News
RATINGS: B&B, OLTL & DAYS gain some viewers, but all soaps down in Women 18-49 demo!
The ratings are out for the week of October 17th-21st and while there were total viewership gains by some of the soaps, all of them were down in the key 18-49 female demographic! Let’s take a closer week.
The Bold and the Beautiful remained in second place again this week with the most gained viewers of +75,000. One Life to Live is again in third and added 13,000, while Days of our Lives gained + 50,000 eyeballs. DAYS is now fourth of the five soaps with the bottom position going to General Hospital who lost the most viewers last week. The Young and the Restless stayed in the top slot again, even though they also lost some viewers this past week.
In the key 18-49 demo all soaps lost viewers and rating share and Days of our Lives and General Hospital tied all time lows for the share. View the entire ratings via Soap Opera Network by clicking here!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Chris McKenna On Jack’s Reaction to Carly Cheating On Him with Valentin: ‘Heartbreak and Absolute Rage and Humiliation’
The stage is set for next week on General Hospital, after yesterday’s May 1 cliffhanger, when Brennan (Chris McKenna) sneaks into Carly’s (Laura Wright) house and heads up to her bedroom, bursts in the door and finds her between the sheets, albeit at that moment alone.
However, Jack is already armed with plenty of ammo, he saw two glasses of wine in Carly’s kitchen, Josslyn (Eden McCoy) already lit the fire, by telling him her mother was seeing someone else, the WSB bureau chief then went to visit Carly’s ex, Sonny (Maurice Benard). The mobster’s reaction pretty much sold Jack that Carly must be sleeping with another man.
As Jack goes to check out the situation to confirm his suspicions, Carly and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) have just hit the sheets, after fighting their attraction once again for each other. Now comes the moment of truth that Carly has been sleeping with Brennan’s sworn enemy, Valentin.

Courtesy/ABC
In a preview of what’s to come, Soap Opera Digest spoke to both Chris McKenna and Laura Wright where they talked about the upcoming scenes. McKenna expressed, “This has been coming for such a long time.” He also previews, “Brennan comes at her pretty aggressively.”
THREE’S COMPANY
Wright added, “Carly didn’t expect Brennan to walk into her bedroom! He doesn’t have a key. It’s late at night. She thinks she and Valentin are in the clear. She sees that he’s so angry and so worried about being cheated on… but not that he’s sorry for lying to her face or because her daughter is in danger because of him!”
As to how Jack will handle the situation from here and finding out that Carly is with Valentin, McKenna confirms, to expect, “heartbreak and absolute rage and humiliation” from Jack. He’s thinking, ‘This can’t be real. This can’t have happened. I can’t be this stupid. I can’t have been this blind.’ And as to Jack’s current state of mind, coming into the situation, “Jack is drunk and a little unhinged and the audience finally gets a glimpse of what’s going on underneath that rigid exterior.”
Needless to say, the fallout will be huge, and McKenna is proud of the trios work in the scenes, sharing that Laura Wright was a fantastic as ever, and that GH’s executive producer, Frank Valentini was on the set the entire time with Laura, James and him, making this story point play out to its full effect.
So, are you excited to see how what goes down between Brennan, Carly and Valentin and the fallout? Do you think this will cement Carly and Valentin as a couple, or will Carly regret what she’s done to Jack? Weigh-in on how you hope this all plays out via the comment section 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.”
Calderon took to his Instagram story and simply shared, “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.
View this post on Instagram
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoDAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
-
Days Of Our Lives5 days agoDAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
-
General Hospital5 days agoBrandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
-
Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
-
General Hospital1 week agoPaige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
-
General Hospital7 days agoGH’s Giovanni Mazza Performs Violin Version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ at LA Lakers Playoff Game; Co-Stars Heap High Praise
-
Days Of Our Lives3 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?
-
Breaking News2 days agoJacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
How about 50 and up! We’re NOT dead! So strange that when we were 18 – 49, we counted. We have always been the viewers of the Soaps. Now because we are 50+ we don’t count? Come on – really????? Something needs to be corrected here. Talk about discrimination!!!
By the way, if they counted 50 and up, the ratings would probably be sky high!
I guess they don’t think 50 and over are purchasing consumers!
it’s not just the folks who do the ratings – its all over our so called united states – look at corporate america: most workers in their late 40’s on up are scared of loosing their job because of age – there is just no respect for us anywhere……….i know because i will be 60 next month!!
AND also,,,ive been watching since i was YOUNGER than 18, now cus 53, and still watching..we’re not counted at all as relevant viewers? whats the dif. I STILL HAVE TO BUY SHAMPOO!
At the link to the ratings, notice OLTL beats GH in every category.
Too bad all of those OLTL viewers weren’t watching when it actually mattered.
Well this is a first for me, but I really needed to get this off my chest! I have been a daytime fan since the 70s & I grew up watching Another World, Days, & GH. It was a family thing, 3 generations of women in front of a b & w TV watching the “stories”. Over the years we have seen a lot of silly stuff on our soaps, but through thick & thin we have stuck by them. Well in the era of them dropping off like flies, I think that the TPTB should be a little more attentive to the the people who actually care what happens to them. Use our vets! On GH this week I was over the moon to see the characters of Alexis & Luke actually having an interesting, funny & pertinant conversation at the landmark Kelly’s. It was a reprieve from the Cruise from Hell, where between the pre-buscent activities of over indulging in alcohol to uncomfortable make out sessions and a really bad “Gilligan & Ginger” rowing the boat made me shake my head. Don’t get me wrong, I love the actors that portray the characters, in my humble opiniion GH has the creme of the creme in daytime, the problem is the writing. One would think that the network with the soon to be one remaining Soap would at least have the respect & pride to provide quality storylines. There are other network soaps that have much better storylines with far less talented actors than GH and they are doing well in the ratings. ABC you have a goldmine of talent on your hands, so please start using it!
I am 58 years old. I have watched soaps for 40 years and NEVER have I been polled!!! Do I NOT count??? I don’t know who does this POLLING but I bet there are alot of people like me who have never been counted!! If I am not home I am recording my soaps. How do those of us who have NEVER been polled or counted go about doing so????
I would like to see the ratings all in all for the soaps.
Who is 1st with viewers and who is last?
I have to say that I am extremely disappointed by the writing of Garin Wolf. I expected so much more after they released Bob Guza. But instead of positive changes, we still have an excess of Sonny,Carly, Jason and the mob. ENUF!!!!! If the powers that be at GH want this soap to succeed, revamp it quickly. FRONZIE is waiting to give them their pink slip and to open the door to Katie Couric.
OLTL is doing better in the ratings than GH because it has a better group of writers, actors and storyline. The powers at be value the history and legacy of OLTL. I can not say the same for GH. ABC had to get rid of its powerhouse soap and keep the one its canceling on its own come next june.
The one thing OLTL does that GH doesn’t, is honor their VETS.
For that alone, this show stands out.
Besides, GH is the worse it has been in the 35 years I have been watching it.
HAPPPPYYY HALLOWEENIE!!
I agree with most of everyone up there. Yes, it sucks how this country and its corporations and youth disrespect age. It’s simply a tragedy. Also, One Life to Live IS better than GH and has been for most of the last few years in every way. Soapy, over-the-top storytelling grounded in relatable cross-generational character interactions trumps godfather wannabe mob plots every day of the week. DAYS is improving since the reboot. I’m glad to see Marlena back as the matriarch where she belongs. Speaking of another show that respects its veterans, DAYS is up there with ONE LIFE TO LIVE. Y&R, my favorite show from the 80’s to the mid 00’s, is simply unwatchable. MAB, give me your pen and let me fix this mess! Stat! B&B? Never could stand it. Too incestuous for me. How many people in LA, and these people can’t find people from other families to date? Someone clue me in, please. Happy Halloween, my soap loving friends!