gates is broadcast weekdays on CBS (2:00-3:00 PM, ET/1:00-2:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**.
*(live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. *Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the episode airs.
So, are you glad to see Beyond the Gates continuing to shed light on Black excellence through its soap opera platform? Is the Dupree family, quickly, if not already, become one of your favorites families in all of daytime drama? Let us know via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ for the #3 Spot in Total Viewers
The ratings are out for the week of September 7-11, 2026 and while all of the long-running daytime dramas were down in total viewers week-over-week, it was the newest soap opera on the block, Beyond the Gates, that showed gains and much promise. Let’s take a look.
According to Soap Opera Network, not only did Beyond the Gates add +12,000 tuning-in for the week, it is narrowing the gap between itself and current #3 soap, General Hospital in total viewers, and tied with the venerable ABC series for actual household ratings share.
Beyond the Gates averaged 1,689,000 for its audience for the week while General Hospital had 1,769,000, that’s just an 80,000 difference that separates the two shows. While Beyond the Gates had a year-over-year increase for the ratings week, GH showed the biggest loss of all the soaps year-over-year with -231,000 and the biggest loss in viewers week-over-week with -142,000.
Photo: CBS
BEYOND THE GATES
In addition, Beyond the Gates once again bested GH in the key 18-49 women’s rating share and also for the week, the women’s 25-54 ratings share, now putting them firmly in the third place. It should be noted that both Beyond the Gates and General Hospital aired an encore presentation on Labor Day, September 7.
Here’s what had viewers tuning-in on Beyond the Gates: Hayley (Marquita Goings) faced mounting pressure as Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) grew suspicious of her lies and a major secret came to light. Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman) went through a paranoid spiral noticed by Dani (Karla Mosley), while Heather Armstrong’s (Ashley Jones) behavior became increasingly unhinged, Deanna (Angela Fairley) reached a breaking point under mounting pressure and decided to return to school and Smitty (Mike Manning) was digging deeper into the death of Lia Whitmore.
Courtesy/ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
On General Hospital, the week in story was highlighted by: Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) admitting she was the other driver in Jordan Ashford’s (Tanisha Harper) accident, leaving Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) furious and demanding answers and ultimately Chase (Josh Swickard) walking out on Brook Lynn!
In addition, viewers witnessed, Anna (Finola Hughes) nearly killing Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), but instead firing a shot at a hallucination of Peter August (Wes Ramsey) as Jason (Steve Burton) tried to talk Anna down. Meanwhile, Drew (Cameron Mathison) and Ava (Maura West) dealt with the fallout and complications surrounding the disappearance of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna).
Courtesy/CBS
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Over at B&B, the soap remained in second place behind sister soap, The Young and the Restless for the top spot in total viewers; although it should be noted they continued to close the gap for the race to #1. For the ratings period, The Bold and the Beautiful average 2,695,000 tuning-in, but was down week-over-week -83,000, but with the biggest soap gains year-over-year at this time with +228,000.
In other good news for the show, it came in at #1 for the key women’s 18-49 rating share defeating Y&R, and came in #2 for the women’s 25-54 rating share behind Y&R.
In story for the ratings week: Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) goes into panic-mode after a positive pregnancy and breaks the news to Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor). Katie (Heather Tom) tries to meddle in Will’s (Crew Morrow) love life with Dylan (Sydney Bullock), thus having Katie visit Electra (Laneya Grace) and telling the young woman to try to win Will back. Finn (Tanner Novlan) tries to give surrogacy advice to Carter and Daphne (Murielle Hilaire) unaware of his wife Steffy’s drunken night with Carter, and the true cause-effect of that moment.
Photo: JPI
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Once again, Y&R remained as the number one most-viewed broadcast television daytime drama of then all, clocking in with 3,059,000 tuning-in, but down -130,000 week-over-week, but still up + 159,000 year-over-year. Y&R also remained in the top spot for household ratings share and atop the key women’s 25-54 rating share.
In story for the week: Patty Williams (Stacy Haiduk) escaped custody and tracked down Matt Clark (Roger Howarth). Meanwhile, Kyle (Michael Mealor) and Victoria (Amelia Heinle) continue their affair and are almost caught by Phyllis (Michelle Stafford). Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) and Marie (Jade Harlow) shared a heartfelt goodbye before she leaves town to continue her recovery. Jack (Peter Bergman) sets a trap for Patty as he collapses at Society.
Of note: Nielsen ratings are based on the Live+Same Day Big Data+Panel model.
So, what do you think about the latest ratings picture and how Beyond the Gates is gaining on General Hospital in total viewers while already besting them in both key demos? Which soap opera is piquing your interest the most? Which is not doing it for you? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
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
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’
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
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
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