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.
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.”
Calderon took to his Instagram story and simply shared, “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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoDAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
-
Days Of Our Lives5 days agoDAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
-
General Hospital4 days agoBrandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
-
Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
-
General Hospital1 week agoPaige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
-
General Hospital7 days agoGH’s Giovanni Mazza Performs Violin Version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ at LA Lakers Playoff Game; Co-Stars Heap High Praise
-
Days Of Our Lives3 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?
-
General Hospital1 week agoSteve Burton’s Wife, Michelle Lundstrom, Raises Alarm on AI Scammers and Hoaxes, Pretending to be the ‘General Hospital’ Star