News
Ricki Lake Talk Show Canceled! While Some New Talkers Are Axed, Others Are Still Waiting In The Wings!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
This came as no surprise but today official word was handed down that The Ricki Lake Show was canceled and will not be renewed for the 2013-2014 season. Stephen Brown, Twentieth TV’s EVP of programming & development, stated on the cancellation: “While we are proud of the topics the program tackled including childhood obesity, life-after the military, divorce, and addiction we were simply not able to breakthrough the crowded talk show marketplace.”
According to Deadline.com, a similar notice will be given to the Jeff Probst Show. Along with Lake and Probst, Anderson Cooper’s talk show, Anderson will also not see another season.
But while we hoped that programming executives and syndication arms would realize that there is just way too much talk shows on daytime, there are still more programs waiting in the wings to infuriate soap fans that include the following hosting their own talkers: Kris Jenner, Bethenny Frankel, Arsenio Hall ans Queen Latifah!
So soapers, do you think there is way to much talk on daytime at this point? Does it seem like a guest makes the round from show to show to show to promote their projects? Which talk show’s do you watch? Let us know your thoughts!
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.
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
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“So soapers, do you think there is way to much talk on daytime at this point?”
There’s that rhetorical question again.
There have been too many talk shows for a long time. Ricki Lake – isn’t this the second time she’s tried the talk show route? Kris Jenner, Bethany Frankel – trying to feed off their “reality” show success? I personally don’t watch talk shows, period. Not during the day, not at night, not interested. And yes, it does seem that the same people show up on them talking up their latest projects. As far as I can tell from program listings, that is, since I don’t see them myself.
Yes, way too many talk shows, what is there left to talk about.? Maury and Jerry Springer need to go away too.
i agree
Good Riddance!
i agree,too bring amc and otol back on the air and get rid of chew
And critics say soaps are derivative and repetitive?!?!?!? These talkers recycle guests, even cannibalizing on each other to fill their hours. Let’s close our mouoths save for some savvy storytelling, please. The talk format has not generated anything new for some time. And the demands of corporate American and audiences will not allow for anyone to break through or be original anyway. I am tired of crass. I am tired of lowbrow. I am tired of judge shows. Come one, webs and syndicators, work it… or maybe give us back our original continuing stories. Thank you!
I would not watch any talk show except Ellen if I did watch talk shows. I care nothing about actors and so on. I don’t care about any of the same old crap that they all seem to talk about. Yuk. They will be gone and recycling new ones soon. They are doomed before they start.
Maybe Prospect Park can save these cancelled talk shows and move them on line like they did the soaps AMC and OLTL? JUST JOKING!
We dont need anymore talk shows! Havent the poor ratings made even a dent in their heads???? SOAPS MATTER! When will they get it??
I don’t watch talkers period. Same old same old…
When are the highly paid morons at the networks going to realize people are sick and tired of talk shows. I don’t watch them. Bring back Love in the Afternoon.
they should have never cancelled all my children and one life to live.
Yes, there’s too many, what they need to do is have more soaps even if only 30 minutes ones, but then again that’s way to much tv for anyone, we just need the ones that are still here to survive with high ratings.
There are only so many times a day you can watch someone interview Jennifer Anisten about her upcoming movie and talk about the mayors cheating scandal. Make a game show and a half hour soap and call it a day kids. Build a lineup
Andrson could stay the rest can go…………Ricki take Katie with you…
The view is enough for me and it is just the 1st 25 min (Hot Topics). If the guest is on GMA earlier in the day then I don’t to see then again. If other shows like Katie or Dr. Phil get an exclusive then I usually see most of the best stuff on GMA or AH.
Never watched her. Oh wait. I don’t watch any of them. Or the talk, or the view, or doctors and shrinks, or judges. I watch soaps.
All I can say to all the network exec’s out there who thought they could replace soap operas with talk shows is Karma is a bitch.
My television’s life is in danger should Kris Jenner get a show.
Most talk shows have talked themselves out, and are just a show case for celebrities to pitch their goods. If they could tackle and handle current social/political topics like Phil Donahue did, or Oprah did when she started out (towards the end she became too celebrity focused too!), they could be interesting, but now many of them are just places for famous people to become more famous! Actually, Steve Harvey’s show has not been bad, he has been bringing on ‘regular’ people, and helping them deal with day to day lifestyle issues.
notice how ellen degeneres is getting no backlash from creating betheney frankel’s daytime talk show. ellen is very vocal against lgbt bullying but she gives a talk show to a real housewife? the whole premise of the housewife franchise are women being catty and saying degrading things abt each other. bravo pretty much glorifies bullying. oh that’s right. ellen has no problem w/ the housewives bec the bullying is between lgbt people. hollywood and the mainstream manhattan media and the entertainment press are against lgbt bullying and speak abt lgbt suicides and yet the Office of Minority Health (OMH) and National Asian Women’s Health Organization (NAWHO) has reported that suicide is the fifth leading cause of death among Asian americans overall compared to the ninth leading cause of death for white Americans. The highest suicide rate are among Asian american women 66 and older. Asian american girls have the highest rates of depressive symptoms of any group and 71% of southeast asian americans meet the criteria for depression and other major affective mental disorders w/ 81% percent Cambodian americans. 16% Asian american women have contemplated suicide compared with 13% of other americans. females ages 15 to early 20s who are Asian american die from suicide at a higher rate than all other groups. but hollywood and the mainstream media and entertainment press never speaks against that bec they only speak abt gay bullying and lgbt suicides. while actors and actresses only talk against gay bullying and lgbt suicides bec that gets them press and publicity and helps their careers and gets them favorable acting reviews. hollywood has made it acceptable to bash Asian americans and therefore hollywood has directly contributed to these high suicide rates among Asian american women. of course the mainstream manhattan media and hollywood and the entertainment press won’t criticize ellen for giving a former real housewife a platform when the real housewife franchise glorifies bullying. typical from the progressive manhattan media and the tolerant entertainment press and biased hollywood.
Are there to many talk shows? Now that’s a hot one! What kind of idiotic question is that? Oh and the one that I watch, NONE OF THEM!!!!!!
Another brand new soap opera
Gouge My Eyes OUT…. Kris Jenner? Oye! Retards watch too much “reality”.
isn’t she all that christening herself Queen of Reality….
I miss the game shows.. good ones..(not ones like deal or no deal..stupid show)….or the variety shows like Carol Burnett. What happened to comedy? Something to make you laugh and lighten your day? No one in the business has any kind of imagination any more. Since the OJ trials television has gone down the drain. Reality shows are just a drain on society, and talk shows will never have another Johnny Carson. I’m a scripted story person. Love the soaps. Build them up from morning till the news in the evening……ya know….like it used to be when TV was good.
Excellent point, LisaK.
CBS has Drew Carey so why don’t they have him do his cable show during the daytime or bring back Whose Line is it Anyway.
I would think if one network can get by with reruns of America’s Funniest Home Videos and I Love Lucy (not complaining about the Lucy part), then the other networks could find something else besides TALK SHOWS for their lineup. I would also love to see another half-hour soap start up instead of decimating what we have left.
Maybe if one of these talk shows tried something new we really would watch. Maybe…
Yeah, like maybe have no one talk. Now that would be something. Seeing how long they could keep quiet instead of talk, talk, talk, talk, talk. What else is there to talk about?
Kris Jenner, Bethany Frankel, Meredith Viera, Queen Latifia are just a few waiting for a talk show spot. I’ve also heard that ABC is salivating waiting for ratings to tank for GH. They apparently want to replace it with a weight loss reality show similar to biggest Loser. God help us all…
I may be in the minority here, but as an American, I feel talked-out. News is on around the clock, on a million websites, and on a hundred talks shows. I just want to be entertained for a while, people.
I’m right there with ya, Tom. I can’t believe that anyone wants MORE talk.