News
Stephanie's Cancer Is Back On The Bold and the Beautiful – Watch The Promo!
Courtesy/CBS
Two women in crisis is the throughine that will give The Bold and the Beautiful’s Daytime Emmy winning actresses some heavy duty emotional material to sink their teeth into in the weeks ahead. Of course, we are talking about Heather Tom (Katie) and Susan Flannery (Stephanie)!
As On-Air On-Soaps site visitors know in our recent interview with The Bold and the Beautiful’s executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell, he teased a storyline that he gave to Heather saying, “It is something that affects so many women around the world. It’s exciting to have powerful material heading in the direction of an incredibly powerful actress. This is a must-see storyline.”
Now as far as Susan Flannery, who is set to exit the soap at the end of the year after more than 25 years with the show, from this week’s CBS promo it is revealed that Stephanie’s cancer has returned! And Brad Bell filled us in on some initial plans for Flannery’s departure from B&B, “I can say it will be a great send-off and a tribute to a woman and a character that has been so much a part of our lives. I would really like to do justice to her, and show the highlights of her career on this show. I think the audience is going to love it.“
Watch this week’s promo for B&B, and let us know what you think about Stephanie’s cancer returning, and Katie’s story?
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.
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.”
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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Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
DANCING WITH THE STARS: A Shocking Elimination on Grammy Night Leaves Ballroom Silenced
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Y&R’s Matt Cohen Talks Role as Compassionate Zookeeper in Rom-Com ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
Alice Halsey Returns to ‘Days of our Lives’ as Rachel Black – Find Out How Long!
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This is the sort of dramatic material that shows off B&B best,not the constant who does Liam want to marry NOW!
I know this is a daytime drama, so it needs drama. I like the return on Stephanie’s cancer. When Susan leaves, I hope the role is not recast. Stephanie is so central and vital to the show. Losing Stephanie will effect everyone on the show, it will have great story line potential. I also love seeing the loving, caring, mature side of Bill. I want to see him pull Katie back, but the story line needs to end. Bill and Katie need to move to the forefront as the power couple…no Eric and Stephanie…no Ridge and Brooke. The Spencer clan, headed by Bill and Katie should add so power to the show. I love the growing maturing love of Bill and Katie.
I like what you say here very much. Bill and Katie could be the new lead couple. I do hope Forresters can be strong, too. I would like to see Thorne and Felicia more. To be honest, I could do without Taylor and some of the other progeny.
I hope they’re not killing Stephanie off.
This promo hints at the B&B I remember and love. I pray there is a shift with these powerful plots and cast changes away from “the tiresome triangle” and characters who serve plotlines not vice versa. Maybe Bill Spencer can redeem himself to a degree (he can never be all good) and maybestephanie’s illness can restore luster to the Forrester family and bring attention to Thorne and Felicia. Losing Susan Flannery is sad for all the fans.
I guess we now know how they will write her off in December
I loved Stephanie’s cancer storyline. While it was sad, it was excellently written. Brad Bell and his team really do these stories beautifully. I have a feeling this is preparing for the original send-off that was planned when Steph originally got cancer, and was rumoured to be leaving the series. I cannot wait for this storyline; it’s going to be beautiful!
I haven’t watched B & B for months but I think I’ll tune in for this. In real life, people succumb to cancer. In real life, actors are human beings who want to enjoy all stages of their lives. I will miss the character of Stephanie, but her departure will usher all facets of new story as others have said.
Treat Ms. Flannery and her character with respect. Please no recast, phony miracle cures, or trips to mystery clinics on far away continents.
I had given up on B&B, but this promo hints at some dramatic and worthwhile storylines to come. So I will be tuning in again and give this show another chance to redeem itself. But it is their last chance for me at least- so here’s hoping it is as good as it looks.
Ooh noo! A very depressing story, I’m not into doom& death gloom.
this will be an upsetting tear-jerker, sad and gray..
I do not to get depressed from a soap story..
(not good for hypercondriac’s )
anyways, I wish her departure would be more uplifting and leave me with a smile in remembrance, rather then in awful depression and sadness..
As awesome as Susan is, I do not think she is irreplacable. Erika Slezak comes to mind for both physical resemblance and dramatic prowess. But Judith McConnell…Marj Dusay…just some others who could ably play the role. But I hold to my earlier post that big bad Steph should die and return in ghostly form periodically.
Recasting the role of Stephanie Forrester would not only be an insult to Susan, but also to the fans. It’s one of those iconic roles that really cannot and should not be portrayed by anyone else but Susan Flannery!
WOW Ashlee, what great ideas. Except not Erika Slezak-she is STILL & ALWAYS be my beloved Victoria Lord. Too soon to think of her in a major storyline on another soap. But really, Judith McConnell or Marj Dusay-what about Elizabeth Hubbard (Lucinda from AWTW?) Neat re-casting possiblities. But yeah, Steph as a GHOST-oh what possibilities & what havoc she could wreak, ha.
There are very few who are not replacable in daytime. People thought the following people were…who went on to have wildly successful recasts…Beverlee McKinsey, Peter Reckell, Wayne Northrop, David Lewis, Ian Buchanan, Sarah Brown, Anne Heche , Alicia minshew, terry lester, eileen Davidson, Brenda dickson…the list goes on… I personally think it would be better if stephanie dies and comes back periodically to haunt her family…but a wish list of recasts is LONG and.possible. it would be nice to see Stephanie portrayed as the sexual WOMAN she was in the original show.contrasted to the overweight short haired lesbian she chose to appear as later in life.
You are right Ashlee. I am just not “ready” to see Erika Slezak as anyone but Viki but there WERE Viki’s before her & she could play someone else as well. There have been tons of successful recasts, no doubt. So funny, your comments about Stephanie & her sexuality (or lack thereof) Was just talking to my mother about that, remembering Susan Flannery on either the Doctors or Days, can’t rem. which & especially on Dallas. Lord, she was a KNOCK OUT on Dallas & in the early years of B&B. Our question is what the heck happened to her?
The last of what was good about this soap please show scenes of her and the late great Darlene Conley/Sally Spectra so we can remember why you were even once worth my time but because I know Brad Bell we will make it all about Steffy/Liam/Hope. Good luck Ms. Flannery you were the reason I watched.
Stephanie was NOT. A lesbian. Strange that Eric couldn’t figure it.out…but Really…..recast the role.with a WOMAN…ratings will soar!
ALWAYS will be.
Susan flabbergasted is a hardcore lesbian. Give her that, o guess. Lets some a sexy Stephanie qho ia normal!!!! A woman who can. Say thT soaps are about real love.