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Created by Abe Sylvia, the high-society dramedy launched its first season with the streamer in 2024. The show follows Wiig�s wannabe patrician Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons, who is hell-bent on becoming the belle of 1960�s Palm Beach by elbowing her way into the upper echelons of Florida�s most exclusive beach club, the Palm Royale. Other cast members include Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb, Amber Charade Robinson, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Kaia Gerber and Carol Burnett. �Palm Royale� was loosely adapted from Juliet McDaniel�s 2018 novel �Mr. and Mrs. American Pie.�

�Palm Royale� Season 1 was nominated for 11 Emmys, including outstanding comedy series, best actress for Wiig and best supporting actress for Burnett. It took home one statue for outstanding original main title theme music. Season 2 earned Wiig a nomination at SAG�s Actor Awards for outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series.

The official logline for �Palm Royale� Season 2 reads, �Maxine is left a social pariah after a scandalous public breakdown. She�ll have to draw on her deep well of cleverness and cunning to prove, once and for all, that not only does she belong, but she just might have what it takes to rule this town. Along the way, she will uncover untold truths and finally understand what this town is truly built on � secrets, lies and the occasional felony.�

Creator Sylvia also served as writer, showrunner and executive producer under Aunt Sylvia�s Moving Picture Company. Other executive producers included Dern, Jayme Lemons for Jaywalker Pictures, Wiig and Katie O�Connell Marsh. Sharr White, Sheri Holman, Becky Mode and Stephanie Laing also serve as executive producers.

Tom Pelphrey Takes on Task of Playing the Most Famous Man to Ever Live � Jesus Christ

Faith Podcast Network will debut a four-part series, The Christ, billed as �an audio epic� and �the first ever full-scale audio dramatization of Jesus� life across four immersive episodes using cinematic-quality sound, music and performances.� It will feature more than 100 different characters and some high-profile Hollywood names toplined by Task and Emmy-nominated Ozark star Tom Pelphrey as Jesus Christ, opposite David Oyelowo as Pontius Pilot, Paul Walter Hauser as John the Baptist, Courtney Hope as Mary, mother of Jesus, Patricia Heaton as the host and John Rhys-Davies as the narrator.

The Christ comes from a creative team that includes writer and director Paul Cuschieri, co-director and producer Mark Ramsey and producer Jim Young. The Christ drops during Holy Week, with the first episode debuting on March 30. A new episode will be released each day through April 2, scheduled accordingly so that the entire series will be available by Good Friday on April 3. The official logline says The Christ will cover �the life, death and legacy of Jesus of Nazareth. Through betrayal, courage, suffering and hope, the series explores how one man�s story reshaped history � and redefined love, authority and sacrifice.�

Needless to say, it�s a tall task to step into the shoes of the most famous man who has ever lived. But Pelphrey seems to have arrived at the opportunity at just the right time in his life and career. Engaged to fellow Emmy nominee and beloved TV star Kaley Cuoco, he�s a new father who has only recently started to share more about his life off set. Long considered an actor�s actor, Pelphrey longed to stay in the space of being able to disappear into roles like his acting idol, Robert De Niro. As his profile changed, thanks to critically acclaimed turns in Ozark, Mank and Task, so did his perspective on how to engage with the public as a recognizable actor. He largely credits the shift in worldview to his sobriety, which he revealed on Instagram last October.

�12 years sober today,� he posted on Oct. 1, 2025. �Sober by the grace of God. Deeply grateful for my sobriety and the life I get to live because of it.� He wrote more words about it, but the one mentioned above � God � is most necessary for the below conversation with The Hollywood Reporter as Pelphrey opens up on the intimidation of voicing Jesus in The Christ, how some early Shakespearean acting advice from Mark Rylance came in handy while recording his first podcast series and the beauty of being able to wait for �the next thing that just lights me up.�

What was your reaction when your reps presented an opportunity to play Jesus in a new podcast?

I was so excited. Faith is such a big part of my life, and it has been for a while now. This came to be out-of-the-blue, and I was so excited to be a part of it and tell this great story.

I was raised Catholic, and you can still see remnants of the ashes on my forehead from [Ash Wednesday services]. But my real relationship to faith started when I got sober, and that is actually what got me sober. When people talk about sobriety, you often hear the phrase �by the grace of God.� I fully believe that to be true in my case. My life went from chaos into order. Maybe a lot of people can relate to this, but I think of my faith like the story of the prodigal son. You�ve gone astray and get beat up out there. You�re sad, scared and don�t know what to do, so you think you should go home. But instead of getting yelled at, punished or kept at arm�s length, you are received with joy. That�s how it felt for me. To now have an opportunity to be a part of telling a story about Jesus, who I believed saved my life, and for that story to possibly help someone who has felt lost, stranded, sad or scared, is deeply meaningful to me.

That was beautiful, thank you for sharing. You get the job, then comes a challenge of finding the voice of Jesus, perhaps the most famous person who has ever lived. Obviously, he sounds a bit like Tom Pelphrey, that�s why they hired you, but how did you settle on what Jesus sounds like?

I have to say that there�s a certain size to this that if I thought about it in a certain way, I would�ve been too scared to even attempt it. I�m new to voiceover work, and so regardless of the role, I was already a little intimidated. But I was also very nervous leading up to it. I felt that I shouldn�t try and do too much. And I thought that if I could add to this in any way, I should try and add what it is that I feel like I do best � try and find the most human interpretation of what Jesus is experiencing. That�s part of the power and the beauty of the story � fully God, fully man � and it was interesting to walk through the story by thinking of it more on the fully man side. For me personally, those are the moment in the story that have always touched me the most when Jesus felt and responded like a vulnerable human being.

I knew I would be saying some of the most famous sayings in human history, and if that doesn�t intimidate you a little bit, God bless, but it intimidated me. This is a slightly different way to talk about it but when I was in college at Rutgers, we got to study at [London�s] Globe Theatre, and it was amazing. It was such an incredible juxtaposition of what we were learning with [Sanford] Meisner and the kitchen sink, and all of that. We learned to stand up tall, use your voice and project.

Mark Rylance was still the artistic director there, and he came to talk to our class. At one point, he gave us an example of performance by doing the �to be, or not to be� speech five different ways in a row. He just ripped it, like, whoa. In my mind, what got blown open was how it was this very famous Shakespeare text that is so well known and can, at times, seem inaccessible because it�s so sacred and revered, [that it] became something else. Mark said, �Make everything personal.� He taught us to know what you�re saying and live in the truth of what�s happening. It blew my mind open. To come full circle, I was nervous because [the Christ project] was this very heightened and important role based on something that everybody knows and is familiar with and there�s a presumption that it needs to be said perfectly. I just knew that I would never say it perfectly. When we were about to start, it came time to surrender to the idea that it was never going to be perfect. But what I could offer to the best of my ability was that if I put myself into it, made it personal, said it how I felt it and how it made the most sense to me, we would accomplish the best version of that.

We recorded for four or five days. It was really nice because the recording process allowed us to be in the room with multiple actors at once, so that was a really nice way to play scenes. All of the actors are excellent voice actors, and they are so professional and can talk about the differences between this microphone and that microphone, all of this stuff that I didn�t know about. It was amazing to be in the room with them and be able to ask questions in between takes and learn a little bit of technique. I remember when a light bulb went off when I understood how the less volume you had, the more chance there would be for dexterity within the speech.

You can cheat these things because there�s a microphone so close to you. You can literally just get right on top of the microphone and whisper if you want. It�s very powerful and becomes very dynamic. Being in the room with these other actors was so helpful for performance and to build a sense of momentum so that every word, every line wasn�t uttered in isolation in a vacuum. It allowed me to pick up technique, which I�m always trying to do with everybody I work with. What can I steal here? What can I learn here? How can I get better?

Was there something you stole that was most impactful or meaningful during the process?

Understanding how much more you can play with dynamics in terms of sound, volume and proximity to the mic. I started on stage, and there�s a certain amount of volume and projection needed for that. When you start to work in film and TV, you understand that everything is going to come sit in your lap, and you can whisper and barely move your eyes and everything will be projected. I needed to make that jump in the booth as well. That was definitely something I felt like I walked out of there with on day five that I hadn�t walked in with on day one.

The obvious answer is the entire passage on the crucifixion. That was obviously a very intense thing to try and capture sitting on a chair in a booth. We tried to get as creative as we could to try and help that feel a little more impactful, even if that meant standing during some of those efforts, or even doing something as simple as breathing. I haven�t listened to it yet to see how it turned out.

How are you with that part of your job, as in listening to or watching your performances?

The nice thing is when there�s a lot of space between when you do it and when you might get to watch it. In general, I am not in love with myself and I don�t hate myself, so it�s OK. It�s really useful if you can try and watch it somewhat objectively. You can learn and see where you can get better the next time, which is always the goal. But what happens is when you first do something, you have so much information about it in your head. If I saw a scene on Task a month later, I still remember what we ate for lunch that day or that the scene required six hours of setups. You have so much information about it that you are not able to experience it for the first time or how the audience is experiencing it. But you are able to get that feeling the more time that has gone by. I�ve never once watched myself and didn�t think that there�s a lot of good things I could learn and do better the next time. But I don�t watch it and think, oh, I�m horrible, or anything like that. I feel like I�m getting better all the time, and that�s all I�ve ever wanted. I�m excited to listen to this.

There were some challenges of being in an audio booth when you�re meant to embody something very physical, because how do you create that? There were specific things that you would never have to do in any other context. I never have to be on set and act like I�m struggling to lift something or I�m exhausted sitting on a chair. If I�m on set and they want me to do that, I can go pick the fucking thing up and start running up and down with it until I�m exhausted and having a hard time lifting it, and then they can film me doing that.

Credit to the group of people I worked with � and this happens on a great set, too � but, honestly, every day I left in such a great mood. There are times when you work on things, and you can�t help but to feel like there�s an energy that comes and it lives in you. You can feel it. When you get to work in such a way and you�re accumulating that energy in the process of working, you release it and leave happy, even if what you worked on or released was very dark or intense or heavy. This doesn�t happen to me much anymore but when I was younger, I might leave feeling heavy. If you haven�t been able to live through or share that energy, that�s when you feel bad because you�ve cooked up something that is not yours and you weren�t able to get rid of it. It�s an energy thing.

This was also lovely because David Oyelowo is one of my good friends. The day before I was going in, I looked at the call sheet and I said to [my wife Kaley Cuoco], �David�s going to be there!� It was my first day and would be the first thing I ever recorded, and thank God it was with David because it just calmed me down and put me in such a great mood. He�s incredible. What a sweet, sweet, good, gentle, beautiful man. Paul Walter Hauser is also a buddy. He didn�t get to be there in person but he Zoomed in and I was able to say hi. It was a great group of people.

I�m doing this interview because it�s Tom Pelphrey playing Jesus, alongside other well-known actors like David Oyelowo and Paul Walter Hauser. They could�ve cast famous actors from the faith space but since it is recognizable Hollywood names, this has the potential to travel to a wider audience. Did you think about how it might circulate in the world with your involvement, and was that a motivator at all?

There are so many versions of me answering this. I love being an actor, and I will say that for a long time, I really struggled with sharing any part of myself publicly. I really tried to dance around it, partially because of how it made me nervous and partially because of all the insecurities around it. Also, I read an interview once a long time ago with a young Robert De Niro. He was one of my heroes as a young actor. He said that the more people knew about him, the harder it was for him to do his job. I must�ve read that at 17, and it burned into my brain because it�s undeniably true. As an actor like De Niro, which is the kind of actor I�ve always wanted to be, you want to disappear. You want to serve the character. But we don�t live in that world anymore. As much as Robert De Niro was able to do that back then, it�s not the world we live in now.

Sharing about sobriety and faith are so personal to me, and it means so much to me. The other thing you notice is when people are sharing things, you could say a word to a thousand people, and a thousand people hear a different version of that word. In all humility, to share something that matters to you, you first have to come to an understanding and acceptance that you�re surrendering how it�s going to be heard or what it means to anyone listening. You have no control over it. That�s been an amazing process to go through.

Yes. We were talking about sobriety and the first time I ever shared, on my own, about my sobriety was in the past year. There are a million reasons for that, and part of it was that with sobriety, with faith or getting to do a podcast like this, there came the possibility that at some point, an honest sharing of any of this in whatever humble way I can could potentially help someone or make them feel less alone. That outweighed my fear of being misunderstood. It�s an amazing thing. Once the seal was broken, it felt very freeing. I�m grateful that, like you said, on some level, my participation or David and Paul�s participation would lead you to want to do an article about this. It�s wild. Also, being a dad, you start to think about everything differently.

That was beautiful, thank you. And I appreciate you sharing about your sobriety because as someone who has been a fan of your work, seeing you share about your sobriety last year led me to think of your work in a new way. I know how meaningful of an experience it is and how it changes your life. But where do you go from here? How do you follow up playing Jesus Christ?

Well, I don�t imagine that I will ever have an experience quite like that again. But I will tell you that I will do the same thing that I always do. I wait patiently for the next thing that just lights me up. Honestly, right now, I�ve been waiting for a long time but there are some things coming that I�m really excited about. That in and of itself is such a blessing. You want to talk about life-changing, 12 years ago, I was just hoping for a way to pay my rent. I�m not able to wait forever now, but I can sit back a little bit and be a dad and I don�t need to work immediately to pay my bills. I can wait for things that really move me or speak to me. The longer I am in my sobriety, the deeper I am in my faith, the more I feel that there�s a real power in trying your best in all ways to be of service. I want to be like that as an actor, too. When I read something, if I feel like I can bring something special to it or help it come to life in a very unique way, then I go for it. I felt that way when I read Task because I felt like I could be of service to something bigger than me, and that�s where I want to live these days. I don�t feel that way all the time, so I wait until I do.

What a perfect way to tend. But I do have one more quick question because looking at you, you�re giving a little bit of Jesus today with the longer hair and the beard. Have you thought about letting it grow so when the podcast drops, you sound like Jesus but look a little like him, too?

As tempting as that might seem on some level, the last thing we need anybody thinking is I�m like Jesus in any way. I am a very poor, poor, pale imitation. But Jesus is somebody I�m trying to be more like. Like we say, it�s progress, not perfection.

The Christ is for free to listeners and can be found on all podcast platforms as well as TheChristPodcast.com.

Paul Wesley Boards Apple TV�s �The Buccaneers� Season 3

The Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Vampire Diaries star joins the Apple TV�s period drama, based on Edith Wharton�s final, unfinished novel, as Frank, who is a mysterious but charming stranger who arrives into Nan and Mrs. St. George�s world, turning it upside down.

Photos of the Vampire Diaries actor accompanying Christina Hendricks� character Patty St. George on set circled the Internet earlier this week, which signaled that production on the third installment of the show is underway.

Season 3�s logline reads, �Our Buccaneers are fighting back. And they�re doing it together. When they arrived in England they were all navigating their first loves. Now, they�re looking for the loves of their live, and with a new and enigmatic Duke at the helm, Tintagel is also facing an uncertain future. If polite English society thought our American girls rocked the boat, this new bad-boy Duke is about to sink the ship.�

Viewers will have to wait and see who will plays the new �bad boy Duke.� An important character introduced at the end of Season 2 as Theo�s (Guy Remmers) long-lost half-brother, Kit, who could become the new Duke of Tintagel because Theo abdicated his position. Summoned by The Dowager Duchess of Tintagel (Amelia Bullmore), viewers only saw Kit riding to the sweeping property on horseback from the back, and it was not revealed who would be playing him at that time.

The Buccaneers was renewed for a third season in October, two months after the Season 2 finale. Hailing from The Forge, the show is known for harnessing the turn-of-the-century climate in America and England that was the Gilded Age and mixing the culture of the time period with modern needle drops. Season 1 specifically contained all songs by women artists.

In the first season of the show watched a group of fun-loving young American girls explode onto the scene of 1870s London, England of the 1870s, kicking off an Anglo-American culture clash. Season 2 saw these American whirlwinds battling love, heartbreak, motherhood, jealousy and the full force of the English legal system.

Theo renounced his title because he wanted to divorce Nan (Kristine Fr�seth) and marry Lizzy (Aubri Ibrag) after he and Lizzy kindled a flame while Nan was away seeing Guy (Matthew Broome) in Italy where he went to hide Jinny (Imogen Waterhouse) from her abusive husband Lord Seadown (Barney Fishwick). To complicate matters, Nan is pregnant with Theo�s child, who could qualify for inheriting Tintagel title and property.

The Buccaneers also stars Alisha Boe as Conchita Closson and Josie Totah as Mabel Elmsworth, who round out the titular quintet of girl best friends. Mia Threapleton (The Phoenician Scheme) plays Honoria Marable, and Josh Dylan portrayed Richard Marable, husband of Conchita and brother to Honoria and Lord Seadown. Richard, unfortunately, died at the hands of his brother in Season 2.

Leighton Meester joined in Season 2 as Aunt Nell, who viewers learned is Nan�s real mother. Nan herself is illegitimate, which made for a big storyline in Season 1 when she was choosing between being with Guy Thwarte or marrying Theo.

Season 2 also featured Grace Ambrose, Maria Almeida, Amelia Bullmore, Fenella Woolgar, Greg Wise and Jacob Ifan.

Written by series creator Katherine Jakeways, season three is directed by DGA Award winner Rachel Leiterman and BAFTA Award nominee Amy Neil. Jakeways and Emmy Award winner Beth Willis serve as executive producers, with Joe Innes promoted to executive producer on Season 3. Season 2 was directed by William McGregor, Rachel Leiterman, John Hardwick and Charlie Manton. The Buccaneers is produced for Apple TV by The Forge Entertainment, a Banijay UK company.

Soapy Season 2 Episode 13 | Rick Hearst on Balancing Family Life with Soap Stardom

�Hope Valley: 1874� Trailer Teases Bethany Joy Lenz in �When Calls the Heart� Spinoff

In a new trailer, viewers met Rebecca Clarke, played by One Tree Hill alum Bethany Joy Lenz, as she and her 11-year-old daughter, Olivia, played by Firefly Lane�s Roan Curtis, ventured from big-town Chicago to the rugged Western Canadian frontier.

As the journey turned perilous, the mother-and-daughter duo met the guarded local rancher Tom Moore, played by Saving Hope�s Benjamin Ayres. �Grit alone isn�t going to save you on the frontier,� he told them.

And soon, the traveling parties arrived at the community that would become Hope Valley, n�e Coal Valley, the setting of When Calls the Heart.

A Hallmark news release offered a synopsis of Hope Valley: 1874: �Despite Rebecca�s best intentions to remain unattached, the future she dreams of for her and her daughter along with the people she meets in this fledgling town � ultimately compel her to put down roots and make a fresh start.�

The trailer also gave glimpses of Jill Hennessy (Crossing Jordan) as Hattie Quinn, a tenacious pioneer woman, and Lachlan Quarmby (Providence Falls) as Constable Alexander Vaughn, one of the first members of the newly created Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

And sparks flew between Rebecca and Tom. �I�m looking to build something that lasts,� Tom says in the trailer.

Hallmark+ explained in the previous press release that Hope Valley: 1874 � which debuts new episodes on Thursdays after its series premiere � will �feature the adventurous ranchers, gold prospectors, and early pioneers who worked together to navigate and embrace the changes of a new era and ultimately build a small, close-knit community in the rugged and hopeful pioneer era.�

Added Hallmark Media programming head Michelle Vicary, �We�re excited for the Hearties to join us as we tell this rich origin story filled with the kind of heart, community and hope they know and love.�

Justine Triet Sets Next Film As Thriller �Fonda� With Mia Goth, Andrew Scott, Frank Dillane, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett Aboard & Allison Janney In Talks

Frankenstein star Mia Goth, BAFTA winner Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers), Cannes Best Actor winner Frank Dillane (Urchin) and Candyman star Nathan Stewart-Jarrett are signed up for the much-anticipated project, while Oscar winner Allison Janney (I, Tonya) is in talks for a key role.

The production, which will be one of the hottest presale titles at the upcoming European Film Market in Berlin, reunites writer-director Triet with Anatomy of a Fall producers Marie-Ange Luciani (Les Films de Pierre) and David Thion (Les Films Pell�as), as well as mk2 Films, which is handling sales.

Deadline hears its an ensemble piece led by Goth, who originally was earmarked for a supporting role but impressed Triet so much she was offered the lead, with Janney and Scott also in bigger parts. Additional casting is still in progress with the shoot being lined up for the spring.

The first official synopsis reads: A psychological thriller set in a seemingly idyllic huis clos, Fonda takes us on a vertiginous dive into the shifting limits of a sound mind, as grief and obsession take hold.

The Fonda of the title shouldn�t mislead anyone. It doesn�t refer to the American acting dynasty but instead to an institution central to the story. Triet takes a solo writing credit on the screenplay.

Paris-based mk2 is joining forces on the project with Studiocanal, which is a financing and co-producing partner and has picked up several key territories including France, Germany, Italy, Benelux, Poland, Australia and New Zealand, where the film will be released theatrically.

The picture is Triet�s first feature since her 2023 Cannes Palme d�Or-winning psychological thriller Anatomy of a Fall, which went on to enjoy a major awards-season run, garnering its star Sandra H�ller a Best Actress Academy Award nomination and clinching an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The movie took $55M worldwide (per figures provided by mk2), a big number for a multi-lingual European drama.

There has been great interest in Triet�s next project, with Hollywood luminaries reportedly queuing up for potential collaboration. Triet confirmed that Steven Spielberg was among interested parties. One potential project for the filmmaker was an adaptation of Daniel Clowes� graphic novel, Monica, with Cate Blanchett reportedly interested to star. Ultimately, Triet has landed on Fonda, which according to the partners is similarly fertile, intelligent thriller territory to Anatomy.

�Fonda promises to bring audiences another major cinematic moment by delving into the depths of the human mind and resurfacing as a thriller of rare intelligence and emotional force destined to be a top awards contender and box office hit,� said Fionnuala Jamison, Managing Director of mk2 Films.

�We�re thrilled to be embarking on this new journey with the Anatomy of a Fall team and to have Studiocanal on board,� she added.

Studiocanal CEO and Canal+ CCO Anna Marsh commented: �Justine Triet�s cinematic work is incomparable, and in Fonda our cast is exceptional. We cannot wait to bring this film to audiences across our territories announced today. The moment we read the script we just knew we had to be part of what will be Justine Triet�s unforgettable and formidable return to cinema.�

Paris-based mk2 Films is in the middle of a buzzy awards season with three Golden Globe wins and 15 Oscar nominations across its slate on titles It Was Just an Accident, Sentimental Value and The Secret Agent. French filmmaker Triet�s previous films include Cannes duo Sibyl and Victoria.

Saturn Awards Nominations

Best Actor in a Film
David Corenswet - Superman
Tom Cruise - Mission: Impossible � The Final Reckoning
Tom Hiddleston - The Life of Chuck
Oscar Isaac - Frankenstein
Michael B. Jordan - Sinners
Pedro Pascal - The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Sam Worthington - Avatar: Fire and Ash

Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series
Jack Alcott - Dexter: Resurrection
William Fichtner - Anne Rice�s Talamasca: The Secret Order
Jude Law - Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
James Marsden - Paradise
Babou Ceesay - Alien: Earth
Ethan Peck - Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Stellan Skarsg�rd - Andor

Best Guest Star in a Television Series
Dave Dastmalchian - Dexter: Resurrection
Peter Dinklage - Dexter: Resurrection
Linda Hamilton - Stranger Things
James Remar - It: Welcome to Derry
Bill Skarsg�rd - It: Welcome to Derry
Samba Schutte - Pluribus
Paul Wesley - Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Taye Diggs Is Hollywood�s Newest Vertical Drama Star, Playing a Man Romancing His Best Friend�s Daughter in CandyJar Original

Diggs may be the first A-lister to appear in a project like this. Part of the success of vertical dramas � which have already generated billions of dollars of revenue in other countries, particularly in Asia � has to do with low production costs. As such, the burgeoning American microdrama industry has thus far been populated with working actors who make around $500 a day. But CandyJar hopes that involvement from someone like Diggs � beloved for roles in �The Best Man,� �How Stella Got Her Groove Back,� �Rent� and more � will add sheen to the format as a whole.

�Off Limits & All Mine� (working title) is a romance starring Diggs as �a widower who takes in his best friend�s rebellious daughter and realizes that a dangerous and transformative connection is about to unfold,� per the official logline. The series will feature a Black ensemble; CandyJar says in a press release that it aims to �prove that Black-led romantic dramas belong at the center of the microdrama boom, not at its margins.� As such, CandyJar parent Inkitt is producing the series in partnership with Atlanta-based Freeli Films, which has made films for BET, Starz, Peacock and Amazon Prime Video.

Production on �Off Limits & All Mine� begins in Atlanta in February. Diggs� frequent collaborator J. Carter serves as lead producer, with Troy Brookins executive producing and Alexandria Collins directing.

Founded in 2013, Inkitt is a digital platform that uses AI to identify user-submitted stories that have potential for franchising. Selected stories are then moved to Galatea, the company�s pay-to-read app, or adapted into microdramas on CandyJar. Inkitt says that it has become �a hit-making engine now delivering a million-dollar success every seven days� and that CandyJar averages 70 million episodes streamed per month, more than 5.5 million users and an audience that spends an average of 40 minutes per day watching.

�Microdramas are no longer experimental,� Inkitt�s director of production Lily Darragh Harty said in a statement. �Projects like this show that the format can support serious creative ambition, high production standards and top-tier talent, which is exactly the future CandyJar is building toward.�

�Great American Road Rally: Celebrity Edition� Sets CW Premiere Date; Ian Ziering Hosts

Hosted by Ian Ziering (Beverly Hills, 90210), the series will premiere Wednesday, May 13 from 9-10 PM, airing weekly on the CW, culminating in a live two-hour finale on Wednesday, July 22, from 8-10 PM.

Set against a cross-country journey along iconic Route 66, the series blends competition, storytelling, and real-world impact as the country prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, and other defining cultural moments in 2026, per The CW.

The official description: The series features ten celebrity-driven vehicles, each aligned with a charitable cause, embarking on a cross-country journey to raise awareness, drive fundraising, and activate local communities�transforming competition into contribution and the open road into a force for good.

Additional details, including celebrity participants, community events, and opportunities for fan participation, will be announced in the weeks ahead.

The Great American Road Rally: Celebrity Edition is produced by 7 Bridges Media Group for The CW Network

57th NAACP Image Awards Nominations

Entertainer of the Year
Cynthia Erivo
Doechii
Kendrick Lamar
Michael B. Jordan
Teyana Taylor

Outstanding Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)
Brian Tyree Henry � �Dope Thief� (Apple TV)
Giancarlo Esposito � �Please Don�t Feed The Children�( Tubi)
Idris Elba � �Heads of State� (Prime Video)
Taye Diggs � �Terry McMillan Presents: His, Hers & Ours� (Lifetime)
Tyler Lepley � �Ruth & Boaz� (Netflix)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, Movie)
Glynn Turman � Straw (Netflix)
Jay Ellis � All Her Fault (Peacock)
Rockmond Dunbar � Straw (Netflix)
Sterling K. Brown � Washington Black (Hulu)
Ving Rhames � Dope Thief (Apple TV)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Andr� Holland � Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich Entertainment)
Denzel Washington � Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
Michael B. Jordan � Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Nnamdi Asomugha � The Knife (Relatively Media)
Tyriq Withers � HIM (Monkeypaw Productions).

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture-Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O�Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Buddy Guy, Delroy Lindo, Peter Dreimanis, Lola Kirke, Li Jun Li, Saul Williams, Yao � �Sinners� (Warner Bros. Pictures)
-Keke Palmer, SZA, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams � �One Of Them Days� (Sony Pictures Releasing)
-Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Coleman Domingo, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Michelle Yeoh � �Wicked: For Good� (Universal Pictures)
-Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky � �Highest 2 Lowest� (A24)
-Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Moses Ingram, Jonah Hauer-King, Greta Lee, Jason Clarke � �A House of Dynamite� (Netflix)

John Cunningham Dies: Prolific Broadway Actor, �Dead Poets Society� Dad Was 93

His death was announced by family, who noted that he died �in his beloved Victorian home aside the 11th hole at Rye Golf Club.�

Born June 22, 1932, in Auburn, New York, and raised in New Paltz, New York, Cunningham would go on a stint in the Army before attending the Yale School of Drama, where he attained a masters� degree and made a lifelong friend in classmate and future talk show host Dick Cavett.

After Yale, Cunningham launched a film, stage and TV career that would span 70 years, including early TV roles on soaps The Secret Storm, The Doctors, Another World and Search For Tomorrow.

He began his stage career even before he had an agent: Following an audition for director Moss Hart, the 27-year-old Cunningham made his debut in the 1960 national and international touring company of My Fair Lady, taking the roles of Zoltan and Henry Higgins understudy.

His second Broadway production came in 1968 when he was cast as a replacement in the original staging of Cabaret; he succeeded Bert Convy in the role of Clifford Bradshaw.

A long and steady stream of significant roles in Broadway productions would follow, among them: Nikos in Zorba, Peter (and the understudy for Bobby) in Company, John Adams in 1776, Flan Kittredge in Six Degrees of Separation (opposite Stockard Channing), Nicholas Pym in The Sisters Rosensweig and Captain E.J. Smith in Titanic.

Cunningham last appeared on the New York stage in 2012 when, at age 80, he appeared in an Off Broadway revival of Tina Howe�s Painting Churches, just one of numerous Off Broadway productions in which he starred through the decades.

On the film side, Cunningham played the supporting role of John in the 1993 movie version of Six Degrees of Separation (Donald Sutherland was cast in the lead role of Flan). Other film credits include include the role of grandfather to Matt Damon�s character in 1988�s Mystic Pizza, the father of Ethan Hawke�s character in 1989�s Dead Poets Society, and the father of, again, Damon�s character in 1993�s School Ties. Other film credits include the 1993 Michael J. Fox comedy For Love Or Money and John Singleton�s Shaft remake in 2000.

Cunningham�s stentorian voice was featured in the 1997 Kevin Kline comedy In and Out (Cunningham was the voice on the �Be A Man� instructional guide) and as a newsreel announcer in 1997�s Starship Troopers.

His many TV credits include Law & Order, 30 Rock, The Good Wife, Damages, Cupid and Blue Bloods.

Cunningham is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Carolyn Cotton Cunningham; children Christopher, Catherine, and Laura; six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. The family will host a memorial service at Rye Presbyterian Church in Rye, New York (and online via Zoom through the Church�s website) on Saturday, January 17 at 1:30 p.m. ET. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Entertainment Community Fund.

PRESENTERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE �83RD ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES

Presenters for the 83RD ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES include: Amanda Seyfried, Ana de Armas, Ayo Edebiri, Charli xcx, Chris Pine, Colman Domingo, Connor Storrie, Dakota Fanning, Dave Franco, Diane Lane, George Clooney, Hailee Steinfeld, Hudson Williams, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, Joe Keery, Judd Apatow, Julia Roberts, Justin Hartley, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key, Kevin Bacon, Kevin Hart, Kyra Sedgwick, Lalisa Manobal, Luke Grimes, Macaulay Culkin, Marlon Wayans, Melissa McCarthy, Mila Kunis, Miley Cyrus, Minnie Driver, Orlando Bloom, Pamela Anderson, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Queen Latifah, Regina Hall, Sean Hayes, Snoop Dogg, Wanda Sykes, Will Arnett and Zo� Kravitz.

The Golden Globes, often referred to as �Hollywood�s Party of the Year�,� is the largest awards show in the world to celebrate the best of film, television and now podcasting. Multi-Emmy Award�-winning producing duo Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner of White Cherry Entertainment (WCE) will return as executive-producing showrunners for the 83RD ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES. Dick Clark Productions will plan, host and produce the 83RD ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES, which has been viewed in more than 185 countries and territories worldwide. This year�s votes were again tabulated by KPMG, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm.

*Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the special airs.

Meet Grayson on �Beyond the Gates�: Jordi Vilasuso Details Character With a �Good Heart�

Since getting his daytime start as Tony Santos on Guiding Light in 2000, Vilasuso has built an impressive r�sum� that includes playing All My Children�s Griffin Castillo, Days of our Lives� Dario Hernandez, and, most recently, Rey Rosales on The Young and the Restless. Now stepping into his fifth soap role, the Daytime Emmy winner is keenly aware of how rare such opportunities have become. �I�m grateful to work in a time where jobs are few and far between,� he says. �It�s a privilege nowadays to work on a TV show, and I�m so encouraged by there being a fifth soap on the air. When I started 25 years ago, there were 10 soap operas. It shows you the viability. The people want these stories. There�s still an audience for them, and it keeps us actors employed.�

The timing of the new role has been especially fortunate for the Vilasuso family. Beyond the Gates films in Atlanta, and the family moved to Nashville last year, a change he says has been nothing but positive. �I left L.A. for a reason, because I knew I didn�t have to be there to work, and my family had an opportunity to go to Nashville, which we�re just loving,� Vilasuso explains. �It�s a three-and-a-half-hour drive to the studio, not bad at all. Sometimes my call time is at 2 p.m., and I�ll leave Nashville at 8 a.m., come here, finish, and then go back, and I get to see my kids.�

Upon arriving on the BTG set, Vilasuso says he was immediately embraced by his new castmates. �It�s just such a great group,� he enthuses. �And it�s so interesting to be on a show that�s just starting. Everybody�s here helping something grow and wanting it to do really well. There�s a lot of loveliness in this place. Sometimes you don�t feel that family dynamic, and on this show in particular, I feel like everybody is just so friendly and welcoming. That�s been really encouraging and just a positive work environment.�

Like AMC�s Griffin, Vilasuso is once again donning scrubs. �He�s a lab tech, and he�s got a very good heart,� relays Vilasuso of Grayson. �He�s been raised by a single parent for some time, and now the roles have changed because he has to take care of his mother. And he goes to great lengths; I�ll just leave it at that.�

The role also places him in story with Jen Jacob�s Ashley Morgan, a collaboration he was immediately excited about. �She�s super talented,� he praises. �When I did the chemistry read, I was like, �Wow, this would be so great. If I get to work with her, I�m going to be happy.� And it worked out. She�s just such a pro, works very hard, and I�ll be honest, that hasn�t always been the case with costars, and that just makes the dynamic a lot of fun, and makes coming to work great. She�s reading the scripts and saying, �Okay, your storyline is getting so good.� So, she�s excited, and that�s really what we should be. When you have that, and you�re all able to all be in that place, you�re like, �OK, cool.��

Beyond the creative camaraderie, Vilasuso is enjoying the perks of the show�s production setup. �They actually have craft services here, too, which, by the way, is nonexistent on other shows,� he adds. �It�s a new studio, which is nice. The dressing rooms are great. It�s new sets, which are really nice, too. I�m shooting in Georgia, which I�ve never shot in Georgia, and it�s a beautiful place to shoot. It�s definitely a vibe.�

Outside of his Atlanta commute, Vilasuso has kept plenty on his plate. �It�s funny, when I got this role, I actually booked a movie, I booked a commercial, and I got funding for my project, all in the same week,� he marvels. �It was insane. It was such a blessing. And I had to say no to the commercial, and they moved the dates for the movie so I could do this show, which had never happened to me in my life. I was like, �Oh, my God, you can move the dates for me? That�s amazing.��

Reflecting on the past year, the actor notes just how dramatically his circumstances have shifted. �This time last year, I was definitely in a much different place,� he says. �And I just have a lot of gratitude in my life. I�m feeling good. I�m feeling really, really excited. I feel like there�s an opportunity here for Grayson to go in a lot of different directions.�

Vilasuso also remains deeply appreciative of the viewers who have supported him throughout his career. �I have fans that have become like friends,� he concludes. �I feel so blessed for the fans that I still have that watch me, that are always asking me, �When are we going to see you on TV again?� And I�m so grateful that I have a really great answer for them now and a really great show. So, I can�t wait, and I�m hoping that we can keep this audience growing and alive, and that this is just the beginning of bringing soaps back to TV and broadcast television.�

Kaley Cuoco�s celeb mom pals celebrate �ride or die� group after Ashley Tisdale�s �toxic� claims

Cuoco�s friend, actress Ashley Jones, shared pictures of their close-knit group Wednesday, which includes Lacey Chabert, Ali Fedotowsky and Amy Davidson.

The pictures included moments of the group getting together with their kids, solo shots of just the gal-pals, as well as throwbacks of when various members of the group were pregnant.

�Mom groups are having a real moment on the interweb this week,� Jones wrote. �Shoutout to my village, without whom I could be very lost and lonely.�

�Tag your supportive ride or die mom group!� she continued. �I miss them all this little, but so grateful we had each other during this stage �-and every stage. #lifteachother #womensupportingwomen **not all are pictured, but all who are pictured are loved #momgroup.�

Tisdale made waves when she criticized her former mom group in an essay for The Cut. While the �High School Musical� star didn�t name names, fans quickly zeroed in on past pics of her with Hilary Duff, Meghan Trainor and Mandy Moore.

In Tisdale�s essay, she claimed she was excluded from hangouts from the group, which made her feel �not cool enough� and �lost� as to why she was being left out.

The actress, 40, said she eventually texted the group, �This is too high school for me and I don�t want to take part in it anymore.�

But a source familiar with the drama told Page Six that Tisdale is �insufferable,� and that the friend breakup �has been a long time coming.�

Members of the mom group have since publicly supported one another on social media.

Duff raved about fellow mom group member Janice Gott in an Instagram Story Wednesday, after her husband, Matthew Koma, savagely hit back at Tisdale in a more direct way.

Koma posted a fake mocked-up cover of himself on the cover of The Cut, with a headline that read, �A mom group tell all through a father�s eyes: When You�re the Most Self-Obsessed Tone Deaf Person on Earth, Other Moms Tend to Shift Focus To Their Actual Toddlers.�

Moore then gushed of Koma in an Instagram Story post just hours later, �@matthewkoma happens to be one of the most talented and generous humans I�m lucky to know.�

Meanwhile, Trainor humorously shared her surprised reaction while reading the drama online in a TikTok video set to her 2025 track �Still Don�t Care.�

�Me finding out about the apparent mom group drama,� she wrote over the clip she posted Thursday.

Ian Ziering Sued for Assault and Battery Over 2023 Minibike Rider Incident

Jacob Hernandez, who says he was one of the bikers involved in the physical altercation, is dragging the "Beverly Hills, 90210" alum for intentional infliction of emotional distress, malicious prosecution, negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress ... this according to a civil complaint filed in Los Angeles Monday and obtained by TMZ.

In the filing, Hernandez laid out his POV of what went down ... saying he and his pals were driving on their mini-motorbikes between cars on Hollywood Blvd. on December 31, 2023. At one point, he says, they waited for a safe time to change lanes and stopped in front of a Mercedes-Benz, which Ziering was driving. Hernandez claims that's when Ziering stepped out of his car and "with full force shoved" him ... which Hernandez claims caused physical injuries to him and his vehicle.

Hernandez reiterates traffic was stopped at the time and insists he was "not impeding the flow of traffic in any way" when Ziering allegedly became aggressive toward him. He also claims he did not hit the Mercedes. TMZ published video days after the altercation which does appear to show Ziering shoving the man.

Hernandez, however, ended up being arrested in May 2024 for felony vandalism related to the incident. He claims Ziering gave �misleading information� to cops and also used his star power to completely flip the situation. Hernandez was held on $50,000 bail and released, and the L.A. County District Attorney's Office declined to press charges.

Hernandez says he and his bike fell into his friend when Ziering pushed them, allegedly causing damage to their bodies and their vehicles. Additionally, he claims he's suffered from "significant mental health issues" since the altercation, fueled by his character being tainted so publicly.

For instance, Hernandez says Ziering spoke about the incident in interviews and on social media, and Hernandez feels he was made out to be the aggressor and publicly humiliated. He says he now has extreme anxiety, paranoia and struggles to sleep, plus has frequent panic attacks -- especially when he hears sirens.

Hernandez is asking for unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. TMZ has reached out to reps for the actor ... so far, no word back.

Jordi Vilasuso Poised For Daytime Comeback on Beyond The Gates!

Vilasuso burst onto the soap scene 25 years ago when he was cast as Tony Santos on Guiding Light. He exited the show in 2003, the same year he nabbed a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Younger Actor. His next daytime gig was on All My Children, where he portrayed Griffin Castillo from 2010-11. After AMC�s cancellation, it was revived online for a spell in 2013, and Vilasuso returned as Griffin for the reboot. Next, from 2016-17, he played the role of shady Dario Hernandez on DAYS. On Y&R, his Rey was in a popular romance with Sharon, played by Sharon Case, when the character was unexpectedly killed off.

When Soap Opera Digest broke the news of his exit, the actor told us exclusively, �Playing Rey Rosales on The Young and the Restless for the past 4 years has been an incredible experience that has brought me immense joy as an actor,� and he voiced his gratitude tot he show�s head writer/executive producer, Josh Griffith, for �the opportunity to sink my teeth into storylines that were some of the highlights of my career in this genre.�

That the actor has landed on BTG was revealed in the promo for the soaps� second season, which is premiering on January 2, 2026. In the trailer, the actor can be seen � albeit briefly � interacting in an amorous way with Jen Jacob�s Ashley. A rep for the show confirmed that Vilasuso does appear in the promo, but stayed mum about the name of the actor�s new character or his exact first airdate.

When Calls The Heart Expands With Prequel Series Starring Bethany Joy Lenz

Lenz portrays Rebecca Clarke, who travels from Chicago to the Western Canadian frontier with her 11-year-old daughter. �But when her wagon breaks down, she has no choice but to accept help from local rancher and confirmed bachelor, Tom Moore (Ayres),� the press release reads. �Despite Rebecca�s best intentions to remain unattached, the future she dreams of for her and her daughter, along with the people she meets in this fledgling town � including the guarded Tom and tenacious pioneer woman Hattie Quinn (Hennessy) � ultimately compel her to put down roots and make a fresh start.�

Curtis portrays Hattie�s daughter while Quarmby rounds out the main cast as Constable Alexander Vaughn, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The series will feature �the adventurous ranchers, gold prospectors and early pioneers who worked together to navigate and embrace the changes of a new era and ultimately build a small, close-knit community in the rugged and hopeful pioneer era.�

This marks one of the first new greenlights by Michelle Vicary, who returned to Hallmark as head of programming in August. During her original 22 years with the company, she oversaw the launch of �When Calls the Heart,� which remains a Hallmark hit.

��Hope Valley: 1874? gives us a wonderful opportunity to further explore the universe of �When Calls the Heart� and build a deeper world around this show for our devoted fans, who have helped make it one of the most successful and enduring series on television today,� she said in a statement. �We�re excited for the Hearties to join us as we tell this rich origin story filled with the kind of heart, community and hope they know and love.�

�When Calls the Heart� was recently renewed for its 13th season at Hallmark Channel, set for 2026, starring Erin Krakow, Kevin McGarry, Jack Wagner, Chris McNally, Pascale Hutton, and Kavan Smith. Additionally, original series star Lori Loughlin will return after being written out in 2019 amid the college admissions scandal.

The original series, inspired by Janette Oke�s book of the same name, debuted in 2014. A spinoff series, �When Hope Calls,� debuted in 2019. While the first season aired on the then-titled Hallmark Movies Now and later on Hallmark Channel, it later moved to Great American Family for its second season.

Grant Gustin, Tom Pelphrey, Paul Sparks & More Set For Dark Comedy �Rooster� From First-Time Feature Director Mills McQueen

Written by McQueen, Rooster is set in late �90s Austin, following a once-promising salesman who clears his debts by stealing his neighbor�s precious pet rooster and selling it as a prize fighting cock, setting off a chain of disastrous events when the beguiled buyer demands more than his money back.

Shot in Austin, the film is produced by Carl Effenson (Mudbound, Bob Trevino Likes It) and Kelly Peck (The Brutalist, The Son and the Sea). Executive Producers include Amber Brask, McQueen, Edgar Rosa, Alex Borlenghi, Michael Denton, and Greg Denton.

In a statement to Deadline, producers Effenson and Peck said McQueen �strikes the perfect balance between levity and menace� with a film �unlike anything we�ve ever seen.�

They added, �We�re so excited to bring this original and hilarious film to audiences, and for them to experience Mills McQueen for the first time.�

For his part, McQueen told us, �I�m committed to original storytelling, with films that remind us of the sensibilities of simpler, more connected times. It was imperative to create a homage to 90s films, when movies were written for 40 ft screens, and rented habitually for at home rewatches. ROOSTER and the artists that participated in its creation, are part of the powerful renaissance to connect audiences with the theatre again.�

Gustin is repped by CAA, Robert Stein Management, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller; Pelphrey by Gersh, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern; Sparks by Gersh and Circle Management + Production; Schlaepfer by Gersh; Hidaka by Gersh and Luber Roklin Entertainment; Knapp by Gersh, Luber Roklin, and Yorn, Levine, Barnes; and Yao by Stewart Talent, Luber Loklin, and Peikoff Mahan.

�Guiding Light� Alum Reveals Cancer Diagnosis: �Tough Times Come�

The Guiding Light alum, who played Beth Raines for years, took to social media to share her story in an emotional video. Chamberlin�s cancer journey began this fall, and she�s got a lot to say about it.

�I need to tell you something that I haven�t shared publicly. And even my family, except for my husband and son, didn�t know until today. In mid-October, I was diagnosed with early-stage endometrial cancer. And on November 21st, I had to have a complete hysterectomy. Today, my final pathology report came back. Stage 1A, no spread, no further treatment necessary. I am lucky,� she expressed in the footage.

Chamberlin explained that she had kept quiet for several reasons. She didn�t want people to worry about her or imagine the worst for her, and she also didn�t want to hear a lot of noise as she navigated her health crisis.

The Days of Our Lives alum, who played Nancy Trent for a short stint on the Peacock soap, said she has always focused on clean eating and exercising. Cancer, though, doesn�t care or discriminate; even the healthiest people get it, Chamberlin said she learned.

While she said she will never know why she got cancer, Chamberlin is focused on spreading the word about early detection. Chamberlin plans to talk about that and more in the coming days.

�Over the next few days, I�m also going to tell you about my journey through this, the mental tools that I used to get through it, the difficulty of navigating the healthcare system with my particular insurance until getting to my surgeon, who I am truly, truly grateful to have had. I�ll also tell you the funny parts, because there were those. I�ll tell you as much as I can. So follow along, and if you know someone who�s going through their own challenge, send this along. My hope is that I can be a source of information and inspiration,� the actress ended her message.

Chamberlin kept her caption on the Instagram video simple, writing, �Tough times come.� The soap star also wrote on the video that she didn�t even tell some of her family members about her cancer journey until she was ready to share her story on social media.

Fans flooded her comments section with love, support, and thanks for Chamberlin coming forward with her story, something she didn�t have to do.

�So thankful you are okay!!! You are such an inspiration to me!!,� wrote a fan. One fan expressed, �Sharing such personal and intimate details is hard! You are so graceful and courageous! Thank you for sharing. P. S we need you here!!.�

Another fan said, �I am so sorry this happened and so thankful to God you are ok. You are so amazing and loved!� �Thanks for sharing so happy that everything is well now,� stated a different fan.

Guiding Light alum Beth Chamberlin has opened up about her cancer journey and hopes to become an inspiration for others fighting the same battle.

Procter & Gamble Backs New Soap Opera Consisting Entirely of Micro-Episodes

The consumer-products giant behind household staples like Tide, Crest and Pampers has been entwined with daytime serials for nearly a century, helping to produce radio dramas like �The Guiding Light�; daytime TV mainstays including �As the World Turns�; and a recent revival of the format called �Beyond the Gates� that airs on CBS. Now the company hopes to reach digitally savvy consumers with an intriguing twist on the old formula.

In January, P&G will launch �The Golden Pear Affair,� a 50-episode �microsoap� that will be made available initially via social media and, later, a bespoke mobile app. The idea, say backers of the new program, is to reach people who are used to giving content a swipe on a mobile phone, rather than those who sit back and passively swoon in front of a more traditional screen.

Will fans of the original concept flock to new one? The bite-sized episodes �are serialized dramas. They are soapy and there are going to be some elements that are a little out there,� says Anna Saalfeld, head of P&G Studios. But the new series � some people behind the scenes refer to it as a �short opera� � is �definitely social-first. It is optimized for viewing on your screen. It is very snackable. There are key differentiators� from old-school programs.

�The Golden Pear Affair� is meant to highlight Procter�s Native line of personal-care products. A new collection of �Global Flavors� products sport fragrances from around the world, and will likely get some nods during all the action in �Pear.� �It�s got romance. It�s certainly got adventure. And it�s a lot of fun,� says Geneva Wasserman, global executive vice president of entertainment IP strategy and investment at Dentsu, the agency that has worked with Procter & Gamble on creating the series.

Native may have more room for such play. The brand was founded in 2015 with a commitment to clean formulae for its products. P&G acquired it in 2017 � a nod, perhaps, to the growing clout of start-up consumer brands such as Dollar Shave Club, Honest Co. or BodyArmor. Native is no Tide or Old Spice, which are instantly recognizable and potentially harder to slip into a piece of programming without distracting the viewer.

�Golden Pear Affair� stars Nick Ritacco and Aloyna Real, two actors who have played roles in other microdramas. The Native products being spotlighted will be available only via the brand�s website and in Target stores. The hopes is that viewers will swipe their way through the whole production.

�We want you to have a little smile and a laugh, but also a shock, and ask �What�s going to happen next?�� says Wasserman.

Procter is the latest to enter the growing frenzy around what is known as �microcontent,� or programming with stories and plots that are told over the course of dozens of episodes that may last just a minute or two (some parts of �Golden Pear� may go as long as two and a half minutes). In recent months, several companies have begun to supply bite-sized dramas and serials for venues like TikTok or Meta�s Reels. In China, the content capsules have already proven quite popular. Microdramas could generate as much as $11 billion in 2026, according to estimates from Omdia, a London consultancy.

Already, U.S. media companies are trying to woo adherents of shorter stuff to their own venues, well aware that a rising generation of viewers is growing accustomed to having more control over the content they watch. Viewers can now swipe away instantly if they�re bored with something.

Spanish-language giant TelevisaUnivision in 2025 offered sponsorships tied to a new wellspring of �microdramas�� as many as 30 different titles. But the company plans to increase its production to as many as 100 in 2026. The company recently produced a Spanish-language microdrama for the large retailer JCPenney.

Others are courting similar (short) attention. When ESPN unveiled its much-ballyhooed new �ultimate� streaming service earlier this year, it did so along with a new interactive version of �SportsCenter� that is perfect for young sports aficionados with limited time. �SportsCenter for You� doesn�t feature anchors or intros. It serves up quick, consecutive clips � a key play, a short report from a correspondent � all narrated by Hannah Storm or handful of other ESPN personnel, boosted by A.I. ESPN calls its rapid-fire clips �verts.� Meanwhile, the new Fox One streaming service features �shorts� that let users dive into their favorite topics or programs with a series of attenuated video vignettes.

�Golden Pear� drama starts from the first second of the program. The heroine is marrying a crime boss, and things pick up from there, says Jonas Barnes, founder of Pixie USA, a Georgia-based microdrama studio that produced the new series. The hope is that any nods to Native won�t get in the way of viewers enjoying the show. �What�s really important is making the product part of the story where it�s instrumental. and not just on the table. Or the character picking it up and saying, �Look what I got.��

Procter & Gamble wants to get Native into the hands of young consumers. To do so, the company needs to connect with them in the venues where they get their content � and accommodate their behaviors. �A lot of our growth is going to come from multicultural consumers. A lot of our growth is going to come from younger consumers, says Saalfield. �This format really affords us� an opportunity to speak with them in ways they might appreciate.

Executives believe viewers will stick around for the high production values of the series, as well as some of the humor and sudsy antics. Procter will be counting the length of time people interact with the episodes, and how many they watch, among other behaviors.

Add up all the views, says Wasserman, and they may just equal something bigger than the sum of its parts �If you watch it all, you�ve got an hour, maybe an hour and a half of content � like a feature film.�

2026 Critics Choice Awards Nominations

BEST ACTOR
Timoth�e Chalamet � Marty Supreme (A24)
Leonardo DiCaprio � One Battle After Another (Warner Bros.)
Joel Edgerton � Train Dreams (Netflix)
Ethan Hawke � Blue Moon (Sony Pictures Classics)
Michael B. Jordan � Sinners (Warner Bros.)
Wagner Moura � The Secret Agent (Neon)

BEST ACTRESS
Jessie Buckley � Hamnet (Focus Features)
Rose Byrne � If I Had Legs I�d Kick You (A24)
Chase Infiniti � One Battle After Another (Warner Bros.)
Renate Reinsve � Sentimental Value (Neon)
Amanda Seyfried � The Testament of Ann Lee (Searchlight Pictures)
Emma Stone � Bugonia (Focus Features)

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Kathy Bates � Matlock (CBS)
Carrie Coon � The Gilded Age (HBO Max)
Britt Lower � Severance (Apple TV)
Bella Ramsey � The Last of Us (HBO Max)
Keri Russell � The Diplomat (Netflix)
Rhea Seehorn � Pluribus (Apple TV)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Patrick Ball � The Pitt (HBO Max)
Billy Crudup � The Morning Show (Apple TV)
Ato Essandoh � The Diplomat (Netflix)
Wood Harris � Forever (Netflix)
Tom Pelphrey � Task (HBO Max)
Tramell Tillman � Severance (Apple TV)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Nicole Beharie � The Morning Show (Apple TV)
Den�e Benton � The Gilded Age (HBO Max)
Allison Janney � The Diplomat (Netflix)
Katherine LaNasa � The Pitt (HBO Max)
Greta Lee � The Morning Show (Apple TV)
Skye P. Marshall � Matlock (CBS)

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Adam Brody � Nobody Wants This (Netflix)
Ted Danson � A Man on the Inside (Netflix)
David Alan Grier � St. Denis Medical (NBC)
Danny McBride � The Righteous Gemstones (HBO Max)
Seth Rogen � The Studio (Apple TV)
Alexander Skarsg�rd � Murderbot (Apple TV)

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Kristen Bell � Nobody Wants This (Netflix)
Natasha Lyonne � Poker Face (Peacock)
Rose McIver � Ghosts (CBS)
Edi Patterson � The Righteous Gemstones (HBO Max)
Carrie Preston � Elsbeth (CBS)
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BEST ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Jessica Biel � The Better Sister (Prime Video)
Meghann Fahy � Sirens (Netflix)
Sarah Snook � All Her Fault (Peacock)
Michelle Williams � Dying for Sex (FX on Hulu)
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Ren�e Zellweger � Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (Peacock)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Erin Doherty � Adolescence (Netflix)
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Sophia Lillis � All Her Fault (Peacock)
Julianne Moore � Sirens (Netflix)
Christine Tremarco � Adolescence (Netflix).

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Recaps: The Last Weeks

August 31, 2009

Olivia was out for a jog and saw Matt, who was snacking on some Pringles. He was bummed about Vanessa's wedding plans. Liv tried to comfort him. Then she got a call from Natalia, who was still upset over Rafe enlisting in the army. She invited Liv along for a shopping spree later that day. Liv was hesitant, but agreed to go. Meanwhile, Vanessa and Billy decided to visit their family and friends to tell them the news about their engagement. Later, Josh also tried to console Matt. They made plans to go to the bar later and lament Matt's loss.

At Cross Creek, Reva put away more photos of Jeffrey. "Your brother is right," she told Colin. "We do have to get back out in the world because that's what your daddy would want." She grabbed Colin and got in her car but couldn't bring herself to leave. Meanwhile, Josh saw Olivia, who admitted she wants to be Nat's friend but she's still in love with her and it's tough. Josh was sympathetic and pointed out that he feels the same about Reva. "Sometimes the line get blurry," he nodded. Liv told him about her plans to go shopping with Nat. "Now I have an image of you and Natalia in a dressing room together," he smiled.

Billy and Vanessa showed up at Company to share their happy news and pick up cake to bring to their friends/family when they tell them about the wedding plans. Later, Buzz tried to rush Daisy and James, who were helping him bake cakes for Vanessa and Billy's wedding. They teased Buzz about dating Lillian. "What are your intentions with my grandmother?" James grinned. Natalia arrived and was pleased to inform Buzz that she's going shopping with a "friend."

Bill and Lizzie decided to take a day off from working on the house. Lizzie suggested they visit Reva and explained that she's worried about La Shayne. Later, Reva was surprised to see them arrive Cross Creek. She assured them that she's feeling better and appreciates them stopping by to check in on her. After they departed, Lizzie noted, "Something's not right."

At Lewis, Billy and Vanessa shared their good news with Josh, who feigned surprise. Later, Bill and Lizzie told Josh they're worried about Reva. Meanwhile, Billy and Vanessa came to Cross Creek to tell Reva about their engagement. She reluctantly invited them inside to share some cake. Reva was stunned but thrilled for the couple. They invited her to the nups and were happy that she agreed to come. Later, Reva tried to work herself up to leave the house with Colin. "It's now or never!" she said and got into her car. She saw Josh at the market and told him that she's making progress. Josh declined to join her and the rest of the Lewis clan for a celebratory toast to Billy and Vanessa.

At the Quickmart, Lillian ran into Olivia and pointed out that everyone should be happy. Later, Liv went home and panicked about spending the day with Nat and stressed about what to wear to go shopping. So, she called Matt and invited him out. She told Nat she has to cancel their shopping date and admitted that it's too difficult for her to just hang out with Nat as a friend. Later, Liv met Matt at Towers for dinner. They were happy to cheer each other up. Nat interrupted and demanded that she have a chat with Liv, who said she needs to move on and begged Nat to give her that chance. Nat, however, refused to give up and said she'll fight until she wins Liv back � even if it takes a long time. "I'm a patient woman!" she said and left. Meanwhile, Matt retreated to Lewis, where he told Josh what happened. Josh confirmed Matt's suspicion that there's something going on between the two women. Matt was floored. "And I've been trying to flirt with those two for months!" he chuckled.

Lillian and Buzz flirted at Company and they decided to go out on a date. Lill was surprised when she saw he'd set up a nice table for the two of them and suggested dancing afterward. Bill joked to Lizzie that they need to have their first fight as newlyweds, adding that he wants makeup sex. Daisy and James showed up with a cake just as Billy and Vanessa arrived to tell Lizzie and Bill about their wedding plans. Bill offered to plan his parents' wedding; Lizzie told him it was a bad idea and pointed out how they messed up their own big day. Reva showed up.

September 1, 2009

At the mansion, Alan told Alexandra about how much he enjoys spending time with James. She teased him about playing Frisbee. Alan explained that James understands him more than anyone else in the family. Meanwhile, at Company, Phillip informed Ed and Lillian that he's finally ready to tell his family the truth about his condition. Later, Phil asked Alex about James's whereabouts and brought up the lack of time he has. Then he asked Alex to play a game of pinochle.

Reva assured Billy she's doing fine. He asked her to be a bridesmaid at the wedding. She feared he was just doing it to cheer her up, but he assured Reva that she's an important part of their life and they want her there. Later, Billy invited Alan to his wedding but Alan wasn't interested in attending. "Oh, you old sourpuss!" Billy grinned.

At the Beacon, Vanessa summoned Lizzie and Reva to discuss what they should wear at the wedding. They opened a bottle of bubbly and joked about getting tulle dresses with big floppy hats and dying some pumps. Vanessa wasn't amused and said she doesn't need any more surprises, adding that she is marrying Billy, after all. Meanwhile, the men gathered to play horseshoes. Bill joked that his dad needs some booze and strippers for his bachelor party. Billy was happy just hanging out with the guys in the backyard.

Lillian told Alan that Phil is planning to gather the family later to tell everyone he's dying and begged Alan to be supportive. Phil lost his cool at Beth after she told him that he needs to back off from pressuring James to spend time with him and reminded him that he left his family and that it's not all about him. "Yes, Beth it is," he said and stormed off. Later, Lillian had a heart-to-heart with James, who said the only thing his father ever taught him was how to disappear. Meanwhile, Phil tangled with Alan when the elder Spaulding accused Phil of not making an effort to spend time with him. "If I'm not mistaken, you told me to go off and die!" Phil yelled, amazed that Alan didn't realize all the efforts he'd made to mend their fractured relationship.

Billy and Vanessa had dinner with their wedding party at Towers. Lizzie and Josh both gave a toast and then Reva said seeing Billy and Vanessa happy makes her happy and she's glad to be a part of their big day. Billy told Vanessa that he blew it with her the first few times but he's glad that she's giving him yet another chance and can't wait to grow old with her in Springfield. Reva was overwhelmed and excused herself; Josh followed. Later, Reva told Josh he's right and she needs to pull herself together. After she hung up, she looked at a photo of Jeffrey.

Phil tried one last time to get James to hang out with him, suggesting sports or video games. James refused and walked out. "Not okay!" Phil angrily said and ran after him, then collapsed on the lawn. Meanwhile, Ed told Lill that the bone marrow transplant is far too risky for both Phil and the donor so he can't suggest it to Phillip an option.

September 2, 2009

Daisy ran into Beth at the Quick mart. She pointed out that the teen has been spending a lot of time with James lately and he approves. Daisy left to meet James. They flirted and made out. At Company, Josh told Buzz that things are looking good for the Lewis clan. Frank was bitter about the stability of the Coopers. Josh surmised it's just the storm before the calm for them. Later, Frank and Rick bonded over their online dating adventures. Frank told Rick he probably hasn't had any luck because he lied about his age. Frank admitted he's just looking for fun to distract him from all the craziness with his family.

Phil met up with Beth in the park. She was concerned about James. Phil told her to be quiet and calmly informed her that he's sick and only has a few weeks to live. She was understandably floored and began to sob. Phil held her, told her that he loves her and explained that he didn't want her to be sad.

Mallet arrived at the agency and received his assignment in Germany. Meanwhile, Shayne told Marina that there's an opening at family court today and they can get joint custody of Henry. They decided it's best to tell their families the truth about Henry's paternity before heading to court. Later, Josh approached and they broke the news. He was shocked and thrilled. They went to Cross Creek and told Reva as well. She was excited and wondered what it all means. Shayne assured them that Marina is still Henry's mom, no matter what. Later, Marina summoned the Coopers to the courthouse and told them as well. They were floored. Shayne explained that Dinah learned the truth while in Bosnia. He promised to be a good dad to Henry and not take him from Marina. Frank checked to make sure Marina was holding up okay. She was emotional and pointed out how lucky Henry is to have such a loving family, and two daddies. Later, Frank called Mallet and apologized for his behavior before he left town, adding that Marina just told everyone the truth and he understands why he left town now.

Lillian broke down in tears as she revealed to Buzz that Phil is dying. He consoled her and promised that she's not alone in dealing with this. Back at Cedars, Rick, Alan and Alex arrived at Phil's behest. They were confused. Ed ushered them all into a room. Lizzie and Bill frantically showed up, as did James. When everyone was there, Phil shared the heartbreaking news. James was upset that Phil didn't tell them before and stormed out. Alex tearfully tried to comfort Alan who quickly excused himself from the room. Beth tried to persuade Phil to stay at the hospital, but he said he'd rather just be with his family. Meanwhile, James angrily went into Ed's office and trashed it. He saw Phil's file, opened it up and was shocked by what he saw. He confronted Ed about why he's keeping his secret cure from Phillip.

Jonathan and Jeffrey met up. Jon gave an update, adding that there's still no sign of Edmund and that Reva is "whack." When Jon asked Jeffrey about why he hasn't found Eddie, Jeffrey cracked, "Well, there was a CSI marathon and I got hooked." Then they found a letter from Eddie threatening to kill all the children of Springfield if Jeffrey doesn't continue to play dead and stay away from Reva. Later, Jonathan called Jeffrey to hurry up the Eddie situation. Jeffrey was in his car and saw that Edmund was following him. They began a high-speed chase. Meanwhile, at Cross Creek, Josh held Colin. They marveled about Henry being their grandson, then went to the courthouse to watch Shayne and Marina get joint custody of Henry. Everyone cheered when the judged announced it's a done deal.

September 3, 2009

Natalia asked Olivia to accompany her to her first sonogram. Liv declined, saying it would be too weird. Meanwhile, Cyrus was frantic to finish Coop's book after he found out the bank was trying to foreclose on Company. Ashlee and Blake said there is one more chapter to write to meet the publisher's deadline. They worked together to complete the project in time. Natalia showed up and was surprised to see the depressed Cooper clan lounging around lamenting the impending loss of their family business. She asked Frank to come to her appointment; he agreed.

Frank had a mini meltdown about the state of his family's affairs in front of an uninterested Olivia. Later, at Cedars, Alan ran into Nat and told her about Phil, adding that she should know because Rafe is a Spaulding. She broke the news to Alan that Rafe enlisted in the Army. "What a brave young man he is!" Alan proudly said. Lillian reminded Alan about his cardio test. Alan wanted to skip out on it. Meanwhile, Phil met with Olivia in the park and told her that he's dying. She was overwhelmed and began to cry. Emma ran up to greet her father and they took a walk. Liv tearfully watched as Phil told his little daughter the news. After, Emma wanted to bake cookies at Nat's place to help make her daddy feel better. Olivia took Emma to Natalia's but didn't come in herself.

At the Beacon, Doris arrived to see Blake, Ash and Cyrus frantically writing the final chapter. She was surprised and said that Ash should think about writing a book about her someday. "I can't, Mom, I don't know anything about you," Ash responded. With two minutes to spare, they finished the book. Cyrus hacked into the publisher's computer to submit it on time. Blake called to have the book advance delivered today so they could give it to Buzz and save Company. It was a success.

Ed looked over Phil's records for a possible match and was stunned to see there's a match in the family. Meanwhile, Rick told James he is a match. Phil interrupted them, blasted Rick for testing James without his permission and refused again to let James risk his life to save him. James left while Rick and Phil fought. Rick pointed out to Phil that James needed to prove to Phil that he's brave and wants to be a good son but Phil ruined it before he had the chance. Phil realized he was in the wrong (and acting just like Alan). Daisy was happy to share her good news with James, who had to tell her that his wasn't so joyous.

Blake, Ash and Cyrus happily informed the Coopers that they finished the manuscript; they created a corporation in the family's name and the money would arrive shortly. Buzz was floored. "Coop and Jenna saved the day!" Marina laughed. On the other side of town, Doris lamented to Olivia about not telling her daughter the truth about her sexuality and said she thinks now's the time to take the risk.

Back at Cedars, Ed informed Alan that he's a match and pointed out that it's amazing, especially considering he's not Phil's biological father. Alan was stunned.

September 8, 2009

Shayne was amused by Marina's zeal for the party and assured her that it wasn't weird to be having a party for his bio kid at Marina and Mallet's house. Marina went to retrieve something from the drawer and spotted a painful reminder of her husband's absence: Mallet's badge. Meanwhile, Mallet was receiving his new assignment outside Austria. Mallet phoned the house to check on Marina and say happy birthday to Henry. Marina passed the phone to Henry before he was even done talking. Josh arrived and asked Shayne what he should give as a second gift. Taking note of the baseball-themed decorations, Shayne suggested a mitt, since it's never too soon to start. Shayne looked at Henry with his grandpa and confessed to feeling complete for the first time in a long time.

After revealing himself as a potential donor match, Alan insisted to Phillip that he wants to save his son's life, but Phillip argued that it's not about what Alan wants. Meanwhile, Lillian expressed her concern for James to Daisy and indirectly asked her to check on her ex-boyfriend. Phil popped into Bill and Lizzie's and urged his daughter to go to the party. Lillian caught up with Alan in the park, and commended him for offering to be Phillip's marrow donor. Daisy delivered sandwiches to Bill and Lizzie, and ran into Phillip outside as he was staining a board. "I'm sorry you're dying," Daisy offered, revealing that James is upset, no matter how he appears.

Buzz explained to Cyrus that as a Cooper, he must attend the kiddie birthday party. As Josh and Reva were loading the car with gifts, some of the helium balloons for the party escaped. Alan caught sight of them on his walkabout. Bill and Lizzie noticed how strange he was acting and asked if he needed help but he insisted he has to keep walking. Alan headed to the cemetery and poured his heart out to Phillip's grave, unaware that Phil was leaning against the other side of it. He lamented their strained father/son relationship and admitted to feeling that once Phil became a stronger person, Alan was threatened that Phil would somehow take power away from his father. He begged Phillip's grave to let him take the risk and be the father and the man that he always wanted to be. Phillip suddenly revealed himself and assured Alan that he has nothing to prove. After Alan practically begged, Phillip agreed to let Alan undergo the risky procedure and Alan gratefully hugged his son.

Frank arrived early to the bash and complimented Shayne on stepping up and being a dad to Henry, despite the difficult circumstances, noting his own situation with Natalia's baby and Olivia. On her way into the party, Lillian revealed to Josh and Reva the news about Alan's condition. They all somberly walked up to the house, where a clown was entertaining the partygoers. Marina admitted that she didn't know things could be this good, and Shayne said he wishes for nothing more in life. After the party, Lillian tearfully confessed to Buzz that she wishes Phillip would live.

In Germany, Mallet stumbled upon a fair-haired beauty laboring over a steaming car and was pleasantly surprised to come face-to-face with Dinah. He explained that he's on an agency assignment and is no longer with Marina. Mallet credited Dinah's actions with putting everyone where they're supposed to be, like baby Henry. When Mallet announced that he includes himself in that category, Dinah smiled. Mallet helped Dinah with her radiator and asked where she was headed. Her path was undefined, she explained. After he said good-bye and walked away, Mallet suddenly turned around and called out her name.

September 9, 2009

Josh was confused when a little girl entered his office at Lewis. Then Jonathan arrived, saying that the child is his granddaughter. Josh was stunned. Later, Jon asked Josh if he thinks it's safe for him and Sarah to live in Springfield now. Josh said Alan has relaxed a bit and that everyone in town will make sure Sarah is safe. Later, Reva was at home in Cross Creek and trying to act normal. Josh arrived and surprised her with Jon and Sarah. She was thrilled to be reunited with her granddaughter.

The Spauldings rushed to Cedars where Rick informed them that they found a donor for Phillip and he's being prepped for surgery. Alexandra told them that Alan volunteered to save his son. Meanwhile, Phil told Alan he can still back out if he wants and thanked him; Alan promised that it's what he wants to do and told Phil that he loves him. Before they were wheeled into surgery, the rest of the family came in to say good-bye. Lizzie called Alan a hero. James entered and Alan admitted to him that he's scared he'll die. James urged him to be strong. Next, Alex came by and shared a sweet moment with her brother. Phil summoned Bill and asked him to take care of his family if he and Alan don't survive the surgery. Later, Phillip told Beth that he loves her and apologized for all the mistakes he's made through the years. "If I get through this, I hope we can find our way back to each other," he added. Beth was overwhelmed. After, Beth told Lillian she's angry at her for not telling her before that Phil was sick. Lill apologized and said that lying to Beth is the hardest thing she's ever done but she had to abide by Phil's wishes. James admitted to Lizzie that he's miffed that Phil wouldn't let him be the donor, instead.

An armed Jeffrey tailed Edmund near a warehouse. He took aim and shot his gun but missed. Eddie taunted him. "I'm not stalking you, I'm hunting you and I plan to kill you," Jeffrey said. Edmund asked about Reva and wondered if Jeffrey had told her about their arrangement. Edmund said he's manipulating everyone in Springfield as they speak. Later, Jon covered when Jeffrey called, claiming it's Aubry (from Jonathan's Story!). Jeffrey explained that he's close to Eddie; Jon urged him to hurry up.

Olivia ran into Alex at the Quickmart and was stunned to hear about the surgery. Later, Josh informed Liv that he's a new grandpa and explained that Shayne is Henry's biological pop. They began talking about Nat. Josh urged Liv to get back together with her. Later, Frank also helped Nat with the baby names. Liv arrived and was excited to help. Nat was thrilled when Liv agreed to move back into the farmhouse. Frank felt like a third wheel. Then he informed the women that the Chief of Police just quit and he's going to go for the job.

Back at Cross Creek, Josh, Jon and Reva bonded with Colin, Henry and Sarah. Jon was stunned to learn that Henry is Shayne's. Jon said he's happy to be back in town. Meanwhile, the Spaulding clan anxiously awaited news about the operation.

September 10, 2009

Daisy was thrown for a loop when she saw Rafe and Ashlee bonding over the fact that their mothers are lesbians. Ash explained that she just found out about Doris and is a little upset that she didn't reveal it sooner. Ash agreed she should go talk to her mom and clear things up.

Olivia and Nat told Emma that they're moving back in with Nat. The girl was thrilled. Then Liv told her that she and Nat are going to be together because they love each other. "She's already like my mommy!" Emma said and wondered if the baby will be her little sister. The women were happy that Emma took the news so well. Later, Rafe and Frank offered to help Liv move.

Ash went to go see Doris, who was getting emotional looking at Ash's childhood photos. Ash said she's angry that Doris didn't tell her the truth sooner but isn't upset at her for being gay. They agreed to start getting to know each other better. They then went over to help Daisy and the rest of the crew move Liv into the farmhouse. Nat was elated for so much assistance and offered to cook everyone dinner. They all decided on a family softball game first. Josh arrived and was recruited for the game as well. "You made us a family," Liv told Nat.

At the Quickmart, Olivia was surprised to see Jon. He explained he's staying in town; Liv said she's moving in with her girlfriend. Later, Jon asked Reva to come with him to see Lizzie. When they pulled up to the house, Lizzie was shocked when she saw Jon and Sarah. Jon introduced Lizzie to her daughter (again) and they were happily reunited. She went off to show Sarah the barn while Jon told Bill that he's hoping they can all come up with a plan to share Sarah. They shook hands. "That's what we'll do, then!" Bill smiled.

Buzz helped Billy write his wedding vows. They marveled at how Alan stepped up to do the right thing for Phillip. Meanwhile, Rick informed the Spaulding clan that the surgery went well but they're still closely monitoring Phil and Alan's recoveries. Alex came to check on Alan. "Surprise! I'm still alive!" he laughed. Alex was relieved. Alan thanked her for looking out for him. Meanwhile, Lizzie went to see Phil. She tearfully told him that she knew he would make it through. Then Beth entered. Phil said he was afraid he'd never get to look in her eyes again. James brought his iPhone to Alan and showed him some important apps, like how to check the stock market rates. Alan said he needs to get well so they can play Frisbee again.

Lillian came to tell Buzz and Billy about Alan and Phil's recovery. "We're all just so lucky!" she said. Billy agreed. Later, Phil and Alan were wheeled into the same room. Phil thanked his father. James went to tell Daisy that her family is fine and everyone is recovering well.

September 14, 2009

At Company, James told Daisy he'd like to take her to the wedding. Meanwhile, Blake chatted on online with her dating site pal (Frank) who was inspired to ask her to attend the wedding with him. She declined, explaining that she already has plans. Frank was bummed. Phillip, Natalia, Olivia and Beth got dressed and gathered at the mansion to depart for the ceremony. Nat was understanding when Rafe said he won't be going to the nups with her and Liv as a family. Beth was surprised when James said he has a date for the wedding; Phil added, "So do I!" and grabbed Beth's hand.

At Cedars, Ed advised Alan to take it easy. Alexandra was relieved. Alan said saving Phil's life was the biggest gift he could give and added that Phil also helped save him. Later, Jon showed up to check in on Alan just as Nat and Liv arrived. He watched, unnoticed, as Alan happily greeted Emma, who thanked him for saving her daddy's life. Liv was stunned when Alan didn't react to hearing that she and Nat are together and told Emma she has two great mommies. "Emma seems to be happy and that's all that really matters," he said. After they left, Alan told Alex that he's not going to run away from happiness anymore and realizes that it can all be taken away.

James went to the Coopers to pick up Daisy, much to Frank's chagrin. Meanwhile, Bridget and Nola arrived and happily greeted everyone. They lovingly looked at Company. Bridget explained Peter is at orientation at Springfield University. Meanwhile, at the Beacon, Mindy showed up for the wedding and greeted Vanessa. Lizzie presented a surprised Vanessa with a garter for her big day and joked that they were going to force her to wear it. At the lake, the Lewis men (including Dylan!) went fishing together to catch their breakfast, per wedding day tradition. Reva showed up and teased them about smelling like fish.

The Lewis men pulled up to the country club in an old truck and greeted Vanessa who also arrived with her bridal party in a limo. Billy and Vanessa kissed. Billy and Mindy shared a sweet moment. Ashlee was stunned to be introduced to Doris's girlfriend. Ash pointed out that her mom seems happy. Lizzie fretted to Bill that she worries Jon will take Sarah away from her again. He promised not to let that happen. Remy and Christina joked about getting divorced just so they can get hitched again. Nola greeted Vanessa and they shared a laugh about wearing the same dress. She gave Vanessa a stone from one of Quint's digs. Dylan and Bridget hugged, saying it was great to see each other. Buzz approached Lillian, told her that she's beautiful and got down on one knee and proposed. Everyone else watched from above. Lillian was delighted and said yes. Billy and Vanessa suggested they have a double wedding. "Two for the price of one, let's do it!" Buzz laughed. Josh told Reva that Nat and Liv are together. Reva was stunned. "Since Olivia couldn't have you, she went for the net best thing!" she told him.

Back at Cedars, Jon confronted Alan and threatened him, saying he still doesn't trust him. Spaulding explained that things have changed since Jon left town and that he's a different man now. "I hope so," Jon said and left.

Lillian excused herself and visited Maureen Bauer's grave. She apologized to her departed friend and admitted she's been too afraid to visit. "I made a mistake and you paid with your life for it." Lill said her guilt has kept her from moving forward with her life and now she wants to start over with Buzz. Later, the ceremonies began. Bill walked Vanessa down the aisle and lamented Dinah's absence. Lillian was also ushered down to Buzz. "You have made me the happiest man in the whole wide world today," Billy whispered to Vanessa. Father Ray started the ceremony and the couples said their touching vows. They exchanged rings and pronounced husbands and wives.

September 15, 2009

Little Maureen went to check on her dad, Matt who was sort of bummed about the day. Nola and Bridget approached and tried to cheer him up, too. They all decided to share a family dance. Josh congratulated Billy and marveled at how he married the love of his life. Josh revealed that he's thinking about leaving town for a while because it's his job to fix things and make people happy so there's really nothing left for him to do in Springfield anymore. He said good-bye to his brother. "I'll miss you," Billy smiled. Meanwhile, Vanessa greeted her old pals Cecilia and Justin (a special guest appearance by Y&R's Jeanne Cooper and Christian J. LeBlanc) and thanked them for coming to the wedding.

Beth found Phillip, who noted how happy and lucky he is. They shared a sweet moment and declared their love for each other. Meanwhile, Rafe told Alan he's shipping out for the Army later today. Spaulding said he's proud of his grandson and they hugged. Then Billy addressed the crowd, told everyone how Alan stepped up to save Phillip's life and called him a hero. They toasted to Alan.

Josh was surprised to see Olivia and Natalia approach holding hands. He pointed out how great it is to see them happy together. He then thanked Liv for being his friend and said that he's skipping town soon. After, Josh went to find Shayne who was happily checking up on Henry. Shayne said he's still not ready to be a baseball coach (the gig Josh tried to set him up with) and added that he's having fun getting to know Henry. Josh then said he's going to get the Lewis office back and running in Venezuela and he needs to do it, "For me," he added. Shayne found Marina and they laughed over the fact that both of them had called Henry's babysitter for an update. Shayne admitted he's very happy right now and they decided to leave to check on their son.

Cyrus found Mel on the balcony. They chatted about what she did for Lizzie and Sarah and then Cyrus pulled her into a passionate kiss. Daisy and James decided to split. They shared a picnic away from the group. James acknowledged that Alan is a pretty great guy and the star of the day.

On the dock, Phil saw Alan and they bonded over Lizzie's happiness. Then Phil thanked Alan for giving him a second chance. "I only did what any parent who loves their child would do," Alan said and urged Phil not to overanalyze. They linked arms and walked away together, smiling. Phil approached Beth on the beach. He struggled to tell her something and assured her that he'll be great if she lets him be with her for the rest of their lives. He apologized for making her life complicated in the past but said he wants things to be different now. "I'm in love with you. Marry me and I'll spend the rest of my life making you happy." Beth was overwhelmed and said yes. They kissed. Phil was excited to share the news with the family but said he wants to find Alan first.

Back at the party, Josh danced with Reva who assured him yet again that she's going to be okay. He told her that he's moving to Venezuela; she was surprised but supportive. "If that's what you need, go for it," she said and fought tears. Later, Josh and Frank said their humorous best man speeches. Frank got emotional as he brought up Coop.

Alan greeted Buzz and they congratulated each other for their amazing feats. Alan thanked his pal for his support and said he truly values their friendship and what they've gone through through the years. "You being happy for me right now means more than you'll ever know," he added. "Hey, you did it!" Buzz smiled and went back inside to dance; Alan decided to sit alone for a while. Phil found his dad sitting on a bench alone and started talking to him from behind. Phil gave a touching monologue about happiness and just wanting to live his life and spend it with Beth. "It took you saving me to learn that. I'll never be able to repay you," he added and wondered why Alan was so quiet. He touched Alan who was eerily still and realized that his father is dead. He grabbed Alan's face and broke down in tears.

September 16, 2009

At Company, the Coopers (along with Blake, Natalia and Olivia) were in the middle of throwing Rafe a farewell party over pizza. Someone called and asked for Liv, who told everyone that Alan died. They were stunned and Rafe worried about leaving town before the funeral; Buzz encouraged him to go anyway. Blake consoled Frank, who suddenly realized life is short. Rafe continued to say his good-byes and shared a sweet moment with Emma. They bonded over their grandfather's death. Buzz told Rafe he's proud of him and Alan would be, too.

At Cross Creek, Jonathan answered the phone and Bill told him to come pick up Sarah and broke the news about Alan. Jon informed Reva, who was floored by the news."It's just too much," she said "I can't lose any more." She removed the photographs of Jeffrey around the house.

Jon came to get Sarah and asked Bill about Lizzie, who was still in shock. She and Jon shared a hug and Lizzie asked him to watch Sarah while they step out. Later, Beth got emotional as she explained to Phil how complicated her relationship with Alan was and that she really can't imagine a world without him. A tearful James approached Phillip and gave him a big hug.

Josh, Reva and Billy decided to rally around Bill and Lizzie during their time of need. Meanwhile, at the mansion, the Spauldings gathered to discuss Alan's arrangements. Alex explained that she talked to her brother before the operation and he said he wanted to be cremated and didn't want a big funeral. Rick came to inform them that it was indeed a heart attack and gave his condolences to the family, then departed.

Rafe said good-bye to everyone at the bus station. He told Daisy he'll always love her. Natalia was overcome with emotion; Liv consoled her. Rafe asked Liv to take care of his mom for him. He saluted farewell and hopped on the bus to basic training. After, Daisy did her best to be there for James, who didn't feel like talking about what had happened.

A tearful Lillian greeted Buzz and Company and they said they're so glad to have each other in their lives. Alex went to view Alan's body at Cedars and finally broke down. Meanwhile, in the garden at the mansion, Phil got emotional. "You did it. You saved me, Dad. You saved all of us," he said.

September 17, 2009

Daisy got a call saying she can have a spot in Berkley College's fall class, but she asked to mull it over. Buzz encouraged her to go, using the money from Coop's book, but she wanted to talk to James first. James also urged her to go, promising to visit her. Remy got word via his insurance company that he's not married to Christina � because he didn't file a marriage license. When he told her, she insisted they remarry right away � because she's pregnant. Meanwhile, Cyrus brought Mel cookies for her birthday. And then kissed her. And then they made love. Danny, Michelle, Robert and Hope arrived at Rick's in a truck, and announced they are moving back. Rick went to Company for food, where he found Frank online, asking his friend to coffee. His online pal, Blake, suggested meeting in the park. When Rick returned home, Ed was gone. He went to visit Holly, and told her he's going on an open-ended work tour. With her. "Life is very short," he reminded her. "How long do I have to pack?" she laughed.

Reva asked Jonathan to live at Cross Creek with her, but he declined. At Lewis, Josh told Billy that Alan's death made him realize life is short, and he wants Billy to help him kidnap Reva so he can marry her. "She's my life," Josh insisted. Billy balked, so Josh drove off alone. He found Reva having a picnic with Jon, Shayne, Marina, Sarah and Henry. Reva told Josh she's trying to pull her life back together. Jonathan secretly took a phone call from Jeffrey, who reported he's tracked down Edmund. Jeffrey took up a position on a rooftop, and drew a bead on Edmund on the next roof over. But Jeff was jumped by a thug. Jeffrey dropped his gun and they fought, until Jeff choked him out. Edmund laughed and taunted Jeffrey, who insisted he would kill Edmund and then go home. Josh returned to Lewis and told Billy that Reva isn't ready yet. "I still have to find some sort of life for myself," Josh mused. Meanwhile, Reva took a call from her sister Cassie, and told Jon she found a place for him and Sarah to live: the house Cassie had bought for Jon and Tammy, which has been sitting empty. Jon got weepy that Cassie wants him to live there. He asked Tammy if it's okay, then told Reva, "I'm movin' in!" They embraced, and cried. Josh visited Shayne, Marina and Henry to say his goodbyes. Josh embraced his son and said he's proud. Josh returned to Lewis and told Billy he's bound for Tulsa.

September 18, 2009

At Company, the Coopers helped Natalia pick out a baby name. Olivia reminded Frank they have to meet with the nursery designer. Frank said he can't stay long because he has a hot date later. Marina and Buzz teased him. Daisy announced that a spot opened up at Berkeley and she's taking it, so she'll be leaving for California in a couple hours. Meanwhile, Ashlee was floored when Doris said she pulled a few strings to get her into the writing program at Berkeley so she and Daisy can go to school together.

Christina freaked out about not being married and told Remy she needs to be hitched before they have their baby. Remy assured her it will be okay. They went to see Mel, who was celebrating her birthday by hitting the sheets with Cyrus. They all rushed to the municipal building and Doris quickly wed Remy and Christina before leaving to say good-bye to Ash and Daisy.

At the Spauldings, Lizzie was apprehensive about Alexandra going off to travel around the world with Fletcher. Bill assured her that Fletch is a stand up guy. Alex was especially happy to have Fletch back in her life. Phil greeted him. Fletcher gave his condolences about Alan. Bill carried Alex's bags to Fletcher's car and they both mentioned missing Ben. Alex said her good-byes and assured them she'll be back for the wedding. Meanwhile, Reva told Jonathan she loves being surrounded by her grandkids. Josh called and told her to meet him at Cross Creek.

At the park, Liv and Nat shared a tender moment, saying how happy they are. Olivia said she feels bad for Frank being a third wheel. She suggested they do something important to show him how important he is to the them and the baby. Nat agreed and they walked off to find Frank and tell him about their plan.

Mindy announced to Billy that she's moving back home. Josh told Reva he's moving to Tulsa now to help open a new wing of the HB hospital because he wants to be with her and knows she's not ready. She was emotional. He admitted that he wanted to kidnap her and marry her, then he declared his love. Reva tearfully and said she's still not ready. So, Josh told her that he'll be at the light house waiting for her in a year and hopes that she'll be ready to be with him then. They shared a bittersweet good-bye and Josh drove away. Billy arrived and asked Reva what she'll do in a year. "I don't know," she said.

Outside Company, everyone gathered to see Daisy and Ashlee drive off to California. They gave their hugs and said farewell. James told Daisy he loves her and they kissed. After, both Blake and Frank rushed off in their separate ways, telling Buzz they have dates.

At the mansion, Phillip told Beth that things feel weird now without Alan. She gave him a journal and encouraged him to start writing again. They kissed and then Rick called to tell them to come to the park. Meanwhile, Frank and Blake were surprised to see each other on the bridge at the park and quickly (finally!) realized they've been chatting online and are a dating match. They walked hand in hand through the park and saw Liv and Nat, who revealed that they're naming the baby Francesca after Frank. Buzz took the Cooper clan to spy on Frank on his date and they were all stunned to see him with Blake. Phil and Beth arrived and were surprised to learn that Mindy is moving back to Springfield. Jon showed up with Sarah; Lizzie told Bill she wants to have babies with him. Marina told Shayne she signed him up for an assistant baseball coach position. Remy and Christina happily informed Mel and Cyrus that they're having a baby.

Everyone was happy and gathered for Shayne's baseball game. Jon showed up with Sarah, and Billy offered him a job; he accepted. Bill and Lizzie arrived. She's pregnant! Remy and Christina came by with their new baby in tow. Blake, holding baby Francesca, kissed Frank. Nat and Olivia went to the bus station to pick up Rafe. Meanwhile, in Europe, Dinah and Mallet watched a wedding. He picked her up and carried her out of the church. James went to visit Ashlee and Daisy. Phil, Beth, Danny and Michelle gave a champagne toast to Rick and Mindy, who were gearing up for their own wedding day.

Josh showed at the light house. Reva and little Colin arrived. Reva told Josh that he was right and she needed time to find herself again, which she did. Josh said he found himself, too, and he still wants to be with the woman he's loved his entire life. "I want you, Reva." Reva declared her love and said she's in. They kissed. Josh said they're going on an adventure together and leave Springfield. They grabbed Reva's things and hopped in HB's truck together. "You ready?" Josh asked. "Always," Reva smiled and they drove away.