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Y&R’s Michelle Stafford on Exiting Hunter King & Michael Mealor: “They are Super Stars!! I Have Said That From Day One”

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: JPI

All good things do come to an end, but when one door closes another one opens, that certainly will be the case for Y&R’s exiting Hunter King (Summer) and Michael Mealor (Kyle) who have wrapped their time on the CBS daytime drama series.

King’s on-screen mom, Michelle Stafford shares some photos of her with the two young stars, and shared on her Instagram: “It’s a little love for @hunterking and @michael.mealor I love them both SO much!! I will miss them. I want so badly for them to jump and follow their dreams and really make it happen. I believe in them completely. They are Super Stars!! I have said that from day one. Maybe they can “stop by” here and there❤️ I love you guys! Go get um!!!”

On Monday’s August 9th episode, viewers learned that Kyle and Summer intend to live in Milan, Italy now that Summer has a job there and Kyle can work remotely for Jabot.

It has been rumored that contract negotiations were a part of the reason for King and Mealor’s departure from the series.  Bets are that we may see appearances by Mealor and King from time to time when their characters may need to be back in Genoa City for major family moments, but until then, King and Mealor are off to pursue their dreams and careers in show biz and the sky’s the limit for these two.

So, what do you think about the resolution to Kyle and Summer’s love-story? Are you sad they are off the series? Do you hope they come back at some point? Comment below.

 

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My primary disappointment in their departure is the timing – it’s taken place in the middle of this big sl for them. Summer giving in to Tara’s threats was out of character and frustrating to watch. While I’m glad Tara and Sally have been found out, at the end it seemed a bit rushed and I do wonder how it might have been written had these two not chosen to leave.

I do wish them both well in their future endeavours; they are a talented young pair without question.

I agree with you—-I was so disappointed with the way this storyline unfolded. While I was glad to see Tara get her comeuppance, the fact that Sally was merely given a slap on the wrist, is a let-down.
I wonder if Summer and Kyle will ever return—perhaps recast?
The Mariah storyline is more crazy stuff. I wish I could delve intto the writers’s brains. I’m sure they have a reason.
I’ve an outrageous thought—why is Stitch back? Coincidence? Does he have Mariah? Is he as disturbed as his son? Is this a methotical plan on his part?—-he will rescue Mariah and be the hero? Abby will be eternally grateful and welcome him back into her life with open arms—It would explain the kidnapping. Just sayin’.

I liked Summer & Kyle, just not as a couple. MM especially really developed into a terrific actor and heartthrob. And we need the Kyle character to keep the Abbott line going in business. No Theo, please! Besides, poor Jack will be lonely. And if stupid Chloe is gonna pair up with Sleazy Sally, he’ll have a constant reminder of that mistake!

Hey, Soaphound. A message from my grandmother—-she says they can always bring Kemo back to keep the Abbott line going? Whatever happened to him? LOL…but, yes–I will miss both Kyle and Summer. I did not like either much, at first—but, each (of them) has proven his/her worth.
Methinks Jack and Phyllis still have that je ne sais quoi thing going on for each other.I feel the vibe.
I really wish Sally would cotrol her mouth, in more ways than one. The sealed partnership will prove to be another disaster. You’re right about Chloe’s stupidity. Sally, the she-wolf ( better known as Luna wolf or alpha female) will eat her alive.

Theo does NOT have Abbott blood. He was Dina’s child but not by John.

Big BIG LOSE TO THE SHOW…WRONG COUPLE LEAVING…. AND I STILL DONT KNOW Y YOU CUT THEM OUT OF THE SHOW…

They are my favorites. I will miss them so much! May even stop watching the show.

I’m so disappointed in Y&R!!!! I love these characters so much! I wish them well in all they do! Good luck y’all going to miss y’all!!!

I will miss you both you two deserve each other but go follow your dreams and I’m glad your back together I hope you come back

Very sad they are leaving, love there childhood love story! Mostly all the young are gone might call the show Restless now!!❤️

Theres going to be a huge void in MMs and HKs departure
The couple have dominated the show with storys for years now. Also will be a major void in a younger couple.
Nothings intrestings happening with Mariah and Tessa, the only two left in that generation. Time to bring Fenn and Ana back and put Sally in the fold.

I hope that GH will hire MM. How old is he? Could he pull off a recast Nathan? If he is too young for that, how about a recast Dillon?

I dunno– How many Kyles have there been- 6 ?
Just saying goodby to another one ..

Hunter, by her choice, has been in and out of Y&R a few times.
– just another goodby.
And-
Now there is more $$$ to keep Ashton on, hopefully.
Y&R needs another hard-hitter
((after they turned Adam into a choir boy, Ashton is needed–
it’s a real shame they took Adams cojones, for sure))

And- the soap life rolls on and on..

I’m not sure yet, su000. Kevin’s denouncing of Adam got me thinking that old Adam may start seeping back. I don’t want that, but I don’t want an angelic version, either. I just hope Sally doesn’t set her greedy sights on him next. That would be a new low for everyone.

HI Soaphound–
The thing with Adam_______
When Adan was good he was very good
When Adam was bad he was very bad
Adam was more grey than dark–he did a good thing too..
Didn’t he run into a burning building and save Nick?
Adan did do good things but his bad thing always overshadowed them.
And–
Adam had game!!
Never a dull moment–
He did keep my attention when he entered the screen.
The soaps would die of boredom without its Adams lol

Like Asland and love everything Richard Burgi is in. Does anyone remember the tv detective show in the 90s he starred in with Cheryl Ladd–One West Waikiki? First time i ever saw him on a show–love it.

I am very sad they are gone. I don’t understand why they couldn’t reach an agreement.

I haven’t missed an episode in over 20 years, but Phyllis bawling over her snowflake daughter Summer being wronged was too much, finally had to turn it off, if my rival got me my dream job in Milan, who needs friends! Taking Tara away from Harrison is cruel, hope she comes back with a vengeance. After months of everything being about Harrison, Kyle dumps him on Grandpa Jack and takes off to be with Summer, when he needs his daddy the most. Kyle and Summer were the most immature couple and totally deserve each other.

Soapkin, I don’t agree about Phyllis, mostly because Michelle is doing some of her most astonishing work lately. But you are 100 percent right about Kyle dropping that brat, er, boy to go retrieve Summer. For the first time, I’m leaning toward Ashland getting primary custody. And Tara was a decent mother, all things aside. She’s getting TOO shafted here, while evil Sally just keeps going…like a demonic Energizer bunny.

Sally or Tara havn’t even come close to Billy using Summer for cheap revenge sex against Phyllis, that deserved a backlash with lots of misery and a forever grudge, but Billy moves on unscathed….so far. I root for Sally Spectra because of her B&B roots, and her legendary namesake. Adam was right on, Phyllis and Sally are a like, Sally has sketchy parents, she could be related.

Summer and Kyle need to stay. Others can go…..like Lauren, to name one. She is beautiful but adds nothing to the storylines on Y & R.

I think it is a big loss. Sally needed to leave along with the other witch Tara

Recast them. Happens all the time in soaps.

Yes, they will be missed, they were both awesome, Y&R again messed up. Now show Michelle out too, and get GINA T back on the show, we need fire on Y&R – RIGHT NOW, it’s boring and it shouldn’t be.

Michelle IS Phyllis and Phyllis IS Michelle. Gina was mildly ok but she was NEVER Phyllis.

I would love to see them both come back they Are such a big part of the show

Exit Kyle, enter Ashland. Exit Summer, enter Sally. WOW—I will never get used to Sally–
Aside—does Chance have Mariah? —-Or does someone have both Mariah and Chance?
Is it the cult guy—-one of his cronies doing his dirty work? A brand new baby to brainwash and indoctrinate—As the plots return and revolve. Same old, same old. Hope not—been there, done that.

Just another reason I quit watching after 40 years… They need new writers!

I love them both and wish them so much love and good luck in future endeavours. There was such a problem with finding the “right” adult Kyle until Michael came along and nailed it. Hunter has wowed us with her acting abilities and has given us Summer the brat, Summer the young trashy adult and now Summer the responsible adult and fashion marketer. She acted her ass off throughout her time on Y&R despite a lot of fan hate for standing up for herself. I hope her future is rosy but the selfish part of me wants the actor and cbs to say whoops HHK is not leaving.

I’m sad that they are leaving. Wanted them to get married and have kids. But then again it’s a soap opera

Yep, glad they are gone I just wish y’all could exit Rey character

As I hinted on the Ashland/Tara agenda before, I am now even more convinced Ashland is a baddie. He has a malignancy growing in his lung?—more like in his head.
From the first day Tara appeared, I called her out as someone who was up to no good. I don’t even think Harrison is Kyle’s.
Ron ( one of our fellow-posters) suggested a like-thought. Would it be feasible to think that Tara and Ashland were working together? It’s extreme, but it’s a soap.
Ergo, Ashland’s marriage proposal to Victoria. After the marriage, he will manipulate, convince, or whatever it takes to be in control of Vic’s shares —-once that’s achieved, he will have free rein—
Tara’s imprisonment was well-thought-out—-
Victoria ia so desperate for a new glimpse at love, she’s become blind, deaf and dumb.
Just my opinion—as outrageous as it is.

Yes, Celia, the lines were officially drawn today, with Billy, Nick, and now Victor getting serious about vetting Mr. Locke. I’m sure of two things: Victoria will rebel against all efforts to help her and she’ll find a way to make EVERYTHING Adam’s fault. Some things never change.

Hey, Soaphhound. You are so right about this ridiculous storyline—nothing makes sense–especially Sally as a new member of the Newman staff.
She turned Summer’s world upside down and everyone ( except Phyllis) acts as if nothing major happened. This is Victor’s “precious” granddaughter, we’re talking about. It’s so weird. Victor Newman is a staunch supporter of FAMILY—-family is everything!! No one harms my family without retribution!! Right!!
Also, I think I am right about Stitch. I felt it since he came back at the right time. I may be wrong, —if so, there id definitely something afoot here.
He has Miriah to profess himself as the hero. Or it’s the Ward guy to take the baby into the fold, indoctrinating him with evil ideals and ideas. Yes, he’s in jail, but we all know that means squat—-seems that all these baddies have power whether incarcerated or not.
Just an opinion.

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

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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.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’

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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?

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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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