News
Matthew Atkinson Cast As New Recurring Character On The Young and the Restless!

Courtesy/ABC
A familiar face to ABC Family viewers next stop is Genoa City and the CBS soap opera, The Young and the Restless.
Matthew Atkinson has been cast in the recurring role of Austin and will first appear on the April 17th episode!
According to Soap Opera Digest, his first scenes will be with Steve Burton (Dylan) and Jessica Collins (Avery), where he will play a cameraman working with Avery on her new venture!
Atkinson has been seen on Jane By Design, Drop Dead Diva, One Tree Hill, CSI and on NBC’s Parenthood!
So, what will Austin be all about? What do you think the writers had in mind when casting Matthew for the role? Let us know!
Beyond the Gates
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers

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.
General Hospital
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run

Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”

Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
View this post on Instagram
Breaking News
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”

Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.

Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
-

News3 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
-

Previews4 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
-
General Hospital3 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
-

Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
-

Days Of Our Lives7 days ago‘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 Hospital7 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Tracy Leaves Port Charles to Help Dillon; Paving the Way for Jane Elliot’s Temporary Exit
-
News6 days agoB&B’s Lawrence Saint-Victor to Guest Star on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
-
Interviews1 week agoRoger Howarth Reflects on Daytime Emmy Win, 32-Year Record Gap, and Embracing Matt Clark on ‘The Young and the Restless’ (Exclusive)







Why couldn’t he be Kyle?!
So Avery is going to have her own cooking show.
Wow.
That should generate tons of story and send ripples across the story canvas.
Maybe she’ll make a PBJ sammich for sweeps.
UGH.
Oh no. Say it ain’t so.
Alan…AGREED!!!!! Dude…you said it perfectly!!!!! That airhead Avery having her own cooking show=Who cares. Beyond lame.
Yuck!!!! That’s the most boring thing they could do. I guess we could turn it into a drinking game and have everyone take a shot whenever she mentions cupcakes. Too bad I don’t drink. Sigh.
Not much…
This is a show that does not need another new character. Please utilize the cast you currently have and finish the long drawn out storylines currently airing.
AGREE! Nothing against Matt, but please no more new people, have way too many actors who don’t work now on Y&R no storylines! JFP just throws new people out there to see who works and who doesn’t!
SO TRUE.
Need to bring back Sarge. Jack needs his friend. Peter Bergman and Darnell Williams give each other Emmy winning performances and brings energy to the character of Jack.
I have a feeling that Y&R is jumping on the bandwagon. Austin will be revealed as being gay.
Noooooooooooooo
I think they should jump on that bandwagon! I mean, it IS 2014 after all.
I heave a big sigh…reading about MORE newbies on GH and YR…and Sean Kanan leaving. I dont get it. I just dont get it. And obviously, neither do any of the writers or producers of these shows.
Could be a new love interest for Summer or perhaps he is this Abbott cousin they were casting for a while back or he could just be bit player who will be on for a few shows and that’s it. But he will definitely be yet another newbie on a canvas already filled with too many new faces– and isn’t it interesting his first scenes are with Dylan– I guess Dylan is now Y&R go to guy to launch every new storyline from
Let me see…
1. Dylan the bland, boring and one-dimensional muscle-head
2. Avery the dull airhead
3. Austin…YET ANOTHER annoying and unwanted newbie character forced and shoved down our throats
I’m supposed to care because…….
Soooo true!!!!
Just what Y&R needs NEW cast member! Please just fire JFP already!
Amen amen amen amen amen amen!!!!!!!!!!!
He’s cute, but why do we need new characters and actors? Utilize the ones you have in GOOD stories. They actually need to get rid of some of the ones they currently have (Hilary, Dylan, Avery, Kelly).
wow he is very cute. LOL. HE looks like my boyfriend. lol. same face wow.
I think they need to cut down the unnecessary characters and get some expensive highly experienced actors. Cady McClain is a good startx but we need some actors that were fan favorites from our lost soaps. Like Martha Burne or the one who played Devon’s mom. Maybe Hunt Block?
Okay,here’s my take on this,…with all the hiring and firing going on,this is to me, a sneaky way to get this show off the air. They are not being creative at all. And by them firing the best people they had,just proves that this is headed for an end. JP needs to be fired,and all who work with her. How stupid to cut their own throats this way. There are a lot of great actors,and actresses to cast on this show. I heard that Eric Braeden had Billy Miller fired,and Michael Muhney. All because he wants to be the only highest paid actor on the show. The Y&R has lost a lot of charisma, and know how. This is so sad. How the hell you get rid of what makes a show successful,just to have your way? There are no tying up of loose ends!! Everything is just out of control,and running together.Even the seasoned actors,and actresses seem to be knocked off course by this. Damn what dumb choices they are making!!! They could have hired on the lady who played Lucinda Walsh, (Elizabeth Hubbard) as Catherine’s sister,and have her take on Jill,Victor,and Colin. They could have brought on the guy who played Craig on ATWT’s to be a thorn in Victor’s side. And even Colleen Zenk could have been a formidable for Michael’s wife or Chelsea as far as the fashion world goes! And if this new guy comes on,and they have him as gay,…I’m truly done with Young & the Restless!
WOW…They’re murdering this soap to a slow painful death. Hoow are we fans suppoose to have any hope at all at tthis rate. Used to look fwd to watching y&r through tough days during my teen yrs so all this rapid BS storylines and new casting is truly a disappointment. JFP needs to go back to producers college or wherever it is she came from its not even funny.. Guarantee, us fans can write way better scripts. GET RID OF THIS USLESS PLOT and please, if need be, bring in only decent new talent. Michael Muhney, Billy Miller, Michelle stafford foreverrr!!! MM’ is probably laughing his ass off right now watching y&r crumble without him.
#soSAD
I totally agree with those who have posted that Y and R does not need
another new character! And it is hard enough getting used to new actors
playing OLD characters lately, such as new Billy.
But Avery an airhead? No way! She has a level head, and a sweet,
fun personality, as well, in my opinion.