For the first time since 2014, Days of our Lives has received not just a one-year, but a two-year renewal, from NBC ending the suspense of another renewal negotiations between the series, the network, and Sony.
According to Deadline that broke the good news this will take the long-running and beloved daytime drama series through its 57th and 58th seasons on the air. In anticipation of the pick-up, the producers had been making if-come deals with key cast members, including signing a new contract with Days favorite Robert Scott Wilson (Ben Weston) and bringing in Jackée Harry Paulina) who was recurring at first to be more full-time on the show.
In statements on the DAYS pick-up, Michael Sluchan, EVP, Scripted Series & Kids Programming, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming shared: “We couldn’t be happier to bring our loyal fans two more seasons of Days of our Lives and continue what has been an absolutely remarkable achievement in television. A big thank you to Ken Corday and the cast and crew for their incredible passion for storytelling that continues to reach new generations of viewers.”
DAYS EP, Ken Corday shared: “After more than 55 years of bringing drama, adventure and romance to screens around the world, we are thrilled and honored to carry on the Days of our Lives legacy for another two years. We are thankful to NBC for their enduring commitment to the show and grateful to continue this wonderful journey with our fans for years to come.”
Sony EVP, Programming Steve Kent added: “We are incredibly proud of the work being done by Ken Corday, the cast and crew. They continue to tell bold stories through these iconic characters captivating audiences around the world. We are thrilled to continue the legacy of Days of our Lives and for viewers to enjoy two more seasons.”
So, thrilled to hear about the two-year pick-up for DAYS? Share your congrats to the show via the comment section below.
Actually surprised they got two years, given the trainwreck of ReRon’s writing, but maybe they’ll take the hint, hire some competent writers, and get the ratings up over the next two years, so we aren’t all nervous as a hooker in church when the next renewal comes up!
I don’t believe that any new writers will be able to fix the train wreck that is now DOOL not after the current debacles. Jumping ahead one year so all of sudden we are given Kristin, Sarah, Xander and kidnapped baby? Hope Brady removed from the show? Jennifer Devereaux removed from the show? Making Abigail crazy again because the writers don’t know what else to do?
Killing off Laura Horton because it was too difficult to write a well crafted story line showing her having to deal with both continued condemnation and seeking forgiveness from Gwen, Jack, Jennifer, Abigail and other family members?
Delonjo Barber
3 years ago
My heart can beat again!
Jeremy
3 years ago
That is SO unexpected! I’m so happy for the Days actors, crew, etc. I’m shocked that it was for a two year deal. They need better writers. It’s past time to give Ron, head writer his walking papers. And bring Greg Meng back as EP. What surprising and wonderful news about the two year renewal… it’s made my day. Go Days! Improvements are needed across the board. Bring back Maggie and Victor when they are ready to come back. I’m speculating that they away because of Covid. And, give Cady McClain a contract. And, get back the old Claire. And would rather have Valerie around instead of “Aunt Paulina”, she and her daughter aren’t working. Loved Valerie with Abe. Best news, go DAYS!!!!
Well, I think John Aniston will return briefly, someday soon, I hope, and perhaps the show will have Victor pass away at some point. The actor who plays Doug is like 94 or something and we last saw him, and Julie last fall/Xmas especially when Jennifer and Jack had a storyline going on. Hopefully, Maggie will return too! I think if it’s about retirement for the older actors that’s cool and I would respect their decisions. My hope is that I would like to see them all return someday soon for closure, if need be, or when they may feel more comfortable returning to work in a lesser playing role. I’d just like to see Maggie and Victor share some more screen time when it can happen and for the show, to tie up stories so if any actors decide to retire, then they can properly retire their respected characters too, for their beloved fans and audiences. I just look forward to potential returns or farewells from Doug, Victor, Maggie. But my hope is that the actors come back and do pop-up appearances. I would really love if Suzanne Rodgers could return as beloved Maggie Horton – she’s such a gem and power house of a performer. Best wishes to all actors on the soaps who returned to work during Covid and best wishes to all those actors whom have chosen to stay away from their respected soaps until they feel more comfortable and safe to return.
denisefan
3 years ago
Now its time to hire a writing team that can create character-driven stories.
John Gainor
3 years ago
I watch the show, and I’m glad that it has been renewed – That being said, holy smoke do they EVER need some innovative Writers on this show – I don’t mind new characters coming aboard, and I respect and encourage diversity, but they need to write some interesting story lines, they can’t just keep having Kristin putting on a rubber mask and pretending to be Kate or Nicole or Sara…I mean, it’s enough already. Next thing you know she’ll be putting on a rubber mask and will pretend to be Victor!
Kirsten needs a rest! Put her back in jail. And force Eileen to return so we can pretend the last character run never happened. What a farce! Eileens run was complex and she made Kirsten human. This Kirsten wannabe is bad comic relief. Yikes
Love all the new sets. The show looks modern and invested in!
More Justin! More Steve and Kayla! More Tripp and Allie! More Ava/Rafe/ Nicole…abd Erics return plsss?!
Congrats Days! Keep up the great entertaining! Thank you!
Rodd
3 years ago
It’s about D time! SO glad for this change up from one to two. The yearly “will they or won’t they” story was becoming really annoying. TPTB know they should renew.
Celia
3 years ago
Happy to hear this—-but, I question some of the wicked roads the writers seem to take. What’s up with Xander and Nicole? Anything? Not that I would mind—-both statuesque—she beautiful; he soooo Hot!!
Just this: Why? I guess Eric is not returning and Ari is pregnant? Nicole must hook up with someone,, right? Xander? Because they’re both so miserable?
Then there are the kidnappings and the masks. Holy cow!! Enough. It’s laughable. Kristen is built like a man—yet, she can pass off as Kate, and curvy Nicole. Yeah, yeah…it’s a soap…..
Celia
3 years ago
PS—-Is Rafe hung up on Nicole as much as she is on him? Dating Eva as a distraction?
Rafe is still hung up on Hope, but she’s apparently not coming back. Oddly enough, that puts him in the same boat as Nicole, since Eric also seems to be permanently absent.
The Ava pairing seems strange, but it’s not a first for Rafe. He was also hooking up with Ben’s sister Jordan, so it’s not like being attracted to criminals with mental issues is a new thing for him. That being the case, he’s probably better off with Ava than with somebody like Gwen. At least Ava seems to be trying to make a break from her psycho & criminal past.
On the other horn… Nicole & Xander?? Don’t see that working at all.
You are correct, of course, Satan—–
As far as I’m concerned Nicole has had cheating on her mind for months—–She’s had the hots for Rafe since forever—ergo, this remorseful behavior is pathetic.
As for Rafe, he’s been hungry for many a woman, if I remember correctly. He married Sami ( love her—she’s my fave on the show) —his opposite on all counts. Now it’s Ava ( thanks for the spelling correction). Lest I forget—Kate!!
Go Xander—-you got it——the holier-than-thou Eric left for parts unknown, leaving his wife with an itch. My problem is wiith women ( or men) who will have sex with just anyone to appease “nature”. She loves her husband? How’s that? Yet, she hits the sheets with Xander? But, it’s Nicole. So, no “quelle surprise” there. At this point, I don’t feel badly for any of them—-each ( of them) gets what she/he deserves.
Yet, that’s the way soapland turns—-everyone sleeps with everyone.
Another thing—is Kristen going away for good? First, we were made to feel sorry for her while in prison; now, we feel contempt!! It’s working because I can’t take her shenanigans any longer.
And, please, I wish the writers would stop making Brady a martyr already!! A hero he “ain’t”.
Oops, got to go—class…
Violet Lemm
3 years ago
So we have two more years, but of what? A lot of people think it means we will have better stories. One can only hope. Iam so sick of the one woman show with Kristen, when all I want to see is them cart her back off to jail and throw the key away.I really laughed the other day when she told the unconscious Kate that she was glad she still wore a size two. Did she actually think she could get into that? She’s twice Kate’s size! I don’t care for Nicole’s meddling ways on a good day, but now she’s hot after Rafe and sleeping with Zandor in horny desperation. Why doesn’t she go to Africa and be with her husband, or give us a new Eric. I have been rooting for Rafe and Ava from the beginning. Sammy is laughable especially letting Kristen call the shots. She should call her bluff and tell her to go ahead and tell E.J. about her one nighter with Lucas , she could talk her way out if it anyway. Between her and Kristen, most of the other character’s S.Ls have been affected by these two crazies. I for one am thouroughly sick of it. Sammy will probably balk at some point to Kristen’s demands and the new E.J will arrive and what about the son Johnny, was that his name? First time I’d heard the other day, that he was gay, according to Allie.
No, when Allie referred to her “gay brother”, she was talking about Will. Though it is odd that she’s been in Salem several months now, and hasn’t mentioned Johnny or Sydney at all. Presumably they were all living together with Sami & Elvis in Europe.
If Nu-Elvis is going to be relocating to Salem (at least for a while) then that probably means the kids are coming with him. But then, it’s almost summer, and that’s the “traditional” time for SORASed teenagers to show up. Though Johnny – being Allie’s twin – should be the same age she is…. which is exactly what?? We don’t know, but she supposedly graduated from college before she was pregnant.
Satan
OMG, so dumb if me. Can’t believe I’d forgotten about Will so soon. Johnny was supposed to come to Salem months ago and guess that was in my mind.
The other Lis
3 years ago
I have a theory that just like the OJ trial changed viewing habits toward soaps the pandemic with more people at home during the day may have done the same. Ellen announced she is retiring today and the Court shows all seem so tiresome now. Does any one know how the talk and court shows are doing?
Boop
3 years ago
I’m extremely happy – which means that I won’t complain about the story lines. Therefore , Ron , work your magic!
Patrick Mulcahey OUT as General Hospital Co-Head Writer
May 16, 2024
After various reports surfaced, it has been confirmed that Patrick Mulcahey is out as the co-head writer of General Hospital. This is after a very short tenure of under five months.
Mulcahey was named to the position back in January of 2024 along with longtime GH writer Elizabeth Korte. They replaced the team of Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor, who had been the head scribes of the long-running ABC daytime drama since 2019.
A source informed Soap Opera Digest that stories created by the co-head writing team of Mulcahey/Korte team will air through mid-summer. However they added “There will be more news to share at a later date as to the composition of the new writing team.”
In addition, eagle-eyed soap fans have seen that in recent episodes former co-head writer, Chris Van Etten has been credited, as he is reportedly a breakdown writer with the show.
Soap Opera Network is reporting that Korte has assumed the head writing duties solely on her own at the moment, while Buzz blog initially reported Mulcahey’s exit.
We will have more on the GH writing team evolution in the days ahead.
What do you think about the writing team changes at GH thus far? Comment below.
Melody Thomas Scott and Edward J. Scott to Receive Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Honors
May 6, 2024
The Young and the Restless iconic Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) and her husband, Emmy-winning producer, Edward J. Scott have been named by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences as Lifetime Achievement Honorees at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
Melody and Ed will be presented with the award on June 7th during the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards (8 PM ET/delayed PT) broadcast live on CBS and streaming live and on-demand on Paramount+*.
In a statement Melody and Ed expressed, “We are honored and humbled to receive this recognition from NATAS. Throughout our decades-long careers in front of and behind the cameras, we have had the opportunity to work not only with each other, but also with an incredibly talented pool of people who excel in their crafts and are passionate about the art we create in daytime television. We are grateful to have worked side by side with them and to be included with such esteemed recipients who have made their mark in our industry. We look forward to spending another wonderful evening celebrating the daytime community!“
Adam Sharp, President and CEO, NATAS added,“We’ve long wanted to honor the legendary daytime duo of Melody Thomas Scott and her husband Edward J. Scott. With a combined 93 years of contributions to our community, they are true institutions in the world of Daytime television.”
In addition to Melody and Ed receiving their Lifetime Achievement honors, public television host and cookbook author Lidia Bastianich will also be honored.
Photo NATAS
Lidia Bastianich said, “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized and receive the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award for having shared my passion for food with TV audiences for over 25 years. Cooking together and sharing food remain a common denominator of all cultures. Food nurtures, it connects diverse people, and it brings families, friends, and strangers together. There is no better place to be on this earth, especially in these trying times, than sharing food at a table with others. That simple idea has been the basis of my life’s work. Hence, as I say in my shows, “Tutti a Tavola a Mangiare!” Mille Grazie to NATAS for this honor.”
While Adam Sharp shared, “Lidia Bastianich’s astounding success combines her love of cooking while simultaneously entertaining millions each day. It is an honor for us to say ‘grazie’ for the many fine meals borne from her TV kitchen and cookbook pages.”
Melody Thomas Scott recently celebrated 45 years in the role of Nikki Newman, having joined the show in February 1979. Scott’s character has matured from the girl from the wrong side of the tracks to the serial’s luminous and resourceful leading lady. After garnering a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1999, she went on to win in the same category for the Soap Opera Digest Award in 2001 and received four Soap Opera Update Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress (1992, 1993, 1995 and 1996). Scott began her career at age three. She studied singing, tap dancing, ballet and jazz and became one of the world-famous “Meglin Kiddies,” performing in USO shows as she started booking national commercials and guest spots on such series as “Wagon Train,” “My Three Sons,” “Ironside” and a recurring role on “The Waltons.” Scott made her motion picture debut at age eight when she was cast by Alfred Hitchcock as the young Tippi Hedren in the thriller “Marnie.” She has co-starred with legendary actors Clint Eastwood, Geraldine Page, John Wayne and Kirk Douglas. Scott has worked on stage and in numerous television shows and was the subject of Lifetime Television’s “Intimate Portrait.” As a lifelong fan of “I Love Lucy,” Scott served as a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, N.Y., which is committed to preserving the legacy of the great comedienne. In 2020,
Scott released her memoir, “Always Young and Restless.” Married since 1985 to Edward J. Scott, the couple have three daughters and five grandchildren.
Photo: JPI
Edward J. Scott is a six-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning producer who has played a pivotal role in the historic development of the soap opera genre for nearly five decades. Scott is currently supervising producer for The Bold and the Beautiful, the #2-rated daytime drama in the U.S. and the most-watched daily drama in the world, which is nominated for 12 Daytime Emmy Awards this year. Scott began his association with The Bell Family and Bell-Phillip Television Productions when he joined “The Young and The Restless” as an associate producer in 1976. He quickly moved up the ranks and served as the show’s executive producer for decades.
Scott’s legendary 48-year producing partnership and creative collaboration with “The Young and The Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful” creators, the late William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell, and their son, Bradley P. Bell, has helped create the two most popular daily American television series. Today, both daytime dramas are syndicated internationally. Before joining “B&B” Scott was executive producer for the NBC daytime drama “Days of Our Lives.” Born and raised in Santa Monica, California, Scott earned a B.A from California State University at Northridge with a double major of anthropology and broadcasting journalism. He has been married since 1985 to actress and author Melody Thomas Scott. The couple have three daughters and five grandchildren.
So, excited to hear Y&R’s Melody Thomas Scott and longtime daytime soap opera producer, Edward J. Scott are receiving this year’s Lifetime Achievement Honors at this years 51st Annual Daytime Emmys? Comment below.
‘Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit For Stand Up To Cancer’ Live Virtual Event Announced; Featuring Soap Opera Notables and Moving Tributes
May 2, 2024
Stand Up to Cancer in collaboration with Alan Locher and Michael Fairman, will come together for a a three-hour livestream benefit, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
Several stars from from daytime drama television past and present are scheduled to participate for an evening of stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer, and moving tributes to beloved daytime favorites who lost their battle plus musical performances.
Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story, streams live on Thursday, May 16, from 8 to 11 p.m. ET/5 to 8 pm PT simultaneously on StandUpToCancer.org and YouTube channels The Locher Room and Michael Fairman Channel.
Photos: CBS and JPI
Tune-in for cancer survivorship stories with General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his cancer journey as well his memories of beloved The Young and the Restless co-star Meg Bennett, who passed from cancer April 11; and more.
Moving tributes to soap stars who’ve lost their cancer battles, including: Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden, a tribute to Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, as shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett, two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding LightOne Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keife, the iconic Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez and Kamar de los Reyes shared by his One Life to Live co-stars Michael Easton(General Hospital)Trevor St. John (The Young and the Restless).
Photo: MEastonFacebook
Poignant reflections from actors who have portrayed breast cancer survivors, including Sharon Case and Eileen Davidson from The Young and the Restless; Erika Slezak from One Life to Live; Tina Sloan and Kim Zimmer from Guiding Light and more.
Additional talent slated to participate in the virtual benefit include (*subject to change): Eddie and Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live); Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives); The Day Players, Featuring Days of OurLives castmates Carson Boatman, Brandon Barash, Wally Kurth (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee), Eric Martsolf (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee); Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live); Don Diamont (The Bold and the Beautiful); Linsey Godfrey (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, Days of Our Lives); Leo Howard (Days of Our Lives); LesliKay (The Bold and the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (GeneralHospital); Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).
Courtesy/LaceyGorden
“Daytime television invites viewers into the private lives of characters, often bringing important issues like cancer screenings into living rooms and around water coolers. Soaps debuted the first cancer storyline in 1962 – years before the topic was discussed in the mainstream, and it left an indelible impact: a whole generation of women who scheduled a potentially life-saving Pap smear for the first time,” said Daytime Stands Up host Alan Locher. “For so many viewers, this brought the issue front and center,” added co-host Michael Fairman. “Today, it’s become almost impossible to avoid; but there is hope with cancer research, thanks to organizations like Stand Up To Cancer.”
SU2C Co-Founder Sue Schwartz, SU2C President and CEO Julian Adams, Ph.D., and SU2C Health Equity Committee Member Elizabeth Jaffee, M.D., will also participate to speak to the importance of early detection, exciting scientific breakthroughs, and the ongoing work yet to be done to make screenings and treatment equitable for all.
“This year, an estimated 2 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer, presenting an opportunity for the public to stand with us and rise to the occasion,” said Adams. “We’re thankful to Alan Locher, Michael Fairman and our friends from the daytime television community, who will raise critical funding to honor those we’ve lost – and to propel new scientific breakthroughs for current and future patients. Everyone has a story, and we’re grateful to all of you for sharing yours.”
For over 15 years, SU2C has leveraged its relationship with the entertainment community – which includes more than 1,100 celebrity ambassadors – to generate public donations, increase awareness and fund cutting-edge cancer research. SU2C research has contributed to the development of more than 10 scientific breakthroughs that have significantly impacted the field and provided new treatment options for breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, pancreatic, pediatric and prostate cancers.
Photo: SUTC
In support of the event, SU2C will also be launching a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for fans to bid on items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of Young and Restless and signed merchandise from the Bold and Beautiful cast; a 1:1 video call with General Hospital’s Cynthia Watros, Maura West and Laura Wright, and with daytime legends Robert Newman, Vincent Irizarry, Colleen Zenk, and more. Full details will be shared the evening of May 16, on Stand Up To Cancer’s website.
Are you looking forward to this very special one-night only virtual event to help benefit cancer research and shed light on the stories, performances and lives of the people we love and have loved in daytime TV? Comment below.
