News
Ray Wise Returns to ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Mariah is Haunted, Yet Again, by Ian Ward
Next week, The Young and the Restless will kick-off 2026, when Ray Wise (Ian Ward) makes another appearance on the CBS daytime drama series. Circle, Friday, January 2nd when viewers will see Mariah’s (Camryn Grimes) former cult leader play mind games with her from “seemingly” the great beyond.
One of Y&R’s 2025’s storylines that has not yet wrapped up has been the secret that Mariah has been harboring which in turn has caused her to step away from her marriage to Tessa (Cait Fairbanks), while Tessa is now growing closer to Daniel (Michael Graziadei). While Mariah is trying to heal herself, it seems she has to be able to concur these “visits” from Ian.
Ray Wise first appeared on The Young and the Restless as the leader of the New World Cult in 2014, and his initial run lasted until 2016. Along the way, he picked up a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Performer in 2015, in a three-way tie with Donna Mills (ex-Madeline, GH) and the late Fred Willard (ex-John, B&B)

Photo: JPI
In a surprise twist, Ian was back on-screen in November of 2024 and revealed to be in cahoot with Jordan Howard (Colleen Zenk) to take down the Newman family. However, after he was shot by Victor (Eric Braeden) in January of 2025, everyone believed Ian was dead, but in a key moment, viewers saw Ian’s body being transported by ambulance only for him to open his eyes, revealing he is still alive, after all.
It will be interesting to see if Mariah can stop seeing visions of Ian, if he will come back in the flesh, or if he is in the flesh playing tricks on her and everyone else. Off-screen the final months of 2025 have been a busy one for Grimes. Back on November 8 she married actor and voice-over talent, Brock Powell in a ceremony in New Orleans, Louisiana. The two share a 1-year-old son together named Bridger.
Meanwhile, Ray Wise remains one of the best actors and villains on television. Soap fas first met Wise when he played lawyer Jamie Rollins on Love of Life for six years. He later played Leland Palmer/Killer Bob on ABCs Twin Peaks from 1990-1991 and it’s sequels.
Now the question becomes, can Mariah ever be free of Ian Ward? Do you think that soon we will learn just where Ian Ward is hanging out alive? Do you want Mariah and Tessa to patch things up, or are you into a Tessa and Daniel romance? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
Camryn Grimes deserves better then this as a lot of the cast who use to make this show work . I quit watching I will always care about the show but when you are asleep at the wheel and all writers producers have forgotten what made a soap watchable what use to tear your heart out real romance etc. Beth Maitland god bless her brings it in every scene that she is in . I saw her the other day in a scene with Lily she brings the best out in other actors she reminded us all of Colleen and her friendship with Lily . And the story of Victor always winning and Jack always whatever playing the village idiot has gotten old!
I always loved Ms. Grimes as Cassie and Mairah but boy, the Mariah character seems to be trapped in such meh stories. I still cannot get over how that lame pregnant-with-Dominic abduction plot. I do not care for the cult plot either. Wrap it up and let’s move on. There is plenty of story in raising a deaf child. The challenges of marriage. This actor can carry some strong story turns. Give her a real chance?
I just watched these two good actors in this scene. Please make it stop. It is a bummer story. I miss the Mariah who held her own with Hilary. Ms. Grimes is too strong a talent to be given this uninspired story.
Oh God, no thank you. This will not bring me back to Y&R.
I hate the Mariah storyline, and even before this Mariah had changed completely – lost the edge she used to have. BUT I do love Ray Wise and always pleased to see him; he is the only reason to watch this sl.
Camryn and Cait are awesome together. This is what brought me back after many years. Sorry no chemistry with Tessa and Daniel can’t see it. Hopefully writers will reunite “Teriah”
I know the material will be lacking in substance, but I know that Camryn Grimes will make it work because she is that good. But it’s a shame that a retcon role, such as Mariah, has been so reduced.
Please, please get rid of these super dead people in Matt Clark, Ian Ward, etc. These plots add nothing to Y&R. Also Noah and Sienna are a complete mismatch. I have been watching Y&R since it started.
Very true
I like to see Tessa and Daniel hook up.
So over this story line. This writing should have wrapped up in 3 weeks max. It’s been laying silent for so long I truly don’t care anymore. It was too easy to figure out. Come on writers, you’re better than this!
stop bringing back Ian Ward!!!!!
He plays it camp as does RH both are like a fly you can swat and I believe these so called ratings no way nobody that knows and has watched this show believe these so called ratings . You throw three actors at us with no history they came out of the blue and you think they improved the ratings? Noah will be gone in six months you have not established the character and where the hell is Faith any of the kids you have to establish the kids ! Christian the ghost ugh
But, people keep tuning in to watch the crap produced by Josh Griffith and the numbers go up and network is satisfied and we are stuck with ridiculous storylines being handled by excellent actors. Roger Howarth and Tamara Braun deserve a lot better!
Josh Griffith can not write. Period.
Let me say this I only came to watch yandr because of Mariah and Tessa, they had awesome chemistry, a genuine love for the part they played and what it represents and they were funny together. I want Mariah back free from Ian permanently, disservice to her talent. I would love to have her and Tess back and they truly have a all out no holds barred conversation. I don’t like how they did this to a wonderful actress. I am definitely not into this Tessa and Daniel relationship, I was never so pissed off doing my girls like that…
I use my fast forward on the dvr, and can now watch Y and R in about 6 minutes. Tess and Daniel with a guitar – fast forward – Cane and Lillie Fast forward – Phyllis, will watch a bit hoping…. and the entire Matt Clark story – why? Noah comes off as a spoiled 16 year old boy… Maybe Matt should kidnap Christin…..
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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