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ABC and PEOPLE Announce ‘The Story of Soaps’ Two-Hour Prime-Time Television Event

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

Looks like soaps are getting some love in the nighttime!  ABC has announced that it will air on Tuesday, May 19th (8 p. m. EST), a special two-hour event The Story of Soaps.  The network partnered with PEOPLE to present this show highlighting the iconic impact of the genre.

According to the announcement today: The Story of Soaps explores how no genre of television has laid deeper roots into our cultural consciousness and serialized storytelling than the soap opera. In today’s shifting television landscape, The Story of Soaps traces how female creators migrated from radio to television to become the dominant force in daytime for more than three decades. Today, that legacy is alive and well all over prime time and reality, and much of what propels modern television traces its roots back to those first sprawling, steamy storylines. The Story of Soaps takes an extensive look at this iconic, impactful genre and the cultural phenomenon its massive impact has had on the world at large.

Courtesy/ABC

The Story of Soaps brings together an impressive company of experts and familiar voices to help illustrate this remarkable story.  Some of the names participating in the special will be: Alec Baldwin, Andy Cohen, Bryan Cranston, Carol Burnett, Chandra Wilson, Deidre Hall, Denise Richards, Donna Mills, Drake Hogestyn, Eileen Davidson, Erika Jayne, Erika Slezak, Finola Hughes, Greg Vaughan, John Aniston, John McCook, John Stamos, Jon Hamm, Laura Wright, Lorraine Broderick. Marc Anthony Samuel, Mary Crosby, Maurice Benard, Melody Thomas Scott, Susan Lucci, Susan Sullivan, Vivica A. Fox, and others.

From the writer and producer side: Chris Van Etten, , David Jacobs, James H. Brown, Jill Farren Phelps, Jonathan Murray, Ken Olin, Marc Cherry, Shelly Atlman, Brad Bell, and more.

Courtesy/ABC

The special is produced for ABC by the television production division of Meredith Corporation with executive producers Bruce Gersh, Bruce Robertson and Dan Wakeford; and by Maggievision Productions with executive producers Maura Mandt and Rebecca Gitlitz.

Check out this first preview below.  Then let us know, if you are excited to see this prime-time event on the soaps via the comment section.

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This is going to be the story of my life! I remember Alec Baldwin when he was Billy Aldrich on The Doctors. Yes! I am that old!

Who would have ever thought he would turn out to be one of the biggest assholes in Hollywood!

Wow. How ironic. You cancel your daytime line up and years later do this. What cheek. Idiots.

I was going to say something like this…dump your soaps and now try to honor them…must still be April 1st!!!!!!!!

lets hope this is their way to see the error of their ways!!

My thoughts exactly davlestev1.

Why are THEY idiots? If they couldn’t afford to keep them on due to viewer drops, what were they supposed to do? What a bonehead statement. Also, if you’re so critical, why are you even here???

Easy now, Sally!

My apologies!!! No need for that at this time!

Hmm. No Don Hastings, Elizabeth Hubbard, Kim Zimmer, Eric Braeden, Susan Flannery, etc. The announcement leads me to think “The Story of Soaps” really is “The Story of ABC Soaps.” I’m gonna skip it.

Eric is on CBS. Maybe you shouldnt tune in based on the fact that you dont know soaps!

I dunno know about this-
”legacy is alive and well all over prime time and reality”
that ^^ is so wrong..
the daytime soaps are nothing like primetime series
that have once a week, 10 episodes per season.
And, The gawdawful cheap nuggy reality shows
are no comparison.
Just because a series has a continuation story
in no means makes it as a soap.
The soaps, real soaps, should never be put in the same
”legacy” ..

Anyways– It will be interesting ..
remind me mid-may to watch, please.

I’m going to enjoy every minute! And cross my fingers it brings more viewers to today’s shows.

I keep telling friends that many of the big budget shows they are hooked on (and I enjoy too) are soaps at heart.
They smile and kinda agree …

Let’s cheer on creative efforts and the daytime serial industry!

Well the only problem with bringing “more viewers to today’s shows” is that they have scheduled this show to air right about the same time that GH is going to run out of original episodes (which has obviously already been artificially extended by padding each episode with 50% flashbacks & the so-called Flashback Fridays, weak as they have been thus far). Presumably the two CBS soaps are reaching the end of their stash as well. Days of Our Lives has had this ridiculous taping schedule in recent years, which was most recently at 8 months in advance, so they’re actually good through the summer, and will no doubt pick up some viewers from the folks missing their other soaps. Particularly in the markets where the idiot TV affiliates run Days against GH in the same time slot.

Let’s do this production with respect and dignity…no cheesy production vales or T&A montages,please. From radio to Tv to internet. There a love and connections these shows made and continue to hold in many hearts.

I am super duper excited for this! Truly about time they helped the soap community and showed the hard work these actors do daily. No other actors work this much and this hard, so I’m glad they are coming to primetime TV and hopefully will snag a TON of new viewers! I’m a long time ABC soap fan, miss AMC and OLTL, but continue to support GH, DOOL, and the other soaps, which I have watched for a few weeks due to their story lines, but my heart belongs to GH, and well ok, DOOL since John came back on that foggy dock to Doc many years ago! My brother just passed and he too was hooked on GH, which isn’t very common for a man, I would say, or at least my brother who was truly a man’s man, so I’m very sad he’s going to miss this, but maybe they get ABC up there!

This should be interesting to see. Only problem for me is that I can only hope that it will be available on the apps that I have via my Amazon Fire Stick as I don’t have cable TV.

ABC must be low on content? All these years they crapped on Daytime and now they want to air a tribute to soaps. Huh! I’m surprised its not only available on POP or streamed only! But anyway, its something.

Where is the iconic Genie Francis? A crime to leave her out. And Tristan Rogers and Finola Hughes? Not going to be “fair and balanced”?

I get the feeling this is going to be your usual surface look at soaps…
Ooh, look how many big stars started out in soaps!
Etc, etc. etc. Ho hum.

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‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

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The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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