The news that Patrick Muldoon (ex-Austin, Days of our Lives) passed away at age 57 broke just as I was sending out last week’s newsletter. What followed online was a remarkable outpouring of tributes. I haven’t seen anything quite like it, and it didn’t feel limited to my own feed. He clearly made a lasting impression on so many people, and it speaks volumes about the kind of man he was. I met him in 2014 at Alison Sweeney’s (ex-Sami) on-set farewell at Days, and I will never forget the twinkle in his eye and how genuinely warm and friendly he was. Sending condolences to his family, his friends, as well as his Days family, which has lost too many of its members in recent years.

Are there any Bravo fans here? I watch a lot of Bravo — basically everything on the network — and right now, there’s some real drama around Summer House, where an audio leak from the reunion taping has made its way into the public. While there are definitely ethical (and maybe even legal?) issues with that, the reaction has been interesting. If anything, people want to watch next month’s reunion more now. Which brings me to a bigger point about the power of a spoiler.

I’ve always subscribed to the “give a little, get a little” philosophy when it comes to revealing storylines in advance, especially in soaps. I don’t buy the idea that knowing what happens makes people less likely to watch. If anything, it builds anticipation and makes you want to see how it all plays out. I think back to when Derek died on Grey’s Anatomy in 2015. I was in Los Angeles at the time, with the episode waiting on my DVR in New York City. I already knew what happened, but instead of waiting three days until I was home, I paid $2.99 to stream it on my laptop. I needed to see how it actually went down. That’s how I feel about spoilers. They don’t ruin anything, they just change the experience. You’re watching differently, but you’re still just as invested. Do spoilers annoy you, or do they pull you in more?

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Matt Clark’s reign of terror ramps up this week on The Young and the Restless and in the new TV Guide Magazine — on sale now! — I spoke to his portrayer, Roger Howarth, about his run as the twisted troublemaker. “Matt is in full-on destructive, rageful mode,” Roger told me. “He’s just getting started with the Newmans, and his plans to scorch the earth include every last one of them in no particular order. He feels very confident that things are going to go his way.” Be sure to tune in to see how it all unfolds.

Congratulations to Matthew Atkinson (Thomas, B&B) and wife, Brytnee Ratledge, who announced they’re expecting their second child. “Baby Girl Atkinson loading…. 🎀,” they revealed in a joint post on Instagram. The couple has a son, who will turn 2 in October. Tamara Braun (Sienna, Y&R) responded, “Did mama know or did mama know? Tell that Judgy Jude to get ready to be the best big brother to baby girl. I know he will be. I love you, Brytnee. Hugs and kisses for you, Matt, Maisel, Jude and baby girl. I love you always. 🩷”

Ashleigh Brewer has officially begun her maternity leave, which means The Bold and the Beautiful’s Ivy has left Los Angeles following her exposure for manipulating Electra and Will’s romance. Ashleigh married Mark Bauch in December 2025 and shared in February 2026 that they are expecting their first child, a girl.

Brandon Beemer’s story will pick up again this week on Days — finally! — and it looks like Shawn is recovering well from his gunshot wound.

Speaking of Days, Michael Roark will wrap up his run as Jeremy on Wednesday, April 29. His exit comes after Jeremy encouraged Joy (AlexAnn Hopkins) to bring her daughter Kelsey, whom she shares with Alex (Robert Scott Wilson), to town.

Newsletter-exclusive highlights from my recent interviews

Conner Floyd made his Days debut last week as Chad DiMera and did plenty of homework before stepping into the role. Thanks in part to some coaching from Chad’s previous portrayer, Billy Flynn (Cane, Y&R), he feels he has a solid grasp on the Chad/Abigail dynamic. “I wasn’t around for the Abigail storylines, but I understand the weight of it all,” Conner told me. “Billy really filled me in on that as well. I think that's a hole in Chad's heart that's never gonna be filled. I don't think he'll ever actually get over her — he'll move on — but there’s always going to be Abigail lingering around.”

With the “Lexie’s alive” shenanigans unfolding chez DiMera, it’s only natural Chad will start to wonder if Abigail could somehow be resurrected, too. “Any kind of idea that she could possibly be coming back, as farfetched as that may seem, he’s stuck on it,” explained Conner. “The idea gets in his head, and he's locked in on it. He's asking Theo about it. He’s asking EJ about it. It’s one of those things where he loves her so much that the peace in his mind that he’s made with this kind of comes unbroken. So the fact that that she might be able to come back, he’s so bent on it, he thinks it's going to happen and he kind of spirals away.”

Vivica A. Fox is reprising her role as Stephanie Simmons on The Young and the Restless, but her first daytime television appearance actually came on Days of our Lives in 1988, when she played Carmen Silva.

“I was so new and I look back at clips of that, and I can see it all over my face how green and how young I was,” Vivica told me. “But I can remember I had to get up at 3:30, 4 o'clock in the morning to be there. I think my call time was 5:30 a.m. I remember I lived in Orange County at the time, and I spent the night at my girlfriend Lisa’s house who lived up in L.A. so I wouldn't have to get up at 2:30 to go to work. But I was on TV. I was on a soap opera. I was on Days of our Lives, and I remember just being starstruck by the whole experience.”

She went on to play Maya Rubens on Generations before landing the role of Stephanie, a turn that helped propel her into major feature films like Independence Day. Since then, she’s built a résumé of more than 200 television and film credits —something she says she never could have anticipated. “I never saw all this coming,” she admitted to me. “But I’m so happy that I have a wonderful team of people that have helped me. To live out my career dreams beyond my wildest expectations — they have turned me into a wonderful actress, a producer, a director, an author, a brand ambassador — and the fact that I'm 60 years old and still sexy and sassy and successful is just excellent.”

Beyond the Gates

I have seen a few potshots taken at the Tide tie-ins but they don’t bother me. Procter & Gamble is one of the soap’s production partners, it’s a genre that was literally created to sell soap and household products, and people actually do laundry in real life. Plus, they do it pretty seamlessly. If this is part of what helps the show thrive, I’m all for it…. I appreciate that Vernon and Martin’s secret is back in the conversation. It should be on Martin’s mind as he seeks a second term in Congress…. And I’m really enjoying the softer side of Joey in his scenes with Vanessa. Him suggesting she add personal photos and knickknacks around his house felt like a perfect, natural next step.

The Bold and the Beautiful

I was firmly #TeamEric in the Forrester vs. Logan fashion drama, which made his melting down over the runway show of his designs a bit of a head-scratcher. Katie and Bill paid him for them, and he created the pieces willingly, so what changed? Did he conveniently forget that Ridge nudged him out of his own company? (Is he okay?) Still, the follow-up scenes between Katie and Brooke were terrific. Katie pleading with Brooke to acknowledge her win said everything. (And I loved the fashion show continuing into the closing credits!) Also, welcome back, Scott Clifton (Liam) — you’ve been missed! … I know Ivy’s exit was inevitable— Ashleigh Brewer is pregnant and on maternity leave — but I’m going to miss her and her “proper” dialogue. Looking forward to seeing her again down the line…. Watching the scenes between R.J. and Miss(y) Dylan, gave me to a flashback to the Sami/Lucas dynamic on Days circa 1993.

Days of our Lives

I am so glad to see Sal Stowers is back in a meaningful way as Lani, and I’m looking forward to Lamon Archey joining her again as Eli…. I’m enjoying the lighter touch with EJ — giving him more humorous dialogue really works. His scenes with Sophia were especially fun, and Dan Feuerriegel’s comic timing is spot-on…. The nod to Stephanie’s race car past was a nice callback from 16 (!) years ago, though it’s still a bit of a stretch to fully buy it as part of her history.… Am I the only one confused by whatever is going on between Gabi and Theo? The timeline on their ages and connection just doesn’t quite add up.

General Hospital

Much like the Tide integrations, I’ve seen some grousing about the Aladdin tie-in on GH, but I didn’t mind it at all. Disney owns both properties — why not lean into it? It played like a fun, out-of-time adventure in New York City and doubled as a sweet way to spotlight Gio and Emma’s budding romance. I also loved the behind-the-scenes glimpse of the theater, and Michael James Scott (the Genie) brought a dynamic, Broadway-caliber energy to it all…. The exchange between Rocco and Britt after she caught him in Cullum’s room was excellent. Kelly Thiebaud and Finn Carr really delivered as the gravity of the situation started to sink in for him…. Bravo as well to Cameron Mathison (Drew), who’s doing a lot with very little — he’s conveying so much just through his eyes. I’m intrigued by the possibility of Liz starting to catch on to whatever’s going on with him…. I’m loving this more assertive, activated Willow.

Young and Restless

Phyllis and Patty’s run-in was absolutely worth the wait. And wow — Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) was on fire last week, especially when Victor and Victoria tried to reclaim Newman…. Joshua Morrow is turning in some of the strongest work of his career as Nick’s drug addiction story unfolds…. Nathan Owens has been impressive as he navigates Holden’s paternity drama…. There was a great (and funny) nod to Chelsea’s past as a con artist in her scenes with Riza, recalling how her grifting days started at just 8 years old with a Girl Scouts cookie scam…. Courtney Hope and Jason Thompson brought a real sense of poignancy and authenticity to Billy and Sally’s conversation about the grief of losing a child.

*Teasers for The Bold and the Beautiful were unavailable.

MONDAY, APRIL 27

Beyond the Gates: Tomas seeks out Vanessa for intel on Lynette; Lia makes another threat; and Ashley breaks the rules for the greater good.

Days of our Lives: Gabi accepts Philip’s proposal; Liam rebuffs Ari’s advances; Sophia baits Holly; and Joy surprises Alex.

General Hospital: Elizabeth gets information about Jason; Valentin makes a confession; Ethan makes Sonny an offer; and Josslyn questions Dante.

The Young and the Restless: Sharon and Noah fight for their lives; Chelsea and Sienna join forces; Abby extends an olive branch to Devon; and Cane receives life-changing news.

TUESDAY, APRIL 28

Beyond the Gates: The show is preempted today for UEFA Soccer coverage.

Days of our Lives: Chad offers to help Marlena; EJ vents to Cat; Joy and Jeremy question each other’s motives; and Alex delivers unexpected news to Stephanie.

General Hospital: Tracy issues a warning; Curtis eyes a new suspect; Lucas receives a touching offer; and Michael meets with Willow.

The Young and the Restless: Victor calls Phyllis’s bluff; Nick hits rock bottom; and Lauren stands her ground with Daniel.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29

Beyond the Gates: The show is preempted today for UEFA Soccer coverage.

Days of our Lives: Chanel opens up to Lani; Alex asks Sarah for a favor; Kristen pushes Sophia to take action; and Jeremy misreads a moment with Stephanie.

General Hospital: Michael unveils his plan; Liz puts Willow on the spot; Josslyn comes across some tantalizing information; and Curtis opens up to Laura.

The Young and the Restless: Adam forces Nick to face the truth; Lily shares promising news with Stephanie and Holden; and it’s Billy turn to surprise Sally.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

Beyond the Gates: Chelsea and Anita confront Leslie; Shanice is hurt to see Ted in a close moment with his ex; and Smitty uses Ted as a resource.

Days of our Lives: Brady delivers good news to Marlena; Kayla comforts Stephanie; Johnny tries to get through to Sophia; and Shawn shows off in front of Jada.

General Hospital: Lucas confronts Carly; Brennan is alarmed; Britt spills a secret; Ethan is suspicious; and Lucy tries to provoke Ava.

The Young and the Restless: Victor forces Michael’s hand; Jack reveals a new plan of attack; Cricket threatens Phyllis; and Patty pushes Kyle’s buttons.

FRIDAY, MAY 1

Beyond the Gates: Kat and Martin plot to help their parents while Nicole and Ted mark their wedding anniversary with warm memories; Naomi puts Bill in check; and Vernon redirects Martin’s debt to Joey onto himself.

Days of our Lives: Sarah supports Chanel; Javi realizes Johnny’s in trouble; Tate tries to lift Holly’s spirits; and Kristen gets revenge.

General Hospital: Sonny seeks out Britt; Cody’s news delights Molly; Jordan’s spirits are lifted by a surprise visitor; and Carly’s luck may have run out.

The Young and the Restless: Victor forces Nick to come clean; Victoria prepares her defense against Phyllis; and Sharon questions Sienna’s loyalty.

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