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!
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.
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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!