The TV Watercooler

Anson Mount breaks down the creative process behind Season 4 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, why leadership is a "serviceposition," the wild challenge of working with Jim Henson Creature Shop puppets, and what it was like filming one of his most challenging episodes yet alongside Days of our Lives star Deidre Hall!

Plus, he reflects on the multigenerational impact of StarTrek as the franchise celebrates its 60th anniversary.

Deidre Hall drops by The TV Watercooler to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: her 50th anniversary playing theiconic Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of our Lives.

In this heartfelt and nostalgic conversation, Deidre reflects on what it means to be a comforting presence in the homes ofmillions for half a century. We discuss her enduring love for the DAYS cast and crew, and how the cast is moving forward while navigating the profound loss of her legendary scene partner, Drake Hogestyn.

Deidre also shares behind-the-scenes memories ofher most wild storylines—including the physical demands of Marlena's demonic possession and the secrecy surrounding the Salem Stalker. Plus, find out what happened when fans picketed NBC over her character's "death," her pitch for Ryan Gosling’s highly anticipated visit to the set, and what it is like stepping out of Salem for guest spots on Hacks and Star Trek.

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Stacy Haiduk joins The TV Watercooler podcast to dish on her highly anticipated return to The Young and the Restless as the unpredictable Patty Williams! After nearly a decade away from Genoa City, Stacy opens up about switching gears from Days of our Lives’ fierce Kristen DiMera to the fragile headspace of Patty.

She shares candid insights into the heavy emotional toll and loneliness of playing two of daytime’s most isolated antagonists, what it’s like navigating the canvas without her longtime on-screen brother Doug Davidson (Paul), and whether Patty has her hands dirty in Diane Jenkins’ (Susan Walters) mysterious disappearance.

Plus, Stacy sets the record straight on the unbelievable true story behind Patty’s infamous taxidermied companion, “Mr. Kitty,” and how the prop ended up at the Daytime Emmys and America’s Next Top Model!

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The stars of The Young and the Restless are coming back toToronto!   This week, I sit down with Kate Linder (Esther Valentine) and Bryton James (Devon Winters) to preview theupcoming Kate Linder & Friends Tea in the Garden on May 31.

The actors share why they love meeting Canadian fans, whatto expect from the live auction to benefit Million Dollar Smiles, and behind-the-scenes stories from the set.  

Highlights include:

• Fan Power: Why Kate encourages fans to use the CBSfeedback lines to influence storylines.• Set Secrets: Details on the exclusive tour of the closed Y&R set beingauctioned off.   • Cast Connections: Kate reflects on Lauren Koslow’s return to the show and wishes Jess Walton a speedy recovery.   • Pitching Plots: Bryton and Kate discuss the possibility of Esther moving back into the Chancellor mansion as a live-in nanny for Dominic.  

Don't miss the cast in person at the Paradise Banquet Hallin Concord! For tickets, visit MillionDollarSmiles.ca.

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The Kelowna house gets even more crowded as we sit down with the rest of the Canada Shore family: Emmet, Emmy, Isaiah, Keyaira, and Ryleigh. This episode explores the "late arrival" drama that left Keyaira wondering if the house would ever accept her, alongside the group’s hilariously brutal first impressions of one another. We also get the scoop on househygiene, from the "Type B" girls’ room chaos to the mystery of which roommate earned the title of "Golden Retriever" for their grooming habits.

The energy peaks as the crew discusses the arrival of theirboss, Snooki, and the legendary 3 a.m. kitchen rituals that kept the house running. You’ll also be introduced to "Chad," Emmet’s infamous drunk alter-ego who officially becomes the "defibrillator" of the party when things get quiet. From shattering the polite Canadian myth to debating the best city for Season 2, this final half of our interview proves that the NorthShore is just getting started.

Canada Shore is streaming on Paramount+.

The "Shore" franchise has officially landed in the Great White North, and the first five roommates are here to prove that Canadians can party just as hard as the crew from SeasideHeights. In this episode, I’m joined by Christopher, Lila, Gizelle, Bauer, and Ethan to recap the wildest moments from their summer in Kelowna, B.C. We dive into the "mansplaining" drama that nearly ignited a house war on day one, the bizarre culinary habits, and the real story behind the house's most savageinsult: the "stiff panty."

Beyond the house chaos, the cast shares what it was really like to meet their new boss, Jersey Shore legend Snooki, and which roommate was so starstruck they actually ended up in tears. From 3 a.m. grilled cheese rituals to shattering the "polite Canadian" stereotype for a global audience, this conversation is the ultimate insider’s guide to the debut season of Canada Shore.

Canada Shore is streaming on Paramount+.

In the gritty, high-stakes landscape of West Texas, Taylor Sheridan’s Landman has quickly become the crown jewel of the streaming world. While the series is anchored by the rugged charm of Billy Bob Thornton, it is the women of the oil patches who are truly fueling the show’s emotional engine.

The TV Watercooler brings you two exclusive conversations with the stars who are navigating the dust, drama, and sudden superstardom of the Paramount+ hit.

First, we head to the red carpet of the Paramount+ and Pluto TV Holiday Event in Toronto, where we caught up with Michelle Randolph. As Ainsley, the headstrong daughter of Tommy (Thornton) and Angela (Ali Larter), Randolph has mastered the balance of youthful rebellion and genuine heart. She opens up about how her real-life bond with Ali Larter mirrors their magnetic on-screen chemistry and what it’s like to find the "soft spots" in a character surrounded by such a harsh environment. Plus, she gives us a tiny glimpse into her next major chapter: a role in the highly anticipated Scream 7.

Then, we transition from the red carpet to the courtroom (and the occasional drunken plane ride) with Kayla Wallace. Playing Rebecca, the sharp-witted attorney in a male-dominated industry, Wallace has become a fan favourite for her calculated brilliance. However, as Season 2 unfolds, we’re seeing a new side of Rebecca—one that trades boardroom decorum for pirate costumes and spontaneous romance.

Wallace joins us to discuss the "surrender" of playing comedy, the terrifying reality of filming with live rattlesnakes, and her "Canadian alliance" with co-star Colm Feore.

One year, two identities, and a whole lot of drama. Nathan Owens has officially survived his first year on The Young and the Restless.

After getting his start on Days of our Lives, Nathan has returned to the daytime world with a deeper perspective and a character, Holden, who is shrouded in secrets. The TV Watercooler caught up with Nathan to talk about building chemistry on set, the "training ground" of soaps, and what’s really going on between Holden and Audra.

It was a delight to sit down with two pillars of daytime television, Peter Bergman and Melody Thomas Scott, who have portrayed the complex, often-married, and perpetually intertwined Jack Abbott and Nikki Newman on The Young and the Restless for decades. Our interview took place last month in Toronto, while the beloved actors were in town for a special fan event. With the festive season upon us, our conversation first turned to what the holidays mean for the famously dramatic families of Genoa City. While the Abbotts and Newmans are perpetually locked in corporate and social rivalry—a tension currently dominating their storylines—it’s the personal, complex ties between the characters, particularly Jack and Nikki, that always draw them together this time of year, whether for moments of shared reflection or unexpected camaraderie.

Beyond the holiday drama, the actors offered a fascinating, candid glimpse into their shared history on the show, including the little-known fact that Melody Thomas Scott was instrumental in suggesting Peter Bergman for the role of Jack. They discussed the unique challenges of maintaining creative consistency over four decades, reflecting on the rewarding evolution of their characters and the most memorable changes to the show’s iconic sets. From this remarkable collaboration that launched an iconic pairing to insights into the show's enduring design, the stars provided an engaging look at the lasting legacy of Y&R.

Two of Genoa City's most prominent figures, Bryton James (Devon Winters) and Canadian actor Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott), recently took a break from the boardroom battles and dramatic love triangles of The Young and the Restless to visit Toronto.

The actors, whose characters are often at odds—whether over business deals at Chancellor-Winters or their mutual disdain for rival Cane Ashby (now played by Billy Flynn) – sat down with The TV Watercooler for a candid chat.

During the conversation, the stars delved into the fun of on-screen conflict, with Thompson noting that bringing back characters like Cane is a welcome disruption that creates "more drama, which is a good thing."

The interview also touched on major career milestones, including Thompson's decade-long run as Billy Abbott following a successful tenure as Dr. Patrick Drake on General Hospital, and James's incredible 22 years on Y&R. They offered teasers on upcoming storylines and shared insights into the collaborative and joyful atmosphere that keeps the classic soap opera running strong.