Y&R Report (October 18, 2025): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans,

I am looking forward to the wedding of Danny and Cricket.  It should be fun.  Phyllis has already caused big trouble at Cricket's bachelorette party, in an episode I greatly enjoyed.  I am sure that the redhead will stir up some more trouble for her longtime enemy, whom she refers to as "The Bug."  Few weddings go smoothly on Y&R.  Although Cricket has asked Daniel to prevent his mother from disrupting the festivities, I don't think Daniel will succeed in holding back Phyllis.  He's too involved with Tessa to give it enough attention.  Besides, what fun would there be for viewers if Phyllis did not cause a disruption at the nuptials.

By the way, Michael Damian, who portrays Danny Romalotti, will perform a new song on ta Y&R episode on Monday, October 20th (CBS) and Friday, October 17th (Global TV).  I have already seen the episode on Global.  The song is called "Let Me Into Your Heart," from Michael's upcoming album.  He is very excited about it.  He stated "It's a song about love and hope, and connection, and performing it on The Young and The Restless with the cast makes it even more meaningful"  Longtime Y&R viewers have fond memories of the Romalotti concerts of the past on Y&R.

Kyle always seems to make foolish choices.  He's followed Claire to L.A. and it was a complete disaster.  He brought her flowers, but she was not exactly happy to see him.  She did not welcome him with open arms.  He and Claire are toast as a couple.  Kyle has made all the wrong choices at the wrong times.  Instead of giving Claire some space, he proposed to her, then he invited her to go to Paris with him.  Jack and Diane have given him advice, but he refuses to listen.  He is really jealous of Holden and possessive of Claire.  His attitude is not going to help him repair his relationship with Claire.  Kyle has always been entitled.  He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and he expects to get everything he wants.  He just can't accept loosing Claire.

So, we've caught our first glimpse of L.A. nightclub owner Sienna Bacall, played by soap veteran Tamara Braun.  From what I've seen of Tamara, I think she will be a fascinating character.  She is brash and outspoken.  She is also provides a link to Holden's past with Audra.  Holden appears worried about what Tamara may reveal about him.  Claire is certainly curious about the connection.  Holden's dark secrets with Audra and Sienna will be uncovered.

Billy Boy Abbott is a problem.  He can't seem to get over his demons, not even for Sally Spectra's sake.  Sally was open to him about Jill's agreement to fund Abbott Communications.  She doesn't want any secrets between them.  Billy, however, appears to be more reasonable lately, but will it last?

Oh my!  It seems that Noah Newman has been in a terrible car accident.  He is all bandaged up.  Expect him to survive and recover in no time, though.  As I mentioned in a previous edition of Y&R Report, Lucas Adams has taken over the role of Noah from Rory Gibson, who is now on General Hospital.  So, Noah  won't be killed off just when a new actor has begun portraying the character.  

We know that Noah's car crash wasn't intentional.  He was run off the road, so he is definitely in some kind of danger, according to the detective who showed up at the hospital.  Matt Cohen, from General Hospital, has taken on the role of Detective Burrows.  Nick Newman is right about Noah.  Something is obviously amiss.  Sienna and Burrows definitely know more than they're letting on.  For example, why did Sienna phone Noah?  We will find out as this L.A. mystery continues.  And what about Noah's girlfriend, Allie?  What happened to her?  Have they broken up?  Allie may be out of the picture because it doesn't look as if she'll be needed for the storyline.

Romance is blooming again for Nate and Victoria.  Audra is really jealous.  She is not just going to stand idly by.  She's unpredictable sometimes.  Audra could go to L.A. to cause trouble for Claire and to find out what's going on with her ex-boyfriend Noah. 

The 52nd Daytime Emmy Awards took place last night.at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium  The show was not televised on any network.  It was streamed on watchtheemmystv and The Emmys app.  Michael Mealor (Kyle Abbott) and Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) represented Y&R on stage.

General Hospital did really well at the Daytime Emmys.  It won the award for Outstanding Daytime Drama.  Four Y&R cast members - Sharon Case (Sharon Newman), Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott), Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) and Michelle Stafford - were nominated for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Series (Actress).  They lost out to Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) on General Hospital.

There was one bright spot in a rather dismal night for Y&R.  Susan Walters (Diane Jenkins Abbott) won in the category of Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series.

Susan Walters (Diane)

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Now that Tamara Braun has made her debut on Y&R as L.A. nightclub owner Sienna Bacall, I'd like to know your impression of her.  Do you like her so far, fans?  Do you think she will be an asset to the show?  Respond to the pol below and let me know.

Do you like the performance of Tamara Braun as Sienna Bacall so far?

Yes, I think her acting is good and her character will be very lively.

No, I am not impressed with her.

I need to see more of her before I decide.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca 

That's all for now.  Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, November 1, 2024.

Take care,

Joanne

Y&R Report (October 4, 2025): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans,

Now that Audra has broken up with Nate, who is next for her?  I really think she is finished with Kyle.  There is too much bad blood between them.  As for Holden, he seems more focused on Claire at the moment, not Audra.  It would be interesting if Audra teams up with Cane.  Everyone in Genoa City, except Sally, wants her to leave town.  However, Audra is a survivor and he will fight tooth and nail.  She and Cane would make a fascinating combination.  They both have a chip on their shoulder.  They both are power hungry.  They both have something to prove.  

Will the writers finally reveal what Audra and Holden did in L.A?  Now that a major storyline is going to take place in L.A,, it's about time that their past is revealed.

Claire is correct that she is not ready to settle down.  She was controlled by her dastardly Aunt Jordan for most of her life.  Now she is part of the Newman family and under Victor's control.  Former boyfriend Kyle also wants to control her.  It's time she experience life on her own terms for a while.  That doesn't mean I trust Holden.  I think he's a scoundrel.  He lied when he told Kyle and Claire that he wasn't working for Cane, when Cane was known as Aristotle Dumas.  He was involved in something nefarious with Audra in L.A.  We still don't know how bad that was.  So, yes, I think he's a scoundrel, but Claire needs to discover that on her own.  

As for Kyle, he's acting like a big baby.  He's the poster boy for the entitled rich kid.  In the past, he's broken Summer's heart and Lola's heart, but he can't accept having his own heart being broken.  Claire is not intentionally trying to hurt him, though.  It's not about Kyle.  It's about what Claire needs in her life.  Kyle should just give her some space, but he won't.  He's already planning to go to L.A. to win her back.  Big mistake!

At the same time, Claire isn't so innocent.  She wasn't entirely upfront and honest with Kyle.  She should have told him that her travelling companion would be Holden.  Claire and Kyle hadn't broken up yet when Claire decided to accept Holden's invitation to show her around Los Angeles.  Yes, Kyle was not open with her about Audra or his dealings with Victor, but Claire was not honest with him either.  Claire is somewhat smitten with Holden, and that's is also part of the reason she broke up with Kyle.

Some Y&R characters are in the doldrums.  They don't have much of a storyline and they seem to be on the outside looking in.  Devon has been in the background since he married Abby.  Adam and Chelsea's storyline needs to be spiced up.

This is a time of change for The Young and the Restless.  In addition to three new characters and the return of Noah Newman, the show is undergoing another shakeup.  Veteran director Sally McDonald has been named Y&R's  new co-executive director.  I think this bodes well for the show.  Sally has a long history with Y&R and with CBS.  She will be working alongside head writer/executive producer Josh Griffith.  Her experience should be invaluable.  By the way, here's some trivia.  Sally McDonald directed the episode in which Cassie died.

Sally McDonald

CAST NEWS

Tamara Braun will begin her new Y&R Role on October 14 on CBS

Tamara Braim (Sienna Bacall)

Tamara Braun will begin her new role as Sienna Bacall on October 14th on CBS and October 13th on Global TV.  Her character is expected to manage a Hollywood nightclub, which will be part of a major storyline.  I assume it will be the nightclub Noah owns in L.A.

Jill is back in town

Jess Walton (Jill)

Jest Walton (Jill Foster Abbott) has only made sporadic appearances on Y&R over the last few years, mostly via video or computer screen.  However, Jill has finally returned to Genoa City to settle things with Billy and Cane.  It should be very interesting. It seems to me , though, that Jill has a soft spot for Cane.  What really bother Billy is that she seems to favour Cane.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Billy assures Sally that he has given up his obsession with gaining control of Chancellor Industries.  He swears up and down that he has seen the light and the error of his ways.  He has convinced Sally that he is sincere,  But will he really be able to put Sally first or will he give in to his demons?  What do you think, fans?  Should Sally trust Billy? Will he disappoint her again?  Sally gave up a food job in the fashion industry for Billy's sake.  Should she give him another chance?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you think Sally is wise to give Billy another chance?

Yes. This time he's finally seen the light. He truly appreciates Sally.

No. Absolutely not. Billy always finds a way to mess up. He's not trustworthy.

Yes, but she should proceed with caution. Any sign that isn't keeping his word, she should go.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca 

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next issue of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

Take care,

Joanne

Heartland returns for Season 19 - Here's what fans should know

Heartland fans, rejoice!  The longstanding CBC drama will return for its 19th season on Sunday, October 5, 2025.  The new season will consist of 10 hour-long episodes.  Here is what to expect as we follow the adventures of our favourite ranch family as it faces heartbreak, joy and challenges, against the backdrop of the magnificent foothills of the Rockies.

For the most part, the main cast remains intact.  Amber Marshall (Amy Fleming), Michelle Morgan (Lou Fleming), Shaun Johnston (Jack Bartlett) will all be returning, as well as twins Ruby and Emmanuella (Lyndy Borden), Spencer Lord (Nathan Pryce), Baye McPherson (Katie Fleming-Morris), Gabriel Hogan (Peter Morris ) and Jessica Steen (Lisa Stillman).  Rounding out the returning cast will be Kerry James (Caleb Odell), Aidan Moreno (Rick Adderly), Krista Bridges as Nathan's sister Gracie and  Cindy Busby (Ashley).  As an added bonus, Alicia Newton will appear as Georgie in the final episode of the season.

Saylor McPherson, the real-life sister of Baye McPherson (Katie), was seen on the set of Heartland.  It is thought that Saylor will portray Katie's new friend, River.

The big question mark so far is Chris Potter, who plays Tim Fleming.  Chris has not been confirmed for Season 19, apparently due to health issues.

Below are some happening in Season 19.

Stop here if you prefer not to read the spoilers.

* In Episode 1, entitled "Risk Everything," a raging wildfire threatens the ranch, and the Bartlett-Fleming family is forced to evacuate.  Amy risks everything to save a pregnant mare that is trapped in the fire.

* In Episode 2, entitled "Two Can Keep a Secret," Amy must deal with the consequences when Lyndy's first 4-H show goes wrong.  Katie does something unexpected.

In Season 19, Amy is forced to defend her reputation as a horse trainer.  She must fight to protect her good name.

Amber Marshall as Amy

* Jack will be dealing with a troublesome new ranch hand.  His patience will be tested.

* Lou tries to focus on her family, but when the ranch is threatened, she must make some difficult choices.

For almost two decades, Heartland has been a Sunday night comfort zone for Canadians.  With all that's going on in the world right now, we need escape to that ranch in Alberta.  Heartland is soothing.

NOTE TO AMERICAN VIEWERS

Season 17 of Heartland began officially streaming on Netflix in the United States on September 15, 2025.

SOURCES: TV Show Pilot (tvshowpilot.com), Heartland Season 19: "Everything We Know So Far," Kristiana Juste, September 22, 2025; Wikipedia

- Joanne

Y&R Report (September 20, 2025) The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans,

I hope you had a good summer.  I'm back and roaring to go.  There's a lot to discus about what has happened on Y&R.  First and foremost, I want to comment on Aristotle Dumas turning out to be Caine Ashby.  I like Billy Flynn, but he will never convince me that he is Cane or that Cane could have changed that much.  Being Australian was so much a part of Cane,  and Billy F. does not have an Aussie accent.  Also, Cane was never a con man like his father, Colin.  His personality could not have changed that much.  

There was speculation that Daniel Goddard, the original Cane Ashby, was planning to return to Y&R.  However, he joined the cast of General Hospital instead.  He now portrays Professor Henry Dalton on GH.  When Goddard became unavailable, they should have dropped the idea of Caine's return.  Billy Flynn could have played an entirely new role and he still could have fallen for Lily.

Hey Josh Griffith and fellow Y&R writers, it's time to clarify what's going on with Mariah!  This has been dragging on far too long.  Mariah admitted to Tessa that she tried to kill a man, which we viewed in flashbacks.  Her actions are somehow linked to her past in Ian Ward's cult.  Now we may finally get some answers because Daniel and Tessa are going to investigate what happened to Mariah while she is away, getting mental health treatment at a clinic in Boston.  The whole storyline is confusing and poorly written.  It's convoluted.  We still don't know what happened to the dastardly Ian Ward.  Ward opened his eyes in an ambulance, even though he was thought to be dead.  so he must be alive somewhere. Why is it taking so long to find out?  I suspect that Daniel and Tessa will encounter Ward during the course of their investigation.

Michael Baldwin just can't end his devotion to Victor, despite the callous way Victor has treated him.  I really don't think Michael would be foolish enough to risk his marriage to Lauren for Victor's sake.  Yet, he intends to hide his involvement with Victor and Cane from his wife.  However, Michael won't be able to fool Lauren for long.  She is already extremely suspicious and she will stand stand firm against any alliance with Victor.

Sadly, Michael is eager to get back into The Big Man's good graces.  It's pathetic to see such a savvy lawyer grovel at Victor's feet.  This is happening only for a storyline.  Michael's much too smart to be Victor's sycophant, but there has to be conflict.  Michael and Lauren will be celebrating their 20th anniversary.  I hope they stay together.

Right now, it seems that Cane and Victor may join forces against Jack and Jabot.  Billy Boy has gone through a crisis, but it appears that he is going to support Jack. and Kyle and Diane.  As usual, it will be the Abbotts versus the Newmans.  By the way, I think Jason Thompson has done a fine acting job portraying the troubled Billy Abbott lately.  

It should be noted that Y&R is adding a flurry of new cast members this fall. I have described them in the "Cast News." section below.

CAST NEWS

Tamara Braun to play new character on Y&R

Soap star Tamara Braun, 54, is joining the cast of The Young and the Restless  Her Y&R debut will occur this fall.  She will portray a character named Sienna Bacall, who is described as woman having "personal connections to several characters" in Genoa City."   There has been online speculation that she could be Sharon's romantic rival for the affections of Nick Newman.  There's also speculation that she is the daughter of the woman from whom Cane's late father, Colin, swindled a fortune.  She may be seeking revenge on Cane.

Born in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, Tamara is a two-time Daytime Emmy winner for her roles on General Hospital and Days of our Lives .  She portrayed Cathy Corinthos on GH from 2001 to 2005.  She returned to GH from 2017 to 2019 in the role of Dr. Kim Nero.  She portrayed Ava Vitali on DOOL on and off between 2008 and 2025.  From 2008 to 2009, she played Reese Williams on All My Children.

In 2009, Tamara won an Emmy for Outstanding Support Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Ava Vitali on Days of our Lives.  In 2020, she won in the same category for her role as Dr. Kim Nero on General Hospital. 

Matt Cohen to play detective on Y&R

Matt Cohen, known for his portrayal of Griffin Munro on General Hospital, is heading for The Young and the Restless.  Deadline has confirmed that Cohen will play a detective investigating a major case.  With the recent death of Chance, Y&R could sure use a detective.

Cohen appeared on General Hospital from 2014 to 2022.  He also portrayed a young John Winchester on Supernational.  He will make his Y&R debut on October 16th on CBS and October 15th on Global.

Roger Howarth to play mysterious new role on Y&R

After appearing on General Hospital from 2012 to to 2023, Roger Howarth, 56, will be returning to CBS for a mysterious new role on Y&R.  The details surrounding Howarth's new character have not yet been publicly revealed.  

Howarth left GH, when he was written off the ABC show.  His character, Dr. Austin Gatlin-Holt, was fatally shot.  Previous to his role on GH, Howarth played Todd Manning on One Life to Live and Paul Ryan on  As the World Turns.

Noah Newman is returning for a big L.A. storyline

Lucas Adams

Noah Newman is returning to the screen later this fall.  However, Rory Gibson will not be playing Noah this time around.  Gibson is currently portraying Michael Corinthos on General Hospital.  Lucas Adams has been cast in the role of Nick and Sharon's son.  Adams, who has portrayed Dr. Tripp Dalton on Days of Our Lives, will be reunited on Y&R with Tamara Braun, who played Ava Vitali, his on-screen mother on Days.  Adams joined the cast of Days in 2017, appearing on and off on the soap until 2024.  He earned two Daytime Emmy nominations in the category of Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series.

How will the return of Noah affect Y&R's storyline?  It is uncertain as to whether Noah's girlfriend, Allie Nguyen will return with him. Remember that Allie is the granddaughter of Jack Abbott.  Her return will probably depend on the storyline.  The writers could just decide to have them break up to free Noah for involvement with other women.  Since Noah has a past with Audra, it is possible that Audra could go after him again.  At one time, Noah had feelings for Tessa Porter, so maybe Daniel Romalotti will have some competition for Tessa's heart.

Here's what we do know.  Head writer Griffith spoke to TV Insider about autumn's storylines.  He revealed that Nick and Sharon are going to be involved in a major L.A. noir storyline. as they try to save their son, Noah, from a dangerous situation. We also know that Noah is opening a club in Los Angeles and that his parents are planning to visit him there.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Haley Erin (Claire)

Michael Mealor (Kyle)

It looks as if Kyle Abbott and Claire Newman are definitely finished as a couple, at least for the time being.  As a matter of fact, there is speculation that Claire will be torn between Holden and Detective Burrow, played by Matt Cohen.  I am certain that she will accept Holden's invitation to go to Los Angeles.  We will finally learn what dirty deed Audra and Holden were up to in LA.  

Are you pleased that Claire seems to be moving on?  What do you think of Kyle's behaviour?  Do you like Claire and Kyle as a couple and would you prefer them to stay together?  What do you think, fans.  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you think Claire should break up with Kyle?

Yes. Kyle is not to be trusted. He'll just continue to disappoint her.

No. They make a good couple. Kyle really cares about her.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca 

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the nest edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, October 4, 2015.

Take care,

Joanne

Mark Harmon and Pam Dawber are grandparents

Mark Harmon and Pam Dawber

“Separate from anything as an actor, you hopefully take pride in who people are individually away from any camera just as people, as citizens.  And both our boys have done well and hopefully made smart choices and are doing well daily… we have a lot of reasons to be proud of both of them."

- Mark Harmon, People magazine, November 17, 2023

Mark Harmon celebrated his 74th birthday on September 2, 2025.  Mark and his wife, Pam Dawber, had something extra to celebrate this year.  The couple, married since 1987, became first-time grandparents this spring.  On July 4, 2025, their daughter-in-law, Courtney Prather, revealed on Instagram that she and her husband, Sean Thomas Harmon, had welcomed a son, Cooper Knox Harmon, born on May 22, 2025.  (Mark's mother, was actress, model and fashion designer Elyse Knox (1917-2012) and his father, Tom Harmon (1919-1990) was a college football star, Heisman Trophy winner and sportscaster).

In her post, Courtney reflected on the first month with her newborn.  Her caption read "1 month with you, Cooper Knox Harmon 5-22-25."

Sean Harmon, born April 25, 1988 in Burbank, California.  He is an actor, producer and stunt coordinator.  Sean is the elder of Mark and Pam's two sons.  He played the younger version of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, his father character,  on NCIS.  He is also known for Major Crimes (2012) and NCIS: Los Angeles (2009).

Sean Harmon and Courtney Prather

Sean married longtime girlfriend Courtney Prather, in November of 2022,  The official wedding ceremony took place on Nosara Beach in Costa Rica.  The lavish nuptials lasted for three days, from November 9-13, 2022.  The bride and groom gathered with family at the tropical wedding venue. The celebration included yoga, surfing and family time.  There was also a romantic side trip to Maldives.

According to an account of the ceremony on Married Celeb, "Mark walked Prather down the aisle in this intimate tropical wedding and blessed her alongside his son.  After the wedding, "all the guests can be seen dancing and enjoying."  On the last day, "Sean and Courtney cut the wedding cake together."

Courtney Prather is a health and wellness advocate.  She  is also a a psychologist and consultant, with a PhD in Clinical Health Psychology from the University of North Texas.  There are conflicting reports as to when she met Sean Harmon/  Some sources, including their wedding website, say the couple met at an art gallery in Santa Monica, California in December of 2016.  However, they were reportedly seen together as early as October 2012 at Mark Harmon's Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony.  

Sean proposed to Courtney in July of 2021, while they were visiting the E bar L Ranch in Montana, a retreat owned by Sean's father.  At the end of a day full of horseback riding and cycling, Sean presented Courtney with a ring and a bottle of wine.  Engagement photos were taken in a field surrounded by horses.

Mark and Pam's other son is Ty Christian Harmon. Ty, a screen writer, was born on June 25, 1992.  Below is an earlier photo of Mark and Pam and their two sons.  Ty is on the far left.

When Sean and Ty were growing up, Mark and Pam tried to keep their family life with their kids private.  The boys were their top priority and the reason why Mark took on such a long role on NCIS.  In 2023, he told People magazine  that "the decision to do NCIS was "because I was trying to stay home more with a young family.  "It was important to be able to make pancakes on Saturday morning," he said.

SOURCES:  Zola (www.zola.com), Courtney and Sean's Wedding Website; People; "Mark Harmon's 2 Children: All About Sean and Ty," by Emy La Croix, November 17, 2023; Married Celeb {marriedceleb.com), Sean Harmon biography, by Bimal, July 19, 2023; Married Celeb {marriedceleb.com), "Mark Harmon's son Sean Harmon Tied the Knot," by Prajwol, Jul 20, 2023, Wikipedia

- Joanne

Emily in Paris returns for Season Five: - Here's what to expect

On September 16, 2024, Netflix announced that Emily in Paris, starring Lily Collins will return for a fifth season.  There will be another chapter in the saga of an American from Chicago trying to adjust to  the French language and culture.  

Here's what to expect in Season 5:

* Season 5 of Emily in Paris will premiere on December 18th, 2025.  There will be 10 episodes.  The fourth season brought the show's characters to Rome.  Meanwhile, the teaser for the fifth season shows Emily saying 'ciao" to Venice.

* Season 5 will find the fashionable marketing executive, Emily Cooper, stepping into a new role as head of her company's satellite office in Rome.  On August 20, 2025, Netflix released several photos of Collins as Emily in Italy.  In one photo, Emily sits on a boat while looking out at the water.  She wears a stylish white-and-black polka-dot two piece outfit and large white sunglasses.  In another image, she holds the reins of a horse beside her new Italian love interest, Marcello, as he dons a helmet and stands next to his own horse.

*According to OK Magazine, all the characters, except Camile Razat, who played Camille, will be returning.  The cast of characters for Season 5 includes Emily Cooper (Lily Collins), Marcello (Eugenio Franceschini), Mindy (Ashley Park), Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), Julien (Samuel Arnold), Luc (Bruno Gouery), Sylvie Grateau (Philippine Leyoy-Beaulieu, Antoine (Wiliam Abadie), Alfie (Lucien Laviscount), Genevieve (Talia Besson), Nico (Paul Forman), Laurent Grateau (Arnaud Binard), Princess Jane (Minnie Driver), Jake (Bryan Greenberg) and Yvette (Michèle Laroque).

 *  Although the new season begins in Italy, don't expect Emily to remain there for the foreseeable future.  In a 2024 interview with Deadline, Darren Star, the show's creator, stated that "Emily didn't change her Instagram handle to Emily in Rome."

"She is working in Rome sometimes," stressed Star.  Sylvie's company (Agence Grateau), has an office in Rome.  I  don't necessarily think that it means a permanent - in my mind, it's definitely not a permanent - move to Rome.  We're not leaving Paris."

In 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron shared with Variety that he wasn't pleased about the prospect of the show switching locations from Paris to the Eternal City.  A permanent switch now seems highly unlikely.  Of the filming in Rome, Darren Star told TVLine that "I feel like it just expands the universe of the show.  Just at the point that Emily has gotten comfortable in Paris, she's sort of thrown into another country where she's going to experience some cultural differences.  And also, I think there's cultural differences to explore - and we do - between French and Italians.  It's a whole new world, but it doesn't mean that we're leaving Paris."

"This season is a tale of two cities, Rome and Paris," Star told Tudum recently.  "Straddling both, Emily takes love and life to the next level."

* The official synopsis for Season 5 of Emily in Paris reads as follows: 

Now the head of Agence Grateau in Rome, Emily faces professional and romantic challenges as she adapts to life in a new city.  Just as everything falls into place, a work idea backfires, and the fallout cascades into heartbreak and career setback.  Seeking stability, Emily leans into her French lifestyle, until a big secret threatens one of her closest relationships.  Tackling conflict with honesty, Emily emerges with deeper connections, renewed clarity, and a readiness to embrace new possibilities.

- Joanne

Was Stephen Colbert's show cancelled because of Trump?

On Thursday, July 17, 2025, CBS announced that The Late Show with host Stephen Colbert would end its run in May of 2026.  The Late Show has been a staple of late night television since 1993.  Colbert has hosted the show since 2015.  

Colbert will not be replaced.  His show will be completely departing the network.  CBS stated that the cancellation was "purely a financial decision" not related to Colbert's performance or to the presentation of the show.

Since Colbert is one of Donald Trump's fiercest critics, many believe that the cancellation of his show was politically motivated.  In fact, just three days before the cancellation, Colbert denounced CBS for paying $16 million to Trump to settle a law suit over edits to a 60 Minutes interview with Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.  He called the settlement "a big fat bribe."

Democrats and progressives have been quick to condemn CBS's decision.  Adam Schiff (D-California), who had just completed a taping with Colbert, declared that America  "deserves better."  He wrote the following on the site formerly known as Twitter:  "If Paramount and CBS ended the late show for political reasons, the public deserves to know."  Senator Bernie Sanders alleged that Colbert's dismissal was not a coincidence.  He said, "CBS's billionaire owners pay Trump $16 million to settle a bogus lawsuit while trying to sell the network to Skydance.  Stephen Colbert, an extraordinary talent and the most popular late night host, slams the deal.  Days later, he's fired.  Do I think this is a coincidence?  NO."

Paramount is in the midst of a proposed merger with Skydance.  The merger requires approval from Donald Trump, a longtime target of Stephen Colbert.  Colbert is a thorn in Trump's side.  How better to please Trump than to get rid of Colbert.

However, former MSNBC host Keith Olberrann, has disputed claims that the dismissal of Colbert's show was politically motivated.  "If that were the case," he wrote, "they wouldn't be keeping him on until next May."

Not surprisingly, Donald Trump was absolutely delighted by the cancellation of The Late Show.  In a social media post, he expressed his belief that Colbert had indeed been fired.  He also anticipated that Jimmy Kimmel would be next to get the axe.  "His talent was even less than his ratings," he said of Colbert.  "I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next," Trump wrote gleefully.

It's hard to believe that the cancellation of Colbert's show had nothing to do with the comedian's criticism of Donald Trump.  One thing is for certain, the demise of The Late Show signals the further decline of late night talk television.  Viewer habits have changed.  Gone are the days when Johnny Carson, Jay Leno and David Letterman ruled TV's after hours.  

- Joanne