News
The Bachelor Season Finale Offered Up Train-Wreck Controversial Soap Opera Drama!
Courtesy/ABC
The watercooler moment of Tuesday has to be last night’s two-hour season finale of The Bachelor and the aftermath in the After the Rose live one hour special.
This had all the earmarks of a soap opera and in fact, it was with Juan Pablo being the most and painted as the most, despicable bachelor the show has ever seen, which actually made the whole thing more of a train-wreck than usual!
In the season finale, Juan Pablo after the helicopter date ride with Claire, apparently said some inappropriate and offensive things to the finalist. From all accounts it was something along the lines of “I don’t know you that well, but I love hooking up with you.”
Clare is upset about it and comes to the realization that maybe he is not truly in to her more than physically. Later, Juan Pablo comes to her hotel room, prior to the next day’s final rose ceremony. Claire wants him to clarify if she is into her more than just having sex, to which he dances around the issue. She looks like she is ready to bolt and tell him to get out, but instead he someone convinces her with his minimal words of what she apparently wants to hear!
When it’s time for the Rose Ceremony, Claire goes to meet him and he says, “You are an unbelievable, amazing woman. I wish the Earth sucked me today (HUH?) because this is the hardest decision ever. I appreciate you being here and trusting me all along. I got to find who I think is best for me and I have to say goodbye to you.” And then came the drama with Claire finally lashing out and Juan Pablo: “This entire time I’ve stuck around because I believed in you and the other night on our last date, I needed that reassurance and I gave you the opportunity right then because I was scared to death. And for you to sit there and tell me that you could see yourself in Sacramento … I saved this moment for the man of my dreams and I thought that was you and I thought I knew what kind of man you were. I lost respect for you. What you just made me go through I would never want my children having a father like you.” As Claire walks away, Juan Pablo utters, “I’m glad I didn’t pick her!” Even the in-studio live audience watching this play out, applauded Claire for walking out on Juan Pablo!
As for Nikki the other finalist, she gave Juan Pablo a card with sweet sentiments in the hotel room, the night before the final rose ceremony! She told him, she loved him. She wanted Juan Pablo to say it in return. He said nothing, but gave her little kisses. She was left crying. Yet, she still continued to say, she knows how much he loves her and he is the man for her! WHAT?
In the end, Juan Pablo offers Nikki a rose, not a ring. He prefaced it with, “I listened to your dad and what he said to me: ‘Juan Pablo, if you’re going to propose to my daughter you have to be 100 percent sure.’ And that made me think a lot. I have a ring here in my pocket and I’m not going to use it. I’m not 100 percent sure I want to propose to you, but at the same time I’m 100 percent sure I don’t want to let you go.”‘
So after all of that, in the After the Rose live special, Nikki reveals Juan Pablo has yet to tell her he loves her. They have been dating for the last four months though. Juan Pablo tells host Chris Harrison to basically stop talking over him twice! And Juan Pablo still refuses to talk about any details of what his relationship with Nikki is. Former Bachelor, Sean Lowe is in the audience clearly annoyed at the behavior of his successor.
From a disrespectful bachelor, to women being needy, to women standing up for themselves, to a puzzling cliffhanger, was this finale truly the best soap opera of the month or the worst soap opera ever seen? Let us know your thoughts on Juan Pablo? Claire and Nikki? And if the whole series should finally go away?
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
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?
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.
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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‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
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
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)
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (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’
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Previews4 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
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General Hospital3 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
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Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
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When the bachelor started Juan Pablo was the man until started to act non gentleman, he end been the worse bachelor and a DOUCHE BAG.
Yo u took the words right out of my mouth what a dog!
Self-centered manchild, who can’t see past his own reflection. You can say he’s being honest, but his honesty shows his true character. He’s someone who never knew how to love or give to another. Selfish. Someday the selfishness will lead to loneliness.
This guy a ” Tool” The way he treated woman a disgrace! When his Ex first saw Nikki you could see it her eye’s ( he still had her mentally ) He has control over Nikki Already!! He used his Spanish & Daughter as leverage since the beginning. She is a Nurse & he is never leaving Miami..
First off, I never saw the big deal when he was picked to be the next Bachelor. I would have rather seen someone else. I have watched the show since the beginning and understand that the rules have changed and it is not required to propose. So I respect Juan Pablo not proposing and wanti g to see what life in the real world is like in terms of his his relationship lasting. It was definitely the most dramatic one-to-date! I feel bad for Nikki . She looked very uncomfortable and put her head down when Chris was questioning Juan Pablo about their relationship. And how does she feel now after seeing last night’s episode where he insulted Clare with his sexual comment! I think Juan Pablo loves his daughter more than anyone and will be hard for him to make room for a partner!
The guy is a jerk and a dirt bag!!!! Those women should be very happy he picked himself!
Disgusting. The show just needs to go away.
OMG…Juan Pablo is the real TRAIN-WRECK here!!!!! What an immature scumbag?!?!?
and people have problems with gay marriage?!?!?
He should just dry up and blow away or find the nearest earthen vortex and jump in since he wishes the Earth would suck him. Duh. Stupidest bachelor ever.
First of all, Juan Pablo never seemed like he was interested in finding love. The network came to him, and he jumped on the opportunity. If love came, that would of been another story, but it didn’t come. It almost came with Sharleen, he cried over her and her leaving. Everyone else other than Sharleen, he was just enjoying his time, and company of being, The Bachelor!!!!
As for him, not prosposing, I don’t see the BIG deal. If you review the history of the bachelor (which U can find on line) many finale’s DIDNOT end up with proposals. Some ended up with promise rings. If they didn’t give a ring, they couldn’t ALL have said, ” I Love You “, why would they with no ring? Brad didn’t say , ” I love you “, nor was there a ring. He basically, didn’t even say, ” I like you “. Juan was not the most respectful in his dealings with the women, but I respect that he didn’t offer us the same BULLSHIT fairytale ending, that is false and don’t last. Its almost impossible to fall in love with someone over 6 weeks, when you are dating so many other people. I commend Juan for not being BULLIED into proposal, BUT I’m not happy about the games he played with the woman in the process. He just should of gone along, dated an had the fun with being the bachelor, and knowing that he hadn’t found love in the end, stated it the way he did, ” I’m 100 % sure, I don’t want to let you go “. Then (minus his bad manners and preceeding games with the woman) not proposal or ‘ I love you ‘, wouldn’t of made him look so bad. Its not that he didn’t propose or say, ‘ I love you ‘, IN FACT, other bachelors have as well, it’s his behavior throughout the process of the show, that has him caught in the backlash.
The show needs to have a age requirement. At 26, your just still too young. It should start at 28 for contestants. People need to do some living before they talk about ‘ happy ever after ‘. Any younger than 28, let them find love on their own, away from the tv camera’s. When viewers invest time into watching these people, they have an expectation that it will work, “sometims”, and in the case of this show, it’s almost “NOtime”. 28 year of age requirement NEEDED, lets start a campaign for it