News
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest Defends Appointment Of B&B's Colleen Bell As Ambassador To Hungary, While Daily Show's Jon Stewart & The Colbert Report Have Their Own Commentary On The Situation!

Courtesy/WashingtonPostTV
This week, it seems that pop culture just couldn’t steer away from the appointment by the U.S. Senate of The Bold and the Beautiful producer, Colleen Bell (wife of B&B’s Brad Bell) as the U.S. Ambassador to Hungary.
Citing her non-qualifications, and fundraising efforts , the press that covers politics in Washington certainly fired away at White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest, who defended the appointment of Bell in a press conference with reporters earlier this week.
Earnest said to ABC’s Jonathan Karl, senior congressional reporter, who was not enthused over the appointment, “As it relates to Ambassador Bell, she had the President’s confidence that she will represent the United States and maintain the important relationship the United States has with the government and the people of Hungary.” He goes on to say that Colleen about her qualifications, “She has had her own private sector career and obviously someone who had succeeded in the business world.”

Courtesy/Comedy Central
When the reporter fires back that Bell helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for President Obama’s re-election campaign, which may have been one of the main reasons she was given the post, Press Secretary Earnest says: “I was not involved in this decision making process, but I can tell you the reason that she was chosen was that the president has complete confidence in her ability to represent the United States in that country.” Meanwhile on TV in his own send-up of the Bell appointment, Jon Stewart of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart said he felt sorry for the press secretary who has the worst job in our nations capital, stating, “How much does that guy (Secretary Earnest) just want to reach over and tag out?” Stewart said Wednesday night, after playing a clip from the press conference. “That is the greatest thing I have ever seen the president’s press secretary do,” Stewart said. “His entire job — his only job — is built around trying not to go, ‘Hey, look, I just f**ing work here.'”

Courtesy/ComedyCentral
Also, host/comedian Stephen Colbert riffed on the appointment of Bell on his show The Colbert Report on Comedy Central this past Thursday night. He even started his send-up with, “I love our nations ambassadors. What can I say, I’m an “ambassman”. That’s why I’ve been following the senate confirmation of the U.S. Ambassador to Hungary. The President’s nominee got a lot of attention for being a ‘Bold’ choice, but also a ‘Beautiful’ one.” Colbert goes into a a clip package, and later goes into how producing on The Bold and the Beautiful is the perfect training ground for Bell to become the ambassador to Hungary. He goes on to say, “Hungary is a region rife with drama and the constant threat of violence. Exactly the situation the Forrester family routinely handles from their palacious estate while simultaneously running their fashion empire.”
Watch the clips below. The first from Washington Post TV of the press conference with Press Secretary Josh Earnest, and then the segments on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report. Then weigh-in on your thoughts to this: Do you think Colleen is being unfairly judged by her association with the soaps, (which always people deem to poke fun at), when it appears that many appointments to ambassadorships in this country have to do with those who have contributed major funds to help in re-elections or elections?
I’m with Senator McCain on this. Although President Obama isn’t the first president to hand out ambassadorships as prizes, I believe it is ill advised.
Why is there just “outrage” now? From what I believe there have been many ambassadors that have been actors, writers, (basically in show business) what is it about Colleen Bell that bothers them so much?
She admitted she had no idea what interests the USA has in Hungary. Not even sure why she wanted the appointment…a vacation maybe? Tell me how she IS qualified?
There are no real qualifications to be an ambassador. What most presidents look for is someone’s ability to at least represent U.S. interests well in the country they are going to, and be a trusted conduit for information between said country & the U.S. State Dept. Ambassadors don’t negotiate any formal deals. That’s the job the Secretary of State & POTUS. Where Bell is so lacking is that she couldn’t even do what most high school students can – which is B.S. their way through a simple Q&A. Did she even look at a friggin map of Europe? If she did, she should have been able to tell Senator McCain that U.S. interests in Hungary are to help them be strong against Russian aggression pushing westward into the former Soviet bloc territories. I mean, good God – this is basic 20th century American history – the century this woman was born in! Did she not notice ANYTHING that went on, like, oh, the fall of Russian communism. You don’t have to be a member of any party to be able to put 2+2 together. Just observant & more than a little intelligent.
She is a joke. I had to laugh when Josh Earnest spoke about her achieving great success in the private sector. She would probably be at a cashier desk in Macy’s if not for her family connections. I was surprised the reporter did not have a comeback for “chief liar” Earnest. As someone of Eastern European descent, I am offended that someone with her lack of knowledege of the significance of Eastern Europe in global affairs will be ambassador to a country of such significance.
Stephen Colbert of The Colbert Report and Jon Stewart of The Daily Show are more than awesome! And- both are right on!
ALL presidents have assigned non-qualifications persons as ambassadors to whatever countries for whatever their reasons, it is comely done..
Soaps are always made fun of and used as material for comedians and all others to ridicule with campy sarcasm…
Soaps are seen as being unintelligent wacky stuff lol so a writer/producer of a soap opera could be seen as unintelligent also to put out such nonsense..
and the congress would see a soap opera as stupid stuff and reflecting the as same of the writer/producer LOL
Appointing Bell an ambassador position is a soap opera in itself LOL ..
Her lack of the significance of Eastern Europe knowledge is only matched by Obama’s lack of presidential leadership knowledge
As a Canadian I can”t really say one way or another about her qualifications , but I got a real kick from both Jon Stewart and Colbert stating why their video cannot be seen in Canada– usually there is just some bland statement about the video not being available,so I really enjoyed the humor they injected into it. I had a good laugh.
Why is this on a board about soap operas ? I could really care less about Colleen Bell she is of no interest to me we had the discussion a few days ago about Senator McCains comments enough. Let’s quit beating a dead horse she is a woman who has a lot of money and nothing between the ears I thought we had established that. Move On!!!!
k/kay..
This is Michael Fairman site, we are his guests..
Michael can put up anything he deems interesting..
Colleen Bell is an important soap opera person and it relates to her new career..
It is appropriate imo ..
The same as any soap person and their new projects and career moves..
🙂
Yes it is and if he did not appreciate my comment he would not post it. I stand by my statements tired of hearing about CB. We discussed her appointment and we all know why she got it and bloody fine just fatigued out with this. Tired of hearing about racism, homophobia, politics just would like o escape once in a while. 🙁
And you will be glad to know I am not going to read the comments anymore it has become childish this back and forth bantering. Not very healthy.
I guess she qualifies due to B&B airing in Hungary!
I guess this was Brad Bell’s way of writing her off the show! The most creative idea he has had yet. Is he taking credit for it?
It does seem that the position was bought & even the press secretary is dismayed by this report. However that said, don’t you have to live in the country for which you are ambassador? I suppose that’s one way to have a marriage :/
Ha Ha
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.”
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.
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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.
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