Wow, wow, WOW!

The crossover episodes with The Young and the Restless and Beyond the Gates were excellent. The production was top-notch, the scripts were sharp, the performances were strong, and what happened over the course of the week changed the trajectory of so many stories. Plus, the tornado made it feel delightfully old school soapy in the best way possible.

Bravo to every department, from wardrobe — everyone looked like a million bucks — to production, where the scope of what they pulled off was astounding, to the writers, who packed the episodes with specific character touches and references longtime viewers would appreciate. There was Abby remembering being called the Naked Heiress, Dani admitting she copied Diane’s modeling looks, Devon referencing finding his biological parents later in life to help Leslie to put her connection to Barbara in perspective, Abby mentioning Ashley’s breast cancer to Anita, Jack telling Andre he could never book him for Jabot because he’s so in-demand, and Leslie asking Diane about faking her death. The list goes on.

Simply put, it more than lived up to the hype.

I can’t wait to watch the fallout.

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Troy Lennon Appel has joined General Hospital in the newly created role of Hudson, a business executive with mysterious ties. “Working on GH has been nothing short of an incredible, fast paced experience,” Appel said in a story I did for TV Insider. “Everyone is very professional, they’re on top of every intricate part of this very established, well-oiled machine, and I’m just trying to keep up and not halt the process in any way,” he told me for a story on TV Insider. Look for him to make his Port Charles debut on July 30.

Elia Cantu posted a farewell to Days of our Lives and the role of Jada Hunter, which she has played since July 2022. “As I say goodbye to Days of Our Lives, I’m excited and looking forward to my next chapter,” she wrote. “Leaving Days is bittersweet, but I step away full of gratitude, and joy for what’s ahead…. Jada, you will always be my girl…. There’s more to come, and I hope you’ll come along with me for what’s next.”

Jere Burns will play Dr. Laurence Markham on The Young and the Restless beginning Monday, June 15. He will share scenes with Susan Walters (Diane), his former castmate from the NBC sitcom Dear John. This will mark the first time Walters has been seen on the soap since May 14, when Diane went missing.

Delon de Metz is back as Zende on B&B on Tuesday, June 16 and Friday, June 19.

Kimberlin Brown appears again as B&B’s Sheila on Wednesday, June 17.

Forrester models Shannon McMullen (Willow), Olga Zhukova (Brittany) and Kayla Ehle (Michaela) return to B&B on Tuesday, June 16.

Denise Richards appears again as B&B’s Shauna on Friday, June 19.

The Kate Linder & Friends Charity Tea in the Garden raised over $55,000 for the non-profit, Million Dollar Smiles, on May 31 at Canada’s Paradise Banquet Hall and Convention Center in Concord, Ontario. Kate Linder (Esther), Christian J. LeBlanc (Michael), Bryton James (Devon), Sean Dominic (Nate) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel) took part in the event.

“I am so incredibly grateful to my wonderful castmates and our show’s amazingly generous fans for making such a huge difference in the lives of the children and families that are helped and supported by Million Dollar Smiles,” said Kate. “My longtime co-host, Christian, and Bryton, Sean, Michael and I all volunteered our time, as did everyone who put on this incredible event, and we were so moved by participating in a playground build the day before the event.”

Newsletter-exclusive highlights from my recent interviews

Kate Mansi last aired as General Hospital’s Kristina on Friday, June 12, and I spoke with her exclusively for a story on TV Insider. Looking back on her run, Kate told me she has many highlights she’ll cherish, both on screen and off.

“The personal highlights are just all the friendships I made there,” she reflected. “Especially the female friendships, and how amazing those women are that I’ll have as friends for life, like Finola [Hughes, Anna], Maura West [Ava], Nancy [Lee Grahn, Alexis], Laura Wright [Carly] and Kristen [Vaganos, Molly].”

Professionally, she is grateful for the wide range of material she was given. “The stories I enjoyed most on screen were the real intimate family moments I had with Maurice [Benard, Sonny], father and daughter, and the tension between the Davis women that we got to play a lot,” she added. “And it was really meaningful for me to come on and play a character with an LGBTQ storyline, as well as being involved in a story surrounding endometriosis. And of course, the iconic scene of Kristina falling out the window gave me so much to play and really ended up changing the trajectory of her character.”

When I visited the set of Beyond the Gates in January, I sat down with much of the cast, who reflected on their journeys on daytime’s newest soap. Ambyr Michelle (Eva) marveled at the recognition that has come along with starring on the series.

“I get the funniest DMs,” she told me. “They’re always like, ‘Your toxic mama — you gotta get away from her.’ In person, too, people will run up to me and just grab me and hug me, like, ‘Eva, Eva, oh my gosh, hey girl,’ like I’m their best friend. So I know that we make them feel comfortable. And we’re on their screens every single day, so they feel like they know us. And I honestly think that it’s a privilege, more than anything, for someone to watch our show and feel that way and feel that love, and I want their encounter to be just as great when they meet me. So yeah, it’s been fun.”

She admitted that she still finds the attention a bit surreal at times. “I go to the grocery store and I’m just regular, me, Ambyr,” she noted. “And then so I hear, ‘Eva, oh, my gosh, Eva, and I’m like, ‘Oh, I forgot.’ I forget that I’m on a show all the time. But yeah, I didn’t think it was going to be like this.”

As for her favorite part of the experience, Ambyr pointed to the relationships she has built with her casemates. “Gaining a family and learning from older actresses and actors, and them giving advice and just welcoming me,” she shared. “It’s been a beautiful experience to gain individuals that I would have never met if we didn’t cross paths on this show.”

Beyond the Gates: I loved when Andre gave Dani the red string ring, and I can only imagine what’s going to happen when the truth about whatever Bill and Dani did in that elevator comes out…. Ashley Jones showing up as Heather the Impaler was definitely a soapy surprise, but I am intrigued to see where it goes. And her sibling dynamic with Jon Lindstrom’s Joey already feels incredibly natural…. I am intrigued to see where the Kat/Eva dynamic goes now. Trapping them together and Eva getting hurt was the perfect twist to set this relationship on a new path.

The Bold and the Beautiful: We’ve heard some wild dialogue on this show — and on soaps in general — but I have never gasped the way I did when Brooke called Katie a homely introvert as a teen. The fact that it was even scripted is disappointing (wonder how her original portrayer, Nancy Sloan, feels!) but even within the context of the story, that’s a pretty low blow for one sibling to throw at another…. The “Team Logan” episode was a lot of fun. It made me sad that Eric wasn’t there. That part of the story has such potential…. I like that Dylan and R.J. have gravitated toward each other. Sydney Bullock and Brayan Nicoletti have great chemistry and I’d love to see that dynamic explored further…. Why did Shauna have to stump for Wyatt with Katie? Katie was engaged to him. It’s also her stepson. She knows who Wyatt is.

Days of our Lives: Finally! It was confirmed that Liam is Ivy Selejko’s son. I appreciate that the show tapped into its own history to introduce a new character…. Kudos to Josh Taylor, who really brought it when Kate finally came clean to Roman about lying over Johnny’s lawsuit. Speaking of the lawsuit, I am so happy that storyline is behind us…. Raven Bowens and Jackée Harry shared some beautiful scenes as Chanel opened up to Paulina about starting chemotherapy…. I appreciate that the show uses establishing shots to orient viewers and indicate we are in Salem. The entry gates to the DiMera mansion are perfect. That said, the sprawling cityscape used to depict the town last week felt completely at odds with how Salem has been portrayed for the past 60 years.

General Hospital: Count me among those who see chemistry between Josslyn and Cassius. I thought the scenes between Cassius and Liesl — where she learned he was her son and tried to grasp the enormity of her sister Madeline’s deception — were incredibly well done…. The drama at Portia’s baby shower was high-octane in the best possible way…. I loved the scenes in which Liz shared her suspicions with Felicia about both Drew and Brennan suffering strokes in the same house. It’s always fun when characters are allowed to be smart and connect the dots. I also enjoyed Lucy and Brook Lynn plotting against Willow…. And the Sidwell takedown? First-rate.

Young and Restless: Shemar Moore slipped right back into the role of Malcolm effortlessly. He has chemistry with every person he shares scenes with, and I’m all for more visits from him. (Bonus points for making Malcolm is a big Yankees fan!)… I’m also glad Vivica A. Fox is sticking around as Stephanie…. Joshua Morrow delivered yet another winning performance during Nick’s AA meeting…. I enjoyed the Billy/Adam scenes. I feel we haven’t seen either character in a meaningful way of late, and it makes perfect sense that Billy would never be able to move past Adam’s role in Delia’s death. That history should continue to matter…. The crossover may not have synced up perfectly, but at least the tornado and ripple effects were acknowledged in Genoa City.

MONDAY, JUNE 15

Beyond the Gates: Emergency surgery is required to save a life; Nicole’s update worries Samantha and Tyrell; and Vanessa is frantic when she can’t get in touch with Donnell or Deanna.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Will struggles with keeping the truth from Electra, and R.J. and Dylan level up their friendship.

Days of our Lives: Julie and Marlena reflect on life’s challenges; EJ extends a romantic invitation to Cat; and Paula pressures Johnny and Chanel.

General Hospital: “Nathan” clears the air; Nina sounds an alarm; Lulu makes a confession; Alexis and Ric review their plans; and Gio shares his excitement with Emma.

The Young and the Restless: Diane has a rude awakening upon returning home to Genoa City; Traci holds Patty accountable for her actions; and a mystery unfolds for Jack and Kyle.

TUESDAY, JUNE 16

Beyond the Gates: Dani battles a guilty conscience; Joey’s sister pays him a visit; the Richardson-Smiths receive devastating news; and the tornado displaces Bill and Hayley.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Forrester eagerly anticipates the launch of Eric’s new couture line; Steffy makes a promises to Brooke; and Zende turns to Carter for advice.

Days of our Lives: Stephanie wrestles with the choices she’s made; Kate confronts Marlena; and Holly, Tate, Ari and Aaron enjoy some summer fun at the Horton cabin.

General Hospital: Valentin accepts his fate; Brennan bargains with Willow; Dante defends “Nathan”; Tracy and Michael see eye-to eye; and Cullum gets new intel.

The Young and the Restless: Jack calls a meeting of the minds, and Diane meets Patty’s partner in crime.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

Beyond the Gates: Kat rages at Izaiah; Shanice offers Leslie an olive branch; Kial is there for Nicole; Jan comforts Ashley; and Ted begs his daughter to do something for him.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Sheila’s return leaves Taylor and Deacon on edge, and Steffy’s last-minute offer changes everything.

Days of our Lives: EJ and Chad make each other jealous; Gabi tells Leo to back off; Philip apologizes to Theo; and Xander confesses to Johnny.

General Hospital: Willow is blindsided; Carly is cornered; Ethan pulls a fast one; Tracy confronts Brook Lynn; and Lulu is transparent with Dante.

The Young and the Restless: Nikki gives Lily the third degree; Jack takes matters into his own hands; and Devon gives Cane a warning shot.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

Beyond the Gates: Time is running out for someone in critical condition; Dani confronts Bill; Carlton tips Nicole off to an urgent matter; and Andre offers Izaiah support.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Sheila reveals her true motives, and Dylan has a new boss at Forrester.

Days of our Lives: Holly and Tate’s romantic escape is interrupted; Kristen warns Johnny; a meaningful milestone brings mixes emotions for Abe and Paulina; and Lani and Theo rally around Chanel.

General Hospital: Sonny shares his strategy with Ric; Laura makes an offer; Rocco makes a horrifying discovery; Sidwell lays a trap; and Dante confides in Elizabeth.

The Young and the Restless: Victor lays down the law with Matt Clark; Victoria worries about Nikki’s health; and Phyllis hits Cane where it hurts.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

Beyond the Gates: Andre and Bill lock horns; Kat receives life-altering information; Leslie’s good news quickly gets snatches away; the Hawthornes come together for one of their own; and Hayley and Naomi find common ground.

The Bold and the Beautiful: A bold proposal from Wyatt and Shauna captures Bill’s attention, and Brooke celebrates a bright future with Hope.

Days of our Lives: Lani questions Kristen; Chad and Theo investigate the chessboard; and Paulina encounters Abe and Lexie at the Juneteenth celebration.

General Hospital: Ethan delivers a message to Ava; “Nathan” brings intel to Lulu; Trina ponders her next move; Brennan is alarmed; and Felicia offers encouragement.

The Young and the Restless: Phyllis stumbles upon valuable intel; Sienna strikes back against Audra; and Victoria confides in Claire.

Check out these recent articles I’ve written for tvinsider.com