News
Lauralee Bell and Michael Damian returning to The Young and the Restless for May Sweeps!
Photo Credit: Lesley Bohm
Yesterday, we reported that Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) had mentioned over the weekend at Joyce Becker’s Soap Opera Festival that Michael Damian was returning to Y&R to reprise the role of Danny Romalotti. Then last evening, TV Guide confirmed that not only is Damian set for a return, but so is Lauralee Bell!
TV Guide reports, that the set-up of their return has to do with something that the show has decided to dig up from its glorious past! “When bat-crap crazy Phyllis attempted to kill Cricket in a hit-and-run. No one ever found out who did the dirty deed and Phyllis’ days as a sociopath are long behind her. Will she get busted after all this time?”
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
It should be interesting to see Christine’s reaction when she finally learns the truth, and should give Michelle Stafford some material to sink her teeth into. Bell arrives back in Genoa City on May 17th and Damian arrives on the 18th!
What do you think soapers? Does this story being revisited hold interest for you? Let us know!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
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well finally after all these years the truth will finally come out. paul williams was hurt and christine blair. what will happen will phyllis finally go to jail. lets see what the writers do to phyllis. lets hope the writers do this properly and soap fans and me are satisfied with the storyline. is angelina gone for good. or is she coming back. please let me know michael fairman. angelina has really grown on me. in the beginning when diana degarmo came to the young and the restless i did not like her role. now i love her. great singer and actress. the soap magazines did not say she was leaving. so whats with her leaving. please michael fairman let us know. she angelina gone for good. because that brought carmine her ex boyfriend yesterday on the young and the restless. love your interviews michael fairman. i am a great fan of yours. keep up the good work michael. we all love you in my family. hugs to you michael.
Because of Maria Arena Bell’s lack or creativity, she resorts to going back to the past storylines created by her brilliant father-in-law Bill Bell. Must I remind those of you out there regarding the .000 batting average this woman and her co-hacks have in regards to dregging up past characters and doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING with them?!? MAB killed Liz Foster in order to make Jill a Fenmore – REALLY?!? Patti Williams is brought to Genoa City by Victor, given a facelift to look like her psychiatrist Emily Peterson, kills Colleen and causes assorted troubles for others, escapes and comes back to shoot Jack Abbott AGAIN – REALLY?!? Diane Jenkins returns 20 years younger, makes enemies with everyone is murdered and the audience is stuck with a boring-as-all-hell convoluted murder mystery that went on for close to 6 months – REALLY?!?
Do we really need the triumvirate of Maria Arena Bell, Hogan Sheffer & Scott Hamner to go back to the show’s glory days AGAIN in order for them to attempt, and undoubtedly fail to ,build on its’ rich history? Along with the SORAS’ing of Kyle, this just smells of desperation – with any luck, all three of these hacks will be out once the viewership hits below 4K (and its on its way!)
Bart, I agree completely with your comment. It sounds like you and I have similar opinions of this once-great show.
Other historical nuggets that MAB unsuccessfully mined: (1) The unresolved story about Nina’s son that was sold by Rose Deville. His whereabouts remained a mystery for 20 years until MAB introduced us to Ronan BUT didn’t even bother to focus on the relationship between Nina and Ronan!!!!! Frankly, I would have preferred if the potential for a great plot was still out there versus what MAB did with it; and (2) MAB jumped through MASSIVE plot holes and convulted twists to reveal to us that Phillip Chancellor III was alive and had faked his “death scene” (which I vividly remember). Once Kay and Jill learn that he is still alive and he inanely trots back to Australia after reuniting with everyone, the women seem to forget about him even though they mourned his death for over 20 years! Honestly, poor Phillip was more loved and remembered when everyone thought he was dead!!
Something is NOT working at Y&R. I have watched this show for over 30 years. I am watching fewer and fewer episodes these days and, rather than loving the show, following it seems like a chore. I can’t believe Y&R remains the top rated soap. For the frist time ever, I honestly think B&B, the ‘trashy, campy sister” show, has surpassed Y&R in quality.
Something desparately needs to be done about this show quickly!!!! Trotting out Cricket and Danny for a “guest appearance” to revisit the hit and run storyline isn’t the type of thing that will save Y&R, particularly when the impact of this incident will be forgotten by Phyllis and friends 2 weeks afterwards.
Two more “could-have-been-great” stories that were botched completely and needed mentioning – thank you, Barbara. =c)
I’ve been a faithful viewer since August 1981 – now I turn it on due to habit, not loyalty. Sure Bill Bell and his team had their misfires here and there, but IT WAS HIS SHOW, HIS CREATION, HIS VISION. MAB’s track record with her ‘vision’ is a resounding ZERO! None of her one-note characters work, her pre-occupancy with current pop culture (that horrid Angelina, turning Restless Style into a TMZ-like show) is ludicrous, and she seems hell-bent on doing more damage coming up by screwing with the past.
While I will still never forgive former EP/Head Writer Lynn Marie Latham for killing John Abbott, creating the horrible characters of Cane and Jana, and two horribly botched murder plots (Carmen Mesta & Ji-Min Kim), it seems as though MAB wants to continue doing even MORE damage. The show is over-bloated, yet super-terrific new characters are getting all the attention in horribly-written plot-driven slurry. I am also tired of out-of-work soap actors coming over to this show pushing popular characters to the background.
I don’t know about you, but I still have a hard time buying Daisy & Ryder as the demon spawn of Sheila Carter & Tom Fisher, since they didn’t know one another when Sheila came back to town in 2005. I also don’t buy 49 y o Genie Francis as the mother of 40 y o Daniel Goddard. All I know is we are in for a bumpy ride as the shizz will no doubt continue.
I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS STORY TO UNFOLD! I hope Phyllis becomes a scheming sociopath again…. so much more interesting to watch than her chasing after Nick again and again!! As an unhinged fangirl in the 90’s, she was absolutely riveting to watch. Hope they have lots of flashbacks to her bat shit crazy antics! 🙂 I hope she squashes that bug FOR GOOD this time!! 🙂
I agree with all the posts MAB & cohorts have ruined this show it is unwatchable? What is on MAB’s resume other then being married to a Bell, and did Hogan Scheffer write pretty bad for ATWT or did I dream that anyway I can tell you I am frustrated with her and have been for years, this could be a good story but she will botch it!!!
U haters of MAB and Y&R are WHACK! WTH? It’s NUMBER ONE for a reason! You may not agree with the direction of the show, but it’s hard to argue with numbers and statistics. Just sayin.
this is crazy, I’m tired of seeing characters get into legal trouble. They could do a lot with L Bell comming back. Danny coule come back and help his son on the custody battle. Dragging an old storyline up is not what I’d want to see. M. Stafford’s character has do been redeemed by the life she is living why bring it up. Get Jack up with Avery. Play off of Sarge being in recovery along with Harmony and Nikki. Bring Adriane Franz back to help Daniel. That would be some good stuff to do. Have Christine investigate Louren for shooting Daisey? There is so many good things that can be done. No need to bring up a long since gone storyline.
Honestly, I’m tired of Y&R constantly reliving the past. How many times has Victor and Nikki gotten back together only to break up again? And then do it all over again! I’m sick of Phyllis and Nick and then Sharon and Nick, blah, blah, blah. It’s no wonder soaps are being cancelled, because Y&R isn’t the only soap doing this, but they seem to rely on the same storylines all the time. And personally, I say leave Cricket out of the show. It’s tired and old.
I am thrilled that michael damian and laura lee bell are coming back……the young and the restless is and has been the best soap on television……the story lines always keep the fans sitting on the edge of our seats……something is always brewing in genoa city.