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Deidre Hall, Ryan Paevey, Donna Mills, Galen Gering, Cameron Mathison, Corbin Bleu To Appear In Revival Of "Battle Of The Network Stars"

Courtesy/ABC

Names very familiar to soap fans will be part of the ABC network’s reboot of the ’70s and ’80s television pop-culture classic, Battle of The Network Stars when it debuts this summer for 10 weeks beginning on June 29 at 9pmest.

Battle of the Network Stars will be a nostalgic throwback to the original series, where TV celebrities blended athleticism along with hilarious antics while featuring an array of fan favorites from numerous TV series. The original series from ABC Sports began in 1976 and continued for 13 years. The 10-episode summer event will pit teams of current and classic TV stars from multiple eras and different genres against one another in a variety of athletic games. Viewers can look forward to seeing a fresh take at some of the classic show’s sporting events like Tug of War, Archery, Kayak Relay, Obstacle Course and Dunk Tank – all from the site of the original series, the beautiful campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

For this new version, fielding of the teams will be based on the TV characters people love from over the years to the current day – cops vs. TV sitcoms, White House vs. lawyers, TV moms & dads vs. TV kids, etc. In this way, viewers will get to see everyone’s favorites from over the years, even if they spanned different networks at the time.

From the world of daytime and primetime soaps look for: DAYS Deidre Hall (Marlena) and Galen Gering (Rafe). GH’s Ryan Paevey (Nathan), ex-OLTL reboot Corbin Bleu (Ex-Jeffrey), ex-Dallas reboot star, Josh Henderson  (John Ross) and Dallas original series star, Charlene Tilton (Lucy) and ex-Knots Landing’s Donna Mills (Abby). In addition former B&B cast member, Lorenzo Lamas, Y&R’s recurring Corbin Bersen, Ex-AMC and ET’s Cameron Mathison (Ex-Ryan, AMC), former Generations and Y&R star, Vivica A, Fox as well as Shari Belafonte (Lomax, GH) will all be competing for their respective teams.

There are the 20 teams (100 stars), blue and red, competing against each other in separate episodes with athletic contests of physical grace and stamina.  Here are the teams pitted against each other

· TV Sitcoms (Bronson Pinchot, Tom Arnold, Dave Collier, AJ Machala, Tracey Gold) vs. TV Kids (Joey Lawrence, Corbin Bleu, Nolan Gould, Lisa Whence, Kim Fields) – Airs June 29

· Primetime Soaps (Ian Kiering, Josh Henderson, Gabrielle Carters, Donna Mills, Mishap Barton) vs. ABC Stars (Olivia dab, Shari Belafonte, Michael Fishman, Jason Hervey, Anson Williams)

· Variety (Joanna Krup, Nick Lachey, Vanessa Lachey, Gilles Marini, Jack Osbourne) vs. TV Sex Symbols (Keegan Allen, Traci Bingham, Rosa Blasi, Brant Daugherty, Galen Gering)

· Cops (Erik Estrada, Larry Wilcox, Kelly Hu, Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, Lorenzo Lamas) vs. TV Sitcoms (Todd Bridges, Leigh-Allyn Baker, Dave Foley, Willie Garson, Jenna von Oy)

· White House (Cornelius Smith Jr., Marlee Matlin, Joshua Malina, LaMonica Garrett, Mary McCormack) vs. Lawyers (Elisabeth Rohm, Corbin Bernsen, Matt McGorry, Romi Dias, Catherine Bell)

· TV Moms & Dads (Chad Lowe, Greg Evigan, Ted McGinley, Lesley Fera, Jackee Harry) vs. TV Kids (Jimmie Walker, Mackenzie Phillips, Jonathan Lipnicki, Krista Marie Yu, Jeremy Miller)

· Famous TV Families (Danny Bonaduce, Barry Williams, Beverley Mitchell, Willie Aames, Charlene Tilton) vs. Doctors (Thomas Calabro, Taye Diggs, Rachelle Lefevre, Deidre Hall, Benjamin Hollingsworth)

· Troublemakers (Vivica A. Fox, Paul Johansson, John Barrowman, Julie Benz, Catherine Bach) vs. TV Lifeguards (David Chokachi, Brande Roderick, Parker Stevenson, Nicole Eggert, Gena Lee Nolin)

· ABC Stars (Ted Lange, Troy Gentile, Jill Whelan, Denise Richards, Joely Fisher) vs. Variety (Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, Adrienne Houghton, Cameron Mathison, Kelly Osbourne)

· Cops (Marisol Nichols, Roma Maffia, Adrian Zmed, Fred Dryer, Ryan Paevey) vs. Sci-Fi Fantasy Lou Ferrigno, Vinnie Jones, Charisma Carpenter, Kevin Sorbo, Jill Wagner)

The hosts for Battle of the Network Stars are Mike Greenberg and Joe Tessitore of ESPN; Cassidy Hubbarth and Cari Champion of ESPN will be the sideline reporters; plus Super Bowl 50 winner DeMarcus Ware and MMA fighter/Olympian Ronda Rousey will be the team captains.

Just when the specific episodes air dates are for the competition-based episodes is yet to be revealed by ABC except for its premiere.

So, what do you think of some of the soap opera favorites who will appear in Battle of the Network Stars? Will you be checking it out this summer? Let us know in the comment section below

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I love it!

If it weren’t true It’s be saying ”you gotta be kidding” LOL
I am so thankful for cable and the internet. and good books.
I can’t even understand why people would want to watch junk tv as that, sigh..
It seems it will be worse than Dancing With The Stars LOL ohh lawdy!

((that’s my opinion of it LOL))

Suooo, I’m with you. The “limited” appeal this show had 40 years ago (mostly looking at Gregory Harrison’s abs) has long since past, along with my youth. Rent a terrific British series like LAST TANGO IN HALIFAX, SCOTT AND BAILEY, or SUSPECTS instead.

Hi, Soaphound,
Thank you…..
We seem to have similar interests. I love to read……actually, I will read anything. I’m lucky because between both my grandmothers and my parents, who have extensive “reads” of every genre and, of course the classics, in their possession.
My maternal grandparents, also, have an immense collection of movies.

I’m on the fourth chapter of “Le Chalice D’argent”/”The Silver Chalice”. I love anything to do with History/ Ancient or otherwise….with a twist of romance….fiction and non-fiction.
I have a suggestion: have your book club meetings in your house, by taking turns. We ( the members and I) went through something similar, so we just hold ‘court’, LOL, in our homes.

I know, su. I have no interest whatsoever. Waste of time….only because I cannot find any nostalgia in something that has no consequence, and, the fact that it was before my time, There will be no nostalgia….no entertainment, personally; except to watch RP’s fluidity of sinews play in concert with every sexy move.
But, for the sake of argument, I am sure this “pop-culture classic” has an interested audience. It depends on one’s point of view, I guess.

” Dancing With The Stars” was great when I was in College—now, it’s a freak show for me.
I did enjoy “American Idol”….I was still in High School at its infancy. I followed it right through the end.
I do not watch Reality TV, except for “The Voice”, and Carol Burnett, LOL. She cracks me up, especially with Tim Conway.
I appreciate your reference to “a good book”. Thank you!!!! Books never go out of style.
Sadly, kids do not read, unless a parent (or teacher) gives them a good push and shove.
Everything is right there at their fingertips ( internet). The result? Laziness.

I have a question, “Dancing with the Stars…” where are the “stars?” I haven’t watched in years; however, I still hear who is performing on the show and I don’t know anyone! The show does not contract “stars” to dance on the show. They are all no-talent “D” list people or one hit wonders no one has heard of..

@dmr.
HaHa, dmr. You said it !! I don’t know who the “stars” are….as yourself, I haven’t watched in years. Not interested in these ‘stars’.
I think I did catch an episode with Priscilla Presley where her face was all distorted due to motor-oil injections, to “erase age”? I remember reading that some third world butcher-doctor had really done a number on her face.
Just broke out into a belly laugh thinking about it!!!! Triple LOL.

Dear Celia, I always love your insights! I’m also an avid reader, though I fear we’re a dwindling breed. Just today, our Book Club meeting place evicted us because he doesn’t “make enough money from us”. And get this–he’s the only bookstore in town. Imagine a bookstore not being able to accommodate a one-hour a month Book Club? Gives you shivers. I also adore Carol Burnett and wish they would rerun the entire series, as I find the DVD collections hard to follow (mixed seasons on one disc, etc.) It’s gonna be a long summer. Thank Heaven for Acorn and those wonderful British series like SUSPECTS and SCOTT AND BAILEY.

Interesting. May watch.

Fond memories of the original, will tune in!

Me, too.

must have to “appreciate” the show once again

along with the bevy of beauty

speedo (s)

@su0000, are you old enough to watch the original. It was actually a lot of fun (and featured a number of daytime stars, even then).

Y-A-Y!!!!! I will DEFINITELY be tuning in……….

Good tv. Thanks ABC. Keep it coming!

I am so excited to watch this show! I loved the original as a kid. My first thought when I heard about the reboot was, I hope Chad Lowe is in it. I was thrilled to see his name in the article. So happy to see my soap hunks and stars from my childhood. Thanks ABC!

Breaking News

‘Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit For Stand Up To Cancer’ Live Virtual Event Announced; Featuring Soap Opera Notables and Moving Tributes

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 Light  One 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 Our Lives 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); Lesli Kay (The Bold and  the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (General Hospital); 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

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Days Of Our Lives

Deidre Hall to Guest Star on Season 3 of Comedy Series ‘Hacks’

Days of our Lives star Deidre Hall (Marlena) is set to play a version of herself on third season of Hacks. Look for Hall this month in an episode titled “The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular,” to air on May 23 on Max.

Not only will Hall appear in the episode, but so too, will Back to the Future and Taxi star, Christopher Lloyd.

According to EW.com, Deidre will play “a fictional version of herself, who just so happens to be the mom of Paul W. Downs’ Jimmy.”

Photo: JPI

Hacks co-creator and Downs’ wife, Lucia Aniello shared on Hall’s casting, “It made sense to us that Jimmy’s late father, a big-time manager, would have been married to an actress. When the idea for Deidre Hall came up, it just felt right.”

As for Lloyd, he will portray, reclusive writer Larry Arbuckle, who is to have had a rather famous grandfather. In the episode, Hall and Lloyd’s character intersect, which leads to onscreen sparks.

Photo: AP

“We had written some things that were flirty, but the chemistry was palpable,” says co-creator and series star, Downs shared. Hacks stars Jean Smart as comedy legend Deborah Vance.

Photo: Max

Season 3 of Hacks debuts on Thursday night May 2nd on Max 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.

So, will you be watching Deidre Hall guest starring on Hacks? Comment below.

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Days Of Our Lives

Peacock Raising Subscription Prices $2 Dollars a Month This Summer; Includes Days of our Lives

As the Paris Summer Olympics are a few months away, the Peacock streaming service has revealed its plan for a two dollar summer price hike on its subscription plans, beginning in July for its content which will include Days of our Lives.

According to Deadline, in July, look for the monthly price for Peacock Premium to increase to $7.99. Premium Plus, which offers limited advertising, download capability and live local programming, will now be $13.99, while  Annual plans will go up to $79.99 for Premium and $139.99 for Premium Plus.

This price hike will effect new customers starting on July 18th, while existing subscribers will notice the price change on their next billing date on or before August 17th.

Photo: JPI

This marks the second price change in two years for the streaming service, the previous one being in 2023, which was the first since the service launched back in 2020.  The Summer Olympics in Paris which will be on NBC and Peacock run from July 26 to August 11.

The bright spot for Days of our Lives fans, is that unlike if the show was still on network television and NBC, the show would be preempted for two weeks, but with it being on Peacock it will continue with all-new episodes without interruption.

Photo: Peacock

At the recent Days of our Lives 15K episode celebration, Michael Sluchan the EVP, Current Scripted Programming & Limited Series for NBC/Peacock shared that the soap opera is doing extremely well for the streaming service, and they were very happy with its performance.

If you want to join Peacock now, there is still some time to get in on the current rates to watch DAYS and all of the programming and series it offers.

So, what do you think about the Peacock streaming service next price hike? Comment below.

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Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

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