NEWS: Nathan Fillion, Justin Hartley & Chrishell Stause, Jen Franz, Lois Robbins, Kimberly McCullough, Misty Rowe

One Life to Live Nathan Fillion: "Anyone who talks down on daytime (television), and I never will, has never done daytime"
“It wasn’t like one show a week,” he says of his three years playing Joey Buchanan, “it was every day. We didn’t do cue cards. I’ve heard rumors of cue cards. Even the older, older guys did not use cue cards. They were seasoned pros. Anyone who talks down on daytime (television), and I never will, has never done daytime. It is a mountain of work. It is 40 pages a day.

“It’s a muscle. It’s like you start doing pushups. If you do pushups every day for three years by the end of it you can do a lot of pushups. I’m pretty sure by the end of three years that memorizing, that taking of the words and letting them live, was a muscle I flexed pretty well.”

TV and soap actress Lois Robbins discusses new play 'L.O.V.E.R.'
In the daytime world, Robbins is best known for her acting work on such soap operas as One Life to Live, Ryan's Hope and All My Children. "Those were a long time ago, but I think it is the single best training for an actor. I loved them and I loved having the steady job. I learned 40 pages of dialogue a night, so it was not that hard to memorize 90 pages of dialogue for L.O.V.E.R. Daytime really trains you to memorize."

The Daily Show executive producer Jen Flanz was once an intern at One Life to Live
"The idea of going to law school fueled a fire in me that I've never had before—I was like, I just can’t. I’ve got to get a million internships! So I did a bunch of internships, I did CBS local news and One Life to Live and VH1 Storytellers—I was there for the first Behind The Music, which makes me feel old. The Rosie O’Donnell Show when Rosie was still on the air…I did all of these internships."

Justin Hartley & fiancee Chrishell Stause head to Monaco for Monte-Carlo TV Festival
“We made it, our bags did not,” Stause (ex-Amanda, All My Children) shared with fans on Instagram, along with the photo below. “When life gives you 🍋🍋, add vodka! #MonteCarlo #FTV17 #festivaltvmc.”

She added on Twitter, “@British_Airways just gave me pajamas for my flight! Best thing of all time 🙌🏼Only made better that she called it a ‘sleeper suit’ ❤️.”

General Hospital star Kimberly McCullough gives birth to a son
McCullough announced on social media she has given birth to a son.

"Baby Otis was born today June 7th. To quote Mary J 'I never knew there was a love like this before,'" the 39-year-old actress tweeted with a photo of her newborn's tiny feet.

"Sorry I was so tired. It's Faith Evans, not MJ," she followed up the next day.

Hee Haw star Misty recalls marriage to James DePaiva
Rowe said she married a waiter and, because money was scarce, they had their reception at producer Sam Lovullos's home. Kenny Rogers (yes, that Kenny Rogers) shot the wedding portrait. Rogers was part of the Hee Haw family at the time because he was married to Gordon.

Rowe said her waiter husband became a soap opera star and, six months after the wedding, he ran off with another soap opera person. Soon after, she began a long association with the theater show “Always... Patsy Cline.”

Chrishell Stause Wants 'This Is Us' Creator To Help Justin Hartley With His Wedding Vows, And Gets Honest About Receiving Death Threats From Hartley’s Female Fans

Pictured (left to right): Keltie Knight, Jac Vanek, Chrishell Stause and
Becca Tobin.

Former All My Children and Days of our Lives star Chrishell Stause joined entertainment anchor Keltie Knight, actress Becca Tobin and fashion designer Jac Vanek on their popular LadyGang podcast this week. In the interview, she opened up about her upcoming wedding and dealing with the female fans of her fiancé and This Is Us star, Justin Hartley. The episode is available now at TheLadyGang.com, PodcastOne.com, the PodcastOne app and iTunes. Below are some excerpts from the conversation:

On Writing Their Own Wedding Vows:

Stause: “Oh my God. I would be horrified if he was like, ‘I got this on vows dot com.’ I will give him one pass because Dan Fogelman who writes This Is Us is so brilliant, so if he’s going to have some help, that’s fine if he helps him.”

On Death Threats from Justin’s Fans, and Dealing with the Female Attention Justin Gets:

'This Is Us' Returns Tuesday at a Special Time

Justin Hartley plays Kevin Pearson on This Is Us. Photo by:
Ron Batzdorff/NBC

In order to ensure viewers will be able to see the return of the best new primetime soap opera of the season on Tuesday, January 10, NBC has pushed back This Is Us to 10 and 9 p.m. in the Eastern and Central time zones, respectively, while airing it twice in the Pacific time zone.

The changes were made because of the network's airing of President Barack Obama's farewell speech to the nation live at 9 p.m. ET.

In the return episode, "The Right Thing to Do," Kate (Chrissy Metz) struggles with her feelings in the aftermath of Toby's (Chris Sullivan) heart attack. As William (Ron Cephas Jones) begins to spend more time with Jesse (Denis O'Hare), Randall (Sterling K. Brown) has to get used to his father's new relationship. After receiving the news they're expecting triplets, Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca (Mandy Moore) must find a way to afford a home that can accommodate three babies. Olivia (Janet Montgomery) unexpectedly resurfaces, throwing both Kevin (Justin Hartley) and Sloane (Milana Vayntrub) for a loop.

Watch a sneak peek below.

'This Is Us' Preview: Will Kate Join Kevin in New York?

Chrissy Metz stars as Kate.

After a week off due to the Vice Presidential debate, This Is Us returns in a new time slot, airing at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

In the episode, titled "Kyle," Rebecca (Mandy Moore) makes a surprise visit to Randall's (Sterling K. Brown) home where she encounters his biological father, William (Ron Cephas Jones). Kevin (Justin Hartley) anxiously decides to take the plunge and move to New York to pursue a Broadway job, with the expectation that his sister, Kate (Chrissy Metz), will move with him. Toby (Chris Sullivan) is determined to get Kate out of Kevin's shadow and prepares a special day where she is in the limelight. Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca take home their babies from the hospital and adjust to the new life of parenthood, while coping with the loss of their other child. Rebecca struggles to connect with their adopted child and searches for answers.

Watch a sneak peek below, as well as an in-depth look at Justin Hartley's Kevin.

NBC Picks Up Full Season of 'This Is Us'

Justin Hartley as Kevin, Chrissy Metz as Kate. Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC

NBC has ordered an additional five episodes of the network's new hit drama series This Is Us, bringing the full season order to 18.

"It's a rare moment in this business when a show so instantly delivers both critical acclaim and hit ratings, but This Is Us is just such an extraordinary achievement," said Jennifer Salke, President, NBC Entertainment. "Creator Dan Fogelman, along with co-directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa and the gifted producers, cast and crew, has delivered the kind of heart and depth that resonates with every segment of the audience, and we're proud to extend its presence on our schedule."

"We are thrilled. This order for a complete first season of 18 episodes is exactly what we'd wanted and hoped for," said executive producer Dan Fogelman. "We'd carefully mapped out an 18-chapter story for the first year of the show, and this allows us to follow through with our exact initial intent. And to get the order so early on is a tremendous show of confidence and a boost for our entire cast and crew. I'm starting to sound like a broken record but I have to thank Dana, Gary, Jonnie, Howard and my amazing partners at 20th as well as Bob and Jen and the fine folks at NBC for continuing to do absolutely everything right by me and this show. I'd gush more but I have to go back to work."

Last week's This Is Us series premiere generated a 4.5 rating in adults 18-49 and 14.3 million viewers overall in L+5 averages from Nielsen Media Research - an increase of 1.7 rating points going from live plus same day to L+5. The 4.5 makes it the #1 series premiere of the fall season to date, while the show's L+SD rating makes it NBC's highest-rated scripted program in that Tuesday 10-11 p.m. time period in more than six years.

On digital platforms, it's NBC's most-viewed series premiere on record, more than doubling the network's previous record for most one-day views of a debuting series across NBC digital platforms.

'This Is Us' Preview: Kevin Faces Aftermath of Quitting His Job

Justin Hartley as Kevin, Chrissy Metz as Kate. Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC

Last Tuesday, This Is Us became the most-watched scripted program on NBC in the 10 p.m. ET/PT time slot in more than six years. The story continues with a new episode tonight.

In "The Big Three," Kate (Chrissy Metz) is furiously working hard to shed her unwanted pounds as she continues to struggle with impatience and discouragement. She receives support from her new boyfriend, Toby (Chris Sullivan), as he helps her let loose and enjoy herself. Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson) begins to question the motives of Randall's (Sterling K. Brown) biological father, William (Ron Cephas Jones), and takes action in getting answers on his activities. Randall has a lot more on his mind with the new life-changing addition of having his biological father in his life. Marriage and raising three 8-year-old children is beginning to take its toll on Rebecca (Mandy Moore) and Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) as they start to feel distant from one another. Kevin (Justin Hartley) faces the aftermath of quitting his job as he deals with his agent, Lanie (Katey Sagal), and has to figure out how to move forward.

Watch a sneak peek below, as well as an in-depth look at Justin Hartley's Kevin.

Justin Hartley Leaves 'The Young and the Restless': "Thank You For Letting Me Entertain You"

Justin Hartley posted a statement on his Facebook page on Tuesday, confirming his exit from CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless, now that Adam is presumed dead.

To the wonderful fans of Y&R,

After many weeks of having to keep quiet in order not to spoil storylines for all of you, the time has finally come that I’m able to write you this letter. Although I am saying goodbye to Y&R, this is not a goodbye letter. I felt it was more important to write a thank you note. Each and every one of you helped make my time on the show enjoyable. I always loved hearing about how excited all of you were for certain characters, how disgusted you were with others, at times even mine, or how we were able to help you escape from a hectic day. You are some of the most loyal and dedicated fans I’ve ever encountered. You are truly the heart of the show. It simply does not work without you. I wanted to thank you for that. Thank you for tuning in; thank you for letting me entertain you; thanks for entertaining me, and thank you for caring.

Although I’m leaving the show, you haven't gotten rid of me. Hahaha...not so fast. I’m beyond thrilled and proud of my new series, This Is Us. We have a sensational cast and crew, wonderful writing and I would be honored to have you all tune in and watch. Here is a preview of what’s to come on This Is Us, premiering September 20th on NBC.

I’ll see you beauties in a couple of weeks!
Justin

Hartley has joined the ensemble cast of NBC’s new drama series, This Is Us, premiering September 20.

Justin Hartley Addresses His Status on 'The Young and the Restless'

Justin Hartley poses for a portrait in the the NBCUniversal Press Tour
portrait studio at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 2  in Beverly
Hills, California. Photo Credit: Christopher Polk/NBC

Fan favorite Justin Hartley offered what may be the most definitive statement yet on his future with The Young and the Restless since his primetime pilot, This Is Us got the green light.

There’s a definitely a break [at Y&R],” he reveals. “I don’t know if I can [do both shows]. I try to stay out of that, and gladly don’t wear that hat,” Soap Opera Digest reported Thursday. Hartley spoke at an event for the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour. The actor plays Adam Newman on The Young and the Restless.

Presumably what Hartley meant by “staying out of” that decision-making process was that showrunners—producers, casting agents, writers—and his own management team would ultimately have the final say-so on his daytime future.

A casting breakdown went out this for the role of Dean on Y&R that could be Adam.

'The Young and the Restless' Star Justin Hartley Shares Proposal Details, Says Fiancée Chrishell Stause "Means the World to Me"

Chrishell Stause revealed her engagement to Justin Hartley
via Twitter.

The Young and the Restless star Justin Hartley and fellow soap star girlfriend Chrishell Stause got engaged last month, with the latter showing off her gorgeous sparkler in a celebratory Twitter pic.

The duo started dating in 2014 -- and toofab managed to get a few details about the romantic proposal from Hartley himself while he promoted his new NBC series, This Is Us, on the red carpet for the Television Critics Association earlier this week.

While he didn't want to get too specific about how it all went down, Hartley (Adam Newman on Y&R) tells toofab that he did get down on one knee to pop the question.

"Chrishell and I have a relationship story between the two of us that I incorporated," he explains to toofab's Candice Brock. "I thought it was touching, I meant every word of it and she means the world to me. I could not be happier. And she said yes, I don't know if that makes me lucky or her sort of … I'm kidding. I'm thrilled!

He adds that he had no doubt in his mind about asking for her hand and the nerves didn't kick in until later.

Chrishell Stause Reveals Engagement to 'The Young and the Restless' Co-Star Justin Hartley

Chrishell Stause and Justin Harltey are engaged.
Via Instagram (@Chrishell7)

Soap star Chrishell Stause took to social media on Sunday to announce an exciting development in her life. The actress made known her engagement to The Young and the Restless costar Justin Hartley.

Make sure to wear your sunglasses lest you be blinded by the gleam from the ring Hartley got the actress! She posted a pic of it on Instagram against the backdrop of her toned and tanned leg! The caption coyly asked, “Do you think I need sunscreen?”

This real-life soap supercouple publicly confirmed their romance in January 2014, reported Soap Opera Digest. Since then, fans have followed pictures and text tidbits on social media that documented their progressing relationship. Stause’s ring pic is the latest aspect in their pairing’s public face.

Stause gained a legion of fervent followers in her seven-year run as Amanda Dillon Martin on All My Children. Hartley first wowed daytime fans as Fox Crane on Passions. In 2014 he took over the central role of Adam Newman on The Young and the Restless. He replaced controversial but wildly popular actor Michael Muhney in that role. Hartley made Adam unmistakably his, with his gripping portrayal of the troubled, tough Newman heir.

The Young and the Restless cast Stause as saucy troublemaker Bethany Bryant earlier this year. Many fans love when soap stars have a real-life romance. When they get to work on the same show, it’s even more exciting. The couple hasn’t announced a wedding date yet, so check back with We Love Soaps for updates on this story.

Akbi Khan has been a soap mega-fan for 31 years. She has been writing about them and working to save the soap genre for several years. Last May she got her Master’s in rhetoric and composition, for which she completed a thesis on the Save Our Soaps (SOS) movement and created her own SOS group, thistimeitsforever.org. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, activism for various progressive causes, traveling down her spiritual path, rollerskating, going dancing, anything having to do with language or words, and laughing heartily and often, and more. You may reach her at akbikhan@gmail.com.

NBC Announces 2016-2017 Schedule

The Young and the Restless star Justin Hartley (Adam Newman) plays
Kevin on This Is Us.  So far there's no word on if this primetime job will
impact his status at Y&R.

NBC has announced a new fall lineup for the 2016-17 primetime television season that builds upon its existing schedule. With five sophomore series returning to the schedule next season, NBC is introducing three highly-anticipated new series to the lineup, including powerful dramas, a smart new comedy and the introduction of a potent Thursday night NFL package, which begins November 17 with great gridiron matchups.

"Coming off another winning season where we managed to substantially stabilize our entire year-round schedule, the NBC 2016 fall lineup introduces some of our best development in years. In addition to adding three new shows, we've moved only four existing shows to different time periods, as well as welcoming NFL football on Thursday," said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment. "The level of creative talent and stars who come to NBC is reflective of our leadership position in broadcast television, our sophisticated and upscale approach to all genres of programming, and our stable line-up. Coming off the Rio Olympics in August, we can't wait to get the fall underway."

Drama highlights on the newly announced fall schedule include "This Is Us," an emotional and provocative series from Dan Fogelman ("Crazy, Stupid, Love.") where seemingly disparate people's lives intersect in the most curious ways; and "Timeless," from Eric Kripke ("Revolution") and Shawn Ryan ("The Shield"), which features a scientist, soldier and history professor who must change the past while trying to capture a dangerous fugitive.

Ambitious new dramas that launch in midseason include "Taken," which will air at 10 p.m. Mondays in the prime post-"Voice" timeslot following the run of the network's new fall drama "Timeless." "Taken" follows former Green Beret Bryan Mills (Clive Standen, "Vikings") as he deals with a personal tragedy that shakes his world.

Justin Hartley: Adam Newman on 'The Young and the Restless' is "The Best Role on Television Right Now"

Justin Hartley - Photo Credit: Monty Brinton/CBS

The Young and the Restless star Justin Hartley Justin Hartley (Adam Newman) is featured in the April issue of Watch! Magazine.

“At the risk of making my co-stars angry, I think Adam is the best role on television right now,” says Hartley. “On paper, Adam is a perfect character; my plan was to shift it to where I wanted it. A good role is a good role—I don’t care if it’s on a stage, on daytime or prime time, it doesn’t matter. It’s the best job I have ever had. I’m very happy.”

Hartley is dating actress Chrishell Stause, who also starred on daytime soaps, but the courtship took some time.

“I had been single for a long time, and I was sick of it,” he says. After Stause was cast on the same series as a friend of his, Hartley asked him about his new co-star. “I said, ‘This girl, see what’s going on with her.’ He goes, ‘I think she has a boyfriend.’ Chrishell is a girl who is born with a boyfriend!”

Check out the complete interview at cbswatchmagazine.com.

Get a glimpse of Hartley's workout routine in the newly posted Instagram video below.

'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (February 1-5, 2016)

"Suppose you tell me what's really going on," Barton says to Kelly.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless during the week of February 1-5, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, February 1
Billy (Jason Thompson) makes a decision; Phyllis (Gina Tognoni) makes plans; Jack (Peter Bergman) turns to Adam (Justin Hartley) for assistance; Barton (Terrell Tilford) wants to know what's going on with Sage (Kelly Sullivan).

'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (January 25-29, 2016)

"If this treatment of yours doesn't work, will you please end my
life?" Ashley asks Simon.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless during the week of January 25-29, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, January 25
Adam's (Justin Hartley) life is in danger during Chelsea's (Melissa Claire Egan) fashion show; Nick (Joshua Morrow) gets close to Dr. Anderson (Elizabeth Bogush); a surprising alliance comes to light.

'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (January 18-22, 2016)

Chelsea seeks Nick's help in finding the kidnapped Adam.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless during the week of January 18-22, 2016. Can Adam be found before it's too late?

[SPOILER ALERT]
Monday, January 18
Chelsea (Melissa Claire Egan) frets over Adam's (Justin Hartley) safety; Mariah (Camryn Grimes) senses a con; Luca (Miles Gaston Villanueva) demands Noah (Robert Adamson) no longer be a part of Marisa's (Sofia Pernas) life.

'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (January 11-15, 2016)

Jason Thompson, who just wrapped up a 10-year run as Dr. Patrick Drake on
General Hospital, debuts on Y&R as the new Billy Abbott.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless during the week of January 11-15, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, January 11
Jill (Jess Walton) asks Simon (Michael E. Knight) to help Billy; Kevin (Greg Rikaart) envisions success; Neil (Kristoff St. John) submits to temptation.

'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (January 4-8, 2016)

"I know that you hate it when I get all emotional like this so wake up
and tell me to shut up," Jill says to an unconscious Billy.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless during the week of January 4-8, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, January 4
The Abbotts come together after Billy (Burgess Jenkins) is rushed to the hospital; Jill (Jess Walton) pleads with Billy to wake up, and lashes out at Victor (Eric Braeden); Dr. Neville (Michael E. Knight) gives Ashley (Eileen Davidson) advice.

'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (December 28, 2015-January 1, 2016)

"You seem to forget who you're talking to," Luca tells Victor.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless during the week of December 28, 2015-January 1, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, December 28
Victor (Eric Braeden) lays down the law with Luca (Miles Gaston Villanueva); Dr. Anderson (Elizabeth Bogus) gives Nick (Joshua Morrow) a warning about Sage (Kelly Sullivan); Stitch (Sean Carrigan) receives disappointing news.

NEWS: Justin Hartley, Eric Braeden, Jaime Ray Newman, 'General Hospital' Schedule, 'UnREAL' Casting, 'EastEnders' Christmas Trailer

Justin Hartley with FOX 11's Julie Chang on the set of Y&R.

General Hospital shuffles schedule after Friday's pre-emption
The GH episode previously scheduled for Friday, December 18 will now air Monday, December 21. ABC had previously scheduled an encore episode for Christmas Eve (December 24) but will now air a new episode instead.

Streaming TV is becoming a distinct genre all its own
Streaming shows — the original series that Netflix, Amazon and their ilk release all at once, in full seasons — are more than simply TV series as we’ve known them. They’re becoming a distinct genre all their own, whose conventions and aesthetics we’re just starting to figure out.

In TV, narrative has always been an outgrowth of the delivery mechanism. Why are there cliffhangers? So you’ll tune in next week. Why are shows a half-hour or an hour long? Because real-time viewing required predictable schedules. Why do episodes have a multiple-act structure? To leave room for the commercials.

UnREAL Season 2 is casting an African-American bachelor
Per the official character description, Darius Hill is in his mid-20s and plays quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. His looks are reminiscent of Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton, and he’s sweet, slightly sheltered, athletic (obviously) and a huge crowd-pleaser with both America and the ladies.

General Hospital alum Jaime Ray Newman joins Bates Motel in a major recurring role
Newman (formerly Kristina on GH) will play Rebecca Hamilton, an old flame of Alex Romero (Nestor Carbonell) with whom she’s still very much in love, in the upcoming fourth season. The Psycho prequel centers on Norma Bates (Vera Farmiga) and her son, Norman (Freddie Highmore).

UK's Channel 4 orders a new soap - except it's a comedy about the Royal Family
Most people have probably wondered what the Royal Family get up to away from the cameras, and a new comedy soap from Channel 4 will explore just that. The Windsors comes from the writers of Star Stories and production will begin next year.

As the World Turns and The West Wing alum Martin Sheen recovering from heart surgery
Sheen (Jack Davis on ATWT) is recovering from quadruple bypass surgery, according to his son, Emilio Estevez. Estevez tweeted a photo of his 75-year-old dad in the hospital. In the picture, Sheen is giving the thumbs-up sign while holding what looks like a heart pillow that partially obscures his face. "My Pop! Successful proactive quadruple bypass surgery this week! A great Blessing indeed!" Estevez wrote.

VIDEO: Behind the scenes at The Young and the Restless
FOX 11's Julie Chang visited the set of The Young and the Restless on Friday morning. Actor Justin Hartley (Adam Newman) gave a tour of a fictional Genoa City set. She also talked to longtime cast member Eric Braeden (Victor Newman).

Watch the segment below.

'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (December 21-25, 2015)

It's Christmas in Genoa City.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless during the week of December 21-25, 2015.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, December 21
Ashley (Eileen Davidson) finds an unlikely ally; Summer (Hunter King) opens up to Kyle (Lachlan Buchanan); Phyllis (Gina Tognoni) tries to control the situation with Jack (Peter Bergman) and Billy (Burgess Jenkins).