News
Co-Head Writer Thom Racina Posts Message: "Start Watching One Life To Live Come April"
Courtesy/facebook
Veteran soap scribe, Thom Racina was recently named the new co-head writer of Prospect Park’s One Life to Live along with Susie Bedsow Horgan! Racina just took to his facebook page to let his followers, colleagues, and fans know he is in his new digs, the One Life studios in Stamford Connecticut. He ends his post with a special note telling everyone to watch for One Life to Live come April! We had heard originally some previous reports that the series would not end up online till May. So it would appear we are just a few months away from seeing the rebirth of the beloved soap.
Here’s what the enthusiastic scribe who will help lead the new Llanview creative direction stated: “Well, I’ve arrived in Llanview, which is now situated in our studios in Stamford, CT, and I couldn’t be happier. Not only are we on groundbreaking territory here with Prospect Park reinventing soaps for the Internet, but I’m looking forward to putting the results of my creative passion into story and the voices of characters once again.
I’m working, as most of you know, with my writing partner, Susie Horgan, with whom I’ve written 3 pilots over the last few years, and this is our dream come true because we met after our daytime careers were pretty much over (the shows were dying)…and now, suddenly, we are the co-head writers and we couldn’t be more thrilled. What a blessing!
Susie has posted several pictures of us “hard at work” sipping martinis–in fact she just handed me one (it’s dinner time after all), so I toast you, friends and fans, and I sincerely hope you will support us and tell your friends and start watching One Life To Live come April.”
So soapers does Thom’s statement give you more good feelings now that the production offices are open. and that Thom says April is the target date to see One Life to Live again? Let us know your thoughts!
General Hospital
Nicholas Chavez Confirms Exit From General Hospital
On Friday May 3rd, it was confirmed by Nicholas Chavez that he has indeed left his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital.
Taking to his account on X, Chavez shared some heartfelt goodbyes to the cast, the creatives and the fans of the ABC daytime drama series. This comes after months of speculation and reports that Chavez is not returning to his Daytime Emmy-winning role.
Chavez left the soap to go film his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix limited series, Monsters: The The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, and in story on GH, Spencer went overboard on a boat, when he was drugged by Esme (Avery Pohl) on the Seine River in France. His body and Esme’s thus far have never been found.
Photo: ABC
In his heartfelt message on X, Nicholas expressed, “I’m so appreciative of the opportunity that GH gave me, and I wouldn’t be as busy as I am professionally if it weren’t for the talented producers, writers, directors and fellow actors. Frank Valentini is a mentor and a friend, and we’ve had some pretty extensive conversations about my future on the show.”
Photo: ABC
Sharing his thoughts on if the would ever come back to GH, Chavez added, “While there are no current plans for me to return, we are still talking very openly about future possibilities for Spencer in Port Charles.”
Finally, Nicholas shared,”Beyond the people I’ve already mentioned, I want to take some time to thank and honor the GH fan base… especially the Sprina fans… who must be THE most loyal and kind fan base in the universe of entertainment. Words fail to show the depth of my gratitude, thank you, I love you all very, very much.”
Photo: ABC
Nicholas took over the role of Spencer previously played by Nicolas Bechtel, in July of 2021, and his last episode aired on January 31st, 2024. In April, reports surfaced that the actor was not returning to GH after all.
What do you think about Nicholas Chavez farewell message? Are you sad that he has confirmed his exit from GH, or were you expecting it? Comment below.
I’m so appreciative of the opportunity that GH gave me, and I wouldn’t be as busy as I am professionally if it weren’t for the talented producers, writers, directors and fellow actors.
Frank Valentini is a mentor and a friend, and we’ve had some pretty extensive conversations…
— Nicholas Alexander Chavez (@nicholasachavez) May 3, 2024
News
Steve Kent Exits Sony; Will Serve as Y&R’s Executive in Charge of Production
While as previously reported, Steve Kent is out in his role as Senior EVP of Programming at Sony Pictures Television, where he oversaw both Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless, now comes word that he is going to continue at the top-rated soap opera.
According to Deadline, Kent’s Senior EVP Programming role is being eliminated and Kent’s responsibilities will be taken up by other members of the SPT production team going forward. Kent will now be the executive in charge of production on The Young and the Restless, as his sole show.
Steve had been overseeing both DAYS and Y&R since 2007. along with being in charge of development and production of original local language productions including Outlander, Nikola and more.
Photo: JPI
Before coming to Sony in 1996 as Vice-President of Production for then-Columbia TriStar Television, he was the supervising producer on Santa Barbara from 1984 to 1993. Throughout his tenure, he picked up three Daytime Emmys.
Photo: JPI
No word on who will handle Days of our Lives from the Sony side or if its as noted being divied up between the SPT production team which absorbs Kent’s duties.
So, what do you think about Steve joining The Young and the Restless as its executive in charge of production? Comment below.
General Hospital
Richard Simmons Recalls His Time On General Hospital and Meeting Tony Geary, Genie Francis, Rick Springfield and More
Fitness Guru, Richard Simmons has been recently sharing many stories about his time in Hollywood and his career on his X account as he reflects on his life and prepares his biopic.
In a string of posts, containing moments from his time on General Hospital, and meeting many of who would be his co-stars in Port Charles, Simmons opened up about how he landed on the soap in its hey day.
Simmons began by explaining that after an appearing on an ABC local morning show with Regis Philbin, he got a call two days later about GH, and things took off from there.
Photo: JPI
Richard expressed, “I met with the most powerful woman in daytime television. Gloria Monty. I also met with the head writer Pat Falken Smith. These ladies were very smart. They told me their idea. I would teach exercise classes in a disco for all the ladies on the show.” He added, “A week before taping the show the studio asked me if I could drive over and do some promotional photos. In my car I brought with me six jogging suits….My make up…some towels and five pound weights. I still could not believe I was going to be on a soap. lol.”
When he got to GH’s studio, Simmons shared, “The first person that I met was Genie Francis (Laura). Her father was Ivor Francis an actor who had been on Broadway and many TV shows. Genie was so young and innocent looking. I clicked immediately with her.
Photo: ABC
“The second person I was introduced to was Anthony Geary (Luke),” recalled Richard. “Some people called him Tony. ..but I did not. He was an actor’s actor. Mr G had curly hair like me. When he was not acting he was sitting in his dressing room learning all of his lines. His door was always closed. One day when it was open. I asked if I could come in and sit and talk. This man won 8 daytime Emmys for playing Luke.”
“Now what can I say about Jane Elliot (Tracy)? She had an aristocratic face,” says Simmons. “One moment her character was very nice then she was the queen of mean. She allowed me to come into her room and chat while she was putting on makeup.”
Photo: JPI
Then, Richard recalled the late, great Stuart Damon (ex-Alan) and Jackie Zeman (ex-Bobbie). “I then met Prince Charming. Stuart Damon. He had been in a lot of TV shows and played Prince Charming on a special about Cinderella. Jackie Zeman was so cute. She had a pixie face.”
Simmons recalled when Rick Springfield joined the cast as Noah Drake, sharing, “While he was on the show his father passed away in Australia. I went to the news stand and bought him a bunch of magazines to read on the plane. How many times have you sung Jessie’s Girl and Don’t Talk to Strangers? When he came back from Australia he resumed his role.”
Courtesy/ABC
Noting his humble beginnings on GH running the aerobic classes at the Campus Disco, Richard recalled, “My first scene was in Luke’s Disco. All the nurses and other actresses were there dancing with me. I had never memorized lines before. So much was going on in my head. At the end of my scene, I heard the sound of heels clicking on the floor and everyone froze. It was Ms Monty and she was talking to me. ‘Richard the television is this big . You are talking like you are on a screen in a movie theater…bring your voice down.’ So I did.”
What do you think about the sentiments shared by Richard Simmons on his reflections on his time on General Hospital? Check out this OG GH scene with Richard leading the exercise class at the Campus Disco with some beloved Port Charles notables. Then, comment below.
(INTERVIEW) Adam Huss Talks on His Latest GH Return, Maura West, Nicholas Chavez, and Being a Swiftie
Nicholas Chavez Confirms Exit From General Hospital
Steve Kent Exits Sony; Will Serve as Y&R’s Executive in Charge of Production
Richard Simmons Recalls His Time On General Hospital and Meeting Tony Geary, Genie Francis, Rick Springfield and More
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Jack and Nikki Hit Rock Bottom with Riveting Performances by Peter Bergman and Melody Thomas Scott
GH’s Laura Wright Previews How Carly Gets Clued-In to Sonny’s Behavior: “All the Questions That Anybody Would Have, We Hit on Them”
Lane Davies Joins the Cast of General Hospital Setting up a ‘Santa Barbara’ Reunion with Nancy Lee Grahn
Tristan Riggs is General Hospital’s New Aiden
Nicholas Chavez Confirms Exit From General Hospital
Kimberlin Brown Back to The Bold and the Beautiful
(INTERVIEW) Adam Huss Talks on His Latest GH Return, Maura West, Nicholas Chavez, and Being a Swiftie
Richard Simmons Recalls His Time On General Hospital and Meeting Tony Geary, Genie Francis, Rick Springfield and More
(WATCH) B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Annika Noelle Talk Lead Actress Emmy Nominations and Brooke and Hope’s Mother/Daughter Relationship
Juliet Donenfeld is the Temporary Recast as General Hospital’s Georgie
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Deacon and Finn Make a Shocking Discovery and Find Sheila
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As The World TurnsApril 27, 2024Jon Lindstrom and Cady McClain Announce They Have Ended Their Marriage
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General HospitalApril 29, 2024GH’s Laura Wright Previews How Carly Gets Clued-In to Sonny’s Behavior: “All the Questions That Anybody Would Have, We Hit on Them”
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General HospitalMay 1, 2024Lane Davies Joins the Cast of General Hospital Setting up a ‘Santa Barbara’ Reunion with Nancy Lee Grahn
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Breaking NewsApril 25, 2024REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
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Days Of Our LivesApril 28, 2024DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: EJ is on the Warpath After Finding Out Sloan’s Baby Is Not Hers!
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General HospitalMay 2, 2024Tristan Riggs is General Hospital’s New Aiden
I am not really interested in watching an online version of these soaps. Most of the actors will not be back with the shows as many have moved on to other projects.
Wow! What a “Debbie Downer!” You must not have been a big fan to begin with or you would be as thrilled as the rest of us just to have our shows back! In fact, many of the original actors have signed back on are also thrilled to be a part of this. Will they be different? Sure, but something is better then nothing! Plus, being online you can watch it anytime or anywhere you want too! I couldn’t be more thrilled or more happy about it because I am a life long fan and I miss the show, the characters and even the actors that play them. Be happy and give it a try. Sort of like when we switched from radio to TV. Just go with it and support our shows.
Thank you Lisa. Well said. For those of us who have missed & mourned this show every single day-well the news couldn’t be better. We’ll take OLTL any way & with anyone we can get. It is OLTL!!!
Right on Lisa!!! I don’t really care what form the shows take, I’m just thrilled that OLTL is coming back. It’s been a staple in my house for so many years and I was devastated when it was cancelled. I’m so glad they are making a return. I’ve been filling my craving by watching the old episodes on Soapnet, early in the morning, but I can’t wait to see what happens in April. This life long fan, will definitely be tuning in, logging on or whatever else I need to do…LOL
That is your opinion and you are welcome to watch online. I watched OLTL on and off for years, but it was not my favorite soap, true. I was more a ATWT fan and GL but I did watch OLTL for years. I started watching when Todd and Blair first met. I don’t think many of the younger stars will come back to OLTL and doubt very much Melissa Archer will return as she has been making quite a few movies lately and seems to have relocated to California. I am not on board for a new Natalie, Jessica, Starr, Todd and John.
I take it back I was wrong, I see Melissa Archer is coming back to OLTL.
I don’t know what Deb means here, since we’re getting back
Prospect Park announcmnet stated, “It has closed the following deals with cast members and production executives, with more deals expected to close in the coming weeks, for The Online Network’s production of All My Children.” Now take a look at the official cast as of today!
One Life to Live Cast List:
Photo Credit: Wire Image
Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan
Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord
Tuc Watkins as David Vickers
Robert S. Woods as Bo Buchanan
Kassie DePaiva as Blair Cramer
Jerry verDorn as Clint Buchanan
Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado
Melissa Archer as Natalie Buchanan Banks
Hillary B. Smith as Nora Buchanan
Kelley Missal as Danielle Manning
Josh Kelly as Cutter Wentworth
Andrew Trischitta as Jack Manning
Sean Ringgold as Shaun Evans
Shenaz Treasury Rama Patel
Nick Choksi as Vimal Patel
That’s a HUGE portion of the original cast. And we’re getting some character recasts.
Some people can’t bear it if there aren’t clouds in the sky. Nothing brings more joy to some than being unhappy and spreading it around.
OLTL has always been a superior, well-written and crafted soap. It’s no surprise so many past cast members are coming back. I was a huge fan of AMC, but it had been falling off the creative cliff for a long time. Not OLTL! I can’t wait for its return. AMC… not so much.
well yea i agree its better then nothing and yea it will for sure be different but i do look forward to seeing how it takes shape.. i am just really looking forward to the oltl more so then the AMC .. truth be told i dont know if i will be able to get into watching them on the computer… also it has been such a long time will there still be as much interest in them OOOOOOO i do hope it gets them plenty of new fans and i hope alot of the old ones are able to come back . but I think they will need to do some BIG BIG BIG promoting and stuff like that they will need to get the actors out there on talk shows and fan events and stuff like that so it gets the word out there….
Deb lots of the original characters are coming back, Bo, Nora, Vicki, Clint, Natalie and more. I can’t wait for the first show!!
Actually, if you have a Wi Fi TV with an Internet connection you will be able to watch it on your TV!!! Its just like watching regular TV! It’s the wave of the future folks! You have to keep up with the times or you will be stuck listening to 8 tracks!
I just hope it’s on T.V. in some form. I know more people who would watch it On Demand than on the internet. We don’t all have the internet at home!
It just gets better and better and better.
Can’t wait. Just hope they don’t take John, Starr, and Todd.
They can’t make the actors go to the show they are all under contract with ABC and not PP.
actually the 3 of them were were kinda if you wanna calll it on loan from prospect park with the understanding that if they got it and going they would have to go back.. and there is an agreement i think that at some point they will get back to gh
I am thrilled with the show coming back! There has been such a huge void without it.
That’s two months away at least, more or less. Happy happy joy joy! Good news.
I wsh the new writers would bring Tina(Andrea Evans)back to OLTL
Would love to see the Kyle/Oliver story back. It was daring, bold, and sweet (after all the hubbub it was shown to help the ratings, not hurt them.)
Another hopeful sign! I look forward to finding out exactly how this will play out, and look forward to seeing it all come to fruition in April !!!!
When will AMC go online?
I can’t wait to see OLTL written by other writers!
I’ve read on a couple of sources that PP will be going for a younger demographic when OLTL starts online. Many of us longtime fans are concerned that this means the cast will consist of many youngsters and newbies. Yes, they have hired some much-loved vets, but we’re afraid that this is to lure us in to start, and then back-burner them. PP needs to remember that it’s mostly the fans who have watched this show for decades who worked the hardest to have it return. We want to see all generations of characters interacting, both online and back on a tv network!
I agree with Mary. It’s great to see something happening with the show.
The vast majority of hires have been the vets so I don’ think that’s much of a worry.
BUT I do want to see “next generation” too, just as we did when the show as broadcast on ABC.
Exactly! Who wants to watch a show full of over 60-somethings? That’s been the problem with the soaps and why they couldn’t generate a younger audience every year. They’ve got to build younger-aimed storylines to lure in younger viewers. They’re the ones watching shows on computers, phones and ipads anyway.
Thrilled beyond belief!!!!!!!!
Aside from me being worried about the intentions and plans for AMC + OLTL– which seem to be centered around tying up any stories with the vets, and wheeling in the youngsters to be front and center–I’m still not looking forward to these upcoming revivals until a cable deal is announced. I’m tired of taking the heat for advocating for them to come to cable, but I must continue doing so. Various predicaments will hinder the ability of much of the audience to watch online.
There are other soaps on the Internet, so what is ‘ground breaking’ about this? That they used to be on network TV?
You’re right, and most of them are pretty good.
But what is groundbreaking is the revival of two shows that between them span almost 100 years, and have reached audiences far and wide in those years.
Reviving a network show that was considered dead and gone, dumped by networks that said that the days of soaps were over IS groundbreaking.
And even more than that, it’s heartening to think that these longterm shows are surviving once again, even after their previous network homes dumped them. And, how much their revival owes to overwhelming fan support that never gave up.
I can’t wait for this to happen. I will watch it whatever it’s on. I just hope there are lots more old favorites coming back!
My hope is that a cable station will see the viability of this show and pick it up or we can continue to see OLTL characters pop up in Port Charles and maybe intertwine stories….either way its good news. Lets hope all those fans crying about the cancellation “log on” and watch. THATS the only way we will ever hope to see this show on TV again!
I wish Prospect Park the best of luck with this, but sorry-
Until/unless I actually see these soaps airing on the internet in a non-diminished way with actual evidence that this could last long-term, I remain highly skeptical about this. Personally, I just don’t see these so-called reboots getting off the ground without some kind of TV deal in place to share costs. They almost certainly cannot get by on only online advertising to generate enough viewers and ad revenue to offset the costs. The economics involved just does not make sense.
You know the expression- Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
On top of that, these shows will not appeal to the younger demos advertisers covet.
lol that is true…. I am was thinking the same thing.. how are they paying the actors if they are not charging us or there are no commercials. my thinking will be we hae options… pay to watch it with out commercials or watch them with the commercials… but who knows yea i feel the same i will have to waite and see what it brings but i will be viewing with an open mind at first but yea i am wondering how the quality will be as well
Oh Yeah…You bet I’ll be watching! So excited!
Will we be able to see the online episodes for free or is it by paid-subscription only?
Just as I jumped on GH with the arrival of Cartini if only to help support the genre, I will try my hand at online soaps with OLTL. My mom was a diehard AMC fan but is not sold on the online format. I truly hope that if there is sufficient interest, maybe these shows can get picked up by cable some how. Surely Lifetime has openings in its schedule.
I am looking forward to watching OLTL again. I hope it will be good, I would like David vickers back. He is aways good. good luck
It has been reported that Tuc Watkins IS coming back as David Vickers!!
THRILLED BEYOND WORDS! CAN’T WAIT CAN’T WAIT CAN’T WAIT!!!
Hope you will not forget to stay with the “history/core that made the show like the Lords, Cramers and Buchanans. Also hope you guys will solve the cliff hanger and bring Trevor St John back.
Not a One Life to Live fan, so I won’t be watching the web version. But I wish them (and AMC) the best of luck. And please, for the love of all that is unholy, take Todd, Starr, the vampire, and Ron C. with you.
It All sounds Great!! Can’t wait to see OLTL Live again!!
Oh how I have missed my Fave Soap!!
Well i will start by saying how excited i am about the whole thing and i am looking forward to the relaunch.. I hope it was all worth it and that it all goes the way they plan. I am just wanting to know if i am going to have to pay to see it when they come back.. BECAUSE that i wont do no matter how much i love and miss OLTL.. I know I will give it a shot and watch with an open mind hoping for the Best for all involved and may
PLEASE BRING TREVOR ST JOHN/VICTOR.
For sure! Since Roger is stuck on GH, bring Trevor back in his place.
I know Trevor was the one who wanted to leave the show before, but maybe he’s changed his mind.
This is what is making my 2013!!!! Thank u to everyone involved for working so hard and making this happen. From the bottom I my heart, thank u!
Im happy. That one life to live is coming back, but not happy to be watching it online. I like tv better. Sorry wont be watching!!!!