News
Jason Thompson Marks 10-Years as Billy Abbott on ‘The Young and the Restless’: ‘I’m Glad to Be Kickin’ It Still’
This week, January 14, 2026 was a milestone for Daytime Emmy winner, Jason Thompson. On that date 1o years earlier, Jason first appeared on The Young and the Restless as the recast Billy Abbott after leaving a very successful run on General Hospital as Dr. Patrick Drake, a role he also played for a decade.
As Y&R fans know, Thompson’s predecessor in the role was the late, great Billy Miller, who left the top-rated soap opera in late 2013 and who’s final scenes aired in January of 2014. Later that year, Miller debuted on General Hospital to play the role of then Jason Morgan, who was later to be revealed as Drew Cain. The three-time Daytime Emmy-winning star stayed with GH until 2019.
Now, taking to his Instagram in the last 24 hours, Thompson shared an appreciation video post to mark the 10 years as Billy, expressing, “For anyone that follows me because of my work on The Young and the Restless or the 10 years prior at General Hospital., you might know that this is my 10-year anniversary at The Young and the Restless. I just want to say how incredibly grateful I am to be a part of this amazing group. If I’m thinking back to the beginning, I never really would’ve dreamed that I would be this grateful and have this much appreciation for the show itself. The people I work with are incredible to: the cast crew, hair and makeup, our wardrobe, our production team, our PR, our writers, obviously our producers, directors, and our executive team at The Young The Restless, and of course at Sony and CBS. They’re just all just incredible people.”
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Jason acknowledged all of his co-stars touching sentiments shared over the past few days about him and more, adding, “We can put on a great show, but if it doesn’t have a studio to pay for it and a network to air it on it, it kind of goes away. I just have so much appreciation for all those people. They’re just fantastic people. And the cast that said nice things about me on my anniversary today. I take everything with a grain of salt, but that’s also just because, I know this business can be fleeting. I’m glad to be kickin’ it still. 10 years at Y&R feels awesome. It feels awesome to be a part of it all.”
THE FANS ARE EVERYTHING
Knowing that without the fans, soap opera’s (and what’s left of them) would not be on the air. However Jason noted Y&R’s enduring success at the top. “Most importantly to the fans that support our show, that watch, it’s literally not possible without you,” said Thompson. “There’s three plus million people that watch us five days a week, and that’s only in America, let alone Canada, Australia, France, everywhere. It’s just an incredible thing.”

Photo: JPI
BILLY ABBOTT … THE DISTURBER
Billy Abbott remains one of the best roles on daytime television, and Jason is fully aware of it, and adds, he still loves the guy even when they write his character in some very steely waters. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for watching our show, for supporting us, and for me personally, and just allowing me to play an amazing character that continues to grow and surprises me and he’s so fun to play,” continued Jason. “Billy Abbott is disturber sometimes, but I love him. I love his edge, I love everything about him., I’m so grateful to put that wardrobe on every day and step into his shoes. So thank you for the 10 years. And, here’s to 10, 20, 30, 40, 50. Why not? All the best. Thank you.”
You can watch Jason’s video message below.
Now below, share your congrats and well-wishes to Jason his 10-year run as Y&R’s Billy Abbott and let us know, so far, what has been your favorite romance or story involving Billy since Jason took over the role via the comment section.
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It’s kind of sad when the only thing notable of this historic show any more is that so and so has been on the show for 10, 20, 30, 40 years. Not anything related to the bad stories that are featured, rather the longevity of the actors on the show. Says a lot about the state of Y&R.
He’s so cute I just love him! Just get rid of Sally!
I can’t believe it’s been 10 years!!
What ya talking about?Sally is a terrific addition to Y&R.
Jason Thompson proved to be a successful recast from the start. How to follow Billy Miller who did so much with that role?! Mr. Thompson has a look that echoes the actors playing John and Jill Abbott so he has that, but he can act and has been engaged in some very compelling stories. Still, I do wish the writers would be kinder to Billy. I think now in his 40s Billy Boy – as Victor calls him – should be given some honest victories in business and a enjoy a period of stability. I hope with Johnny and Katie in their teen years, we may see Billy challenged as a father. And I do like seeing Billy paired with Sally Spectra. She is a strong match for him. I would like to see an adventure and more romance for these two.
Ten outstanding years, despite subpar writing. But he is an excellent actor and by far my favourite Billy Abbott.
When I was watching to me this is just my opinion the most chemistry he has had was with Gina .
Beyond the Gates
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers

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.
General Hospital
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run

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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Breaking News
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
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.
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