Luckily, the tides have turned due to writers using experts as reference points to ensure characters diagnosed with cancer have genuine storylines with correct medical details in the fictional cancer narrative.

Not only is it dangerous to spread false narratives, but disseminating valuable information and raising awareness is vital.

Not all specialists agree that TV portrayals of cancer are as accurate as they need to be in terms of actually living with it instead of using it as a tragic plot.

However, seeing characters diagnosed with cancer who aren’t solely defined by it can be good.

That was almost nonexistent a couple of decades ago, and we want to share those stories of strength!

Firefly Lane — Kate Mularkey

In Firefly Lane, Kate Mularkey (Sarah Chalke) is diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of Stage 3 breast cancer, which I did not see coming, while amid a horrible fight with her childhood best friend, Tully (Katherine Heigl).

The two are not even on speaking terms, but of course, Tully is one of the first people she wants to tell and would be the person by her side.

• Days of Our Lives’ Doug Sendoff Reminds Viewers How Good This Soap Used To Be…And Can Be Again
  by Jack Ori
• The Blue Bloods Family Dinners: A Labor Of Love for Viewers and the Cast; Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg In Tears on The Talk
  by Jack Ori
• Dream or Delusion? How TV Shapes Our Vision of the American Dream
  by Lisa Babick

Naturally, Kate’s whole perspective on life changes, along with her mindset, when it comes to Tully and their argument. Her outlook has shifted, and she follows her instinct to reach out to Tully, who is actually in Antarctica and cannot be reached.

It is one of the most powerful depictions of cancer with a feuding friend’s angle. It shows that when all is said and done, we will always want “our person” when things get tough.

Also, it shows the instinct some may have to downplay what was happening and put on a brave face, knowing her loved ones were worried.

The Summer I Turned Pretty — Susannah Fisher

Susannah Fisher, a mom and best friend, is diagnosed with breast cancer in The Summer I Turned Pretty.

It is a fictional cancer narrative that also shows the crushing hope that comes with being in remission and then having it come back, and, this time, it is unquestionably terminal.

The second time around, we see how someone not only diagnosed with cancer copes but how two teenage sons, an ex-husband, and a best friend cope as well.

She tells everyone that she will continue to fight as best she can but refuses to put any more poison into her body or spend any more time in the hospital. She wants to be with the people she cares about most.

As someone who lost their mom at the age of 23 to cancer, she was done with treatment and hospitals after one visit. And I couldn’t blame her. The side effects, environment, and everything else are just miserable.

It depicts how we can only fight for our lives in the name of our loved ones for so long until something has to give, and we spend our last moments exactly how we want.

Izzie Stevens — Grey’s Anatomy

Izzie Stevens’ fictional cancer narrative on Grey’s Anatomy gave her extremely slim chances of survival. Diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic melanoma, she had to have two tumors removed by the one and only Dr. Derek Shepard.

When she thinks she is dying, Izzie decides to marry Alex. It is one of the depictions of cancer on television that highlights a young person struggling with everything that comes along with the disease.

She has to face hair loss, chemo, preserving her fertility, accepting not all of life’s “important milestones” have been hit, and the harsh reality of explaining to her mother how serious her type of skin cancer is.

• 15 Christmas Movie Villains That Might Just Be Misunderstood
  by Lisa Babick
• The Unhinged Christmas Wish List: Gifts Only TV Characters Would Ask For
  by Thomas Godwin
• 27 Christmas Movies to Watch When You Need a Break from Holiday Cheer
  by Lisa Babick

She also had the interns diagnose her cancer, and that was one of the hardest-hitting moments from all the TV characters with cancer. It also highlights how much of a toll cancer can take on a relationship.

She leaves Seattle after being fired, writing Alex a letter explaining her departure. Her exit and how she lives her life from then on depicts the renewal that comes with remission. Izzie then becomes a surgical oncologist, which is also an interesting angle.

William Hill — This Is Us

William Hill’s Stage 4 stomach cancer was one of the most emotional storylines on This Is Us. William’s fictional cancer narrative details how life is short and how it needs to be appreciated while it can be because we don’t have all the time in the world.

Unfortunately, after the show ended, Ron Cephas Jones, who played William Hill, died at age 66 from a long-standing pulmonary issue. The series is known for taking big swings, but this may have been the biggest.

However, it adds a depth that makes what he said on the show about his feelings surrounding the fact he was dying even more cogent.

It is one of those TV portrayals of cancer that reveals a hard truth: there is no cure, and treatment is difficult. Sometimes, ending treatments and spending your final moments recounting and sharing the best parts of your life can be the best medicine.

Lynette Scavo — Desperate Housewives

Lynette Scavo finds out she has Hodgkin’s lymphoma after going in for a CAT scan due to a bad fall in Desperate Housewives, which is a surprising and scary moment. It is also how some people end up finding out about their cancer.

She decides to hide her diagnosis because she doesn’t want pity. My mom made the same choice for the same reason, making that decision by Lynette pretty understandable.

Her diagnosis was also one of the first depictions of cancer on television involving lymphoma by a significant character on network TV since Murphy Brown.

It is one of the TV portrayals of cancer that acknowledges how costly treatment can be, especially Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which requires extensive medicare care.

• Jacob Lofland on Cooper’s Journey in Landman: “It’s Not Going to Be Easy”
  by Carissa Pavlica
• Brilliant Minds Sneak Peek: Dr. Wolf Tells Dr. Pierce That He’s Dating Josh
  by Laura Nowak
• Hallmark Hits the Field: Tyler Hynes and Hunter King Tease the Chiefs’ Christmas Romance
  by Carissa Pavlica

It also means patients cannot work, creating even more financial strain.

The Scavos end up asking a couple of family members for a loan, which can be considered uncomfortable and challenging but realistic.

Lynette also lives with the fear of her cancer returning even after being cleared, as we see at the beginning of her pregnancy with her twins.

Samantha Jones — Sex in the City

Samantha Jones’ cancer diagnosis is one of the most tragic moments in Sex and the City. She is known for being career-focused, independent, and risqué. However, this means that she has to face this journey alone.

Of course, her friends are there for support, but it’s not the same.

We see her do some self-reflection and analysis of what matters in life, something many characters diagnosed with cancer do because I think it is instinctive.

One unique angle shown by Samantha is that she builds a platform centered around speaking about breast cancer in a humorous manner, which also brings humor and solidarity to the topic.

In one moment, she takes off her wig, revealing her baldness, while making a speech, and the other women are inspired to follow suit. This was big for Samantha because her hair is a distinctive attribute of the character.

Although characteristics like hair don’t mean much at the end of the day when one is facing the battle of cancer, and typically that is quickly realized, it doesn’t make losing something you cherish any easier in those first moments.

Celia Hodes — Weeds

Celia Hodes constantly tries to undermine Nancy and the other characters on Weeds. She is easy to hate for many reasons.

She shipped off her older daughter and is extremely harsh to her younger daughter about her weight. She’s controlling, abrasive, judgemental, and unsympathetic.

However, she brought an element to the show that was sorely missed when Elizabeth Perkins decided to leave the series.

Although she was a character meant for fans to dislike, she did grow on many. Or at least have a love-hate relationship. And for all the horrible things she did, karma gave it back to her way worse.

Some storylines humanized her, one of them being her diagnosis of breast cancer.

• Clipped Ending Explained: The Final Fall of Donald Sterling
  by Stephen Silver
• The Bear Season 3 Ending Explained: The Restaurant Review is In
  by Stephen Silver
• Doctor Who Season 1 Episode 8 Ending Explained: How Did The Doctor Defeat Death?
  by Jack Ori

Forced to be one of the TV characters with cancer who had to deeply reexamine her life and attitude, we see Celia go from evil to fun and loving. She wants to relax and change, but that’s a tall glass.

During this time, we saw some of her better parts, like when she tells Shane to let his freak flag fly, that things like having a dead parent [Shane] and having cancer make other people uncomfortable, but why pretend to be normal when you can be your strange self, even if the scenarios are a b**** to deal with.

She embraces having a double mastectomy, saying she is thinking of going freakshow big, 47-triple-Fs, so large that other smaller breasts will want to orbit them.

While her more accepting side doesn’t last, she is one of the few TV portrayals of cancer that shows how even someone as hateful as her can put things into perspective when necessary.

Dr. Mark Greene — ER

Dr. Greene is one of the characters diagnosed with cancer whose journey is full of ups and downs. While stitching a patient on ER, he loses control of his mental and physical capabilities.

A CT scan and biopsy reveal he has an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme. Aside from pancreatic cancer, malignant brain tumors have a worse survival rate than all other cancers and have lasting and life-changing cognitive, physical, and psychological impacts.

Dr. Greene’s tumor is deemed inoperable. However, a second opinion gives hope when he is told that it is near a critical part of the brain, but it hasn’t invaded it yet, and the doctor can operate.

He has one of the most vital TV portrayals of cancer because it brings some hope to a very grim diagnosis, highlights how getting a second opinion can be worth it, and just how severe and robust the effects of brain cancer are.

After the successful surgery, it takes a while for him to return to his old self.

Although the tumor regrows and is inoperable this time, he got married and saw the birth of his daughter when he was initially supposed to die a year ago.

Cathy Jamison — The Big C

The Showtime cancer-centered comedy series The Big C is revolutionary in many ways and has been deemed one of the best depictions of cancer on television, even if pairing humor and cancer isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

It brings cancer to the mainstream, raising awareness and conversation. It is one of the best depictions of cancer on television, illustrating the emotional rollercoaster of the diagnosis. Also, part of the series’ soundtrack album proceeds were donated to Stand Up to Cancer.

It begins with Cathy making the understandable decision not to receive treatment for her advanced melanoma because she doesn’t want to get sicker while trying to get better rather than end up dying anyway.

• Suits: LA Cast and Character Guide
  by Sara Trimble
• NCIS: Tony and Ziva Cast and Character Guide
  by Sara Trimble
• NCIS: Origins Cast and Character Guide
  by Sara Trimble

She spends her time pushing her boundaries despite how uncomfortable the situation is. She is one of the most powerful TV portrayals of cancer in terms of re-evaluating one’s own life.

The relatability comes from how she uses her illness to remind herself how she wants to live. It is spot on with how multifaceted cancer is and how every individual case is, even with the same stage and kind of cancer.

April Carver — Chasing Life

April Carver fights leukemia in Chasing Life, and as the title suggests, it tells the story of how April starts chasing life after her transformative diagnosis.

Italia Ricci takes her role exceptionally seriously as one of the characters diagnosed with cancer in the public eye.

April is a young adult whose life has just begun to improve when she finds out she has leukemia, which she rejects at first, not telling her family.

The show doesn’t boast to be a cancer drama, but it does bring conversation and insight and examines the grimmer side effects of cancer, emotionally and physically.

It has some mixed reviews regarding its representation of cancer, but that also depends on one’s experience.

It does a great job at hammering its message as one of the more powerful depictions of cancer that just because someone is diagnosed with cancer doesn’t mean that is all they are and that life can, and does, go on still.

Gary Mendez & Margaret “Maggie” Bloom — A Million Little Things

In A Million Little Things, Gary Mendez is a breast cancer survivor who is later diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.

AMLT does an incredible job of storytelling in its TV portrayals of cancer.

As much as the show is about cancer, it also discusses suicide just as much.

One of its unique angles is the fact that a man is seen battling breast cancer, and it does a good job of showcasing that and how he constantly feared the return of it throughout the entire series.

Unfortunately, it does return, and the side effects of his treatment are not sugar-coated.

His journey is a devastating one, and it is easy to instantly connect to his character and become invested and feel the worry and concern for his health that he does.

It also extends to Maggie, who Gary meets at a cancer survivor group. Her cancer also returns, but she does go back into remission. With the help of Gary and their friends, we see her journey as she battles it.

Through these characters diagnosed with cancer, we get a very realistic, and at times very bleak, look at what it’s like for cancer survivors and their loved ones.

Hunter Cole — Red Band Society

In Red Band Society, we see a different perspective than most depictions of cancer on television since Hunter Cole doesn’t currently have cancer. Still, his liver is failing due to his past leukemia treatments.

Hunter needs a liver transplant and is currently in the pediatric ward of Ocean Park Hospital. The show’s concept is extraordinary, as its focus is on sick teenagers living together as patients dealing with their illnesses and being a teenager.

With Hunter, fans also see how his sister wants to give him part of her liver but is afraid because the surgery has the potential to kill her.

• Exclusive Law & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 6 Sneak Peek Promises The Story For Silva We’ve Been Waiting For
  by Jack Ori
• Station 19 Season Premiere Preview: Gearing Up For An Exhilarating Final Ride
  by Jasmine Blu
• Grey’s Anatomy Season 20 Premiere Previews Mer’s Return and Troubled Interns!
  by Jasmine Blu

This is a struggle most can only imagine having to face, but it is a real situation that is hard to understand unless one is actually living it.

Regardless of his health, he still makes trouble and lives life to the fullest, even falling in love.

Its positive message of making the best of your circumstances inspires, and it doesn’t matter how short someone’s time in your life is; their impact can last forever.

Katherine Anne “Kitty” McCallister — Brothers & Sisters

In Brothers & Sisters, powerful depictions of cancer, Kitty McCallister is diagnosed with Non-Hyodgkin’s Lymphoma. One compelling angle portrayed is that while this happens, she and her husband are at odds because of her emotional affair.

However, this makes her husband, Robert, realize how precious life is and forgive her and promise they will fight it together.

It is also one of the TV portrayals of cancer that reveals the harsh physical and psychological tolls treatment takes on a person. She loses her hair and is in a weakened state, but the grim news seems to bring her and Robert closer.

• New Teaser be Damned: Who Cares About the Duttons’ Land Battle in 1923 With Yellowstone’s Looming Unhappy Ending?
  by Carissa Pavlica
• Prison Break Reboot From Mayans M.C. Boss Receives Pilot Order at Hulu
  by TV Fanatic Staff
• Friday Night Lights Reboot Lands at Peacock (But It Will Never Recapture the Magic of the Original Series)
  by Tyler Johnson

When she learns that the treatment isn’t working, she doesn’t want to tell her family since she thinks it would ruin her brother’s wedding.

Unfortunately, she passes out, resulting in her being brought to the hospital where they are told her cancer has not only advanced but has spread, and she is now in need of a risky bone marrow transplant.

The only match is her half-brother, who doesn’t want to donate because he blames their family for his mother’s suicide. This complicated family dynamic brings an interesting viewpoint that we do not often see in depictions of cancer on television.

Raj Kher — 90210

It’s not too often that teenagers are diagnosed with cancer, but in 90210 Raj Kher is one of the characters diagnosed with cancer at a very young age.

Raj’s storyline hits numerous beats, from treating the chronic pain with medical marijuana to marrying his current girlfriend Ivy to then the two not being able to afford experimental treatments.

It also shows how hard it is to deal with the fact that death looms when Ivy’s school’s prom theme is The Future is Ours. He starts to drink and pushes Ivy away because he doesn’t want her to have to deal with what he is going through.

In a moment of true solidarity, their friends host a talent show to raise money for the treatments, which is met, and after treatment, he is cancer-free. Still, a whole new set of drama between the couple ensues until he finds out that his cancer didn’t go away.

Instead of telling Ivy, he breaks up with her and leaves until his friends find him sick in a hospital, at which point the two reunite.

His frustration with his illness is understandable, and even though his toxic behavior rubs some fans the wrong way, who’s to say how anybody should act when facing what Raj is?

Kristina Braverman — Parenthood

Kristina Braverman’s fictional cancer narrative on Parenthood is one centered on family. She finds out she has breast cancer after sending her oldest child to college and shortly after having her youngest.

The series’ family-centric dynamic is truly emotional. They all rally around her. Her oldest daughter, Hattie, leaves school and takes a semester off to help where she can.

She surprises her parents with her arrival in a very tear-jerking scene.

While she’s sick, Christina records videos for her kids to watch in case she does die, and regardless of how many times the show is rewatched, it gets viewers every time.

• Grosse Pointe Garden Society: Everything We Know About NBC’s Upcoming Thrilling New Drama
  by Lisa Babick
• Reacher Season 3: Teaser, Premiere Date & Everything Else We Know
  by TV Fanatic Staff
• Yellowjackets Season 3: Teaser, First-Look Photos, Cast and Everything Else We Know
  by TV Fanatic Staff

I, too, was in college when I found out about my mother, and I dropped everything to take care of her, so this is one of the powerful depictions of cancer on television that is emotional and touching, especially if there is a connection.

Sonya Rebecchi — Neighbours

In the Australian soap opera Neighbours, Sonya Rebecchi is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Compared to Days of Our Lives, the TV portrayals of cancer and medical storylines are much more realistically handled.

The most heartbreaking one they’ve ever had was Sonya’s fictional cancer narrative. Its harrowing nature stems from how realistic it is, starting with her stomach pains she isn’t taking seriously until she can’t ignore them anymore.

By this point, she is in Stage 4, and she doesn’t have much time left. Everyone blows off stomach pains, and they are easy to ignore, which is why it hits she is one of the characters diagnosed with cancer that hits home so well.

From her diagnosis to the decisions she has to make to her death, the show’s commitment to being true to life doesn’t stop.

Even after her death, the storyline isn’t dropped like many soaps tend to do. Her husband has maintained a foundation named after her, which educates people about cancer.

We even see how important raising awareness about cancer is when a younger character learns he has testicular cancer, which was another of its characters diagnosed with cancer that was depicted matter-of-factly.

The period from Sonya’s diagnosis to death is so real and powerful that it is almost hard to watch.

Maggie Lockwood — Chicago Med

In an interesting twist by Chicago Med, Maggie Lockwood is diagnosed with breast cancer after an old friend who she donated a kidney to comes back to the hospital and is diagnosed with cancer herself.

As in many TV portrayals of cancer, Maggie doesn’t want to worry the people around her, so she receives chemotherapy at a nearby hospital and even wears a very convincing wig to keep it a secret until she decides to reveal her diagnosis to the nursing staff.

Thankfully, the treatment works, which brings an even more interesting twist: She meets someone while receiving chemo.

• Landman Season 1 Episode 6 Balances Brutality and Heart, Making It Hard to Look Away
  by Carissa Pavlica
• Blue Bloods Season 14 Episode 18 Wrapped Up A 14-Year Run With A Reminder Of Everything That Makes This Cancelation Hurt
  by Jack Ori
• Fire Country Season 3 Episode 8 Review: Zombie Fires Take Control
  by Sara Trimble

We see how, even during these nerve-racking times and difficult treatments, one can still flirt and bond over a distressful shared experience.

There is also so much hope as the two eventually get married and share a healthy and loving life.

Depictions of cancer on television can go so many different ways, and regardless of the outcome, the ability to bring conversation and awareness is vital.

Everyone’s experience is different, and we hope the TV industry only continues to show characters diagnosed with cancer in an educational, accurate, and compelling manner.

Over to you, TV fanatics. Can you recall a particularly moving cancer storyline that we may have missed?

If so, please share it with us in the comments.

The post Stories of Strength: Powerful Depictions of Cancer on Television appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Despite attempts to give Chasing Life a chance to breathe, even moving up the second season premiere date by one month, the ratings for the finale dipped to a series low.

A lot happened during Chasing Life Season 2, including the marriage of the lead character, April, and the subsequent death of her husband, Leo. April and Brenna discovered they had a half sister in Natalie and formed a relationship of sorts, but nothing was strong enough to pull in viewers as dedicated as those watching during Chasing Life Season 1.

In the second season (now series) finale, April was given more bad news by her doctors, and while vacationing in Italy, she was considering staying on there to live the remainder of her life.

Arrivederci, Chasing Life.

13 Couples That Didn’t Get Their Happy Ending

Open List

The post Chasing Life Canceled by ABC Family After Two Seasons appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Natalie and Olivia just wouldn't let Thomas' manuscript stay a family secret. They had their minds set on destroying the Carvers for something that was all Thomas' fault. 

Deep down I always knew Natalie was a bit jealous of April and Brenna. For starters, Natalie was a love child and was forced to be a secret her whole life. Natalie never had the chance to grow up in the same household as her father and siblings, which made her feel like an outcast.

Natalie: You don’t know what it’s like to constantly feel like someone’s second choice.

_{🔗 permalink: You don’t know what it’s like to constantly feel like someone’s second choice.}

Olivia was brainwashing Natalie to turn her against the Carvers. She played mind tricks with Natalie and made her feel like Thomas didn't care about them at all. Since Thomas was successful at faking his death, April, Sara and Brenna received his insurance money. Natalie and Olivia didn't receive a dime. Olivia used her greed for Thomas' insurance money turn her into a cruel, vindictive woman.

It's quite sad that Olivia went as far as to blackmail the Carvers. Olivia needed to understand that she had an affair with Thomas, and they were never married. I'm happy that Natalie was able to break from her mother's spell to think for herself. They had no right to be upset at something that was inevitably Thomas' fault. 

George: I did what my brother wanted me to do.

_{🔗 permalink: I did what my brother wanted me to do.}

Poor George was only doing what his big brother asked him to do. He probably assumed he was doing the right thing for the family. It was a very sticky situation for George to be in. Can you imagine having that type of burden weighing heavy on your heart every time you saw your brother's family? 

Sara: We’re all in this together, whether we like it or not.

_{🔗 permalink: We’re all in this together, whether we like it or not.}

George was clever to create the cease and desist letter, but that didn't stop Olivia. Now that Olivia has brought police into the situation, George will most likely go to jail and lose his license. Yikes! Once Natalie finds out what Olivia did, she'll probably distance herself from her mother. Natalie pretty much begged Olivia to forget about the manuscript, but Olivia refused to let bygones be bygones.

Finn: I really like you, but maybe this wasn’t meant to be.

_{🔗 permalink: I really like you, but maybe this wasn’t meant to be.}

Now, let's discuss Finn and Brenna. From the moment their relationship started developing, I hated it. I knew that it wouldn't last and Brenna would end up with her heart broken yet again. I always wanted them to remain just friends. Everyone that Brenna has fell in love with eventually pushes her away.

Brenna: You’re like this because of me?

_{🔗 permalink: You’re like this because of me?}

Finn seemed like it was Brenna's fault that he was in the hospital again. Brenna was always cautious about getting too close to Finn. He decided to take things to the next level.

Now that Brenna knows she could possibly be Finn's donor, I wonder if she'll tell him. With Greer back in the picture, Brenna could soon forget about her brief relationship with Finn. Hopefully the donor news will open the door for Brenna and Finn to continue their friendship.

April: It’s not giving up, because I already won.

_{🔗 permalink: It’s not giving up, because I already won.}

In the midst of all the drama, April has finally figured her life out. She has gone through so much this entire season. Even with her declining health, I feel like April is realizing that cancer did not win. She is the real winner throughout this whole ordeal. April has loved, lost, changed professions, dealt with family secrets, all while fighting for her life. She will no longer allow cancer stop her from being a carefree 25-year-old, which is truly inspiring. 

In a short amount of time, April has lived a fulfilling life and if it were to end soon, she would be grateful because she lived. Everything on her bucket list is scratched off. April has found her purpose in life and the reason to finish that last chapter of her manuscript. 

The impromptu trip to Rome was what April, Dominic and Beth all needed. Here's why:

• Beth was able to reflect on the beautiful life she's about to create with Josh by her side. While the pregnancy was unexpected, it'll give Beth a reason to create like she's never created before. (Baby fashion line in the making?) This baby will give her the love she's always searched for and needed. 
• Dominic realized that while he and April may still have feelings for each other, they shouldn't rush into things just yet. 
• April will most likely finish her long awaited manuscript. (Yay!) Also, she will no longer allow cancer to control her life.

What did you think of the episode? How do you feel about Olivia blackmailing the Carvers? Do you think Thomas will go to jail? Are you happy that April is okay with the direction her life is headed? 

Don't forget you can watch Chasing Life online right here at TV Fanatic!

Quotables from Week Ending Sept. 24, 2015

Open List

The post Chasing Life Season 2 Episode 13 Review: La Dolce Vida appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Natalie attempts to resolve her troubled relationship with her sisters, but after April and Brenna feel betrayed, they continue to push Natalie away. 

With the truth regarding Thomas' manuscript, George could face trouble with the law.

Beth is still dealing with her recent pregnancy news. She questions if she handle becoming a parent while pursuing her fashion dreams.

Finn's health continues to decline. The relationship between Brenna and Finn is on the rocks. Also, Brenna gets a surprise visit from someone from her past.

April continues to work on her manuscript, but she's finding a hard time to focus with so much drama surrounding her life. After suffering from a bloody paper cut, April learns some devastating news about her clinical trials and the current status of her health.

Dominic is officially moving away from Boston. He and April finally reveal how they truly feel about one another.

In order to figure out the next phase in their lives, April and Beth take a much needed girls trip to Rome, Italy.

The post Chasing Life Season 2 Episode 13 Recap: La Dolce Vida appeared first on TV Fanatic.

On Chasing Life Season 2 Episode 12 April reunites an old college roommate who turns out be her biggest rival.

Also, Beth reveals some shocking news that will force her to put her career on hold.

April: I hadn’t even considered the moving on part.

_{🔗 permalink: I hadn’t even considered the moving on part.}

It was nice seeing April get out of the house and enjoying the company of Beth and Josh. Just by looking at April, we can tell that she still isn't used to life without Leo. With the recent news regarding her dad's death while still mourning Leo, she doesn't know how to be her old self again. It's a lot for anyone to handle, let alone someone also battling cancer.

Dominic: Sometimes it’s good to know when to move on.

_{🔗 permalink: Sometimes it’s good to know when to move on.}

April has to learn that she can't continue living her life mourning Leo. She has to be okay with moving on. Life eventually goes on whether April likes it or not. Eventually she will find someone else to fall in love with and that's perfectly fine.

Now, let's discuss Ellie Pratt, April's old roommate. For someone who is supposed to be a famous social media personality, she doesn't have a personality of her own. The fact that she considered a bump to be a skin cancer scare and attempted to write a memoir based on it is ridiculous.

After Ellie heard April's story about living with cancer, you'd think she would've considered backing out of the publishing deal. Nope! Ellie wanted all the attention on herself even if it meant copying the life of someone that's actually dealing with tragedy. How rude!

April: It’s like verbal plagiarism.

_{🔗 permalink: It’s like verbal plagiarism.}

People like Ellie are the ones that portray a fabricated life on social media to gain fame. They get an adrenaline rush from getting likes and comments whenever they post something new. Ellie was bold to take words April told her in private and made them her own. I'm glad April called her out on it, too. Someone needed to snap Ellie back to reality and knock her off that imaginary pedestal.

April: I live way more boldly now.

_{🔗 permalink: I live way more boldly now.}

One thing Leo taught April was to live life on the edge. That piece of inspiration is something April will always have to remind her of him. She has done things she never would've done had she not met Leo. April has learned that life is too short, and it's time for her take chances. The whole faking a seizure thing was pure gold. I didn't even expect that from April, but she did what she needed to do to get inside of that party. 

April's growth and determination throughout this season has been amazing to watch. She's finally coming becoming the woman she was destined to be and going after what she wants.

Beth: Creating my own line has been a little challenging.

_{🔗 permalink: Creating my own line has been a little challenging.}

Beth is like everyone that has had a hard time jump-starting their own business. They have a vision, but when things don't go as planned, they want to give up and throw in the towel. Beth is very talented at what she does, she just needs to believe in herself and understand that success doesn't happen overnight.

I was totally blindsided by the pregnancy news Beth dropped on April. It explains why she's been so unsure of herself lately. Hopefully Beth doesn't put her fashion career dreams on hold. Instead, I can totally see her creating a baby fashion line. The baby news just might be the inspiration Beth needs to launch the fashion line she's always wanted to have.

Another bombshell is the news that Natalie's mother, Olivia, has decided to publish Thomas' manuscript. Drama! This has to be an attempt for Olivia and Natalie to get back at the Carver family for what Thomas did to them. It's not April, Sara and Brenna's fault that Thomas neglected Olivia and Natalie. 

Don't forget you can watch Chasing Life online right here on TV Fanatic! What did you think about April's college roommate, Ellie? Do you think April should jump back on the dating scene, or is still too soon? Will Beth make a great mother?

Next on Chasing Life Season 2 Episode 13, the drama will continue. George could get arrested for his involvement in Thomas' death. Plus, April and Dominic may rekindle their relationship.

33 Familiar Faces Coming to Fall Television

Open List

The post Chasing Life Season 2 Episode 12 Review: Ready or Not appeared first on TV Fanatic.

With Natalie still missing, the question remains whether she'll tell anyone what she knows.

Beth: She’s no stranger to drama.

_{🔗 permalink: She’s no stranger to drama.}

While Natalie could be a bit dramatic at times, she has a right to be pissed.

She and her mother were basically shunned and treated as if they didn't exist. Natalie's mysterious disappearance is her way of getting away from all of the drama. I don't blame her for going back home to Florida.

Brenna: Dad was really good at keeping secrets.

_{🔗 permalink: Dad was really good at keeping secrets.}

We all thought when George shredded Thomas' manuscript those secrets would be gone forever. Nope! Turns out that Natalie's mom has an extra copy of it. If the manuscript is a reflection of reality, it will be interesting to explore the secret world of Thomas Carver.

Thomas Carver seemed to be a well calculated man. Everything that happened wasn't a coincidence but planned. Natalie was supposed to find the manuscript, and Thomas' secrets were meant to be revealed. Maybe this whole secrecy thing was Thomas' way of trying to blend his two families together after his planned death.

April: People don’t want to hear the truth. Even if they say they do.

_{🔗 permalink: People don’t want to hear the truth. Even if they say they do.}

Brenna took the news about Thomas' illness and death harder than Sara and April. She considered her dad to be one of her best friends. It was nice to see her open up to April and Sara about how's she felt over the past year. Brenna has gone though a lot and lost many people she loved.

Hopefully with her new budding relationship with Finn, Brenna can find a piece of happiness, although I still wish they'd remain just friends for a while. 

Beth: I deserve a higher title than junior designer.

_{🔗 permalink: I deserve a higher title than junior designer.}

Bravo to Beth for sticking up for herself and getting what she deserves. It was definitely time for her to leave that awful job. While it can be scary to leave a job to start your own company, Beth has what it takes to be successful.

With a new boyfriend and career, life for Beth just keeps getting better.

Dominic: I like writer April. Can we keep her?

_{🔗 permalink: I like writer April. Can we keep her?}

Dominic is right, when April is in writer mode she seems to be more attentive and at peace. I'm glad April is finally OK with everything she's gone through. From discovering she has cancer, losing Leo, to finding out the truth about her dad's death, she has an interesting story to tell. Hopefully she will use this as inspiration to finish writing that book she's always wanted to pen.

The opening of Leo's camp, Camp Hendrie, was bittersweet. He truly made an impact on everyone he encountered. Camp Hendrie will give April the opportunity to still feel Leo's presence and spirit. 

With Dominic's ongoing battle searching for inspiration, I can see him potentially becoming a camp leader/counselor. Things will get awkward though when he decides to confess his true feelings to April. April is still getting over Leo, and the last thing she needs right now is her ex-boyfriend trying to woo her back.

Overall, tonight's episode was about everyone finally coming to terms with the truth. For once, everyone is following their hearts and doing what's right for them.

How do you feel about Brenna and Finn's new relationship? What secrets do you think Thomas' manuscripts hold? Will April and Dominic rekindle their love? Don't forget you can watch Chasing Life online right here on TV Fanatic.

Summer TV Awards: Mr. Robot Rules All!

Open List

The post Chasing Life Season 2 Episode 11 Review: First Person appeared first on TV Fanatic.

April contemplates if it's too early to get back on the dating scene after losing Leo. She finally opens up to Sara about her true feelings towards Dominic.

Dominic considers moving away from Boston to start a new life which doesn't sit well with April.

Beth is having a hard time getting her fashion line started. She wonders if she can truly make it as a fashion designer on her own, or if she should've continued working for her old boss, Jaclyn. Beth eventually reveals some shocking news to April that will put a damper on her fashion career.

Sara finds the courage to finish the 10k run that she's worked hard and trained for.

Brenna and Finn go on their first official date as a couple. With Finn's declining health, the two wonder if they should take their relationship to the next level.

The post Chasing Life Season 2 Episode 12 Recap: Ready or Not appeared first on TV Fanatic.

With Natalie still missing, the Carver women fear that she may tell everyone the truth regarding Thomas' death and are on a mission to locate her whereabouts.

April finally wants to use the events of her life as an inspiration for a book. She decides to meet with an agent that could potentially lead her to the opportunity of a lifetime. With the ribbon cutting of Leo's camp, April wonders if she can truly get over Leo's death.

Brenna opens up to her family about how she's dealing with the news of her father's death. Also, her friendship with Finn takes an interesting twist. 

Beth finally believes in herself and takes a leap of faith that will lead to a new career opportunity. She also questions if her new love life has the potential to be long term.

Dominic is bored with his life as a reporter and finds new inspiration for a much needed career change. He wonders if he should reveal his true feelings to April.

The post Chasing Life Season 2 Episode 11 Recap: First Person appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Being stuck inside the house during a snowstorm is enough to make anybody go insane. Add some alcoholic beverages, family secrets and people searching for answers to the mix, and then you've got yourself a serious problem. 

Brenna: Bring on the drama.

_{🔗 permalink: Bring on the drama.}

Natalie and April were determined to find out what really happened with their dad. George, of course, wasn't trying to give them any answers. Being the persistent individuals they are, they pretty much forced George to spill the beans.

April: It’s like he knew it was the last time.

_{🔗 permalink: It’s like he knew it was the last time.}

We finally got a long awaited flashback and saw Thomas Carver in action. He seemed to be a very loving man. In the scene with April, we could tell he had something heavy on his heart that he wanted to share with his daughter.

Thomas just didn't know how to express whatever it was he was dealing with at that moment. It was a very emotional scene to watch.

Sara: You’re focusing so much on someone else’s past.

_{🔗 permalink: You’re focusing so much on someone else’s past.}

Sara was so convinced that her husband had an alcohol problem. That wasn't the case. Natalie, April and Brenna even assumed he had another family living in a different city.

With all of the secrets Thomas kept from them, can you blame for even thinking that?

After further speculation that Sara and George were having an affair, the rumors were finally put to rest. George sat the women down and revealed that Thomas was suffering from A.L.S. and wanted to end his life before things got worse.

April: Death used to be my greatest fear.

_{🔗 permalink: Death used to be my greatest fear.}

I'm not quite sure how to feel about Thomas' decision to take his own life for insurance money. On one hand, it's quite selfish to take yourself away from loved ones.

Yet, Thomas knew if he continued to live, his family wouldn't be able to collect any insurance money due to his preexisting condition after he died. It's a touchy subject that sometimes doesn't have a right or wrong answer.

George helped his big brother fake his own death. He has been carrying this huge secret for years. That's a lot for one person to deal with. George had to look at his nieces and sister-in-law in the face everyday and not tell them the truth about what really happened to Thomas.

Now that the secret is out of the bag, how will Sara, April and Brenna deal with this new information? In next week's episode, Natalie goes missing. Natalie always drew the short end of the stick when it came to her father, Thomas. She was kept a secret for the majority of her life.

Then to find out that her dad faked his death for insurance money that his other family received had to have been heartbreaking. 

Natalie probably feels like her father never loved or cared for her. The look in her eyes and the pain in her voice when George talked about the insurance money pretty much summed it up. Do you think Natalie will tell anyone that Thomas faked his death and George helped? It will be shocking if she doesn't. 

How did you feel about this episode? Do you think George should've revealed this information sooner? Where do you think Natalie ran off to?  Don't forget you can watch Chasing Life online right here at TV Fanatic!

17 Romantic TV Kisses in the Rain

Open List

The post Chasing Life Season 2 Episode 10 Review: A Bottle of Secrets appeared first on TV Fanatic.

On Chasing Life Season 2 Episode 9 April is still getting used to living life without Leo. She ends up inheriting Leo's money through his will and testament. With April's new found fortune, it seems like she's going to try to live her in life in the moment. That's something Leo always wanted her to do. But all money isn't good money, right?

Sara: I worry about you.

_{🔗 permalink: I worry about you.}

Sara, like any concerned mother, continues to worry about her daughter. April, being the tough girl she is, always seems to have on her game face. It's as though she's afraid to let others know when she isn't sure of herself. April never wants to be alone to live with the thoughts that are constantly pacing in her mind.

Beth: I’m worried about you, the spending, outbursts.

_{🔗 permalink: I’m worried about you, the spending, outbursts.}

April started making outrageous purchases with the money she inherited. Her new spending habits were her way of coping with everything that happened to her within the past year. She decided to buy Beth and herself some very expensive Christian Louboutin shoes. That's something she never thought about doing, ever.

Continuing her splurging and an attempt to get over her feeling of grief, April decided to buy ecstasy. Italia Ricci's real life love interest and fiancé, Robbie Amell, guest starred as an ecstasy bearing drug dealer. It was totally shocking to see April take it to the next level by using her inheritance money to buy drugs. Alcohol and expensive clothing I can understand, but drugs?

When it was all said it done, April finally came to her senses and did something that she needed to do. Cry. She kept all of those emotions balled up and was like a ticking time bomb ready to explode at any given moment. April finally took time to reflect and bawled her eyes out. Crying is the best way to get rid of any feelings that anyone has been holding inside. It can also give you something money never can; a peace of mind and a sense of who you really are as an individual.

Vanessa: When the going gets tough, you get outside of your comfort zone.

_{🔗 permalink: When the going gets tough, you get outside of your comfort zone.}

While Vanessa gave April some good advice, you always have to make sure you don't forget who you truly are. For one night, April lived outside of her comfort zone and in reality, she was nowhere near comfortable. If April continued to go down the path she was headed earlier in this episode, it would've been disappointing to watch. She may be a tough cookie, but April should never lose sight of the person she really is. April finally learned that it is okay to sometimes not be okay.

April: If Finn dies, all three Carver women will be black widows.

_{🔗 permalink: If Finn dies, all three Carver women will be black widows.}

The budding friendship between Finn and Brenna is nice to watch. Hopefully the duo will continue to be friends for a while without the whole romance thing. The last thing Brenna needs right now is to get attached to someone emotionally just for them to possibly leave her life again.

It was sad to see no one show up for Brenna's film festival. She seems to always be there for other people but in return, none of her so-called friends are there for her. Bravo to Uncle George for being someone the Carver women can count on. It was nice of him to be the familiar face Brenna needed at her film festival.

George seems to always show up whenever the Carver women need him, yet there's still something mysterious about him that we're finally going to find out on Chasing Life Season 2 Episode 10. George is withholding some important information from the Carver women. Hopefully we will learn more about the manuscript Thomas Carver wrote and the mystery surrounding his secret life.

How do you feel about April's ride on the wild side? Do you think she will ever be okay emotionally? What do you think George is going to reveal?

Don't forget you can always watch Chasing Life online here at TV Fanatic!

17 Most Powerful TV Scenes of 2014-2015

Open List

The post Chasing Life Season 2 Episode 9 Review: Wild Thing appeared first on TV Fanatic.