News
Thad Luckinbill Returns To Y&R As J. T. Hellstrom!

Courtesy/CBS
The Young and the Restless is bringing back one of their fan favorite leading men in Thad Luckinbill!
Luckinbill will reprise his role of J.T. Hellstrom beginning with the December 12th episode of the CBS Daytime drama series.
J. T. is Victoria’s (Amelia Heinle) ex-hubby and the bio-dad of Reed (Tristan Lake Leabu). Just what will happen when he is back on the canvas? Luckinbill was last seen on the soap in November 2010.
In a new promo released on social media today, Y&R confirmed the rumors that Thad is indeed coming back to Genoa City. And in the voice-over for this well-done video teaser, you hear Luckinbill’s stating:“Sometimes when you leave, you realize that you’re not done with what you left behind.“
Watch the promo after the jump! Then let us know if you are excited about the return of Thad as J.T. in the comment section below!
Look who’s coming back to Genoa City! Thad Luckinbill returns to The Young and the Restless as J.T. Hellstrom on Tuesday, December 12. #YR pic.twitter.com/tqTSdG75JL
— Young and Restless (@YandR_CBS) November 3, 2017
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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This is gonna be SOOOOOOO GOOD!!! I hope Reed is ok.
It is GREAT love him to pieces such a handsome guy and a great actor !
Aren’t they married in real life??
They were, but Amelia filed for divorce earlier this year.
He’s actually the one who filed the petition for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
They were but recently filed for divorce.
heard they never went through with it and are still together. recent vacation pictures of all 4 of them are on-line
Vic…the last I heard…they were getting a divorce. Y-e-p.
Divorced, Vic.
No, Thad Luckinbill as the one who filed for divorce.
I was always liked him started out as a bad boy then changed withe sweet romance with Colleen. Welcome back !
That will be interesting / something different and hopefully exciting.
Most likely he will be back to controll Reed.
Vicitora will put sex all over him and I hope he shuts her down ..
Billy will mop like a ummm a hurt puppy lol
I really really hope T.J gets it on with Phillis ahaa! that would be a great put back on Victoria! I’d like that.
Thad Luckinbill a handsome guy and I’ll enjoy looking at him, if nothing else.
Oh, su0000…more and more, you crack me up…lol. TOTALLY!!!!!
Later.
Well Friday they kissed. Maybe they think if they act together it could fix their marriage.
How else could they kiss on Friday when in real life they are getting divorced.
Anybody heard any scoop on how they can act together in a romance??
YESSSSS!!
Hell ya, I’m excited!
And Victoria needs him as her next love interest and Reed needs his father.
Good news all around, be interested to see him interact with the Jason Thompson’s Billy
Since my favourite hottie Steve burton left Y&R I have only been watching bits and pieces. Thad is still looking pretty fine, I might have to pay more attention again.
I do truly hope they use him for the right reasons I have noticed mal young has an obsession with JT like Phelps had for Burton which we endured for five years now he is back over at GH pulling the same crap!
can’t wait
Should be interesting. If he coming back for Victoria, then it will be very interesting, since the actor and Amelia Heinlie are divorced.
Filed for but not final!!!
YES!
J.T. should have been back a long time ago.
If only colleen were still alive..her and JT were adorable and sweet together. imo they were the last teen couple to have any longterm potential. …then MAB had to go and kill the Carltons off one by one
Killing Colleen was a huge mistake!!!!
Hope he is coming to town with the purpose of taking Reed elsewhere.
vinee…oh, yes. To me, JT has always been a WAY BETTER PARENT to Reed than that annoying and wishy-washy Victoria…PERIOD!!!!!
LOL. Love your humor, vinee.
Reed and his guitar. He doesn’t seem to have lessons with Tessa anymore. They kinda dropped that storyline.
How about to the barber shop!
I’ve been literally been waiting for this since Reed came back on the scene. This is awesome!
From what I’ve read, he’s done very well after leaving Y&R. Can’t imagine why he would want to come back to the daily grind of a soap. Might be interesting, but then with the crazy writing who knows.
I’m surprised to hear he’s returning too as I thought he had a successful career as a producer. Didn’t he produce “LaLa Land”? Or his company.
I do remember seeing his name on a very successful movie. Can’t remember which one, but I’m sure he made a lot of money off of it. Can’t be easy to be working with the ex wife either…lol
Cannot wait!
It would be great to see the JT character come back. He and Victoria were always one of my favorite couples.
Might this mean the end of J.T. and Mac? I wouldn’t be surprised if that were true, unless they’re recasting Mac, too?
I think it’s a good move. I always hated the way JT treated Kevin but he was otherwise okay. Plus he has all that nice blonde hair and winsome smile. Victoria could do worse. She has done worse. And I don’t like Jason Thompson’s Billy with Victoria anyway, so this will be a welcome diversion.
Ok, what is the deal with J.T.? He was with Victoria? Colleen? And Mac who? I love it when soaps respect their history. Why is JT’s an important return?
GREAT NEWS!!!!
Also, I remember the sweet way Kathryn Chancellor would say, “J.T.”
James…yeah, Brother…I remember that, too. Yep.
Later, Brother.
Thanks, jaybird369! I also now realize I misspelled the iconic character’s name: it is “Katherine!” I hope I’m not kicked off these boards for my faux pas… 🙂
Yes, James….how true! And, how I miss Katherine! The other character for whom I have been awaiting forever is, Mackenzie, the original ( Ashley Bashioum)…. don’t you agree, my friend? LOL.
Seriously—-nostalgia is both balming for the soul, and at the same time, sooo very heartrending. Melancholy feeling!!
Then, again, James, I’m too much of a romantic.
Thank you, Celia! I think all fans of Y&R who knew Jeanne Cooper in the role miss the long-term character terribly. I love your idea of bringing back Ashley Bashioum as Mackenzie.
Nostalgia is often my middle name…
You, my Friend, being a romantic is a definite plus!
Celia…DEFINITELY!!!!! Now that J.T. is coming back to the Y&R canvas, Mackenzie needs to follow him back to Genoa City ASAP!!!!! Oh…and if Ashley Bashioum (the first and original Mackenzie) is unavailable (or whatever), I’ll gladly accept Clementine Ford (Mackenzie #2) in the role. As for the other 2 ‘Mackenzies’…Kelly Kruger and Rachel Kinsey…NO, NO AND MORE NO!!!!!
Celia…later, my friend.
@Ron.
Hey, Ron,
Thak you….
I like it….JT and Phyllis. That would be so “delicious”, yeees!!!! And, it would precipitate Victoria delving within herself, facing the fact she’s still in love with her ex ( and in real life, too, LOL), just as you predict/presume….hmmmm…trouble brewing, Ron!!
James…you’re welcome, Brother. Oh…as always, I LOVE the smiley face…lol.
Later, Brother.
You bet, Jay….I hope against all hope that Mackenzie will return and oust/unseat the illegitimate heir to the Chancellor throne, as it were.
Why Devon and not Mackenzie, Jay, my friend?? Having known the strong relationship between Katherine and her granddaughter, I was shocked when the inheritance went to Devon. I always smelled a rat…..Katherine would have never done that of her own free will. I mean, everything to Devon?? No way!!
It sounds more and more like the shady deal Graham has going with Dina. Go figure….what a travesty!!
If TPTB had any sense of righteousness, they would right this wrong, and bring Mac back to claim what’s hers.
Agree wholeheartedly– Ashley (MAC) was the first and best… and as Celia pointed out, she should be the rightful heir to the Chancellor estate. How delicious it would be to have that fight with Jill. And, she’s the best bet for Billy, was from the beginning and still is.
As for JT– turn around is fair play: JT will fall for Phyllis, just when Victoria (dip-stick she is) realizes she’s in love with JT.
It would be great if J.T. Returned to bring Reed’s bills back that he left in DC when he ran away to GC. The actor portrays Reed with as much excitement as I get when I discover I finished Oreo cookies two days early and left the empty box in the cupboard.
Reed is a real bore with zero chemistry with anyone.
But J.T. back to make Billy struggle is gonna be AWESOME!!
Amelia Heinle and Thad Luckinbill inside the same CBS Studio (or whatever). This is gonna get very, very ‘interesting’…lol.
Hey…just saying……….
AH welcomed him back showin a picture of them at the beach with their kids. I do not think MY would bring him back if he thought their was going to be a problem they are also both adults .
Is he back long term? Is Mac returning with him? What about his kids with Mac? Wonder what brings him to town. Maybe to take on Cane. LOL
I would looove that, Mo. ….no kidding!!!! Cane is a waste.
I am surprised he needs to do this after the success he and his brother had with La La Land.
I hope they play this card correctly. Didn’t he and Mac have a child? Where is she?
Of all the returns, I would want Michael Graziadei back! He had such great chemistry with Christel Khalil. Cane is a bore. He needs Amber back to give him some life or to play his evil twin.
Totes agree! 🙂
Wow, I didn’t know that! I noticed that he was in a recent firefighter movie with Josh Brolin and Mile Teller, but I didn’t realize that he produced it, too. He executive produced La la Land, and several other A-list-starring movies.
This is such great news he was on today first time for 7 years I hope that he stays forever so good land a brilliant actor welcome back Thad we have all missed you !
am glad JT is returning was sad when he left. Hope that maybe he and Amelia can reconnect in real life
They still have chemistry. Love it. I hope they get back together. For real
Thad also Stars in and produces the new 12strong movie just released
How long will Thad Lunckinbill be on the Young and the Restless? What time frame is his contract? I realize from his video that he has a lot of other interests. He is by far the hottest actor on all the soaps.
Love watching him with his ex-wife Amelie Heinle!
Love that he is back always liked him. So sorry about his real life divorce.