News
This Is Us Featuring Y&R’s Justin Hartley Hailed As "Best Ensemble Cast Of The Season"

Photo: JHartleyFacebook
The rave reviews continue from TV critics across the board for the new NBC dramedy This is Us premiering this fall. The Young and the Restless Justin Hartley (Adam Newman) stars in the new primetime series along with Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Milo Ventimiglia, and Chrissy Metz.
ET Online just heralded the program of one of six new series to watch for in their fall preview, and they also dubbed the performances as the “best ensemble cast of the season.” They go on to share why fans should tune-in to the show: “If we could hug a show and never let it go, we’d choose NBC’s soul-warming dramedy, This Is Us. From the writer and directors of Crazy, Stupid, Love, this refreshingly raw and genuine new series will ease the ache in our hearts that Parenthood has left behind. With four out of the five characters sharing the same birthday, you’ll discover that their lives intertwine in curious ways — and you’ll fall head over heels in love once you discover the series’ big twist. Bottom line: This is the show that everyone will be talking about, so don’t miss out on fall’s most emotionally satisfying series”
Pretty good endorsement, wouldn’t you say? But to top it off, Hartley posted on Tuesday a photo of himself following a screening of This is Us where he expressed: “Happy to report, not a dry eye in the theater.” The series premieres immediately following The Voice on September 20th.
So, getting more jazzed about what looks to be one of the most moving TV series of the fall season starring Justin? Comment below.
I watched the trailer and it was fantastic! Not many evening shows appeal to me anymore but this hooked me. Yeah, I looked at it because of JH but it really has a talented cast. I am thinking he can do both. He has a heavy schedule at Y&R but this new show is an ensemble so I wouldnt think it would be that hard to add to his schedule? Who knows, he is a super talent and if he leaves, a new search will be on for the Mustache’s thrown! Cross your fingers and toes because you see how the Billy replacements did and are doing. Thumbs down!
I agree Tim. I watched the trailer as well to get an idea of what it would be like. Im hooked as well. Justin Hartley going for the gold (prime time) doesn’t surprise me at all. I said right from the beginning he’s going places. Everyday you can see his heart & soul is in his scripts. So many actors mouth the words but there is no emotion in the acting. Even today in the jail scene with Chelsea there was so much emotion in his face, if it wasn’t a soap it almost looks real & that’s the type of actor Hollywood needs.
Nikki, you are so wise AND a fan of acting! You are right, people often discount actors as bimbos but I got to say, IF you do it right it is not easy! Justin’s eyes will pull you in and make you believe EVERY thing he is saying to YOU! Ray Wise has that gift, as well. I know Ian is a cartoon-like figure but his abilities are priceless. Good stuff Nikki!
Hi Nikki…yes Justin’s great…and gorgeous but from your post I wasn’t sure if you were aware he’s already done quite a bit of primetime. He was in Smallville for a few years and also played a major character’s son (who was the gay lover of another major character) on Revenge. He’s stunning!
Milo Ventimiglia is a fantastic actor as well! First time I saw him he played Rory’s boyfriend on The Gilmore Girls and went on to several other shows, movies, etc. These two guys on the same show has nothing but great potential!
Thank you Tim. I don’t know how wise I am but I am fussy when it comes to good acting. I think Justin could do circles around a lot of them. Devon & Ben (Abby’s husband) drive me nuts. They tend to wait until their wife’s say something and then they rhyme off words like their reading a cue card. I just read that they are bringing Tristan Rogers(Colin) back. I think he’s a good actor but his story was lame. Another great actor(JMO) is Ray Wise (Ian Ward). I thought his acting was fantastic and to see him and Justin play off each other was a real treat.I have really enjoyed the writing lately as well. This new guy has got to stay!
Yes…if this show has even the slightest hint of a PARENTHOOD theme; I will definitely watch. I love Justin and Mandy. And, PARENTHOOD never bored me. Every episode stressed a part of everyday life for everyday people.
Great post, Timmmy….as usual, I agree with your assessment of the ‘goner’ days of Billy and Phyllis.
If Justin does leave, I hope the next replacement will do Adam justice. Later, love.
I never watched PARENTHOOD. Seems I might have missed something? I remember getting hooked on LOST. That show went bonkers and it ended up sucking! I watched UNDER THE DOOM and the final season was so lame! Like I said above, I am really tuning out to evening TV but this seems good and I cannot wait for the premiere. See ya sweetie!
@Timmm.
What you missed, Timmmy was great, inspiring writing with the best cast, ever!!!!
And, these actors/actresses delivered like nobody else.
You missed the ups and downs of real people with real familial problems and then some.
But, the most important gift the viewer took away from the stories, was that nothing comes even close to what ties a family together: LOVE and TRUST.
Just wondering when Justin will be leaving Y&R. One of the few actors who can turn the crap writing into something interesting. He’s a talented actor, and he’ll be missed.
I wonder if Mr. Hartley as Adam will go to recurring for a bit until THIS IS US shows its potential for longevity. My hope is he can stay on daytime, too. he is a shot in the arm for Y&R even though I have never cared for the story lines involving the character. The destruction was complete with that horrid baby swap story about eight years ago. Plastic surgery and a reboot did not help me try again with the character.
Justin is a great actor, loved him in Revenge and Mistresses he also was a great replacement as Adam
I hope he will continue to play Adam. I wish his new series all the best. He deserves prime time.
Who knows if he leaves maybe Michael Muhney would return.
Well, thanks for all of your comments. The only Soap I know is Y & R.
If Adam is to be replaced the job would be one I would not seek. Since my following the Young and the Restless is but a light and very long lingering following your comments are always interesting and expanding my insight.
From here, new Adam has been almost great. I don’t want him to leave. Should he leave please find one with the script who can project a sense of balance between good and slightly naughty.
It seems ratings should not stop expanding and investing in more sophisticated themes; not referring to bedroom scenes.
I record PBS as well as Young and the Restless. Best many of you do too.
Thanks!
Bet many of you do too.
I will be looking forward to seeing him on this show,to tell you the truth,he is hot.besides the fact he is such a great actor.Every time I see him I want to jump into the screen and take his clothes off.Sorry about that. but Justin is gorgeous..He could still do both shows.I have seen other actors do two.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing

General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”

Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
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.
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.
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