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‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Brad Bell on the ‘New Momentum’ of Soap Operas After Years of Cancellations (Exclusive Clip)

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: CBS

Next year, The Bold and the Beautiful will celebrate its 40th anniversary on CBS. At the helm of the series is Brad Bell who wears both hats as executive producer and head writer of through his family company, Bell-Phillip Television Productions, named after his legendary parents, Bill Bell and Lee Phillip Bell (co-creators of B&B and Y&R).

Now in a special one-year anniversary podcast episode of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart dropping tomorrow on Tuesday, July 7, Bell is the featured guest where the topics ranged from learning his craft from his father, Bill Bell, to the state of soap operas today.

When asked about having his own TV production company and having a soap opera on the air for almost four decades when in 2009, the soaps started to be cancelled in succession: Guiding Light, As the World Turns, All My Children and One Life to Live, Bell offered this perspective in this exclusive clip provided to Michael Fairman TV ahead of the full conversation.

Photo: JPI

MAKING THE BEST EPISODES OF THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

Brad expressed, “I’m very proud of that (having his own production company). There were times when the soaps we all know from the nineties were (later) dropping out and there were 14 and then 12. Everyone was saying, ‘What were you going to do next?’ And I thought I should make a plan. But, I made the plan that I’m going to stay focused and try to make every episode of The Bold and the Beautiful the best it can be, and maybe the sun will shine again. Then, I’m thinking probably not.”

However in 2026, Bell feels that with streaming as a useful platform for fans to catch up on episodes, Beyond the Gates being the first new network soap opera launched in 25 years, and how soaps have been in the mainstream of late (think John Oliver and Ryan Gosling), the EP and head scribe believes soaps are on an upswing.

“I do feel that we’re in a period now of new momentum,” shared Bell. “I think streaming, which was certain death has now become a friend and an asset. So, there is a lot of interest in what we’re doing.”

Photo: JPI

MICRODRAMAS AND HOLLYWOOD STARLET

Brad is also moving into the burgeoning world of vertical dramas with his new microdrama Hollywood Starlet, under his Red Flair Entertainment banner for aTwist (formerly MicroCo;, the U.S.-based microseries studio and platform that is set to launch in August.

As previously reported, the upcoming microdrama was created Bell; directed and written by Kristen Brancaccio; and executive produced by Anthony Ferrari, Oliver Bell, Paxton Fuller and Graham Lawyer. Bradley Bell and his son Oliver Bell founded Red Flair Entertainment to specifically focus on elevated vertical series.

You can check out this exclusive preview clip of Brad Bell talking about how soap operas are on an upswing below.

Now let us know, do you agree with Brad? Are soap operas seemingly on the upswing, generating more interest and buzz? Or, do you think they can never recover from the heartbreaking cancellations in the late 2000s and and on? Let us know via the comment section.

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B&B Streaming App has me HOOKED. For only $5 a month. Every season. Every episode. Over 9000 episodes. Fan favorite episodes. Tribute episodes and special deleted scenes. I loved DOOL and BTG for years now but ever since I began streaming BB on their app that they have offered I can’t seem to break free and catch up on the other soaps. The other soaps seem so boring and move at a snails pace. Now my husband and I are watching it together and we’re really enjoying spending time together.
I CAN ONLY WISH FOR BELL TO OFFER THE SAME OPTION FOR “The Young and the Restless “. If that happens I have my next 3 years of TV all ready planned. Lol

Francesca. Knock it off. You can find all the episodes of B&B everywhere now. 5.00 per month?? Girl.

I agree with Brad ithink soaps are on an up spring Ilove all the soaps I believe as a soap writer you have to be true to the characters that you are writing for Ilove writing my self and I wrote several of my own soaps my dream is to be a writer of some of the soaps onair today.

I enjoy your two soaps Y&R and B&B I started watching both of them with my mom but don’t you think B&B could be on for one hour like every other soaps are? Both of your shows are action packed never boring at all and the actors and actresses are sunburned! Keep up the good work you have given us!

Why is it that bold and beautiful are only on for an half hour,? When the young and restless and beyond the gates are on for hour.
I really enjoy it.

The half hour format makes it easier to sell in international markets.

Beyond the Gates shouldn’t be on at all. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Showing people of color to be as filthy rich as the people on this show is utterly outrageous!!!

They should be on just like any other soap opera is it because you are not black black people got money too stop being a hater prejudice you are outrageous leaving saying such a thing

Love Dylan and Will !!! Electra is a narcissist! She and RJ are perfect for each other !!!

Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Marquita Goings to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

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Marquita Goings

After her star turn in recent episodes of Beyond the Gates, soap opera’s latest vixen Hayley Lawson Hamilton played by Marquita Goings has grabbed viewers attention just waiting to see what stunt she’ll pull next!

Now, Marquita Goings will visit the Michael Fairman Channel for a livestream chat on Thursday, October 22 beginning at 7pm ET/4pm PT and you can join us with your questions!

Previously in story, Hayley has racked up some pretty despicable acts and crimes thus far which have included, trying to poison and kill Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) for his life insurance in order to cash in and hightail it out of Fairmont Crest with the moolah.

Photo: CBS

Then, let’s not forget using the recordings she obtained to blackmail everyone with the the secret that Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) and Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) have been trying to keep under wraps about the hate crime years ago, which saw Martin kill one man, while another later died, in an effort to save his grandfather.

NEXT WEEK ON BEYOND THE GATES

Now, the week of October 19-23 previews that it appears that Hayley may be pregnant (take a look at the video preview below) with Bill’s child when she gets a little queasy, after she went to see her partner in crime, Randy (Maurice P. Kerry) to get a fresh ID to skip out of town and away from the DMV.

In fact, on the Tuesday, October 20 episode, official BTG spoilers indicate, Vernon assures Dani (Karla Mosley) that he’s got things handled, while Hayley’s ready for her next act, while on the Friday, October 23 episode, Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant) has devastating words for Hayley and Bill’s got another thing coming.

If you have a question for Marquita but cannot join us for the live broadcast, drop it in the comment section and we just might ask it during the chat.

Now let us know, do you think Hayley will be pregnant? How will she continue to evade any prison time? What has been your favorite scene of Marquita Goings on Beyond the Gates thus far? Comment below.

 

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Talks On Where Joe Fitzpatrick is Headed and Soap Opera Shirtless Scenes

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Jonathan Bennett

It had become abundantly clear that roomies Dr. Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) and PCPD detective Joe Fitzpatrick (Jonathan Bennett) seem destined towards a romance on General Hospital.

In fact, to get Lucas all hot and bothered (although he does fully let on), during the Friday, October 16 episode, the good doctor helps Joe pick out something less stuffy to wear to a bar to meet people.

However, the moment is met with Joe taking off his shirt in front of Lucas and doing a quick change from sport coat and button down shirt to a more relaxed casual button down shirt. In fact, the ABC soap opera even called out the moment as their clip of the day (see below).

Lucas and Joe

Courtesy/ABC

MAJOR STORY TEASE FOR JOE

Bennett spoke with OUT in a new feature about what may be on the horizon for the by-the-book Joe and the moral Lucas, and how he learned that once the producers and writers on a soap script in a shirtless scene, if it goes over well, said actor, can expect many more in the months to come!

“I’m so excited for the audience to see where my character goes on General Hospital. It’s going to be monumental and I think people are going to love it,” teased Bennett. “I was shirtless in an episode and so petrified to shoot it,” he added. “I wanted to look my best and feel good. I really worked hard to get my body to a good place and I did it.”

STAYING CAMERA READY

However as Jonathan points out, now he is finding himself half-naked in upcoming scenes as officer Joe! “I think I shot myself in the foot! Now that I did it once and it turned out well, every few weeks I read a script and I’m coming out of the shower, changing my shirt, or in the bathtub,” revealed Jonathan.

So, how does he keep camera ready? “I’m in the gym more, I have a better diet,” pointed out Bennett. “You have to stay healthy if you’re going to be shirtless every few weeks! I’m gay, an only child, and an actor. Of course I love the attention!”

While Bennett’s Port Charles story is going to reveal itself in the coming months, you can also see Jonathan back as the host of The Food Network’s Halloween Wars 16th season which concludes on Sunday, October 25.

Now below. check out the scene in question from Friday’s GH entitled, “Lose the Shirt.”

Weigh-in: What do you think will be “monumental” that Jonathan has teased that viewers will find out about Joe in the coming weeks? Are you feeling the on-screen chemistry between Joe and Lucas? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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General Hospital

Wil Traval Talks His ‘General Hospital’ Debut and Being Paired with Kelly Thiebaud

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Wil Traval

The Friday, October 16 episode of General Hospital marked the on-screen debut of the mysterious Jude, played by primetime vet and Australian-born Wil Traval.

While not much has been revealed just yet, Traval spoke to TV Insider in his first conversation since joining the iconic ABC soap opera in a new interview out today.

As GH fans witnessed, Jude was introduced in scenes at a bar with Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and it would seem this may be her new leading man after things went south between Britt and Jason (Steve Burton). Traval said of working with the Daytime Emmy-winning Thiebaud, “I can’t speak more highly of her. I think she’s fantastic. It’s the biggest delight in my life to be working with her.”

Jude and Britt

Courtesy/ABC

FROM BROKEN BACK TO PORT CHARLES

As it turns out, Wil was supposed to be on board for a very short visit to Port Charles. However, as he revealed, things didn’t go the way he planned and his stay got extended!

“Originally, it was going to be a short guest role, I believe, and at the end of the week I got a call saying they might want to offer me a contract on the show, which was a real surprise and delight.” the actors shared.  “And the rest is history from there.”

The road to General Hospital was not an easy one in some other respects. Traval was in the middle of recovering from a car accident that broke his back when he got the call to submit a self-tape for the role of the mysterious stranger back in June. Suddenly, he found himself getting a callback which in turn led to a chemistry read with Kelly Thiebaud.

WHO IS JUDE?

In the week to come, General Hospital viewers will learn Jude’s connections to the residents of Port Charles and his true identity.

With an Australian contingent on the canvas, and its tentacles throughout GH history including: Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer); Robert Scorpio (the late Tristan Rogers); and Josslyn’s father Jax (last played by Ingo Rademacher), and Jerry Jacks (last played by Sebastian Roche), one would think Jude HAS to be tied to these characters from down under, or does he?

So, what did you think of Wil Traval’s on-screen debut as Jude? Who do you think he will be revealed to be connected to? Do you think Jude will make a solid leading man for Kelly Thiebaud’s Britt Westbourne in story? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.

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Video Du Jour

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

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