News
NATAS Clarifies ‘This Is Us’ & Ex-Y&R Star Justin Hartley Chose Not To Enter Daytime Emmy Competition!

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
One of the most memorable performances in daytime drama in 2016, belonged to Justin Hartley for his performance as Adam Newman on The Young and the Restless.
But as fans know, Hartley left the series last fall to star in the hit NBC primetime drama series, This Is Us, in which he has been critically-acclaimed for his performances as Kevin Pearson. This Is Us is not going anywhere either. In fact, as we previously reported, NBC has renewed the series already for two more seasons.
Today when NATAS revealed the list of the Lead Actor Pre-Nominees for the upcoming 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Y&R fans were scratching their heads wondering why the talented actor’s name was not on the list, and how could he have been left off?
The answer was simple and NATAS official Twitter handle sent out a tweet for clarification relating: “Justin Hartley chose not to enter the competition this year. He was not ‘overlooked'”.
So, are you disappointed that Justin did not throw his hat into the ring for the last part of his run as Y&R’s Adam? Do you think he did the right thing by not participating since he has gone on to primetime success, and is focusing all of his time and energy there? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
I don’t watch Justin’s new show and i’m sure he has his reasons for it but i’m disappointed he didn’t want to be recognized for the excellent work he did as Adam on Y&R.
You should watch his new show, it is fantastic he is great, but the whole cast is wonderful and it is a feel good show.
You really should watch the new show!! I only watched it because he was on it, but I was hooked after the first few minutes!! Besides Grimm and Dateline it’s the only show I watch on NBC. I agree he didn’t want to overshadow the other actors who submitted tapes. Yes, he is that good..lol
SO AGREE…..I FEEL HIS WORK WOULD HAVE WON HIM THE BEST ACTOR EMMY……DONT WATCH THE NEW SHOW BUT WISH HIM MUCH LUCK….GREAT ACTOR!
I’d love to know his reasoning behind this. Hopefully Justin isn’t one who forgets his soapy roots!
He probably chose not to take the win away from someone else….
Considering how blessed he feels being a part of “This Is Us”.
KUDOS ‼️‼️‼️
I’m going to agree with you, Fanny. He went from being wicked good to TOTALLY AWESOME!!! This guy is going places and I am so happy for him. I really do love his show!!!
As heartbroken as I was when Justin Hartley’s “Adam” died and he left Y&R, his new show This is Us is the best series on TV. I love him as Kevin and I love the show. No doubt he would have won for his Y&R performance, but I applaud his decision .
He is a class act. I do believe he did some of his best acting as Adam. I agree with Fanny he probably didn’t want to take the award away from someone else.
I don’t think it’s any of our business. It sounds like he left one job and wanted to go to the next one without carrying the old one around in any way, shape or form. That’s a healthy thing. Besides, other actors have chosen not to throw their hat in the ring for various reasons. There’s no right or wrong way to do things.
Most likely he stepped back because if he had lost it would look quite bad and be controversial and would/could harm his new career ..
We know, even if someone had done a great job they might not win..
The soap awards competition is daytime stuff and he’s on his way up up up ..
Justin was very wise to step out ..
He is smart to distance himself from daytime. He is on the verge of big time success. He is marvelous on TIU.
Frankly, he’s mentioned PASSIONS in interviews since THIS IS US became a huge hit, nothing about Y&R. His time on the show was brief and he’s moved on quickly. You can certainly see that he has moved on without looking back at all.
He previously already achieved primetime success with Smallville.
And Revenge.
justin is a class act & this just proves that he is willing to step aside & let another actor have a chance to win………………..
well… he certainly made this an easy… “WIN” yeah for Sonny
a walkover … and he’s a winner, by default
Actors routinely opt out of competition. His choice and I’m fine with that
He did a tremendous job. I wish him every success. But let’s not speculate needlessly.
Yes I am very disappointed that he chose to not enter. We the fans were heartbroken when he left. His performance as Adam was outstandinog . Yes I love his new show but I feel a little snubbed. I feel it didn’t matter to him. Yes he’s moved on but we the fans still watch and love the Y&R but we miss him and his Character every day.
No, Justin is a kind n modest man he knows he got it don’t need an award or a statue to tell he’s good n also too too many ppl for one list for a statue ridiculous I choose not to worry bout it
None of us can be certain of his reasons not to enter the race– but I don’t think it is because he thinks he is now too big for daytime or that his ego is Trump like that he honestly thinks he would win automatically so he is stepping aside to let some poor Joe still in daytime get the award to make them feel better they are stuck there while he is now in a hot night time show.
Personally I think Y&R and CBS asked him not to submit a reel– it would be impossible to promote the win when he is no longer on the show or the same network– stepping aside for the good of the show that gave him an opportunity and may have been indirectly helpful in him getting his present gig would be something I imagine he would do. I am sure his work as Adam showed the producers of TIU he could do heavy drama — if he was never Adam he might never have been Kevin—so if Y&R asked him don’t submit a reel, he most likely respected their wishes.
Why bash President Trump? Unnecessary.
I am sorry but saying Trump has an ego is not bashing the man– it is simply true– most powerful man do–my mistake was forgetting in today’s climate you cannot even mentioned the man’s name without offending someone on either side of the coin– it is has gotten to the point of absurdity– trust me I will not do ever again even in the context of humor which my comment was intended–
You’ve offered a very plausible theory as to why Justin would not put his hat in the ring for the Daytime Emmy. Well done.
I’m disappointed he didn’t enter. I guess he doesn’t want to attend the ceremony and wants to concentrate on his new show.
I dont get it? He busted his ass and put on a clinic as Adam but turns his back? Sounds like Justin is getting a big head! DUMB!
I completely disagree with you! He is anything but cocky as evidenced by previous interviews since his debut on “This Is Us”.
Yeah, you are probably right. I am just mad he didnt put his name in for his daytime work.
One of the best recasts in recent memory, in my opinion. Super talented and has the ‘it’ factor while being drop dead handsome. Whichever gentleman wins Lead Actor needs to silently thank JH for not submitting his work for consideration. Even though the rest of the category nominees are talented to varying degrees, JH would have owned that Emmy. So happy for his success.
I think Justin didn’t enter because he is not on Y&R anymore so why do it!!! Leave it for someone who is STILL on the show to win…..that is pure class!!!! Not an ego thing!! IMHO
Well you all know by now how much I love Justin he must have had his reasons for doing this.I love him in This is Us I watch it every single week,He is so handsome.oh ya a great actor too.It is so nice to see a feel good show for a change.I know I would feel good if I could just hug him lol,He is so hot.Maybe he will win something for his new role.
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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