The TV Watercooler

Today, we're diving deep into the high-stakes world of Ink Master Season 17 by sitting down with the phenomenal Canadian talent who took the competition by storm: Luka Lajoie from Montreal and Kyra Torres from Vancouver.

Luka, a realism expert, opens up about his initial hesitation due to the show's reality TV elements and how watching his idol win ultimately convinced him to step outside his comfort zone to incorporate more illustrative styles.

Kyra, who has been watching the show since childhood, shares the surreal experience of stepping onto the competition floor and how quickly she had to tackle intense imposter syndrome after winning an early "Tattoo of the Day." We discuss their shared national camaraderie – which Kyra lovingly calls the "Canadian French Fry" connection – the invaluable mentorship they received from their veteran competitors, and the intense emotional and artistic growth that came from navigating the pressure cooker that is Ink Master.

The world of daytime drama is often a small one, and The Young and the Restless has just welcomed a familiar face to Genoa City: Lucas Adams has stepped into the role of Noah Newman. Adams is best known to soap fans for his run as Tripp Johnson on Days of our Lives, and his transition to Y&R has generated immediate buzz, especially concerning his on-screen relationships.

In this exclusive interview, Adams discusses the excitement of joining a prestigious cast, the welcoming atmosphere on set, and the unique challenges of taking on a legacy character who is the son and grandson of supercouples. Adams also expresses his admiration for soap icon Eric Braeden (Victor), calling his co-star "the show" and noting what a "class act" he is on set. Fans will also be thrilled to hear his comments on his upcoming real-life role as a new father, and the immediate guidance he has received from his seasoned co-stars.

Adams then dives into the storyline that has set the soap community ablaze: Noah’s current affair with Sienna, played by Adams’s former Days of our Lives castmate, Tamara Braun. The unusual twist? Braun played his mother, Ava Vitali, on DAYS. Adams shares the hilarious and slightly awkward moment he received the news from Braun herself, acknowledging the "mother and son" history that makes their current love-interest dynamic a definite shock for viewers.

Adding to the drama, Adams also teases how Noah's new romance makes him a direct target, as Sienna is the wife of the notorious Matt Clark (now played by Roger Howarth). He elaborates on how he and the "absolute pro" Braun navigated the transition by thoroughly discussing their characters' relationship, and how having a familiar "anchor" like her—along with his friend Billy Flynn – has helped him quickly submerge himself into the demanding pace and atmosphere of Y&R.

Hayley Erin has had another whirlwind year of playing Claire Newman on The Young and the Restless and the drama for her character shows no signs of slowing down. From her initial storyline as a vengeful stranger controlled by her aunt Jordan (Colleen Zenk), Claire has recently started to let loose in Genoa City – and Los Angeles – especially with her attraction to the new and mysterious Holden (Nathan Owens).

The TV Watercooler caught up with the actress in Toronto to discuss the latest twists, including Claire’s newfound comfort, the escalating tension with Audra (Zuleyka Silver), and what might happen when she discovers Kyle (Michael Mealor) has been digging into Holden’s past.

Erin opens up about navigating Claire’s complicated romances and the unique challenge of her family ties. She shares insight into why Claire feels she can justify her connection with shady characters, and we also dive into the beautiful, yet fragile, relationship Claire is forming with her mother, Victoria (Amelia Heinle), and how the lingering voice of Jordan continues to influence Claire’s inner monologue.

It's a landmark year for the residents of Salem as Days of our Lives marks its 60th anniversary on November 8th. Sixty years on the air is a testament to the soap opera's enduring legacy, a milestone made even sweeter by the show’s recent induction into the prestigious Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame.

The TV Watercooler sat down with two of the show's most beloved stars, Deidre Hall (Dr. Marlena Evans) and Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), to discuss this incredible achievement, the show’s unwavering fan base, and what keeps the drama alive. From the incredible honor of their Hall of Fame nod to the fierce loyalty of the multi-generational audience, it's clear the stars recognize the magnitude of the moment.

Hall and Martsolf reflected on the incredible journey of a show that has, against industry predictions, stood the test of time and recently found a new home on Peacock. Martsolf credits the show’s success to "a ridiculous amount of hard work, a wonderful crew, and a leader like Ken Corday," emphasizing that they are "not lucky," but have "worked for it." The conversation touches on the unique, familial bond the cast and crew share, and how that sense of community extends to the viewers, who tune in every day to see their "second family." As the show celebrates its past, the actors hint at exciting things to come, including the potential return of beloved characters to the canvas as the anniversary celebrations ramp up.

Days of our Lives reaching its 60th anniversary is a television landmark, and celebrating this momentous occasion are two actors who represent different eras and archetypes of Salem: James Reynolds (who plays the esteemed former Commissioner Abe Carver) and Paul Telfer (the charming, albeit dangerous, rogue Xander Kiriakis). Though their characters are often on opposite sides of the law – and rarely share screen time outside of an arrest! – The actors have clearly developed a genuine rapport off-screen.

In this exclusive interview, Reynolds, a beloved veteran who has played Abe for over four decades, and Telfer, a fan-favourite “baddie” who has become an anchor of the current cast, come together to reflect on the show’s enduring legacy, its recent groundbreaking shift to the Peacock streaming services (in the U.S.) and the unique connection they share with the multi-generational DAYS audience. The conversation quickly moves from the actors’ easygoing camaraderie to the true reason for the celebration: the show’s incredible staying power.

The duo discuss the show’s journey, from its “rockstar days” in the 1980s to the recent pioneering move to streaming, which Telfer calls a “rebirth” that allowed the show to “flourish again.” Both actors emphasize that DAYS – and the soap opera genre at large – is a vital, ongoing cultural institution. Reynolds beautifully summarizes the generational connection, noting that viewers “grow through life with these characters as if we are part of the family,” while Telfer highlights the honour of being part of a show that has been a consistent presence in people’s lives since childhood. Their reflections reveal not only a deep respect for the show’s history but also a palpable excitement for its future as it continues to prove its relevance in the modern television landscape.

Days of our Lives is celebrating its 60th anniversary and a major induction into the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame. The TV Watercooler spoke with cast members Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson) and AnnaLynne McCord (Cat Greene) about the significance of this dual milestone and their experience working on the iconic, fast-paced daytime drama. The fast-paced world of Salem certainly keeps these two stars on their toes!

The interview revealed the incredibly deep commitment required by the soap format, with McCord describing it as a "science experiment" where actors must fully commit to every moment, and Klein agreeing that their empathy expands as the characters' relationships deepen. This intensity is beautifully balanced by the genuine off-screen cast chemistry, with Klein feeling "lucky" to be the daughter of a “supercouple” and speaks volumes about the warm, magical connection she shares with her on-screen parents Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans (Patch and Kayle). Meanwhile, McCord confessed that her roles on both DAYS and 90210 are partially inspired by her own sister, and sweetly shared fond memories of recording soaps on VHS tapes for her grandmother!

It's clear that while the drama on screen is fierce, the love and camaraderie behind the scenes are what truly keep the days (of our lives) fun.

It's the reunion fans have clamoured for!

Michael Weatherly is back on the screen and back in Canada! Known to millions as the quick-witted, cinephile Special Agent Tony DiNozzo, Weatherly has reunited with co-star Cote de Pablo for the new series NCIS: Tony & Ziva, streaming on Paramount+.

While he has fond memories of filming Dark Angel in Vancouver, Weatherly’s latest visit brings him to Toronto, where he shares with The TV Watercooler, a hilarious story about being almost ejected from a hotel for an impromptu musical performance. Weatherly dives into the heart of the new show, discussing the "unreliable narrator" style, the hidden "Thom E. Gemcity" Easter eggs, and the dream come true of filming in Europe.

Later, Cote de Pablo discusses her highly anticipated return as Ziva David and shares that the project was a long time coming,waiting for the precise moment to launch a story that honours the characters' past while building their future.

De Pablo dives into the creative decision to focus on loveand family over police work, the "magical time" of shooting inHungary, and why the global reach of streaming makes this the perfect way to connect with the devoted “Tiva” audience.

NCIS: Tony & Ziva streams on Paramount+.

The TV Watercooler had the opportunity to catch up with Canadian actress Mishael Morgan about her recent return to The Young and the Restless as Amanda Sinclair in the latest episode of The TV Watercooler Podcast.

Listen as Mishael reveals:

• How Amanda’s fashionable entrance only took one take!
• Her excitement about being back on set and working with Bryton James, Christel Khalil, Sean Dominic, and Michelle Stafford – and even if she got nervous again for the first time in 10 years! Oh and confirms IF she’s shared scenes with new cast member Billy Flynn ;)
• How she appreciates that the writers consistently find ways to bring Amanda back, even though she doesn’t see herself as a traditional legacy character (don’t worry, we quickly correct her!)
• Her thoughts on a possible crossover with Beyond the Gates
• She also teases that the Aristotle Dumas story may include a “fun and beautiful” event!
  

For more Y&R news and spoilers, check out http://www.thetvwatercooler.com/.

In the latest episode of The TV Watercooler Podcast, I catch up with Canadian actress Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, who plays Steffy Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful.

Jacqueline MacInnes Wood opens up about Steffy’s trauma and triumphs, including: 

-  Steffy’s recent kidnapping ordeal and how there’s always potential for her to explore these past traumas and their impact on her future

- Steffy’s fierce personality and protectiveness – not just for her family, but also at Forrester Creations

- How Steffy’s rivalry with Hope was re-ignited following Hope’s kiss with Finn and if she’ll be furious when she finds out about Hope and Carter

- How thrilled Steffy is to have her mom Taylor (now played by Rebecca Budig) home and how devastated she’ll be when she finds out about her illness

- How Steffy’s embracing her namesake and is finally comfortable with who she is

- If she’d ever rule out playing Phoebe!

- How Steffy is finally at peace with Finn and feels safe with him 

The Bold and the Beautiful airs weekdays on CTV and CBS. Canadians can also stream B&B on CTV.ca, and the CTV app. 

The TV Watercooler Podcast is joined by Sharon Case, who is celebrating her 30th anniversary on The Young and the Restless!

Sharon provides insights into her experience on Y&R and her thoughts on the show’s past, present, and future – including:

Cassie’s Death: How the death of Cassie, almost 20 years ago, still has a profound and lasting impact that has led to numerous storylines, including the introduction of the Sharon, Nick, and Phyllis triangle. 

The Triangle: How the Sharon, Nick, and Phyllis triangle has

Cameron’s Return: Case expresses her enjoyment of working with Linden Ashby, who has returned as a figment of her character’s imagination.

A Shick Reunion: Case teases a potential reunion for Sharon and Nick following a big event that takes place on screen this week.

The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on Global and