News
TODAY's Venice Webisode 9 – Brilliant, Wickedly Funny & Poignant!

Photo Credit: MF Soaps Inc.
Those who subscribe to Venice the Series were in for a real treat when they watched today’s new webisode, the 9th installment of the third season of the Daytime Emmy winning series starring, produced, and written by Crystal Chappell!
The set-up: the funeral of Amber the hooker who died at The Colonel’s (Jordan Clarke), and whose body was disposed of thanks to Gina (Crystal Chappell) with a major assist from best friend, Jamie (Harrison White). With Guya (Hillary B. Smith) trying to help her sister, Katie, (Liz Keifer) pass-over to the afterlife, Owen (Galen Gering) along for the ride at the funeral (to keep sister, Gina and stick it to his pop, the Colonel) the hilarity ensues. DAYS fave, Susan Seaforth Hayes appears in the episode as a man-crazy mother of the deceased, too. How funny this woman is!
But, what most people will remember from this installment was Harrison White’s musical funeral rendition of ” Paid to Get Laid” which had us bursting out into laughter, as well as watching Chappell and Gering’s priceless reactions! Finally, kudos must also be given to the wonderful Hillary B. Smith who somehow manages to be just as masterful and adept at comic brilliance as she is with poignant moments.
This was a Venice classic! And we won’t tell you more … but if you haven’t subscribed to this season …you can still do it now and catch up and see the first nine episodes of this season by clicking here.
If you saw the new funeral webisode, let us know what you thought of it!
Beyond the Gates
TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up

Now that this year’s 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Nominations have been announced, several of the acting nominees will share their reactions and more to learning they are going for gold when the ceremony rolls around on October 30.
However, tonight on Tuesday July 14 beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT, Michael Fairman once again host his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations special live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Scheduled to appear thus far are: Beyond the Gates stars, Lead Actress nominee: Karla Mosley (Dani), Supporting Actress nominee: Trisha Mann-Grant (Leslie), and Supporting Actor nominees: Mike Manning (Smitty) and Timon Kyle Durrett (Bill).
From The Young and the Restless: Lead Actress nominee Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Lead Actor nominee Christian LeBlanc (Michael), Supporting Actress nominee Camryn Grimes (Mariah) and Supporting Actor nominee Sean Dominic (Nate).
In addition look for General Hospital’s Supporting Actress nominee Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn), from Days of Our Lives, Outstanding Guest Performer nominee, Christopher Sean (Paul) and from The Bold and the Beautiful Lead Actor nominee Scott Clifton (Liam) and Supporting Actor nominee Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter) plus more featured guests.
So, what did you think of this year’s Emmy nominations for Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless?
Be with us in the live chat with your questions and comments on this year’s nominations and for our special guests.
For upcoming celebrity features, livestreams, special event coverage and more, make sure to “subscribe” to the Michael Fairman Channel.
So, looking forward to tonight’s special show with the nominees? Let us know via the comment section below and if you can’t be with us live, if you have any questions you want posed to our special guests and we just might ask during the broadcast.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’

The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).
Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.
Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.

Photo: JPI
FOR LESLIE CHARLESON
Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”
Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).
Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.
“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”

Photo: JPI
SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.
Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.
You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.
Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series

Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.

Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.

Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
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This was the best episode Venice yet! I laughed so hard. The song was so awesome. Then the fantastic emotional scene with Hillary and Liz was a great way to finish the episode.
I couldn’t agree more….
This show gets better and better! Not only was Paid To Get Laid hysterical but it was beutifully sung by Harrison White.Also, when everyone started clapping along with the music, I was LMAO.Susan Seaforth Hayes had me cracking up with the line to Peter Reckell, “Your friends are odd”! Hillary B. Smith and Liz Keifer had me laughing then crying at the end. Crystal Chappell really knows how to bring the right people together! Brava!
It was brillance at it best Hillary(Guya) had me laughing then crying at the end.
Laughed and cried. Happy and sad. This epi was everything a good soap should be. Crystal is truly a fantastic storyteller. Although I miss seeing her on my tv daily, I’m so glad we have Venice to look forward to every week. Such a treat to see this much talent in one place. Hilary Smith was BRILLIANT in today’s epi. Loved seeing Susan Seaforth Hayes!! What a treat. I hope they find a way to keep Liz Keifer around. Her and HBS are awesome together. Harrison White killed it today! So happy for him.
Though my Bo & Carly heart can’t let go of the delusion, I AM LOVING PETER RECKELL on Venice. LOVE him ALWAYS! So happy to see him work with Crystal again and SO EXCITED about what’s to come 🙂
This was an awesome Venice Epi! Paid To Get Laid was hysterical! Brilliant performance by Harrison White and some cracking reactions from Crystal Chappell and Galen Gering . Susan Seaforth Hayes cracked me up with the line to Peter Reckell, “Your friends are odd”! Hillary B Smith is just brilliant at the comedic stuff and so moving at the end! Loved it!
It was boring, not funny at all, the forced laughing was a bit much for me. A merciful end to a pitiful storyline.
Let’s hope that Venice comes back to some actual exciting stories in the last 3 episodes.
This shows continues to amaze me! Brilliant once again. Harrison white did a fantastic job with that song! Love Susan Seaforth Hayes and Hillary B Smith! perfect cast, priceless performances,Crystal Chappell shows clearly why she and Venice are Emmy winners!
This was the worst episode ever. Terrible acting and terrible writing.
Best Episode Ever Of Venice. The Funeral Song Was The Best
LOL Venice was awesome today. CC sure knows how to cast the right people, and write an awesome story. The funeral/memorial was amazing. just the right amount of awkward mixed with hilarious. I didn’t know whether to burst out laughing or just cringe at some points. That song was genius, and everyone’s reactions were priceless. Susan Seaforth Hayes’ “Your friends are odd” line had me on the floor laughing. I also love that in the midst of this chaos they still managed to add a little mystery to the Gina/Richard storyline. GO CC. Venice is amazing this season, and only keeps getting better.
I actually felt that this was the WORST episode of Venice that I have ever seen. I was bored silly and found nothing funny or worth watching. Way too much alcohol consumption. Apparently Lara is not the only alcoholic on Venice. Everyone but Ani needs AA. The acting was either flat or over the top. The stories were a total bore. It was a bust. Easily the worst episode of Venice. Its a crying shame that with only 12 episodes of Venice a year we have to endure episodes like Ep.9 that are nothing but long winded boring filler episodes. At this rate I seriously doubt I will be back for Venice 4 if it ever happens. Its not worth it. Fairman should have written reviews of V3 episodes 3, 6, 7, and 8 as those were easily the best episodes that this very lackluster season of Venice has had to offer.
I just keep thinking “Am I missing something” cause that was, in my honest opinion, the worst episode ever and I was cringing through it. The laughter was really forced and not believable and whilst Harrison has a great voice, the song was terrible and not funny, just lame. It was stupid. Susan Seaforth Hayes was brilliant but not enough so to save the episode. I don’t know, I honestly do sit here and think “huh” cause I don’t see the brilliance that everyone else is seeing, I didn’t find it funny in the slightest.
Thanks Michael for highlighting this episode. After the setup last week, I was anxiously anticipating the payoff with the funeral. They did not disappoint. What can you say about a song titled “Paid to Get Laid” at a funeral for a hooker? Priceless! Harrison did a fantastic job. I have missed Gina and Owen scenes so much and their reactions to the song further highlighted the amazing chemistry between Crystal and Galen. Hillary B. Smith and Liz Kiefer were fantastic and that final scene had me teary eyed. Jordan was fantastic with his quiet, brilliance as always. Was never a fan of Daniel on DOOL but I dig this witty, foul mouthed cop Shawn C. is playing and I think he and HBS have good chemistry. But the surprise of the episode was Susan Seaforth Hayes. Man they gave her great lines and she delivered. The making a drunken play for Richard (Peter) was priceless. I loved Richard’s reaction. Comments about the attendees were great zingers. But my favorite line of Susan’s and the ep was when talking to Guya about her connection to daughter Amber she asks “are you a colleague of hers… or a client.” LOL! HBS’ reaction was priceless too. Great job to CC and Jill Lorie Hurst for the writing and as Crystal tweeted Susan Flannery was one of the directors. And to the cast in this episode, all were fantastic. Best episode this season and there have been some great episodes this year so that is saying alot.
I thought it was boring, boring, boring. Really forced humor. The only good thing was that the dead hooker story ended.
Wow is all I can say about this episode. I’m a Carbo fan and I was amazed with CC/PR storyline. I smell a sibling coming on and Richard is on the case. Left for a year; stayed away until she missed the family; Guya and Owen already know. So many clues. Does this have anything to do with Molly Burnett’s character? I think one of these episodes that hasn’t aired will be her emmy win for this year. Gina will have to come face to face with her secret and Richard. This is must see tv.
Best episode of Venice ever IMO. I have watched all three seasons. Season 3 is by far the best. Hillary B Smith was brilliant as always and I adore her with Liz K. I also loved the Susan Hayes scenes and Harrison White is always a treat. I even watched twice.
This was the best episode yet of the show. HBS was outstanding, she is completely stole the whole show. Hillary was at the top of her game in this episode.
That song was too much they really need to make that available to all of us. I was LMAO for the whole show and the end was so touching. I just love how well HBS and Liz Kiefer work together.
Loved this episode!! I thought the cast did a fabulous job. Hillary had me cracking up then emotional at the end with Liz Keifer. I’m actually loving the Colonel this season too. He seems to be softening a bit!! Great episode!
In my opinion this was the best episode. Hillary B Smith is simply brilliant. She had me laughing so hard I cried. And I adore her with Liz Keifer and Shawn Cristian. This cast is wonderful and this episode proved they can do comedy as well as drama. Hats off to the team of Venice.
Hillary stold the show! She’s soooo good!
I’m in between about this episode. It had some great moments with Hillary and LIz. I also thought some of the scenes with Gina and Owen and Jamie were funny. Also, the stuff with the Colonel and Stella was sweet. However, there was something about the episode as a whole that seemed just a little off to me. To me the song just didn’t feel right in that scene. Maybe if I know more about Amber’s character, it would have been funnier to me, since then I would see how the song fit in with her funeral. It’s kind of like watching a scene in a movie when someone slips on a banana peel. If you know the person falling is pompous or did something foolish, etc., to cause the slip, then it’s funny. If not, then it’s just a bad accident.
Anyway, I am still enjoying this series. It has improved each season. Not everything is perfect, but CC seems like she is learning more and more as she goes along. I certainly feel that I have been getting my $10 worth in entertainment.
i didnt like the episode either. i was skipped the song, didnt like his voice. there were some very amusing parts on it but all together it was the worst epi ever. it was laking so much. the story was unbelievably long. at the end i was feeling like i missed something and that its all been a waste of time. i wanna see lani again and their problems. gaya was great but come on. 38 mins for a memorial WTH?!
The episode was actually 26 min not 38. I would like to point out that some fans watch for reasons other than the triangle of Gina, Laura, Ani. I am one of them. All soaps should show a balanced cast to have broad appeal to viewers. Personally I am ambivalent toward Laura and Ani. Just like some are ambivalent about the dead hooker storyline. But there needs to be balance for the show to be successful. I think Venice is achieving this balance because overall I have really enjoyed season 3.
I agree Kate. I would be so bored and uninterested if this show focused on only one storyline. It wouldn’t be a soap opera which is what it was always intended to be. This ep featured the characters it needed to and did a fantastic job of it. I am glad we got a break with this episode from that tragic romance. I think we needed it storywise.
I like drama, angst, heartache. I am not a fan of over the top comedy. So this episode and all the family drinking scenes with Gina, Guya, and Owen are not for me. And in case anyone wants to reply to my post and condescendingly point out that some fans watch for whatever other reason – I don’t really need to be told that but thank you!!
Exactly, balance, this episode was boring because it was static. They should have had some drunk Laura in there for fans of romance and drama, not unfunny comedy.
oh dont get me wrong i dont just watch cuz of the lani or giani triangle. i watch cuz i like it, it was just my opinion that this episode didnt do anything for me. it they had put something else in it too, it might have. they focused just way to much on the memorial for my taste. i love the interaction between gaya, owen and gina..always makes me smile.
on the other hand there are other ‘couples’ that dont do anything for me. its just like that.
as u have ur opinion that it was a great show, it wasnt for me..i just pointed it out and didnt diss CC’s hard work for us.
Worst episode ever. Boring and not funny. Forced laughter and the song was tacky. Thank god this is over. Worse storyline in Venice.
I thought this episode had some good spots: Guya saying goodbye to Katie/Amber, Jamie and his scene with Drew, and the Colonel/Stella friendship. Otherwise, I thought this was overall a boring, filler episode. Most of the scenes ran too long, with no real drama or point, imo. Most of the humorous scenes were not funny at all. I feel like it could have gotten a lot of the storyline moved along in half the time. I just hope that the last few episodes focus on Gina/Ani/Lara, some more on Stella/Colonel, Van, and Sami.