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Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning Slammed by Viewers for Commentary During Opening Ceremony of Paris Summer Olympics

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: NBCUniversal

Friday night on NBC brought the highly-awaited opening ceremony of the 2024 summer Olympic games in Paris, France. The televised ceremony was one of the most unusual high-level concepts delivered in Olympic history. Many thought it was creatively brilliant, others thought it did not translate across TV and streaming platforms.

As Olympic athletes were brought in by boats along the Seine River, and during an eventual rainstorm, much of the action took place outdoors instead of inside a stadium (that happened much later), along with pre-taped packages all intertwined for this opening ceremony experience.

Commentators for the broadcast were Grammy winner and daytime talk show host, Kelly Clarkson, former NFL Pro football, star, Peyton Manning, and sport broadcaster, Mike Tirico who has anchored the Olympics for NBC in the past.

Photo: NBC

However, some fans felt Clarkson and Panning were not up for the job at hand and swiftly took to social media to voice their displeasure. Several pointed out how their commentary or lack of, took them out of the festivities, especially given how both have zero experience at covering the Olympics, or offering up any tidbits on the athletes. Clarkson, Manning and Tirico were seated inside one of NBC’s on-site studios during the opening ceremony.

Photo: NBC

One viewers posted, “I don’t know how to say this without being mean…Kelly Clarkson and Payton Manning are absolutely horrendous on this #Paris2024  opening ceremony broadcast. NBC should be ashamed giving them these jobs and not to former Olympic athletes, Parisian historians, or real journalists.”

Another critic shared on X “The commentary was annoying, disruptive, and offered very little substance. What a disappointing way to watch such an innovative event.”  Someone else posted,  “These opening ceremonies would be more fun if Kelly Clarkson didn’t react to everything that’s happened like she’s never left her house before.”

Still another wrote on X, “NBC should have sold an app where you could replace Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning’s vapid talk during the Opening Ceremony with this brilliance right here.” And there is more, “The cool thing about this Olympic opening ceremony is how Peyton Manning and Kelly Clarkson apparently did no preparation.”

Photo: NBC

However, the emotional highlight of the opening ceremonies was when Celine Dion sang an Edith Piaf song so beautifully and after years of dealing with Stiff Person Syndromel which had rendered her unable to perform or sing, This would mark the first time in five years she would perform live. In that moment, Clarkson could not speak, because she was in tears.

“I actually can’t talk. That was really beautiful. If people don’t know her story…it’s just incredible what she’s overcome. To have that moment – she’s a vocal athlete,” Clarkson said.

So, what did you think of the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics in Paris? Did you love the concept, or was it hard to follow on TV? Do you think Kelly and Peyton were ill-equipped to be the commentators for such a prestigious event welcoming athletes from all over the world? Comment below.

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Olympics coverage has never been good on NBC. ABC set a gold standard. CBS did well enough. Olympics now are about generating stories instead of organically finding them, promoting celebrity and image rather than sport, and money money money. With college sports turning pro, it’s a matter of time field day at elementary school down the road gets corporate sponsorship.

I did not see the opening of the Olympics or Kelly Clarkson, as I’m not crazy about her folksy charm. I watched later on to see the Dressage and must say the horses charmed me a lot more.

They didn’t bother me but I don’t know much about sports or athletes so maybe that’s why. And since they weren’t commenting on actual games maybe that’s also part of the reason I wasn’t annoyed. I figured they were just having fun as the unique ceremony unfolded. I appreciated Kelly’s comments related to the vocal performances.

I stayed up to watch the Dressage and finally gave up and went to bed recording the rest. Can’t believe how horrified to read of the videos of the riders whipping their horse’s. How disgusting these people are to stoop that low . Hope the cruelty animal people can stop this sort of behavior.We know deep down that this sort of stuff goes on but you try not to think about it while you’re watching the show.

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‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

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The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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