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Y&R's New EP Mal Young On Soap Audience: "We've Got To Give Them What Surprises Them And Thrills Them"
Photo: MalYoungTwitter
The new Genoa City Sheriff is in town, and it’s a gent from across the pond. British soap opera and TV producer, Mal Young is the latest executive producer of CBS’ The Young and the Restless.
Young, who was in charge of continuing drama series programming at the BBC and oversaw such shows as Brookside, EastEnders, The Doctors, Casualty and Holby City, brings a new fresh perspective to the Sony and CBS series. Now in his first get-to-know interview with Soap Opera Digest (in this week’s issue on newsstands now), Young discusses how British soaps are different, yet similar in their perception and storytellings, plus his hopes for the talented A-list cast, production, and writing teams, under his wing at Y&R.
When chatting on how much Mal appreciates a loyal and passionate TV audience, and in particular the daytime soap fans who always chime in on the the progress of their favorite characters and storylines, he expressed: “If they weren’t vocal, I would worry, because their opinions count. I love that. I encourage that, but then you have to surprise them. You can’t just keep saying, ‘Let’s give them what they want. ‘ We’ve got to give them what surprises them and thrills them.”
So, are you intrigued to see how Mal Young shapes The Young and the Restless? Do you agree with his philosophy, isn’t it more fun to be surprised by a story twist? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
I hope he can work out the kinks , the first one would be get rid of pratt
YES YES YES!!!
Y & R needs a new writing team!!
Pratt needs to go. all the storylines are bad
Absolutely, Bart. A writing team whose storylines are REAL and make sense. It is beyond incredible and realistic for any one body, including Victor Newman to play with justice and bend the law ‘ everywhichway ‘ he wants.
I understand there are crooked judges, lawmen etc., but no one on earth can get away with so much manipulation of the law….for decades. ‘Gimme’ a break!!
Totally agree.
Can he be made the EP of GH too?
and Days!!!
Of course, surprising twists are high in demand. A soap is an entity on its own. Romance, mystery, mystique, villainy, love, war, conflict etc…..all attributes which make good storytelling. It is a process and I can definitely appreciate how difficult it is to create new, attention-getting stories on almost a monthly basis.
However, when the same story is recycled for the umpteenth time; fans become bored and disinterested. No one wants to watch a show when he/she already knows the outcome.
The best example for that is Victor. Same story over and over.
The problem is; the ‘ragu’ has been simmering for too long. It loses its appeal when eaten every day.
The same story is being told with just about every character.
I can handle the incredible; but make it less fantastical and a little more real with originality.
Y&R needs new story twists. one major problem Y&R has had is recycling the same lazy storylines. baby switches,dopplegangers,car accidents are lazy
Celia, once again, you’ve put your finger on exactly what’s wrong with our beloved show. Too much repetition, especially regarding the same characters. STOP throwing Adam in jail (or threatening to), STOP making Sharon go off her medication and playing baby pong, STOP giving Victor the upper hand over EVERYONE, especially Jack, and STOP making core characters (Billy, Phyllis, Sharon, Neil) beyond redemption. Oh, and bring back Daniel, Avery, Fenmore, Lesley, full-time Jill, and a reformed Joe Clark.
These characters, Soaphound, need to be smaked upside the head, a few rounds.
I don’t know how much more I can take of Phyllis playing tug-‘o-war with Billy, the drooling lover, and Jack the enthusiastic pleaser. Sooooo not Jack!!!!!
I have been FF-ing many of the Billy-Phyllis scenes. They’re killing my sensibilities and making my stomach heave.
Correction: Smacked….
Reading his other interviews and who he deems worthy, I have no hope for this show…I did, but that has quickly changed…
I missed the last interviews. Please tell me Summer is not one of his worthy! I’ve cut down to twice a week and only tune into the last 30 minutes.
What did he say in his other interviews?
I have no idea but if he is really listening to the fans that alone would be a first.
Well, from the picture above it looks like we will be seeing plenty of Chelsea! UGG! Adam needs to dumb that nag! But anyway, I like how Mal thinks, listen to the fans but throw them a curve ball, as well. I down with that! I hope he cleans out the attic and this is what he needs to throw away immediately!
Stitch and his psycho son!
The Winters clan. Have Chucky whip up one of his famous sweeps disasters and have them all die!
Travis. Cannot act and him and Vicki have no chemistry!
Luca. One of the worst characters since Daisy and Ryder!
Summer because she ruins mine when she is on the screen!
Good luck Mal!
BWAHAHA SUMMER. .very funny
I agree eith everything you suggest ( and the people who put a knot in my stomach ), Timmmy.
Add Gina and Jason to that.
I hope Mal will wow us with original stories.
Funny how both Luca and Marissa lost their accents in a matter of days. At least she looks authentic!! I know I have said this a million times (pardon the hyperbole), but I also wish Mal will not present us with another facsimile of a supposed Spaniard with an Italian name, whose dark looks and ethnic festures do not resemble an Italian or a Spaniard. More of a mestizo. And, that’s fine and well, if he were represented as such.
I, for one do not want to be taken for granted…all of us know the difference between an authentic European and a mestizo. Do not bruise our intelligence or knowledge.
I know Cee, I never thought Jason Thompson’s Billy would turn out like this. He is a great actor and wonderful with kids. I dont blame him for trying something different but this Billy Abbott is horrible. Burgess Jenkins, what are you doing? No, just kidding BUT, they need to rethink this. I doubt Mal can do anything because of the contract of Jason’s? I dont know, I was wrong, I thought Jason would work. Be more of a Foster than an Abbott? No, it doesnt matter! And your beef with KOOKA, I agree. AND, I dont like this new dude Travis either!
@Timmm.
Yes, Timmmy….when you’re right, you’re right. Each Adam brought his best to the show….a personal ‘air’.
Actually I was wondering if you noticed Sharon vacuuming, doing housecleaning in stilettos. Really?
OMG Cee! Yes, when Sharon was cleaning her house I thought of two things. One, you cannot say that these “People” NEVER clean their houses again on soaps! And two, she ran that sweeper like she just snorted all the coke from the movie “Scarface!” THEN she specifically points out to Mariah that she cleaned the bookend but put it way over HERE! I am loving Sharon, Mariah and Kevin in this story together.
PS.
Why must Chelsea constantly make Adam’s mind up for him? Can’t he think for himself? A young harridan…..Chelsea is as annoying as a hangnail.
Adam never gets a chance to have his own thoughts anymore. Chelsea jumps
on him too immediately with her own take on everything! Super annoying!
Celia…E-X-A-C-T-L-Y!!!!! And I thought that Chelsea’s mom Anita was ‘the pushy one’…LOL!!!!!
Have a good one, my friend.
Adam is being watered down with Chelsea. Chadam needs to break up. i hate how Chelsea has become Adam’s mom
@robert.
Wouldn’t it be interesting, robert, if Chelsea and Adam did break up, so to make room for Adam and Bethany?
Chrishell is Justin’s real-life girlfriend.
MM’s Adam was more sadistic BUT all the Adams were confident. Justin’s Adam is smoking hot but a wimp! Chelsea were the Armani’s in THAT house! She just hovers in on EVERYTHING he does! ANY guy would feel overwhelmed and want OUT!
@Nanci.
Hey, there, Nancy,
Chelsea has turned into a virago. Now she’s pushing Adam to stomp on his pride and integrity by accepting Victor’s seemingly clean ‘blackmail’. Adam’s arm is being twisted this way and that.
Personally, I think Adam did the right thing. How to extricate himself from this imbroglio? From Victor’s twisted and diabolical brain? But, Adam will capitulate to his wife and bend to his father’s will. It is what it is…A SOAP… LOL!!
Yet, Victor is such a cad. And he is a wh**e. He pimped himself ….the prison doctor, no less. I have never had much liking for Victor. Now, I have lost all respect….what little I had.
Does Nikki know her husband cheated on her?
Now, I understand where the writers were going with this. Victor methodically set Adam up because he wants his son at the helm? Victoria is too emotionally overwrought? What does this say about how Victor REALLY feels about women? Bah!!!!
Victor is not human….all these powers he has!!! WOW!!
@jaybird369.
Yeah, haven’t seen ‘Daisy Duke’ in a while, lol. Between her and Chelsea, they could run GC.
Today, Adam asked his wife what gives her the ability; this talent of turning a negative into a positive.
Well, that’s easy, jay. Chelsea ‘knows’ the world through the eyes of a guttersnipe. She is a seasoned manipulator.
Assumption based on a single picture?
Its a start! Plus, she has already had her face on Y&R almost every day! UGGG!
Totally agree with you. Although Luca has grown on me and Travis has potential. The Winters Clan, Chelsea, and Summer all need to go.
I hope he brings the pace of the British shows. Shows like Red Rock, Hollyoaks, etc. are a thousand times better written, acted and produced. Even just changing the lighting to match those shows would be a big improvement. Not every room needs to look like it was lit by a solar flare.
MB, thats funny, solar flare! I remember how dark all the scenes use to be and I wanted a burst of sunshine BUT you are right, it is too bright! Adam’s condo looks like the fine china floor in a department store! AND, please turn out the lights when Summer, Luca and Travis are on the screen!
Personally, I rather have good old fashion story telling over surprises and thrills. When I hear the words surprises and thrills, I hear more of the same stunt story telling that is solely plot driven is coming down the pike. This is Y&R not Star Wars. When I read what he says, I hear– let’s not give them what they want, but what I think they should want—- and that my friends is never a good thing.
I agree Mary SF like the story where Ashley was held hostage and the door was rigged with a shotgun. .I wad on the edge of my seat. .or the shock of not expecting Jill to get shot in the shower. .or those great mountain remotes when Brad was held captive in the cabin. .not expecting Vanessa to jump off the balcony of a high rise because her hatred for Laurie was so strong. .once you got over the shock you busted out laughing. .OH LAURIE. .she got you but good lol
I’ll just say it once: Bell and Alden sustained great stories over 2 or 3 year arches, building the saga with twists and turns, rarely losing viewers because the story “dragged on.” They continually developed plot and subplot with purpose and meaning, and many times providing educational information in creative ways. Hope the idea with the new EP is to bring surprises along but not at the Irwin Allen time-warp speed. Bell and Alden told a story with great details; current storylines always give viewers information that happened “off-screen”– how ridiculous is that for a medium that is ON SCREEN.
100 percent agree!
Ron…AGREED, dude!!!!! What I respected and admired about William J. Bell and Kay Alden was that they PAID ATTENTION to W-H-A-T they were doing…and…they knew W-H-A-T they were doing…EVERY MINUTE!!!!!!!!!! Yes.
Have a good one, Ron.
I know some claim there were “odd, unbelievable plots” in the course of the program’s history, they were still told in captivating and realistic ways! I PERSONALLY saw how Bill planned a story decades ago when he lived in Chicago. And Kay worked at a desk on the opposite side of the room in Bill’s lakefront highrise. And you are right: they paid very close attention to every detail!
Onward, my friend.
How well you tell it, Ron….best concisely and perfectly phrased overview on this board.
I’ve been watching Y&R since I was a tot with my Gran……obviously, not understanding much. As I grew older I began ‘forming’ a few concepts. But, Ron, it wasn’t until I was 14 (in boarding school, lol) that I really started getting into the drama and loving it!!!
The first most vivid memory for me, at that age, was when Mac and Billy (Ashley Bashioum and David Tom) were crowned king and Queen at the Junior Prom….It was the first step to young romance between the two.
I don’t know if It was due to my impressionable young age and starry-eyed perception on love, but, the stories were chock-full of/with intricate drama, suspense and meaningful ROMANCE…….something for which we awaited and anticipated with bated breath until the next episode. “Bell and Alden told a story with great details…..” . To quote you, Ron: EXACTLY!!!!!
I remember that story frame! What a great memory for you, Celia. I first watched the show when I was in grade school. I was home ill for a few days and lay on the sofa as my mom watched her list of soaps! I remember telling her that I liked Restless because the characters were young and the music was nice; it was something I never experienced in tv. I shared that memory with Bill Bell, later when I was in college. I also thought (and still do) that Lori Brookes was the best character he created; too bad it didn’t last. I keep hoping, that as the show continues to reach milestones and anniversaries, that the writers will bring back more “guest appearances” from the original cast that are still around!
Take care, Ron
I think he will be the show’s best medicine ever. I do hope he brings in a new head writing team. Fortunately, because he’s not from the same recycle center that is the American soap opera world, he likely could bring in super new fresh talent we’ve never experienced. THIS IS A GOOOOOOOOOD THING!
One can only hope that by replacing Phelps’ singular vision of poaching her own Rolodex that this show can rebound. But installing Young was only half the solution; (agreeing with chuck) they need to replace Pratt’s brash, in-your-face, shock-n-awe storytelling with a more balanced, nuanced scribe that appreciates longtime viewer loyalty and one that respects veteran character backstory. (Pratt has proven time-and-again, both on #YR and his past defunct shows (#GH, #SantaBarbara, #AMC, #SunsetBeach and #Titans) that he doesn’t much care for characters and is more concerned with making a name for himself at the expense of the legacy of show that came before him.) He might be better suited to primetime or features, but he is clueless when it comes to writing for the specific tastes of daytime audiences (…and the eroding ratings of #YR bear me out!)
Pratt’s style of storytelling works better in primetime. characters being changed for plot is killing the show,just look at their ratings. Y&R is losing young viewers in droves under his pen
All daytime shows are loosing demo viewers. It’s been a trend for years, nothing new. Or maybe part of the problem is that Nielsen audience measurement system fails to measure the viewership adequately? Or maybe TV is facing a big challenge in general – younger audience tends to online viewing and prefers it to TV.
i hope he can fix Y&R. the show has been very poor. his first order of business should be to fire Pratt. the show won’t improve until Y&R deals with the writing issues. i like what he said about the fans opinions counting. Phelps and Pratt have not listened to the fans at all,they were out of touch
I so agree!!! Pratt and his pathetic writing needs to GO!!!!
What surprises? These days you know what’s going to happen before it is even aired.
If TPTB don’t go back to the roots of Y&R and how it use to be, it will be a lost cause. I tried watching a few days ago…I could not handle it and I just turned it off. I like change but only if it’s for the good. The day that Kay Alden left as the writer that is when everything change. I have said it many times before, Y&R is no longer the same show and doesn’t even have the same feel. Even the actors/actress that have been on Y&R for years who I love and adore, their character’s are different and one can tell with the stories and acting aren’t like it use to be. As we all know, TPTB do not really listen to US, the fans that really care and have been watching for years. It’s like when Douglas Marland left The Guiding Light, GL was no longer the same. I BEG for TPTB to listen to us the fans…I am begging you now to bring back Y&R to it’s glory days…I am so tired of sounding like a broken record…OK, here it goes again, PLEASE bring back the classic background music that Y&R use to have…
I’m pretty sure they’re trying to listen to the fans. All regimes. All the time. Their job depends on that. But it’s very difficult. Viewers like and want different things, what is a favorite storyline for some viewers, might be the absolute worst for other viewers.
No social media channels are representative of general audience. Only representative research can show some real trends, which I’m not sure they are able to do. Ratings are their only more or less objective way to measure what works with the audience and what doesn’t but there are usually multiple storylines at the same time, so it’s not easy to identify the weakest parts that need fixing. There are also other factors that may influence ratings as well, eg. weather, season, pre-emptions.
Mr. Mal Young .
We need to talk.
Y&R desperately needs Altman and Passanate !!
I will arrange for Altman and Passanate’s return to you and Y&R.
I know you are thrilled over their return.
However; I do need you to meet with ABC/General Hospital to sign a few papers and thank them.
I am confident that Y&R under Altman and Passanate, once again, will greatly raise ratings and give the Y&R fans great exciting, intriguing, high drama, surprises, suspense and riveting storytelling. And the Y&R fans will be absolutely thrilled to have Altman and Passanate back!!
Mal, you can thank me later ..
Altman and Passanante are GH’s! Hands off 🙂 You all can keep Pratt. Just kidding. I’m sure Mal will bring in new blood.
Please take your sarcasm to another soap su0000. I want A&P gone from GH too but replacing Chuck Pratt on Y&R with the snooze sisters the sequel would drag the soap farther down than Pratt is currently doing. Mr. Young is new blood. Hopefully he’ll want the same in his chosen head writer or writers.
SARCASM? (I hope).
i am hoping he can fix the show
If he respects the show’s long, rich history, we’ll love him.
Celia has some very insightful comments.
I am not sure what “surprising twists” suppose. Take the Winters: More recently , from what I can remember, they were in a plane crash, father and son were both in love with the same woman, both married the same woman, woman fell off of a cliff as well as falling into a coma . Father saved her from dying but was afraid people would think he pushed her over the cliff. Father hides her in a boathouse due to his fear but finds an especially talented doctor who handles comas. Woman comes out of coma and starts blackmailing almost the entire town, coma symptoms have returned return.
Must have watched if I can write that much. However, I could not stand any of it. I mean truly, not stand it. Never did I see any comments that found pleasure in that storyline. Yet, it went on, on, and on. Hope that is not an example of “twists.”
It was not the actors; all are exemplary.
The point here is it is a plus to hear viewer thoughts will be reviewed. No one would ask that viewers direct stories, just acknowledge there are times when something is terribly amiss. Viewers love to be critics, but a cumulative feeling sometimes starts to evolve, and those in charge should know how to recognize that sense and adjust.
Lastly someone wrote of being age appropriate. Victor is a case in point. Some scenes with the woman doctor were disgusting. A May – December romance was not given a proper buildup, although given her background one can intuit writer’s intent. For me, one more “I did it for my family” starts the fast-forward. Please adjust who Victor is. He doesn’t have to become an angel, but now he is looking absolutely demonic. Keep Ray Wise. He does that better.
With fast-forward I would require that the executives watch each program. As viewer’s know, it won’t take long (without the ads) for those at the top to gain better insight into content and continuity.
Can’t close without extending my respect for the complexity of producing a program such as a daily Soap and praise for the very accomplished actors who give us entertainment five days a week. I am thankful for a fun escape at the end of the day.
Please keep Dr. Neville and Ray Wise!
Best Wishes!
I really do not know how I could have phrased my words ‘ surprising twists’ any differently. My definition would be a plot-line which makes one go “Hmmm! I did not see that coming!”. A scene which ‘strays’ from the norm….the unexpected. Thst is a surprising twist
. That is what it’s supposed to mean.
“A radical change in the expected direction or outcome of the plot of a novel, film or TV series etc.”
It is basic writing 101, Tani.
My point was supposed to have been: we do not see this any longer on soaps, as we did in the past….few and far between.
You have completely missed my point.
I hope that helps.
Thanks Celia. I was in praise of your comments. My use of “surprising twists” was referencing the introduction before the comments. Sorry if it inferred a negative take on your writing which was never intended. I will be more careful when using one’s name.
@Tani.
Hey, Tani,
No offense taken, Tani. I just assumed I did not make myself clear. I misread, perhaps?
But, I think the bottom line is: we both agree that there are no ‘surprising twists’ to be had anymore. Every plot-line is expected. The viewer is aware of the outcome. Peace.
I am all for something new in daytime. The last time daytime truly looked outside its own gene pool for talent was Hogan Sheffer at As the World Turns….and that paid off in ratings, critical acclaim, industry buzz, and Emmy glory. And I know I am in the minority here…but I was not a big fan of Y and R under Bill Bell. It was often mind numbingly boring…and when it wasnt, it was complete Chuck Pratt style schlock and awe!! David Kimble having KILLER carved into his forehead. Sheila’s impossible reign of terror. Brad’s ex wife keeping him in a cage. Trashy Marge being able to impersonate Katherine. Victor holding his ex wifes lover in a dungeon. The list goes on. And on. People have this romanticized version of the show under Bell, and its just not true. The show was not character driven under Bell….it was all about the plot. Often, it felt like he had no long term plan whatsoever, like he was making it up as he went along, seeing how long he could drag out a plot. He told very few umbrella stories. Years would go by and certain sections of the show were completely removed from other parts…it often felt like two different shows. I am not denying or minimizing his legacy contribution to soaps….he was a pioneer. But a pioneer 50 years ago is not what it is today. I hope Mal can bring some of the more realistic elements that appear in British soaps. Normal people in extraordinary circumstances. Because this last week…featueing 80 year old Victor involved in a hostage crisis and gunplay with a completely pointless villain…..just rings so false. Age appropriate stories are so refreshing and entertaining…and soap writers havent a clue about how to tell them! They think every womn, whether age 17 or 58, is desperate for a baby. And think every man has to be a mobster or a criminal. Lets get some writers in here who can write entertaining stories for entertining chracters! I nominate Marc Cherry of Desperate Housewives. He could tell awesome stories without hving couples divorce and remarry 17 times. His stories zigged when you thought they would zag. Humour was paramount. Villains usually got their comeuppance by the end of the season and it was onto the next storyline.
I think Days needs changes and all kinds of fixing more than Y&R does right now. Why couldn’t Sony/Corday prod. hire him for Days? Too expensive for that show lol?
If I want to see great epis, I watch Youtube from Bell/Alden writing era. A-list cast? Nope. Have some mediocre actors on now. Jess Walton is great but don’t see her much,
I want Victor out of prison; Chelsea to stop nagging Adam; Luca gone ; Gloria and Jeffrey back; Ray Wise and Neville to stay ; the Winters to become closer and any other excitement .
I am an english soap viewer and I saw on Mal Young’s twitter, a photo of the indoor set that is supposed to be an exterior (I think it is a garden) and he had put a caption saying, ‘a lovely time for a stroll’. It got me thinking about how he Produced a soap in England called Brookside that literally changed the way soaps were made. Although he was not responsible for this change, what the creator of the show did was buy a real housing estate and the series was shot there. When the characters went anywhere, the action was filmed in real locations. Although many of the shows are still shot in studios (the interiors of Coronation Street, EastEnders and Emmerdale), the exterior filming is always outside on sets or on real streets etc… and I wondered if Young may decide to film in the studio the interiors but find actual outside places to film the exteriors. I am not being disrespectful to American soaps but I have seen the interiors of exterior sets on Days and I think it spoils the programme as they are obviously inside sets
To solve most of the problems is a very simple thing. Eric Braeden/Victor Newman needs to be gone from the show forever. The show can’t keep pretending that a man in his mid seventies is a stud, leading man, dangerous dude who can beat up men in their twenties or thirties, have every high official in his pocket, kidnap, replace other characters with lookalikes causing murder, rape and hundreds of other illegal and vile things to happen. Then after all this he goes to prison but still manage to repeat all of those things behind bars and is still in control or everyone and everything.
Viewers are not fools. Victor Newman’s fans are many but there are one hundred time more who hate the character and would glory in him being gone from the show. No one is indispensable. The actor does not memorize his lines or he just does not remember his lines or he thinks he’s above learning his lines. I can remember a very recent episode where Braeden said Judge Carter three times in one scene when he should have been saying Judge Gates.
There is also a big problem with sets. Where are all the sets of character homes and offices? Everyone seem to live at the GCAC and hold business meetings there or at Crimson Lights in full public view and hearing. Come on people do better than this.
New characters are needed so that every relationship in Genoa City is not bordering on incest. Every female on the show has had sex with every male character. Enough! Get new people, get a writing team that can actually write fresh and new storylines. Keep the new characters. Don’t write them into a corner then get rid of them.
So much more I could say. I have watched Y&R since the very first episode in 1973. Older fans matter, not just the 18 -49 women that Y&R seem to cater to these days. Go back to the way Bill Bell used to write.
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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