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Raven-Symone Named New Co-Host Of THE VIEW!

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: Lou Rocco/ABC

Photo Credit: Lou Rocco/ABC

ABC’s morning talker The View looks to have stabilized their table of co-hosts with the announcement of Raven-Symone as the new co-host of the long running series.  The 29-year-old star will be permanently seated along side of Whoopi Golderg, Nicolle Wallace, and Rosie Perez.

In a statement today, Symone said: “The Disney Company has made another one of my dreams come true! Being a part of The View family will be a wonderful growing experience for me.  The cast and crew are warm and welcoming and have made the transition into daytime talk easier. I have a lot to learn within this new arena, but being the apprentice of these spectacular women will only make me a better person and talk show host.”

Barbara Walter, the creator of The View and its former long running host said of the hiring of Raven-Symone: “She is happy, amusing and well-informed, and has already brought a unique perspective to the program that has resonated with our audience.”

The actress best known for her comedic Disney series, That’s So Raven as well as playing the role of Olivia on The Cosby Show has been heavily favored for some time to be the newest addition to the gals at the table.  The news was announced publicly during the top of Wednesday’s episode of The View.

After Jenny McCarthy, Sherri Shepherd, and Rosie O’Donnell all departed The View for different reasons, will Raven-Symone’s be the glue to keep this show together for awhile without any major changes at the anchor desk? What are your thoughts on the addition of Raven-Symone as co-host of The View? Comment below!

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It’s time for this show to end!

The ratings have gone up on the View, the show is not dead yet.

I echo your sentiment!

There are those of us who are very loyal to THE VIEW. I enjoy INTELLIGENT conversation versus amateurish, pretentious drivel.

If you like intelligent conversation verses amerturish pretentious drivel why watch GH everyday? lmao

@Sharon.
Please contain your sarcasm…it does not work on me.
GH is a soap…there is no comparison…it is fantasy. THE VIEW is not in the same category. Do you know the difference?

A picture says a thousand words.. RAGG.. MOPP.. wearing a mop on your head is not a THING.. RAVEN

This is a late comment, Cee Cee, but I found Raven to be very well-spoken which surprised me because I find her mohawk & other styles very off-putting. Of course it was a reminder to quit being so judgmental & not judge someone on their looks or media response to them. This show is not half as offensive as people pretend & the commentators never claimed to be experts, just opinionated-just like we ALL are. I’m personally over Whoopi, but the show itself is fine.

@Laurie.
Hi Laurie.
Thank you for that. A few months ago, worse things were said about Rosie Perez. She was called stupid and uneducated. I have met her. Believe me she is neither of those things. If those among us here, who protest so much, would just tune in and give it more than a glimpse, would realize how intelligent Rosie is.
Therefore, the same can be said about the rest of the ladies. Raven has not gotten her sea legs yet. But, she will. She misspoke when she called the African countries, continents. Just the other day, she made reference to that incident…..she knows Africa is a continent all on its own….she just got nervous, that’s all. She does not have a full Degree in Academia, but she has had some college. However, one does not need college to have keen intelligence …..without it, one cannot even GET into college, in the first place.
Furthermore, I agree with you. People judge others without truly knowing their essence. Later.

I love Raven, she is a terrific young lady. I love her so much and her opinions are straight to the point.

Exactly, Johnny. I’m in total agreement with you. Raven joining the View brightened my morning. RAVEN is a wonderful addition to the morning program. I’m so grateful the show & ABC secured her. I love her openness and sense of unique style, too. She’s just SO Raven!

Jeremy, I took some time to enjoy The View today. I wanted to share with you that I thought Raven was engaging and did a nice job!

You bet, Johnny. All of these ladies are the nicest, kindest and sweetest people one could ever meet.
Raven is honest and true to what and whom she represents. Black and white…..no off-color. That is, what you see is what you get.

Really?

Lol, Harry…really!!!! I do not see any hypocrisy from this girl. She is what we see.. My opinion.

There goes the ratings, hence, there goes The View.
I get that they want to appeal to younger viewers, however, this former kid star is not well educated and makes very ignorant statements.
For instance, she said that she is “from all the continents in Africa except one.”
Does she even have a high school education in which she would have had to pass a geography 101 course?
To find a representative of the twenty something demographic, could they have found someone who is educated (either self educated or college educated) and who has not lived a life in which she was insulated from reality? I do not think the every day twenty something can relate to a former child star. This is a bad move.

I completely agree with you. I’ve been so frustrated with her co-hosting. She makes faces at the women when they are talking and rolls her eyes at the audience. That’s not a role model for younger viewers at all.

I am so happy for Raven, Congrats girl you will do a terrific job on the view.

I agree, Darren. But, as it is so the rule of thumb, some people need to pass judgment, as if they are personally acquainted with Raven, or other celebrities. It is one thing to cut a character at the knee, from a soap or movie, but, it is altogether a different story when one attacks the person. Not nice….be charitable.

Disney should start outsourcing the hosting jobs along with all their other employees.

What a circus this show has become. Their hosts change every year more than Saturday Night Live cast members! Time to end this hot mess of a show.

PUT THIS CIRCUS SO CALLED SHOW OUT TO PASTURE!

omg, she’s 29; i’m so old
and yes time to close up shop

Thats so Raven…lol…The View is an endless joke and i stopped laughing long ago….without BawBaw Walters there is no View!!!

Yep, when Barbra left the show should have ended.

That show got to FOLD!

I turned this show off for good years ago. It’s become such an annoying, pathetic joke. This seems like a last-ditch, desperate attempt to bring in more younger female viewers. I doubt it will work.

The Talk is 10x more entertaining than The View right now, and younger viewers into this type of show are already hooked on The Real.

10x more entertaining than , “the View”

I know

Whoopie Goldberg makes me laugh
Rosie Perez: i love that she’s a part of my generation… and I love that she is Latina
and yes it is playing the race card… I don’t think she exemplifies… but she is much lauded … I am so glad she is more comfortable in front of the camera… she will share her opinion… and she has so many wonderful causes that she supports
Nicole Walker : her opinions are far more interesting than the other republican… elisabeth hasselbeck… just having her gone… brought me back… Nicole is enjoying herself… makes you wonder.. if all the republicans started having fun… what we could really accomplish

Raven : I have to agree with Addison’ post above… hiring a starlet who was more or less sheltered and insulated herself… from

I lol the other day… when Whoopie was even telling her… that her generation… needs to actively seek out information… outside of the internet… and participate in rallys protests causes of their choice and learn…

Raven response… “well, if you send me an e-mail” ???

I”m sure they will still have occasional guest hosts to mix it up

it’s a part of my daytime mix… i’m laughing with this show again… and it’s largely in part to Whoopie

I watch THE REAL also, Linda…..I love that show, as well. Very funny and entertaining.

ok… I wasn’t even paying attention

the view is 10x more entertaining

It sure is, Patrick. I LOVE the new-View… it’s getting back on track.
LOVE the addition of Nicolle Wallace last September! Rosie P. is getting better. Raven is the latest greatest addition. And, then, there’s Whoopi. There would be no View without her, she’s the Queen of the show, no doubt.
1 seat remains… I was hoping Michelle Collins was gonna get it… but it seems they are still auditioning ’til August. I like Paula Faris, Stacey London, and Michelle Collins.

Right, Patrick. Rosie Perez is so underestimated. She is one of the most intelligent people I know. She is extremely well-read….always professional and prepared.
All of them are involved in charities and give their all….and, I am not talking just monetarily.

I don’t understand why I cannot express my feelings and opinions. This is why this subject was opened by Mr. Fairman….for discussion, whether some posters agree or not. You know what I mean, Patrick? If one disagrees; say so and explain one’s position….instead of making it personal and attacking me.
This is why I love you, Patrick. You are always kind, even when you disagree.

I don’t watch that horribly loud show.
those woman speak over each other, loudly..
I have stopped in while chan surfing and a minute or two is all I can tolerate it .. its so bad LOL !
but yet, people watch it go figure ……….. lol

Totally agree. Certainly not the show Barbra Walters originally started.

Well informed? On what planet would she be we informed? Same planet as the earth is flat Sherri Shepherd or same planet as microbiologist/nude model Jenny McCarthy?

She is no more informed than most people who watch the news and keep on current events who also have an opinion..
the view women are no more informed than others, they simply get paid to talk loud about their opinions..
Opinions are like butts everybody has one..

Su…too funny! You have me in stitches.

Great stuff, Torqumada! Your information is indeed accurate.

BTW, with regard to Sherri Shepherd, when she was first hired for The View, I was ecstatic because I was a huge fan of her sitcom, Less Than Perfect. However, it quickly became clear to me that she was in over her head at The View, starting right out the gate with that “the earth might be flat” comment. Then she proved to be ill-informed, judgmental, condescending, homophobic, all the while being preachy. How she lasted as long as she did is a mystery…

Raven misspoke. She meant to say ‘country’ .

Yep–I guess The View should change its name to The Missing Four Links.

My favorite quote is that after she got her results from a DNA analysis that she had blood “from every continent in Africa.” Any middle school student with average marks knows the difference between a continent and a country.

I’m thinking she’s not smarter than a fifth grader.

What’s sad is Ms. Walters is well informed, smart and capable. That she’d shill for this empty headed no nothing is depressing. I love a smart woman. Wouldn’t it be nice to include one?

Spot on about the the difference between opinions and intelligence. Absolutely spot on, su

LOL

a tete a tete
fait accompli

or just 4 women(s) having a good time… as we bear witness

I thought I would miss Joy Behar… and/or Rosie O’Donnell….

but

the current panel… has me laughing intrigued and recording their stuff

@su : “… they simply get paid to talk loud ”

meh :

2 serials
the view
i’m back to “deal or no deal” since the game show network… took off the air… 25,000 pyramid

i’m living it

Too Late for this show.. Time to say good bye

And thus has to do with soaps how? I rather blind myself than watch that crap

Michael Fairman covers daytime television programing which includes game shows and talk shows. He also covers soap operas which may also include night time programs such as Dallas, Revenge and Nashville.

she sort of bugs me but she is better than anyone on that show ever! i hate that show!

I no longer watch The View–it’s so awful. I used to DVR only if there was a guest I liked (about once per month), but I have not watched the show in 7-8 months.

DO YOU NOTICE EVERY MOMENT IS NEGATIVE……TOO BAD THEY WONT END THIS MESS

I guess the replies are a clear indication that someone needs to give Whoopi a talk show of her own without a panel. No one likes THE VIEW anymore. It’s sad, it was my 10 am snack time.

I gave up on this show a long time ago. From the incessant crosstalk and self-promotion among the panelists to the horrible, iron-fisted moderating skills of Whoopi, it’s a disaster. The only person to give the show any credibility is Barbara Walters, the show’s creator. And she has retired. Stunt casting rarely works, and this show sadly hasn’t learned that lesson…

hey Jamesj75, I hear what you’re saying, but for me, I’m pretty loyal to The View, sure some hosts have not worked out at all like Sheri, and Jenny. Others, from the past, I loved hearing and seeing their perspectives, and try to better understand and get, other peoples opinions. Anyways, I remain watching, I think the past few years, especially after Barbara retired, the show has lost steam, with that said, I enjoy Raven, and I feel confident that the show will rise up for the next season. And, I think it would be most fitting to bring Barbara Walters back part-time as the 5th co-host, it’s her show. And, she rocks it when she makes her special guest host appearances. If others don’t like The View, don’t watch it, so simple. There’s so many other options on tv and online, but I believe ABC believes in the View, and with the addition of Raven, the show is not going anywhere, it’s coming back next season. So, haters can hate, but let’s not forget, they have options, change the channel. I’m sticking to ABC. Maybe, you’ll come back and watch in the fall, Jamesj75? 🙂

Jeremy, thanks for your thoughtful reply! BTW, I once considered changing my name to “Jeremy,” but I digress…

I really do appreciate your perspective, on this topic and others. I know that, when I make harsh criticism, I am alienating other readers. And I don’t mean to do that. What I might find as a “disaster,” others might consider their all-time favorite show. When I am critical of GH (formerly my long-time favorite show), it’s because I want much more from the show that had me hooked for decades.

But getting back to The View, you make some great points, particularly having Barbara back as the 5th co-host. I’m all for that! I may not enjoy (or have enjoyed) certain co-hosts, but the format is viable and can be engaging. So I may tune in from time to time… 🙂

I applaud you, Jeremy. You said everything I am thinking.

hey Jamesj75, oh I totally get your opinion of the View, and GH. I do get when u, I, and others voice our concerns, criticizes, and share our thoughts… it is because we do want more from our shows. I totally agree with you. I, and I believe u do too, want our soaps, to survive on the air for years to come.
Anyways, on another note, I wish there were a way to build profiles and have private messages on this blog, and get to know who we are talking to, and be able to correspond accordingly 1on1, too. hmm, how can we do that?

So Jeremy’s spoken! (I’m sure you’ve heard that one before!) Thanks for your reply! Yes, I do want the soaps to continue to entertain. Right now, it’s like an Agatha Christie murder mystery: “And Then There Were Four.”
I agree with you in wishing there were a way to correspond 1 on 1, build profiles, etc. You at least have your picture posted! I also wish we had the opportunity to give a “like” to certain comments. It’s a logistical nightmare — okay, I’m being dramatic — to reply to everything you find interesting here. I would love to give out “likes.” (That’s just the way I am.) There is so much I read here that I truly enjoy but don’t have the time to post a reply. And so many comments go without any feedback. It makes one feel good when there is some back and forth. So, if nothing else, here’s to more back and forth! 🙂

hey J, give yahoo a try; it’s quite good. I’m only familiar with one of her plays, Witness for the Prosecution, but then again, I was: made.inbrooklyn
I look forward to your reply. Then, we can continue conversing about The View, GH, .com

Thanks for your reply, Jeremy! Glad we are in agreement that we want more from our shows and that we want them to continue. We are indeed fans who seek out this forum to express ourselves. I also have this idea that perhaps some of the braintrust from the shows might read viewer comments at message boards, such as this one, and get an idea of what fans are thinking. It only makes sense for them to seek out feedback, doesn’t it? Along those lines, I wasn’t able to make your suggestion work, but I’ll keep trying (in my attempt to be a hot male…). Watching these shows has been virtually a life-long addiction for me (and many of us). It’s only natural we want out “fix” to continue and be a satisfying one! Peace!

Jamesj75 :)….re-read my post, from June 13th. there’s a clue in it.

I’m made.inbrooklyn

my error: madein.brooklyn

Hey J! I don’t know about you, but I am loving GH with Genie back on!
I tried all that with still no luck. Look at Jamesj75@ June 14th (above).

I stopped watching long ago and this new hire only offers reinforcement for that decision.
One question–why does this young woman want to look like the Blue Meanie from the Beatles’ animated adaptation of The Yellow Submarine?

Yeah, that will bring in a VIEWEer! Its over! While their at it why not hire Tiffany and Debbie Gibson as legal correspondents!

Timm–you forgot I Carly!

And Victoria Justice!

Lol….actually that would be better. “OMG, we’re coming to you from the courthouse, you guys. Like its totally going down!”

Who has time to watch ill-informed minor celebrities spout off their opinions for an hour a day?

Minor celebrity? Whoopi won an ACADEMY AWARD. Furthermore, do you know who Nicole Wallace is? Her job IS TO BE WELL-INFORMED!!!!!!!!!!! There would be hell to pay if this woman and the rest of the panel did not know/study their topic before airing.

She’s an Academy Award winner like many others, but right now she sits around squawking on a show that’s well past its prime. Just because we don’t agree doesn’t mean I don’t know who and what I’m talking about.

I am sorry, mfarris. I will not prolong this because it is becoming silly. I did not mean to get your dander up. However, Whoopi does not just sit around ( I know this as fact)…..she runs a business or two, as well….very busy lady.

Why not CAITLIN?!

Thats a hell of an idea. It would be interesting to say the least and would be a ratings grabber!

both. lol

Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)

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Ambyr Michelle

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?

Ambyr Michelle

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.

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Beyond the Gates

RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers

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Beyond the Gates and General Hospital

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.

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General Hospital

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

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Antonio Sabato Jr.

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.”

Jack Sabato

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.

 

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A post shared by Antonio Sabato Jr (@antoniosabatojr)

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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