News
Thom Bierdz Sings Video Letter To Y&R's EP Jill Farren Phelps: "Why Can't The Gay Chancellor Have a Date?"
In the “we-thought-we-have-seen-everything” category, The Young and the Restless artistically creative Thom Bierdz (Phillip Chancellor III) posted an open letter video-style to Y&R’s new executive producer, Jill Farren Phelps!
In it, Bierdz sings to Phelps a little ditty he wrote with lines like: “There is no gay love on the number one soap.” And, “Why can’t the Gay Chancellor have a date?” Bierdz is apparently asking Phelps to create a gay romance for Phillip and bring him back to the top rated CBS soap, where thus far there has still never been a telling of a gay love story.
So in his plea for the series to put some focus on gay love, Bierdz prepared this video complete with some retrospective clips from old soap magazines and television clips surrounding Phillip’s past and being gay, just in case Phelps is not aware, or to spike Phelps interest!
Watch Bierdz presentation and hear his tune and after the jump, let us know what you thought of it?
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.
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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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.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
DANCING WITH THE STARS: A Shocking Elimination on Grammy Night Leaves Ballroom Silenced
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Y&R’s Matt Cohen Talks Role as Compassionate Zookeeper in Rom-Com ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
Alice Halsey Returns to ‘Days of our Lives’ as Rachel Black – Find Out How Long!
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Jill listen up and bring him back and sure give Phillip a gay date or love interest!
YES! WE NEED SAME SEX YOUNG COUPLES ON Y&R! SEVERAL
I agree! Bierdz’s last stint on YR was too brief. All the hype when he came back a few years ago and then he was gone shortly after. I would love to see him back on and with a storyline that doesn’t shy away from his character’s sexuality.
I hope JFP responds to Bierdz at least one to one. I thought it was insane to bring back PC3 only to dispense with him. (This was so typical of MAB’s manipulation and destruction of characters and histories to advance plots.) It was a game-changer that surprised and then left us with nothing except a mess. MAB had the satisfaction of her plot and then had nothing of interest for anyone to do. Now where are the Chancellors? This is another legacy family that needs to be strengthened as Katherine and Jeanne Coooper are not going to live forever. Please, JFP and Josh, fix the bonds of this family, and give Bierdz a meaty storyline. How nice it would be to have a storyline that is organic and beyond the coming out stage of a gay man’s life. Maybe PC3 can find romance while doing business, working with other characters in trouble, or some such. PC3 is a nurturing soul. If there is commitment by Sony, CBS, the Bells, JFP and Josh to fix Y&R, this is an avenue that is worthy of exploration.
Oh my. I must visit LA soon. Just no singing. hahaha.
I love Thom Bierdz and I have heard it all about his lack of acting ability, but I do not agree. However, that little “ditty,” if you will, was kind of (dare I say) pathetic. I respect what he is trying to do, but I had a hard time getting through it. He almost sounds like he is drunk or high or something. No offense to Thom, honesty. It is just not a good representation of him. He is quite the artist, so maybe he should have painted something instead.
That being said, unless Philip was brought back like his on-screen mom for a short 6-week arc or something, I do not see Jill Farren Phelps wanting to add Philip back full-time, especially in light of the rumors of that they want the core (veterans like Victor, Nikki, etc.) to support the YOUNG newcomers.
CHRISTINE< I think YES they should have to have same sex young couples on the show! I disagree with you on mostly everything! I see a lot of your comments on Michaels pages and I love Sharon and Nick should be with Sharon! I hate Victor and Nikki they are so over and Chelsea sucks and bores me! Chelsea is so fake! We disagree on everything. I think Phyllis should go to jail for life!
steve, I think you misread what I said, which I did not say anything about NO same sex couples. I could care less either way. You must have me confused with someone else. What I said about Thom Bierdz is that there is not much for HIM given the way the show is headed not to mention (no offense to Thom Bierdz) but there are so many people who believe his acting is “wooden.” That is not to say that they could not explore same sex couples with younger actors.
I love Sharon and Nick too. I think they are endgame, but there is major chemistry with Michelle Stafford as Phyllis. I am fine either way, but I believe that Sharon and Nick will find their way back to each other.
I don’t know what you mean about Chelsea. I don’t recall commenting on her. I liked Melissa Claire Egan as ‘crazy’ Annie on AMC. I think Chelsea and Adam work for the time being only because each one is a social outcast and they appear to know all the bad deeds the other has done. I wish I knew what Maria Arena Bell had in store for them, but with the new team, I do not see them being happy for long.
🙂
WE NEED SAME SEX COUPLES ON Y&R! SEVERAL MEN AND WOMEN!
Isn’t it sad that this is what you have to resort to in order to be seen on your show. Jill, wake up and smell the coffee. Give us a good gay storyline. We do exist…you see us everyday in real life. We are your florists, interior decorators and flight attendants. All we ask is for a little same sex kiss now and then on screen. We’re not even asking for the horizontal mombo….yet!
Jay I think you should represent Thom Bierdz. You summed it up better than he did. 🙂
I am. Let’s dance. lol
LOL singing is obviously not one of Thom’s talents!!! He looks great though:)
I always liked Thom but this was kinda strange to me. He looks handsome with that beard!
GH fans when she JFP was EP over there did she not do away with the gay storyline with Lucas? In other words it never got off the ground or am I wrong.
Jill could suggest a gay on Y&R but in the end it would be up to Sony, and HR etc..
It would not fully be JP to bring gay to Y&R ..
It has been said- Sony is active in the new direction of Y&R..
I almost peed myself…This is great Thank you for posting this..I have tweeted it out to twitter ville
Thom – simply awesome! It NEEDS to be done.
I don’t have an opinion on having a gay character on Y&R. I’m not for it and I’m not against it.
However, based on his most recent appearances, it doesn’t seem to me that Bierdz is a very good actor. The failure to give Phillip III much to do may have to do more with Bierdz’s weakness than an actor rather than his sexual orientation.
This video really is odd and seems kinda desperate. The sound was bad and the singing was on the same level. If Bierdz really wanted to reach the producers to make his point, this video doesn’t seem like a very effective way to do so.
I just looked at a couple of Bierdz’s other videos. I’m not sure what is going on with him. In one, he is warbling (very poorly) about wanting a boyfriend. These videos lead me to wonder if everything is alright with this guy?
I can only add that the poor man has had a lot of tragedy in his life, maybe that is the problem.
Why do you have to have a gay person? Just because it is a hit show does not justify that gays just have to be on the show. Gays do not make the show. Just leave it alone and move forward in doing what you are doing.
I am not trying to be rude, but this man cannot act. He couldn’t act in 1986 when he was hired, and he could not act when he was absurdly, ridiculously brought back a few years ago. The suspension of disbelief they have asked us to accept with that storyline is way beyond even soap opera. The show has us logically supposed to believe that Cain could have passed for someone in the same age range as Philip. That would mean Cain would have to be old enough to be Chance’s father. I don’t know what the writers were smoking when they conceived this storyline, but it was an EPIC fail on EVERY level. It is best to just basically forget the character and pull a Bobby Martin with him.
Totally agree that was Louise Marie Latham’s idea then MAB just puonded on more. This show has it’s work cut out for it on all levels.
It really was a bad idea. I think the writers quickly realized their mistake after Bierdz filmed about 2 scenes and it was obvious that this guy couldn’t act. There was no “pay off” from it probably because they realized Bierdz’s wooden acting couldn’t do it.
The really bad thing about it was how it impacted viable characters: Jill, Kay, and Nina had a legitimate sense of loss when Phillip III was “dead.” This allowed for scenes where they could discuss Phillip and his loss meant something. By rewriting it so Phillip III was alive and living in Australia, a lot of the subsequent action by them (Jill in particular) made no sense. For example, why did Jill seem so emotionally attached to Cane when she knew her long-presumed dead and dearly missed son was still alive yet she rarely mentioned him and never seemed to visit him? It kinda made sense if you thought Jill was, on some level, viewing Cane as a “substitute son” for her dead first born. It made NO sense when Jill knew Phillip III was still alive.
What exactly were the viewers suppose to make of these women after we learned Phillip III was still alive? These three chatted about his loss for almost 20 years and how much they missed him. Once they learned he was alive and kicking, they seem to forget about him completely.
Given his lousy acting and the amount of time that had passed, in hindsight, it would have been better if Phillip III had just remained “dead.” Bringing Bierdz back for the type of storyline that he is (poorly) crooning about in this video definitely is not the answer. Gay, straight, bisexual, asexual, transgender —- Phillip III, as played by Bierdz, really needs to just stay away.
I shudder thinking about having to “survive” the inane storyline but, it might be worth it for the writers to revisit Phillip III’s death again and put Phillip BACK into the grave —- revealing that this Phillip III is a fake and a con artist while the real one died back in 1989. Mercifully, sparing us from any more scenes with the wooden acting of Bierdz.
Barbara from Atlanta – not to mention the lack of story with Philip and Nina’s son, Chance. Speaking of which, they will probably have to recast if they ever want to explore that again because I heard the actor has enlisted in the service.
Does anyone else think that Thom has completely lost his marbles? If you watch some of his other videos, he just seems very… off. I understand him wanting a storyline, which I think a lot of people would like as well, but this really is not a professional or sane way to accomplish it.
Yes, I feel the same way that you do. If I were Phelps, I wouldn’t bring Bierdz back after seeing this video.
How about some actor sings why can’t there be any Asian Americans on soap operas? daytime soaps have been whittled down to 4 and yet up to now not a single daytime soap can boast having an Asian American core family that has lasted on their soaps. How the heck can there even be any Asian american core characters when there are no supporting ones? It’s bec of racism. Asian american males can’t be portrayed as romantic leading men by racist hollywood while soaps are pretty much romance based. People would scream homophobia if this were abt a lack of representation of gays but many soaps have had gay characters and couples. days. b&b. y&r. atwt. gl. oltl. ringer. 90210. gossip girl. desperate housewives. ugly betty. glee. smash. revenge. But this isn’t an issue that hollywood cares for bec Asian americans are being discriminated against.
Thom, put down the crack pipe and go on with your life. It aint gonna happen
Y&r does not need a gay storyline.. I don’t care to watch one and it would cause me to tune out..