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TV Insider Names Best In Soaps 2016: B&B Top Drama Series, DAYS Flynn and Reeves, GH's Budig & Y&R's Burton Take Acting Honors!

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

Courtesy/CBS

It’s that time of year again when all of the soap pundits and entertainment sites roll out their 2016 “Best Of” lists (On-Air On-Soaps will reveal our annual “Best and Worst Of 2016” lists closer to New Years Eve).

First up though is TV Insider’s Michael Logan, who has made his picks and his feature was posted online on Tuesday. In it, CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful was named “Best Soap of 2016″ citing,”It continues to be daytime’s kickiest treat, luring us with corporate scandal and high-stakes emotions … and delivering the kind of jaw-dropping, tune-in-tomorrow moments that leave fans downright giddy. ”

For the Best Actor and Actress of 2016, two stars of NBC’s Days of our Lives got the nod. The recognition for Best Actor went to Billy Flynn for his performances as Chad DiMera,”who was at war with his own toxic legacy and barely keeping it together as he mourned the sudden death of his wife and battled for custody of their child.”

Courtesy/NBC

For Lead Actress that went to enduring star, Melissa Reeves. Logan noted: “Many in soaps have played addiction stories, delicacy, nuance and bone-deep sadness than Reeves, whose sweetheart character, Jennifer Horton, descended into a living hell of painkillers and depression. ”

For Best Supporting Actor, it was departing Y&R star, Steve Burton who was named for his “year-end work as Dylan McAvoy, the hapless victim of a baby switch, was so subtly crafted and achingly poignant it can be summed up in just one word: perfection”. 

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

For Best Supporting Actress that was given to General Hospital’s Rebecca Budig (Hayden) who “went from Port Charles pariah to romantic heroine in a fizzy, sexy transformation that’s simply intoxicating. Even Tracy Q (Jane Elliot), the town curmudgeon who pretty much hates everything and everybody, loves Hayden. ”

And for Best Guest Star that went to Star Trek’s Nichelle Nichols, wno was acknowledged for her turn as Neil Winters dying alcholic mother on The Young and the Restless.

So, what did you think of TV Insider’s picks?  Do you think B&B was the Best Soap of the Year?  Happy to hear about Billy Flynn, Melissa Reeves, Steve Burton and Rebecca Budig being recognized for their work? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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everyone is entitle to their opinion no ones opinion is more right or wrong then anyone else, i don’t watch DOOL or YR so i can’t speak to their actors performance and storylines, although i am familiar w/ Steve Burton from GH, and even though i donlt really like the jason character he always delivered, evethought some fans mock his “stone cold” performance i always appreicated his subtle low key performance. As for BB as best soap, again i would know, i do know i love My GH and that it keeps me tuning in everyday. So viva GH!…..

Love Rebecca Budig recognized for her role as Hayden!! Hayden is a complicated gal with many layers and Rebecca brought her to life.She’s an awesome actress who can play off anyone and just clicks with whomever she shares a scene. She’s always been so gracious and supportive of her co-stars so it’s nice to see her recognized for her talent!! Love Her and GH is lucky to have her!!!

Happy for her! But darn it Michael Easton deserved an honor too! He has been killing it as Dr Hamilton Finn! When is he going to be recognized!

I agree Lois. The Finn/Hayden story is what’s keeping me enthralled; with Kiki and Dillon close behind. And, Michael never misses a beat….he is duperlative….and, sexy!!
Finally, we are beginning to see the ‘developmrnt’ of a cure, thanks to Roxie. Funny, that, since Jimh and I were jokingly going back and forth as to the reason of a pet lizard. I humorously said the lizard’s venom was the cure…….farfetched at the time…..but, close. Is it the shedded skin?
I think Michael Easton, Billy Flynn are tops in my book….and Rob Wilson (DOOL) as supporting actor.

Superlative.
PS. I just wonder how ‘best’ and ‘supporting’ are chosen. I would not like to think politics would be involved, albeit it would not surprise me.

Finn is ten times better than Silas but Michael has limited range.

I agree. I am so happy to see budig recognized and am bummed that easton isnt getting more credit as it totally deserves it. Finchel right now for me is the brightest spot on the canvas and they are the best new characters to be added to the show probably since jerry jax(I dont count the oltl 3 as they already existed) though valentin and curtis are a close 2nd and 3rd.

Billy Flynn all the way….I knew it from his first appearance on stage that this actor had it going!!!!!! Soooo happy for him and myself. LOL. I predicted his nomination.
However, I am really surprised and mostly disappointed Rob Wilson wasn’t nominated….
Melissa Reeves?? Really?? I don’t know…but, who am I to judge. Congrats, anyway.
Very happy for Rebecca Budig….forever a fan.
Steve Burton did not impress me for the longest time….but, I came to appreciate his talent at the end of his run as Dylan.
Congrats to all.

B&B best, SERIOUSLY ?!!! If u like cheesy I guess. GH as uusual MOST entertaining of them all, PEROID !

I don’t even watch B&B, rocky…..so, I think your post was meant for someone else? LOL.

Considering how bad Days, GH and Y&R was for most 2016– B&B wins pretty much by default– LOL

This list made me feel great. I love that Melissa Reeves is finally getting the attention she deserves. Billy Flynn has taken the main leading man role on DOOL , a role that has been missing since James Scott left the show. I am thrilled B&B won for best show. Steve Burton could read the phone book pages and make it sound great.

Ugh to Rebecca Budig’s character. Sorry no like.

ABSOLUTELY…. no way… not possible

“…Rebecca Budig (Hayden) who “went from Port Charles pariah to romantic heroine in a fizzy, sexy transformation that’s simply intoxicating. ”

she’s down for the count

Absolutely…yes way…very possible.

Budig is great as Hayden…Accept it.

I honestly dont get why the liz fans hate her so much. pet this and pet that. same could be said about bringing on nathan or nina or ava or julian. – shes no more of a pet than they are. I think they like that a sister made liz relevant again but they hate that hayden made liz more intersting not the other way around. if they had made hayden a distant q through celia or some relation to skye she would have been every bit as interesting. Liz however needed family to bounce off of and not one person they have brought on has worked. suddenly I not only am curious to see what will happen with liz and hayden, I want to see which sister jeff sarah and steve will bond best with at the end of the day.

I don’t watch Days so can’t really comment on this soap or it’s actors. Except to note that from reading MF it certainly has it’s loyal fans, most of whom seem to feel it’s had better “days.”

Of the remaining three I am most loyal to GH, but it had a very dark year. Surprised Nancy/Alexis didn’t receive Best Actress 2016. What a year she has had, and it’s not over yet. Happy for Rebecca since once she got “settled” into Port Charles I really like Hayden.

Y&R seemed to take a long, drawn out time to tell the baby Christian/Sully/Sharon, as well as the Victor in and out of jail stories.

So as Mary SF says, B&B “wins by default” for me, too. And that’s saying a lot about the perpetual love triangle show except that I enjoyed the Quinn/Liam story. It’s probably the only time I was curious about the Liam character who is boring for me, not the girl catching magnet that Steffy, Hope, etc seem to be drawn to. And I love Rena/Quinn. But I have felt the same towards her since her GH days. And even her appearance on NCIS as a lawyer.

Looking forward to the New Year with more upbeat, clever stories. Just so glad they are still with us.

Hey, I’m down for Genie Francis win–she has seamlessly transformed Laura BUT in the best way possible, still keeping her essence but with a dignity and grace–and I’m seeing that impish, ageless humor of Laura’s creepng in (saw it today as she went for her interview for the hospital board member AND as she “went” for Kevin in their declarations of love–and that kiss, that kiss. She looked FABUlOUS today! My vote goes to Genie–and kudos to Jon for his getting on board in the most enthusiastic way. Now if TPTB would only give them more screen time. One can dream, right?

Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction: i.e., Burton winning an award for acting…

Hi, James,
I certainly follow your sentiment. But, I do tend to agree with Timmm.
Before Y&R, I had no clue who Steve Burton was….nor, was I familiar with his acting skills.
I must confess that I was not impressed. His robotic, expressionless acting, completely, turned me off.
However, these last performances, pertaining to his anguish of losing “Sully”/Christian , really hit my emotional spot. I saw the human side of Dylan/Steve?

Happy Holidays, my friend.

Hi Celia! Thanks for your reply! Very fair assessment. I am basing my opinion largely on his work on GH, which seems similar to his early work on Y&R. So perhaps he showed some growth as an actor in the latter role. Admittedly, I haven’t been a regular Y&R viewer in recent months.

Happy Holidays to you as well, Friend!

Other than the wonderful sparkplug Rebecca Budig…who’s turned Hayden Cassadine into a favorite of mine since waking up from the coma….everything else on Logan’s list is so messed up.

GH was the only halfway good soap on the air in 2016…should’ve been named best drama without question…will be proven at the Emmy awards this spring. B&B does not do anything but recycle everything to death… this was the worst example yet in 2016…isn’t about time to admit they are creatively bankrupt…how long does being a nutty wacky farce continue to get a pass with the soap pundits…and when it comes to overall acting ensemble GH leaves B&B in the dust any day of the week

Melissa Reeves for lead actress over Laura Wright, Nancy Lee Grahn and Finola Hughes? Utterly Ridiculous!!!!!

Loving them or hating them really shouldn’t matter…but Eric Braeden and Maurice Benard are the only choices for lead actor for 2016…with Justin Hartley as a sleeper pick for being one of the few saving graces of Y&R in the past year.

Supporting actor…Steve Burton?….No freaking way! Richard Burgi had many amazing performances for the entire year…should be a lock to win the Emmy award if he’s chooses to enter the race.

Rebecca Budig for Supporting actress is right on the money…she still pops off the screen and sizzles like a flame like she has always done…cue the incoming predictable complaining and conspiracy theories from the vocal minority.

this is all a moot point.. save for the incredible presence of Billy Flynn’ Chad DiMera @Days of OUR Lives.

BECAUSE – I would like to thank the Soap Gods… that

@GH – Maurice Benard and Laura Wright characterless do not merit. big YES

Sonny and Carly are wasting GH. SO are Jason and Sam and Hayden and Finn

Hayden is not convincing as she thinks she is… even if… she has some bloodline… DO NOT EXPECT to see Hayden and Liz bonding… this may be the prop of all prop… damned the audience ! Frank Valentini is propping Hadyen with the uber talent Tracy… and the relative newbie character Finn… IN HOPES of Hayden catching on…. the double dose of what? koolaid drugs etc….

Finn and Hayden have no spark… they will forever have an asterick by their character. lame and uninteresting

I agree with most of Mr. Logan’s pics. I watch all four shows and love GH and love Rebecca from GL and AMC also. Steve Burton , another favorite, but much preferred him on GH. I adore B&B, but was surprised there were no picks from it. Also, big fan of DOOL and Billy Flynn. Sorry, but there were quite a few other lead actresses that I felt were more deserving, i.e Jane Elliot, Jen Lilley, Rena Soffer to name a few.

I watch B&B, Y&R, and Days and I agree that B&B is the best soap.

Don’t know about Nichelle for best guest star. She did a good job, but it was very short. I guess that is definition of guest.

Burton CAN be a good actor if he is given proper material. Dylan was and always will be a bust!

Rebecca is great as Hayden. “Fans” love to ride her ass but to me that says she is doing a good job and can really act!

Ms. Nichols was fabulous as Neil’s mother!

Best soap, probably was B&B.

Don’t like B&B as best pick. They just have the same story line over and over, Ridge and Brooke the two brothers fighting over the same woman. CONSTANLY!! Young and the Restless has new and interesting story lines all the time. You care about their characters.

those actor wins are a bit strange. Chad from Days I could see, but the others???

Right? I’m with you, blake…..well, except for Rebecca B…..LOL.

I can’t speak for the other soaps, since I only watch GH. No disrespect to Rebecca Budig, but on a show with names like Laura Wright, Maura West, Finola Hughes, Nancy Lee Grahn, Jane Elliot, and so on, Budig isn’t exactly the first name I would think of if I wanted to recognize a great actress on GH this year.

Hayden is one of the characters on the show that just happens to do absolutely nothing for me. I don’t like the way they shoe horned her into a prominent role as Elizabeth’s sister to give her a connection in Port Charles.

Interesting.

TV Insider and I must be watching completely different versions of Y&R and GH…

Bold and the Beautiful as best soap? Really? Does the person chosing actually watch it? Whenever I do they are always talking about the same thing. There’s no real character development, just ever developing musical chairs in the love triangle department. IMO, for years now, its been the worst soap ever. But I wholeheartidly agree about Billy Flynn and Mellissa Reeves, absolutely compelling, love their work so much. Also Steve Burton, although we are about 5 or 6 months behind in Aus, I can imagine whats about to happen for his character Dylan, after the baby reveal. Don’t get GH in Aus, so can’t comment on the last nom.

Best Soap: Should Win/Will Win – GH (Includes 2016 WGA Nomination)
Best Actor: Should Win Benard (GH), Will Win Flynn (DOOL) or Justin Hartley, (Y&R)
Best Actress: Should Win Nancy Lee Grahn (GH); Will Win: Laura Wright (GH)
Supporting Actress: Should Win Rebecca Budig (GH); Will Win Melissa Reeves (DOOL)
Supporting Actor: Should/Will Win Dominic Zamprogna (GH)
Younger Actor: Should Win/Will Win Again Bryan Craig (GH)
Younger Actress: Should Win/Will Win Marci Miller (DOOL)

I can’t agree with B & B, because they haven’t written a new storyline in years. Between that and the flashbacks, the writers have little to do. Even the dialogue is the same, as though they dusted off an old script, plugged in Steffy for Hope and called it good. The one highlight on this show is Rena Sofer, who is an acting goddess. She is worth watching the repeats for.

GH has crazy plots sometimes, but over all has the best couples, intrigue and drama.

Y & R is boring me to tears. I am trying to stay with it and give these new writers a chance, but so far, it’s not entertaining. The couples have no conflict. Really the only drama right now is Jack/Billy.

Days…I try but most days I ff through quite a bit of it. The storylines just seem stale, old-school. And don’t get me started on the sets and wardrobe. The one storyline I like is Nicole and am looking forward to her becoming a mom!!

Days Of Our Lives

‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Franco LoPresti Opens Up About ‘Days of our Lives’ Debut as Dante Vitali

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Next week on Monday, September 14 will mark the first appearance in Salem of Franco LoPresti in his new Days of our Lives role of Dante Vitali.

Heated Rivalry fans now LoPresti very well from his part as hockey player Cliff Marleau in the series first season. (No word yet if Cliff appears in season 2).

Now in a conversation with TV Insider, DAYS fans will learn that LoPresti is on the soap for a limited run. No timetable was given.

Dante Vitali

Photo: Corday Productions, Inc

When LoPresti does burst onto the scene come Monday, Dante makes quite the impact as Franco LoPresti explains. It seems that viewers will first see him in scenes in Monte Carlo at a poker table with none other than Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier).  However, Dante will come to Salem to talk to the Brady family about his supposed fiancée Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney).

Franco shared, “Dante was born and grew up in Italy and educated at this pretty top-tier English boarding school. He then went on to build his own dynasty in finance, all the while trying to distance himself from the Vitali name (as viewers know Tamara Braun played his cousin Ava Vitali).”

“But at the core of Dante, there’s definitely an old-school quality to him”, continued LoPresti. “He’s super passionate, he’s sincere and incredibly generous, but he’s also someone that you probably shouldn’t underestimate. Loyalty is something that means a lot to him. As Dante enters Salem, I think the audience will get to slowly peel back those layers and discover what’s really driving him. So, I’m excited for Days fans to go on that ride with Dante.”

Photo: Almay

As it turns out, LoPresti taped his episodes of DAYS starting back in November 2025 which happened to be weeks before Heated Rivalry became a smash hit.

Franco recalled, “It’s so funny because I thought my episodes would air in a month (on Days of our Lives). But I found out it was nine to 10 months and I was like, ‘I gotta wait that long?!’ So, I’ve been biting my nails, trying not to think about it, and I think it’s actually kind of helped because now it’s here and it’s all coming at me from all different angles. I’m nervous. I’m excited, and I just can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had for sure.”

In his personal life, Franco just had his first child with wife, actress Emily Alatalo, just a weeks ago on August 23rd when they welcomed their daughter, Stella into the world.

So, looking forward to seeing Franco LoPresti’s debut come Monday? What do you think about the fact that it’s being reported as a limited run? Do you think Dante and Sami have a chance on-screen or off-screen to be a happy couple? What do you really think brings Dante to Salem sans Sami? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.

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‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals ‘Class of Season 62’

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Days of our Lives

In a metaphor for the start of the school year and their upcoming anniversary in November, Days of our Lives revealed its “Class of Season 62,” with a very clever yearbook montage on their social media handles, welcoming new cast members, while paying respect to the veterans and “class”-iying the other characters in Salem.

The official Days of our Lives Instagram account shared on the posting, “The Class of Salem Season 62 has arrived. Familiar faces, new names and plenty of personality. Flip through our yearbook for a peek at this year’s class.”

Let’s take a look at how they broke it all down: The Salem Yearbook starts with saying “another unforgettable season,” with some group pics, and then we dovetail into Salem’s new class which features: Sydney Malakeh (Sydney DiMera), Brandon Butler (Mason Whitfield), Angelica Nero (Victoria Kiriakis), Cole Gersmeyer (Thomas DiMera) and Lorelei Olivia Mote (Rachel Black).

Photo: Days of our Lives

Next up, are the likes of: Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), John-Paul Lavoisier (Philip Kiriakis), Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver) and LeeAnn Hopkins (Joy Wesley). Then, in the “Drama Club” section are: Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) and AnnaLynne Cipriani (Cat Greene).

Following the ‘Recess” section with some group snaps, comes “Homeroom Highlights” with: Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Rob Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis), Lamon Archey (Eli Grant) and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant).

The “Salem Spectator” section features: Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera), Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark), Stowers again, and Ashely Puzemis (Holly Jonas). In the “Afternoon Sweets” section look for: Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) and Linsey Godfey (Sarah Horton), Emily O’ Brien (Gwen Rizchech), Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks), Brandon Beemer (Shawn Brady), plus Jackée Harry (Paulina Price).

Towards the end of the yearbook, veteran performers such as: Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson), Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) and Josh Taylor (Roman Brady) are featured, plus Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), James Reynolds (Abe Carver) and Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiraikis) with her on-screen daughter, Linsey Godfrey.

The Salem Yearbook comes to a conclusion noting “Big things happening in Salem” and to tune-in on Peacock, where we also find Jacob Martinez (Javi Hernandez), Maggie Carney (Rita Lesley), and a host of other favorites previewing what’s to come this fall.

So, what do you think of the Days of our Lives Class of Season 62? Looking forward to seeing what happens in Salem? Did you like the yearbook concept for promotional tune-in? Let us know via the comment section below.

 

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‘Days of our Lives’ Head Writers Give Fall 2026 Preview: Marlena and Stefano’s Chess Mystery, The Arrivals of Dante and Sydney, Romance Drama for Sarah and Others

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Chad and Belle

As summer comes to a close with Labor Day weekend, the former Days of our Lives co-head writing duo of Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford have given their annual fall season preview in episodes taped some 10-11 months ago.

As previously reported this past July, Ryan Quan returned to Days of our Lives and is now co-head writing the show with Ford, while Cwikly is now a consultant. The new co-head writing teams stories will not be seen till late spring/early summer 2027.

So for now, the stories pick up from where we left off with Cwikly and Ford promising via TV Insider, “Fall in Salem is full of twists and turns and secrets and surprises. Dots connect in unexpected ways as seemingly unrelated threads converge.”

Deidre Hall

Photo: JPI

CHECKMATE?

In one of the top mystery’s, Marlena is still having troubling memories and she will have another one on the Monday, September 7 episode. Meanwhile, her daughter Belle (Martha Madison) has gotten very close to Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) and as pictured here, the two smooch while in Italy searching for answers to the chess set that Stefano DiMera gifted th the late John Black and Marlena (Deidre Hall) that has some significance.

The head scribes share, “The (chess board) mystery and its fallout are central to the fall stories. Chad and Belle follow the clues to a discovery that changes both of their families, and Salem, forever. Marlena worries that their investigation/the chess set may be a Pandora’s box that has been opened. And she is right…”

Newcomers are also the order of the day for Cwikly and Ford, this fall. We have already seen the debut as Brandon Butler as Mason Whitfield, and next week you can add as previously reported Sydney Malakeh on the Thursday September 1o episode as Sydney DiMera, followed by the the Monday, September 14 arrival of Franco LoPresti as Dante Vitali.

Philip, Belle and Sydney

Photo: Corday Productions

Paula and Jeanne Marie expressed on the incoming Dante, “The arrival of a stranger who will set the whole town on its ear. The character has several strong ties to the current canvas and impacts many storylines.” What will Dante be up to? We know Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) had mentioned in 2025 she got engaged to the man, but that was off-screen.

LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH OR THE ONE YOU WANT?

In the romance department, the triangle between Brady/Sarah/Xander heats up with a very conflicted Sarah (Linsey Godfrey). The head writers reveal, “When Sarah faces attacks personally and professionally, Xander (Paul Telfer) and Brady (Eric Martsolf) work together to help and protect her. Sarah’s new love for Brady is challenged by her lingering love for Xander. Xander risks everything for Sarah.”

In addition look for, “Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip (John-Paul Lavoiser) to draw closer as he tries to save the family company and home.”

Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) will also be returning at some point this fall and she won’t be alone. Who might she bring with her? And from the looks of the Peacock promo for next week’s DAYS, someone is wearing Stefano’s ring around their finger, but who … and how does it all tie in this fall?

So, what do you think about some of the highlights coming up this fall on Days of our Lives per the series head writers? Does anything float your boat or pique your interest? If so, what? Let us know via the comment section. But first, check out the action next week on DAYS in the promo entitled “Bag of Tricks” below.

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