LOS ANGELES — NBC has canceled the medical drama “Brilliant Minds” after two seasons, citing steep year-over-year viewership declines that made the Zachary Quinto-led series the network’s lowest-rated drama on linear television. The decision, announced Friday, marks one of the first cancellations ahead of the network’s 2026-27 upfront presentations and reflects broader challenges in broadcast scripted programming amid shifting audience habits.

“Brilliant Minds,” inspired by the life and work of neurologist Oliver Sacks, follows Dr. Oliver Wolf, an eccentric but brilliant neurologist with a unique perspective on treating complex psychological and neurological cases. The show earned strong critical praise, holding an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score, yet struggled to translate acclaim into consistent viewership.

Season 2 averaged just above 3 million viewers with seven days of linear viewing — the smallest total of any NBC drama this season. That figure represented double-digit declines from Season 1, which itself had modest numbers for a post-“The Voice” Monday night slot. In key advertiser demographics, particularly adults 18-49, the series frequently dipped below 0.2 ratings, with some episodes hitting historic lows around 0.10-0.12.

An early sign of trouble came in February 2026 when NBC pulled the series from its regular schedule to accommodate expanded two-hour episodes of “The Voice” following the Winter Olympics. At that point, only 14 of a planned 22 episodes had aired. The remaining six episodes will now burn off during summer starting May 27.

From Promising Start to Steep Decline

When “Brilliant Minds” premiered in September 2024, it showed early promise. The pilot drew solid initial numbers, benefiting from the powerhouse lead-in of “The Voice.” Season 1 averaged around 2.97 million viewers and a 0.23 rating in the 18-49 demo, ranking it among new dramas but still modest by traditional broadcast standards.

Expectations were higher for Season 2 with returning cast familiarity and critical momentum. Yet audiences failed to return in force. Live ratings eroded steadily through fall 2025 and into early 2026. Episodes in January and February frequently drew under 1.5 million same-day viewers, with total audience (including DVR) barely cracking 3 million in many cases.

Industry analysts point to multiple factors. Broadcast dramas face intense competition from streaming platforms, where shorter attention spans and on-demand viewing dominate. “Brilliant Minds” reportedly failed to crack Peacock’s top 10 charts consistently, limiting the streaming boost that often saves marginal network shows.

The series also competed internally against NBC’s stronger procedural franchises like “Chicago Med,” “Law & Order” and “The Hunting Party.” Monday nights, while anchored by “The Voice,” proved challenging for serialized medical storytelling that required viewer commitment week after week.

Critical Acclaim vs. Commercial Reality

Despite the ratings woes, “Brilliant Minds” stood out creatively. Reviewers praised Quinto’s nuanced performance as the neurodivergent Dr. Wolf, the show’s thoughtful exploration of mental health and neurological conditions, and strong supporting work from cast members including Tamberla Perry and Ashleigh LaThrop. Audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes hovered around 81%, indicating passionate fans who connected with its empathetic approach to patient stories.

Showrunners and producers aimed for a blend of medical procedural and character-driven drama, drawing from real neurological cases. Episodes tackled everything from phantom limb syndrome to rare cognitive disorders, often weaving in the personal struggles of Wolf and his team of interns. Many viewers and critics lauded the series for humanizing complex conditions without sensationalism.

Yet in today’s television economy, even well-reviewed shows with solid but unspectacular numbers face cancellation. NBC, like other broadcast networks, prioritizes live-linear performance for ad revenue while hoping for streaming longevity. “Brilliant Minds” delivered neither at a level sufficient for renewal.

Broader Context for NBC’s Scripted Slate

The cancellation arrives as NBC evaluates its lineup ahead of upfronts. Alongside “Brilliant Minds,” the network axed freshman comedy “Stumble,” which averaged just 2.24 million viewers. Several other series, including “Law & Order” and “The Hunting Party,” remain on the bubble.

The moves signal a strategic shift. NBC has ordered multiple drama pilots for the coming season, seeking fresh voices and potentially higher-concept projects to combat cord-cutting and audience fragmentation. Medical dramas remain a staple, but networks increasingly favor established IP or star-driven vehicles with proven track records.

For “Brilliant Minds,” the end comes after 27 total episodes across two seasons. Producers have not commented publicly on future plans, though the show’s intellectual property and dedicated fanbase could spark interest in streaming revival talks elsewhere. Quinto, a proven draw with credits ranging from “Star Trek” to Broadway, may find new opportunities quickly.

Fan Reactions and Legacy

Social media erupted with disappointment following the announcement. Fans praised the series for its representation of neurological differences and thoughtful storytelling in an era of formulaic procedurals. Hashtags like #SaveBrilliantMinds and #RenewBrilliantMinds briefly trended, with calls for Peacock to pick up a third season.

One recurring theme in viewer comments: the show’s educational value. Many shared how episodes prompted discussions about mental health, empathy in medicine and neurodiversity. While not a massive commercial hit, “Brilliant Minds” left an impression on those who found it.

Television executives note that passionate but small audiences increasingly struggle in the linear model. Streaming metrics, which NBC does not always disclose, may have played a role, but insufficient linear delivery sealed the fate.

What’s Next for the Cast and Network

Quinto and the ensemble have wrapped production. The summer burn-off will give loyal viewers closure as the final six episodes air. Whether those installments can generate buzz or streaming numbers remains to be seen.

For NBC, the focus shifts to developing replacements for the Monday 10 p.m. slot. Early indications point to new drama pilots emphasizing broader appeal or franchise extensions. The network will also lean on proven performers like “The Voice,” “Chicago” series and “Law & Order” while testing fresh concepts.

The cancellation of “Brilliant Minds” underscores ongoing industry turbulence. Broadcast networks grapple with declining overall viewership, rising production costs and competition from unlimited streaming libraries. Shows that once would have survived on modest numbers now face swift axes unless they deliver breakout demos or strong delayed viewing.

As summer episodes roll out, “Brilliant Minds” exits not with a ratings bang but with quiet appreciation from fans and critics who valued its ambition. In an era where data drives decisions, the series proved that critical heart and audience connection do not always translate to renewal in the competitive television landscape. NBC moves forward, hoping its next medical drama finds the elusive balance of quality and commercial success.

The Justice Department filed a complaint against Minnesota on Monday over the state’s climate lawsuit against energy companies, arguing the case improperly attempts to regulate global greenhouse gas emissions and override federal authority.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, seeks to block enforcement of Minnesota’s state court lawsuit, which DOJ officials say burdens domestic energy development and conflicts with federal law.

The department said the filing advances President Donald Trump’s executive order directing the DOJ to protect American energy from what the administration describes as state overreach.

“President Trump promised to unleash American energy dominance, and Minnesota officials cannot undermine his directive by mandating that their woke climate preferences become the uniform policy of our Nation,” Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said in a statement.

CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Award-winning Contemporary Christian Music star Natalie Grant is recovering after a routine family outing turned into a medical emergency, with a simple slip-and-fall on a sidewalk leading to internal injuries, emergency surgery and a hospital stay.

Grant, known for hits like “Alive” and multiple Dove Awards, shared the dramatic update on social media Saturday, May 3, 2026, just hours after undergoing surgery. What she initially dismissed as possible rib fractures revealed far more serious damage: a bleeding kidney and a blood clot in her bladder.

“Moving Bella home from college didn’t end quite the way we planned,” Grant wrote in an Instagram post that quickly went viral among her fans. “On Thursday night, after packing boxes and loading the car, we walked to dinner. And somewhere between the hotel and the restaurant, I tripped on a sidewalk and took a hard fall. I mean, very hard fall. Basically I WIPED OUT.”

The incident occurred April 30 in Lakeland, Florida, near Lakeland Regional Health, where Grant received treatment. She sought medical attention believing the pain might stem from broken ribs, but scans uncovered the critical internal issues requiring immediate intervention.

“What I thought might be a fractured rib turned into a hospital stay — a serious internal situation with a bleeding kidney, a blood clot in my bladder and surgery this morning to fix it all,” she continued. “What in the world?! Who trips and falls on a sidewalk and injures a couple organs?!”

Despite the frightening ordeal, Grant’s message radiated faith and gratitude. “But thank you Jesus, it went well today, I’m on the mend and will make a full recovery,” she posted. “Thanking God for incredible doctors, nurses, and hospital staff at Lakeland Regional Health who moved quickly, cared deeply, and got me through a pretty scary situation.”

She also thanked her husband, Grammy-winning producer and composer Bernie Herms, for his support during the crisis. The couple shares three daughters, including Bella, whose college move prompted the family trip.

A Career Built on Faith and Resilience

Natalie Grant has long been a pillar in the Christian music industry. With multiple Grammy nominations and four consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year wins at the Dove Awards in the 2000s, she built a career blending powerful vocals with transparent faith. Her music often addresses life’s storms, a theme that resonates even more poignantly now.

Grant’s openness about personal challenges is nothing new. She has previously shared about thyroid cancer surgery years ago and family life’s joys and pressures. This latest health scare, however, stands out for its suddenness — a stark reminder of life’s fragility even during ordinary moments.

The Christian music community quickly rallied. Fellow artists, pastors and fans flooded social media with prayers and encouragement. Hashtags like #PrayForNatalieGrant and #NatalieGrantRecovery trended as her post garnered thousands of comments within hours. Many recalled how her songs provided comfort in their own trials, now returning the support.

One fan commented, “Praying for speedy recovery and strength. Jesus still heals today.” Another wrote, “I’ll be praying for you, Natalie! Your songs brought me closer to the Lord.”

Medical Details and Recovery Outlook

While specific medical timelines remain private, Grant assured followers of a full recovery. Bleeding kidney injuries, or renal hematomas, often result from blunt trauma like falls and can lead to significant blood loss if untreated. Blood clots in the bladder add complexity, potentially causing pain and requiring surgical intervention to prevent complications like infection or further bleeding.

Doctors at Lakeland Regional Health acted swiftly, performing surgery Saturday morning. Grant’s positive update indicates the procedure successfully addressed the issues without long-term damage anticipated. Recovery from such injuries typically involves rest, pain management, monitoring for infection and gradual return to normal activity.

No official word yet on impacts to her touring or recording schedule. Grant had been promoting recent projects, including worship releases and family-focused content. Industry sources suggest any postponements would likely be short-term given her expressed optimism.

Broader Lessons from a CCM Icon

Grant’s closing words carried pastoral weight: “I sure would appreciate your prayers for a quick recovery. Hug your people. Slow down. And maybe… watch where you’re walking.” The message struck a chord, blending vulnerability with practical wisdom and faith.

In an era of high-speed living, her story highlights everyday risks and the importance of community. Christian leaders noted how such testimonies strengthen believers, turning personal pain into shared encouragement. Grant’s history of using trials — from vocal health concerns to family dynamics — as ministry opportunities suggests this chapter may inspire future songs or writings.

Her husband Bernie Herms, a respected producer who has worked with top artists, remains by her side. The family’s tight-knit dynamic, often shared on social platforms, provides a strong support network during recovery.

Fan Reactions and Industry Impact

Social media buzz continues to grow. Posts from outlets like K-LOVE, Air1 and Gospel Music Association amplified the news, prompting widespread prayer chains. Fellow CCM artists offered public support, underscoring the genre’s close-knit nature.

This incident follows other health stories in Christian music, reminding fans that even stars face unexpected battles. Grant’s graceful response models resilience rooted in faith, a hallmark of her three-decade career.

As she rests and heals, the focus remains on gratitude. Grant has expressed deep appreciation for medical professionals who turned a scary fall into a manageable recovery story. Her update ends on hope, aligning with the redemptive themes in her music.

Looking Ahead

Natalie Grant’s road to full strength may take weeks, but her prognosis is excellent. Supporters anticipate her return stronger, perhaps with fresh perspective on life’s unpredictability. In the meantime, the CCM community holds her in prayer, echoing her own lyrics of survival and praise.

For now, the singer who has lifted millions with her voice rests, surrounded by family and faith. Her message resonates beyond entertainment: slow down, cherish loved ones and trust in God’s care even when sidewalks — and life — surprise you.

Fans continue sharing well-wishes online, many attaching favorite Grant songs as virtual encouragement. As one commenter put it, “We’re singing ‘Alive’ over you, Natalie — full recovery in Jesus’ name.”

GameStop has proposed acquiring eBay in a cash-and-stock deal valued at roughly $56 billion, in a high-stakes push to expand beyond its core retail business and reshape a major online marketplace.

CEO Ryan Cohen said he sees a path to turn eBay into a serious competitor to Amazon, telling The Wall Street Journal the platform “could be a legit competitor” to the e-commerce giant.

The company is offering $125 per share, a premium of about 46% compared with where eBay traded before GameStop began building its stake earlier this year. The bid is non-binding, meaning discussions may not result in a transaction.

GAMESTOP SHUTTERS MORE STORES AS RETAIL APOCALYPSE CONTINUES

A GameStop store is seen in Union Square on April 4, 2025, in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

GameStop said it has already accumulated roughly a 5% stake in eBay and plans to finance the deal using its approximately $9 billion cash position along with up to $20 billion in outside financing it says it has secured.

WILL GAMESTOP SURVIVE? HERE’S WHAT ITS CO-FOUNDER SAYS

Central to the pitch is a strategy to combine GameStop’s physical retail footprint with eBay’s online platform. The company said that its roughly 1,600 U.S. stores could serve as hubs for product authentication, returns, order fulfillment and live shopping experiences.

GameStop said it has already accumulated roughly a 5% stake in eBay. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

To support that strategy, GameStop argued that eBay has underperformed relative to its spending, pointing to minimal user growth despite roughly $2.4 billion in annual marketing costs.

FANATICS, NFL ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP FOR ON-SITE RETAIL AT MARQUEE EVENTS, INCLUDING 2026 NFL DRAFT

The company said it could strip out about $2 billion in annual costs within a year of closing, primarily through cuts to marketing, product development and corporate overhead — reductions it says would materially boost earnings in the first year after a deal.

EBay headquarters in San Jose, California, on Monday, Aug. 9, 2021. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

EBay said its board and financial advisers would review the unsolicited proposal, adding that it had no prior discussions with GameStop before receiving the offer. The company said it would evaluate the bid with a focus on shareholder value and GameStop’s ability to deliver a binding transaction.

CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO

If completed, Cohen would lead the combined company, according to the proposal. It remains unclear whether the companies will enter formal negotiations.

Operator

Good afternoon, and welcome to the Sanderson Design Group plc Results Presentation for the year ended 31st of January 2026. [Operator Instructions] Before we begin, we’d like to submit the following poll. I’d now like to hand you over to Lisa Montague, Chief Executive Officer. Good afternoon.

Lisa Montague
CEO & Executive Director

Thank you, and good afternoon, everybody. My name is Lisa, and I’m here to share with you today, along with my colleague, CFO, Mike Woodcock, our results for Sanderson Design Group to our fiscal year end ’26, which was on the 31st of January. And thank you for joining us. I will share with you an overview of the year, and then Mike will give you a bit more financial detail and hand back to me to talk about the future and how we have continued to accelerate some of the key strategic and transformational initiatives and shaped our strategy to improve our results in this year and beyond.

Our business at a glance, for those of you that don’t know us is that we’re a leading interior furnishings group that designs and makes world-class fabrics and wallpapers. We also have a strong licensing channel that delivers finished goods with specialist partners in our core markets. We employ 500 people, all of whom are committed to leading the industry in the way we work. I’ve been here 7 years, now and Mike has been with us for 4, and we both have luxury goods backgrounds and international backgrounds.

To recap this year for the results that we’re announcing, we really have highlights of the year, resulting

Operator

Good afternoon, and welcome to the Santhera Pharmaceuticals Investor Presentation. [Operator Instructions] Before we begin, I’d like to submit the following poll.

I’d now like to hand you over to the management team. Dario, good morning, sir.

Dario Eklund
Chief Executive Officer

Thank you, Lilly. Good morning and for those in the U.S. who are joining us and good afternoon for those here in Europe, and welcome to this full year 2025 investor call. As usual, I’m today joined by Catherine Isted, who’s our Chief Financial Officer; as well as Shabir Hasham, who is our Chief Medical Officer. They will both give their respective parts of the presentation and be here for the Q&A as well.

So can I have the next slide, please? Can we have the next slide after that? Here we go. Now, the disclaimer, please. Can we go back? So I just want to draw your attention to the greetings from our legal department here where you should, at your own leisure, read this if you’re not familiar with the text. And with that, let’s move into the actual presentation.

So 2025 was a really exciting year with expansion and global momentum continuing. This –these six points that you can see on this slide here really are the summary of our presentation. Today, we will have deeper dives on each of the six subjects. But I just want to highlight a few things here that, first of all, in Austria and Germany, we are continuing to make great progress. In Q1 of this year, we actually had 50% growth over last year, which means that in Germany, we’re well over 40% penetrated in the

RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil legend Cafu has ignited a global debate by declaring that Neymar is technically superior to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, throwing his full support behind the 34-year-old forward as Brazil prepares for the 2026 World Cup. The 2002 World Cup-winning captain made the bold claim in a wide-ranging interview, praising Neymar’s unparalleled dribbling, vision and creativity while acknowledging the greatness of the two modern icons.

Cafu, widely regarded as one of the finest right-backs in football history and a two-time World Cup winner, did not mince words when assessing Neymar’s place among the game’s elite. “Technically, Neymar is better than both Cristiano and Lionel,” Cafu told Brazilian media outlet Globo Esporte. “His close control, the way he sees the game, the dribbling — it is on another level. If he stays fit and focused, he can lead Brazil to glory in 2026.”

The comments immediately went viral, sparking passionate discussions across social media, podcasts and football talk shows. While many Brazilian fans celebrated the endorsement of their national hero, international observers offered more measured reactions, noting Neymar’s undoubted talent but highlighting Ronaldo and Messi’s superior goal tallies, consistency and trophy cabinets.

Neymar, who joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in 2023, has battled recurring injuries in recent years that have limited his appearances for both club and country. Despite this, he remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 caps. His flair and creativity have long been compared to legendary Brazilian predecessors like Pelé, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazário, but questions about his mentality and physical durability have often overshadowed his brilliance on the pitch.

Cafu, who captained Brazil to victory in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, drew on his own experiences to support his assessment. “I played with and against the best,” he said. “Neymar has that special something — the joy, the improvisation. When he is at his best, defenders simply cannot stop him. Ronaldo and Messi are incredible finishers and winners, but technically, in pure football terms, Neymar stands out.”

The timing of Cafu’s remarks is significant. With the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico just months away, Brazil is under pressure to deliver after disappointing performances in recent tournaments. Coach Dorival Júnior has built the squad around Neymar, hoping the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star can recapture the form that made him one of the most exciting players on the planet.

Neymar’s club form in Saudi Arabia has been mixed. While he has contributed with goals and assists, the league’s physical demands and travel schedule have raised concerns about his fitness for international duty. Brazilian football federation officials have worked closely with Al-Hilal to manage his workload, prioritizing his availability for national team commitments.

The comparison with Ronaldo and Messi is inevitable but complex. Ronaldo, 41, continues to score prolifically for Al-Nassr and Portugal, recently becoming the all-time leading international goalscorer. Messi, 38, led Argentina to Copa América glory and the 2022 World Cup before moving to Inter Miami. Both players have cemented their legacies with multiple Ballon d’Or awards and major tournament triumphs.

Neymar, by contrast, has never won a Ballon d’Or and has yet to lift a major senior international trophy with Brazil, though he was part of the gold medal-winning team at the 2016 Olympics. His supporters point to moments of sheer genius — the dribbles, no-look passes and audacious goals — as evidence of a higher technical ceiling. Critics counter that elite football is ultimately about winning, where Ronaldo and Messi have delivered consistently at the highest level.

Cafu’s backing carries significant weight. As one of only three players to win the World Cup twice as captain (alongside Bellini and Pelé), his opinion resonates deeply in Brazilian football circles. He has previously praised Neymar’s talent while urging him to embrace leadership responsibilities, a message he reiterated in the recent interview.

“Neymar needs to stay healthy and believe in himself,” Cafu added. “Brazil has always produced magical players. Neymar is the latest in that line. With the right support and mindset, he can bring the World Cup home again.”

The comments have divided football fans globally. Brazilian supporters largely welcomed the endorsement, seeing it as validation of their belief in Neymar’s potential. International fans offered more balanced views, acknowledging Neymar’s skill while defending the achievements of Ronaldo and Messi.

Social media platforms lit up with debates, memes and video compilations comparing the three players’ best moments. Hashtags like #NeymarBetter and #CafuSpokeTruth trended in Brazil, while global football communities engaged in lengthy discussions about technical ability versus overall legacy.

As Brazil prepares for friendlies and World Cup qualifiers, all eyes will be on Neymar’s fitness and form. Coach Dorival Júnior has expressed confidence in his star player, building the team’s attacking strategy around his creativity and vision. The squad also features rising talents like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Endrick, creating a potent mix of experience and youth.

The 2026 World Cup represents a crucial moment for Neymar. At 34, it may be his last realistic chance to win football’s greatest prize. Cafu’s public support adds pressure but also motivation, positioning Neymar as the heir to Brazil’s rich footballing tradition.

Whether Neymar can translate his technical brilliance into World Cup success remains to be seen. What is clear is that Cafu’s comments have reignited the conversation about one of football’s most gifted yet enigmatic talents. As the countdown to 2026 continues, Brazil and the football world will watch closely to see if Neymar can finally deliver on his immense potential.