News
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford on Exiting Hunter King & Michael Mealor: “They are Super Stars!! I Have Said That From Day One”
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
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.
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.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Marks Unprecedented 16,000th Episode Milestone with New Cast Photo
Today’s Monday, July 13 episode of General Hospital marks it 16,000 episode to air on the ABC television network. It is a remarkable milestone. The previous television record was held by Guiding Light which clocked in at 15,762 episodes before it went off the air on CBS in 2009.
To mark the occasion, the cast, crew and creative team of General Hospital celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony on the Prospect Studios lot in Los Angeles back on Monday, June 1, 2026.
In addition, GH has released a new cast photo taken the day of the on set celebration. Pictured in the photo are front row: Rory Gibson, Finn Carr, Kayden Brenna Tokarski, Asher Antonyzyn, Giovanni Mazza, Braedyn Bruner, Dean Geyer and Nathan Dean.
Featured in the back row are: Tabyana Ali, Eden McCoy, Josh Swickard, Kristen Vaganos, Rebecca Herbst, Dominic Zamprogna, Alexa Havins, Cameron Mathison, Brooke Kerr, Cynthia Watros, Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Jane Elliot, Maurice Benard, Laura Wright, Maura West, Donnell Turner, Nancy Lee Grahn, Tanisha Harper, Kelly Thiebaud, Kristina Wagner, Lynn Herring, Chris McKenna, Katelyn MacMullen and Sawandi Wilson.
In addition, the official GH social media handles shared these sentiments along with some other photos from the cake cutting: “Today’s episode of General Hospital is the 16,000th produced since the show’s inception in 1963. It’s a milestone we couldn’t let pass by without taking some time to celebrate as a family (and, of course… eating some cake). 🍰 We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we did making it.”
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE 16,000th Episode?
The 16,000th episode will feature Jason Morgan returning to the town of Port Charles, Anna and Valentin (James Patrick Stewart) reuniting, and a new surgeon, Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) joining the staff of ‘General Hospital.’
GENERAL HOSPITAL HOLDS SEVERAL RECORDS
Now in its 64th year, Emmy Award-winning daytime drama General Hospital is currently both the longest-running scripted American drama and the longest-running American soap opera currently in production.
General Hospital holds the record for the most Outstanding Daytime Drama award wins, taking home the prestigious Daytime Emmy Award a record 18 times. Will they do it again and make it 19 in 2026? Stay tuned for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations tomorrow on Tuesday, July 14 to find out if GH will be going for gold in the category, once again.
The ABC daytime drama series was created by Frank and Doris Hursley and premiered back on April 1, 1963. Frank Valentini is the current executive producer with Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten are the show’s co-head writers.
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams on Hulu.
What do you think of the new cast photo marking General Hospital’s 16000th episode? What do you think of the accomplishment to have that many episodes of a television show and its still thriving and kicking? Share your thoughts and congrats for everyone in front of the camera and behind the scenes on this milestone airing.
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Daphne’s Devastated, Steffy Finds Herself at a Crossroads with Finn
-
As The World Turns2 days agoScott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
-
Breaking News4 days agoRandolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
-
Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
-
General Hospital4 days agoSteve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
-
Beyond the Gates2 days ago‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
-
General Hospital2 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Rory Gibson Ties the Knot with Alicia Ruelas
-
General Hospital6 days agoKelly Kruger Set to Debut on ‘General Hospital’: Why Serena Baldwin Comes Back to Port Charles Revealed
-
Beyond the Gates1 week agoRATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ and ‘General Hospital’ Score Highest Weekly Viewer Increase
