News
Y&R’s EP and Head Writer Josh Griffith Teases Jordan and Ian’s Targets: “It’s the Entire Newman Family … But I Think Mariah and Claire, Specifically”
The Young and the Restless just re-introduced baddies, Jordan Howard (Colleen Zenk) and Ian Ward (Ray Wise), to the Genoa City canvas, and just in time, as Sharon (Sharon Case) just confessed all to Nick (Joshua Morrow), but is he truly believing she is capable of what she said she did — killing Heather Stevens (Vail Bloom) … and trying to run Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) off the road? On, Monday’s November 18th episode, Sharon told Chance (Conner Floyd) to arrest her and to take her into custody.
However, Y&R’s executive producer and head writer, dropped several Easter eggs, such as Sharon’s blackouts, and now with Jordan and Ian holed up at a seedy hotel revealing themselves, it’s clear they have had something to do with Sharon’s mental state, Heather’s death and Phyllis’ car accident, but how, and why?
Now, Griffith has opened up about crafting the storyline of Heather’s death, and his plans for Jordan and Ian in an interview with Soap Opera Digest. The head scribe explained, “I knew that it needed to be somebody who not only we could come up with motive for the killing, but that also the reveal would be massive,” Josh explained. “It wouldn’t just be, ‘Oh, who’s that?’ And I started looking into, historically, who had a beef with the Newmans. And, we landed on Ian Ward.”
Photo: JPI
However, once again in his career, Griffith was inspired by an Alfred Hitchcock movie, and this time it was Stranger on a Train. Josh thought, “Wouldn’t it be interesting if Ian had an accomplice that equally needed something to happen because they were angry and they felt they’d been wronged?’”
Putting Jordan and Ian together for a diabolical plan was Griffith’s endgame as he reveals, “In a nutshell, the idea is that these two wonderful villains — who both have reasons to want revenge in Genoa City — would find each other and team up. It seemed perfect and that this murder could be the catalyst for the whole thing. As we were putting the pressure on Sharon and we were slowly starting to reveal that things were not exactly as she thinks they are, at the perfect point, we would then reveal to the audience these two mastermind criminals.”
Photo: JPI
Josh urged for fans to be on the lookout for Jordan and Ian’s next leg of their story, “The ramifications throughout Genoa City as we slowly reveal (their plans), it is just going to be a powder keg of excitement.” But who are the actual people that Jordan and Ian want to inflict pain and suffering on? Griffith noted, “It’s the entire Newman family. They all need to watch their back. But I think Mariah (Camryn Grimes) and Claire (Hayley Erin), specifically….”
So, how do you think Jordan and Ian managed to frame Sharon? Run Phyllis off the road? How could they time Sharon’s blackouts? What will be there plan for Mariah (who used to be in Ian’s cult) and Claire (who supposedly turned her back on her Aunt Jordan)? Weigh-in on your theories via the comment section.
But first, check out this video ditty from the Y&R Insider, You Tube Channel featuring Colleen Zenk and Ray Wise answering some burning questions on their returns as Jordan and Ian below.
I think it sucks. The whole story. Don’t you think out of anybody Victor Newman would be the first one to know that Jordan was out of jail or broke out of jail whatever happened. Come on writers were not that stupid.
100% correct Dolores! Saw online that Zenk said she was told in June she’d be headed back to Y&R in the fall. Right, the fact that the whack job escaped from prison wasn’t even newsworthy in this town. Griffith just wings it, doesn’t care about any kind of accuracy. The whole story is nonsense. Victor still having the prison cell….what these poor actors must go through to deliver these lines. They know this guy can’t write. And so do we.
Maybe Mariah isn’t Mariah after all and she was brainwashed, it’s actually Cassie…fans would be excited to learn their beloved Cassie we watch grow up has so much story, she’s a legal Newman, the thought of Daniel and opening the same storyline because he’s very much entrenched in the story with Cassie, more possibility to create story for Cassie then “Mariah”
I just want to see Colleen on our screens for as long as we can. I miss seeing her all the time like we did when she was on ATWT.
I agree with you 100% James. I am 58 years old and I remember watching ATWT with my mom when I was 12 and I was forever hooked. Barbara was my favorite. I thought she was so classy. I was thrilled when she first appeared on YandR. It doesn’t matter to me that this storyline looks like it might be ad thrilling as people are saying. I am just glad that the beautiful Colleen Zenk is back on daytime TV
I actually am looking forward to these two “playing” on screen together. It will be a lot more fun than all of the back and forth company/merger/acquisition angst. I just hope that there will be a youth element arriving in Spring/Summer. The show is called The YOUNG and the RESTLESS.
Mentioning Griffith’s name in the same breath as Hitchcock is beyond idiotic.
Griffith says he was inspired by Hitchcock. We all know he’s nowhere near Hitchcock in talent.
But what’s sad, is HE doesn’t know it, dilutions of grandeur or Victor Newman, which is it?
Ok,if this is like Strangers on a train, then Jordan is going after Sharon for taking Mariah from him and Ian will return the favor by torturing Victoria and the other Newmans. I dunno!! Maybe it’s Josh’s way of honoring the monumental number of episodes, by bringing back characters from the past –dunno.
A fun interview with Colleen Zenk and Ray Wise about their return. Seeing them return was a shocker – I don’t even care how they got there. I love Ray Wise.
I rarely watch Young and the Restless and now i know why. It sucks. Can’t they write a soap about interpersonal relationships without resorting to psycho and Chucky 3. The cast is way too large. The corporate drama always leads to no where. The hottest couple on the show is Nicky and Victor. The writer is mining the golden years as he doesnt have a clue. The show is a mess.
Thank you! Can’t even read the nonsense anymore the guy never knew the end game just throwing stuff against the wall to see if it sticks. The first thing that they should have done was test Sharon’s meds . Duh
Mariah is so boring no one will miss her
Tessa will!!
Well. Maybe they will finally write for Camryn. Then she would be terrific! She has 2 Emmy’s for her work their! The actor is damn talented. Enough of the newman’s and abbott’s. Use the whole town-cast for story
So this year we had Cameron come back to seek revenge on Sharon, now Ian, who’s next Matt Clark getting a third kick at the can.
And I already see coming the attempt on Victor’s life which he survives but convinces Elena to tell everyone he is dead so he can remain safe until they figure out who wanted him dead–OR, where Jordon puts Victor in a cell and everyone thinks he is dead– either way we will get weeks of Chance questioning everyone in town who had a motive to “kill” Victor– I hope I’m wrong, but if not out of two I am rooting to see Jordon put Victor in a cell because that would be a bit more interesting.
So as much as I applaud the actors playing Jordon and Ian for trying to give these one note characters depth– I missed the old days where the line between good and evil in a villain was blurry and some days you actually felt sorry for them or think they had a good reason for it, like Kevin in the early days of his character, or Michael Baldwin– heck even Adam– they all did horrible things, yet had enough humanity to make them interesting.
And if JG really wants to shock us, write a back story to help us understand why Jordon and Ian are “evil”– turn them into real characters and not cartoons because right now, whenever I see them, I think moose and squirrel might show up at any moment to save the day– and for those of you too young to get the reference “google” Rocky and Bullwinkle, because Jordon and Ian are Natasha and Boris without the Russian accents.
Here is a thought, the whole Newman family is already entangled with different story lines, Claire mixed with Kyle Abbot and that whole scheme that Jack and Diane Pulled. Victor being Victor getting Chancellor Industries from Jill and Billy. Nick was the one who needed some drama and he got it with this triangle and not to mention he has 5 kids to think about from Noah (who hasn’t been around and this would a great time to bring him back.), Faith, Summer, Mariah, and Christian. Victoria is busy trying to rekindle with Cole, Nikki is about to be busy running Chancellor. Adam being the regular Scumbag he always has been. I know Ian wants revenge on Mariah from her time in the cult. Jordan wants revenge on the Newman family for what she thinks they did to Claire by brainwashing her against Aunt Jordan. I mean Ian and Jordan teaming up does make sense, since Ian is a good manipulator as much as Jordan, what if they concocted to get Daisy out from wherever she is, since as Jordan said to Ian, “with your resources” he could get anybody out of prison or a mental hospital.
I want to know how these two horrible people met, and is he really after, Mariah, via kidnapping her baby? I will stop watching if that happens. It’s been torturous enough with the Sharon and Daniel thing.I would also think that Jordsn would want to get as far away from Genia City as. Possible.
Don’t know if I feel relieved or more frustrated. Nor did I see the program when Ian was apparently a cult leader. Jordan truly frightened me and so did Victor when she was in a cell in his basement. Nikki didn’t know about it? However, both those in the above dialog seem delightful!
Please don’t make the storylines all so dark! Nick has been on the sideline for many years it seems. I still record and watch.
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.
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
Judith Light Talks Her Role in ‘The Terror: The Devil In Silver’ Dropping on AMC+ with Co-Star ‘Downton Abbey’ Alum, Dan Stevens
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