News
Michael Weatherly To Exit TV's Most-Watched Drama NCIS!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Soap fans remember Michael Weatherly in his younger leading man days as Cooper Alden on ABC’s Loving, which then morphed into The City, before being cancelled. It was there he met his first wife The Young and the Restless Amelia Heinle (Victoria), who played Steffi Brewster on the ABC soap. The two have a son together as well.
Weatherly over the past 13 years has become one of the beloved faces of primetime television in his role as Special Agent Tony DiNozzo on CBS’ bonafide smash hit NCIS. On Tuesday, reports surfaced that Weatherly is exiting the show after his long-running tenure and success.
CBS said in a statement: “After 13 years on NCIS, Michael Weatherly is leaving the show at the end of this season. He is a valued part of the CBS family, and the immense charm and talent he brings to the screen as ‘Very’ Special Agent Tony DiNozzo has helped make NCIS what it is today – the No. 1 drama in the world. W e thank Michael for all of his contributions to this successful franchise and look forward to continuing to develop projects with him as part of our ongoing development deal.”
Meanwhile, Weatherly took to his Twitter account to say: “DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn’t have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons. Les Moonves & CBS gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I will miss the amazing crew & cast, who are like family to me, & to the fans all over the world – THANK YOU, it’s been a fantastic ride!”
All of this comes just four days after, Michael pleaded no contest to driving under the influence and was sentenced to a three-month alcohol and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving program. However, Michael will still be working with CBS in the future, he has a development deal with studio counterpart CBS Television Studios.
So, do you remember Michael as Cooper Alden on Loving? Do you watch him on NCIS? Suprised to hear he is departing the wildly-successful series? Comment below!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
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.
‘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’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘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)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
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Perhaps Days will bring him in..
Days has a hot recorded for bringing in new players.
yah never know.lol
cool can’t afford him what planet do u live in?
I wasn’t much of a “Loving” fan, but I certainly miss the days when there were that many daytime soaps to watch! I can see where Michael would be ready to take on another character. It’s hard for actors to play the same character year after year and maintain other ranges in their acting abilities. I do think it would be funny/cool if he did a 1 or 2 episode cameo on GH. Wouldn’t be the first time they revisted “Loving.”
You’ll be missed on NCIS but I will follow you on whatever show you land on! Kinda hope it is a comedy as that seems to be your strong suit!
Have liked Michael since his ‘Dark Angel’ days with Jessica Alba. And he has certainly played a big part as Anthony DiNozzo in the success of NCIS (one of my favorite shows). But 13 years on the same show is a long time. Maybe he just feels he wants a change…especially since Ziva isn’t there anymore. The show seemed to lose it’s luster for me when she left…and I think for his DiNozzo character. He’ll be hard to replace.
I was taping NCIS for a friend who lives in another country, and I got hooked into TIVA. When she left, I quit watching it, and my friend lost interest too. For most women viewers, we’ve gotta have some romance! I am hoping against hope that Cote de Pablo will make a guest appearance to usher Michael out.
I think I might have kept watching if Tony had made any references at all to keeping in touch with Ziva, pining for her, but no, just like a soap, he moved on. That is not what we ladies wanted to see.
I was writing a reply and my computer decided to update and boom, I only left part of a reply. In any case, the new girl seems to need coddling. Ziva could take care of everyone, and I really miss that.
I’m going to miss Michael on NCIS.
Wow. That’s a surprise. He’s So Great on #NCIS. MY HUBBY loves this Show. Never misses it. How will He be written out. That will be interesting. Big void when His character leaves
Bring him to Bold and Beautiful for Brooke!!!
Michael Weatherly is too good for that washed up blonde.
Could t agree with you more.
he is the main reason I watch NCIS and especially Robert Wagner’s appearances. He will be missed and I will probably move on from NCIS.
I’m surprised he’s leaving.
I’ve watched NCIS from the premiere episode to last night’s. Michael’s infusion of his own charm into Tony’s persona has made Agent DiNozzo more bearable, because Tony has so often been a louse and a bully when it came to his colleagues. Tony has called Tim every McName in the book and belittled him at every opportunity. However, I think it will be a huge loss to the show when Michael exits.
I wish him the very best in his new pursuits, and look forward to seeing him in future primetime CBS shows. He’s definitely a keeper!
Of course I remember him from LOVING! I had a huge crush on him. I read an interview back then wherein he stated he loved Elvis Costello’s music. So I bought a CD. He was right. He is good.
Michael Weatherly is that rare talent that can do BOTH comedy and drama especially well. He will be just fine without NCIS.
I would love to watch him on Y&R as the new Billy. And send Jason Thompson back to GH as Patrick . So he can stay and Emma can stay. Because If Michael Weatherly plays billy he can be reunited with his real life wife. Its a major win-win. Its the perfect solution. He could play the perfect Billy and paired up with Amelia.
Um, I doubt he would go back to daytime, and he and Amelia have a child together but have been divorced for many years now.
Isn’t Amelia married to the guy who played her Y & R husband J.T.? I didn’t know she was married before
Yes, She is married to the actor that played J.T., but back when her and Michael were on Loving they were married and had a child. Many years ago, and it was only for a couple of years.
Weatherly married his Loving/The City co-star Amelia Heinle in February 1995.[1] Heinle has one son with Weatherly.[1] The couple divorced in 1997.[1]
Billy Miller, Billy Miller, Billy Miller !!! ex-Billy Abbott character on Young & Restless – he is perfect for this role – grab him!!!
Also, I would like to see Billy Miller back on Y & R. He was the best Billyt Abbott EVER!