Days Of Our Lives
Alison Sweeney To Direct Episodes Of General Hospital!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Can you imagine having the heavy hitter A-list cast of General Hospital, being directed by another soap superstar, Alison Sweeney behind-the-camera? Well that has been the rumors that have been floating about, and now look to be apparently true!
Alison, the very popular long-running star of NBC’s Days of our Lives where she played Sami Brady for almost 22 years, left the show back in May. Now comes word that amongst motherhood, hosting the Biggest Loser, and being an author ( her latest novel Scared Scriptless is out now), she can add daytime director for ABC to her resume.
Sweeney who had previously directed some episodes at Days of our Lives will be directing episodes for GH in the future. In her tweet, when asked if she was indeed set to direct in Port Charles, Ali tweeted: “Super psyched. Working on the scripts right now.”
In addition, GH EP Frank Valentini told Soap Opera Digest that after Sweeney observed his directing team that he asked her to come on board! “She’s sort of paid her dues and spent some time learning the show,” so when an opening presented itself, “I asked her if she was available and she said yes.” Sweeney will direct her first episode this month!
But can you imagine if Sweeney at one point would decide to step in front of the camera at GH too? Giving executive producer Frank Valentini the likes of Michelle Stafford (Nina), Maura West (Ava), Alison Sweeney, Laura Wright (Carly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Jane Elliot (Tracy) all on one show?
Let us know your thoughts on Alison’s directing gig?
Was Kim(Robin) ever made the same offer…has she ever directed GH…GH already has a popular star so why not Kim instead…Alison in front of the camera would be great news if the show wasnt too bloated at the moment…id accept her as a Quartimaine(Her fighting Tracy would be great drama) and if Erika Slezak plays her mother but trim the cast first!!!
I have said for months, if not a year, to please trim the cast! Way too many useless, recurring new comers-without historic ties to Port Charles!
GH would work a lot better with a smaller cast…
Hello, I recently started watching GH about a month ago. I had learned that a few of my favorite actress had joined the show. Marcy Rylan, Mechele Stafford, Maura West and soon, Billy Miller and the icing on the cake would be Michael Muhney. It has been quite awhile since I have watched a good soap. watching with new eyes, I have to say at first I also felt that there were too many cast members on GH, but lately I have found each group of story lines makes it never a boring story. There is always drama each time, which I find a good thing unless these story lines are going to drag on for far too long. In my world away from real life; I think two-three weeks is plenty of time to move on to the next new story line. Maybe I am selfish, but that would keep me as a fan captive. I loved seeing Nina MS in character she is great at crazy!!. I am not familiar with the cast members names yet, but do enjoy Silas, Sam, Maura and saw a little of Marcy. What I think I like the most is GH has that real Soap feel that I remember from years ago. Last but not least, there may very well be too many characters floating around, I have not watched long enough to notice yet. Thanks for reading
Yes, in fact Kimberly McCullough has worked with other ABC directors as part of their fellowship program. She has indicated that she is interested in directing feature films, not soap operas.
Thanks 4 reply…i was curious about that!!!
Yes, she did.
A post I didn’t see coming. What is the real life SOAP story going on here?? KMC wants to direct as it’s her new passion…AS decides authoring and motherhood are best for the time being and VOILA she pops up directing GH with hardly any time off in between. Which I guess could be saying someone was offered a bit more and some extra challenges/perks to join GH. I am truly SMH here because something isn’t adding up at ALL!! I of course agree with you Jimh(leave it to beaver)…where are KMC’s opportunities on the same show?? Or will she suddenly announce she’s directing DAYS episodes??? HUHHH???
I know–it’s just weird and I can’t help but think it’s the ultimate kiss off to Kimberly.
You’re creating drama where there is none. KMc has directed episodes of GH before. That is how she started – thru ABC’s director intership program. Several networks or production companies have these programs to encourage talent behind the scenes. Many actors on the STAR TREK tv series were actually completing directorship programs while they were acting on their series, and are now well-known tv directors.
The announcement about Alison Sweeney makes it sound like a big deal. But, she’s not being hired as a permanent employee of ABC. She will just direct a few episodes. KMc is focusing her directing efforts on films, which she is entitled to do. She isn’t being “snubbed.”
@KansasGuest..It’s my opinion. The only place drama is being created where this is none in Y&R!!! I still think there’s more to this.
Wow congrats Alison, I heard rumors that Alison wanted to direct episodes on GH 2 weeks ago. Now I want Alison to. get a role on Gh, she could play Connie. We know Cinnie is alive.
It would be funny if Kelly Sullivan went to DOOL and played nuSami. I think she would be fantastic as Sami. Can definitely see someone of her caliber going up against Eileen Davidson!
You know, that’s not a half bad idea.
They should cast her as Carly’s sister.
That would be hysterical!
Carly needs her spunk back. Carly and Franco are very boring.
That would be awesome!!
GH cast Allison on GH as a Jerome! she could be Ava’s younger sister! Allison and Maura would be fabulous together. Delia gave Ava up for adoption…could Delia have had another daughter and Ava has no idea. Allison looks similar to Maura. Jerome sisters!
If that happened id rather have Victor Jerome as Alisons father but not Delia as her mother…still rather she play a long lost Quartimaine and do battle with Tracy!!!
Omgggg please Alison direct and then join the show!! Omg a new Sarah Webber (with a increduble attitude twist!) ??
Make us proud, Alison!
Correct me if I am wrong but I thought she left Days because she said she was too busy and wanted to cut back so she could spend more time with her family. So now she is adding directing on a soap with a possibility going in front of it— how is that cutting back? Oh well maybe she was just sick of playing Sami, but I would be curious to know how her former bosses on Days think of this move.
Well, Mary, I can’t tell ya but I do recall Steve Burton leaving GH saying he wanted to live quietly with his young family in Nashville. Less than a New York minute later it was announced that he would be a new character on Y&R featured on a front burner storyline.
I just wish that the actors, the producers and the head writers of these soaps could just tell the fans the truth once in awhile.
I have been watching soaps since I was 12–about a hundred years ago. And I do not recall this veil of secrecy being employed to such a degree before.
Geez, it’s like Cuba not admitting that Fidel Castro has a so much as a cold.
Didn’t see this coming.
The thought of Allison Sweeney even coming near General Hospital gives me nightmares! I don’t want her in front of the camera, and I don’t want her style of acting showing up in GH due to her scene directions. NO! NO! NO! Carly and Ava are already more than enough of shrieking shrews on the show. Lord help us if Sweeney directs Maurice Bernard. The show will need a line item in the budget just for replacing broken barware.
Good for her! I hope AS has a lot of success with directing for GH.
I just can not see days the same without semi it is not normal been watching days since early years….
Very happy for Alison getting the directing job at General Hospital. Also equality glad they did not offer her an acting job. Alison has stated she would not like to see anyone else play Sami. Likewise, I would not like to see her play another character on another soap. Acting in a sitcom, night time drama or a movie would be great. But why leave Salem to act on another soap? That makes no sense.
I agree! And if she does act on another soap, Ken Corday needs to recast Sami in a Salem second!
Not sure what to make of all these changes on Days. Just hope Sami gets hers before she leaves. Seems her son is going to expose her vindictiveness.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.
The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.
Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.
Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
It’s Daytime Emmy nomination week, and as previously reported things kick-off on Monday, July 13 when Entertainment Tonight (7pm ET) will announce the nominees for Lead Actress category and Daytime Talk Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In addition on Monday, Extra (7pm ET) will reveal the nominees for Lead Actor and Daytime Talk Host.
On Tuesday, The View (11am ET) starts things off with their announcement of Daytime Drama, Entertainment News program and Outstanding Daytime Personality-Daily. That is followed by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) full reveal of all the categories beginning at 12noon ET/9am PT on their website and their official social handles on X and Instagram.
Then, Tuesday night at 8pm ET/5pm PT join Michael Fairman as he hosts his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where he will chat with some of the just announced nominees as we celebrate the hard work of the men and women in front of the camera who will be going for gold.
WHEN ARE THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
This year, the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out on October 30 in ceremonies in Hollywood, California (Venue yet to be revealed). At that time, as like last year, both the major categories and creative arts will be presented. There is no word yet on a broadcast partner for the annual celebration of daytime programming, or if it will soley be streamed on NATAS’ watch.theemmys.tv and various apps and platforms.
WHO WILL BE APPEARING ON THE DAYTIME EMMY NOMINATIONS SPECIAL 2026?
Throughout Tuesday, keep an eye on Michael Fairman TV’s social media handles on X, Facebook and Instagram, for updates of who will be expected to appear on our live show.
If you have a question or comment for one of the nominees, or on the nominations, we can encourage you to join us in the live chat on Tuesday night.
So, who are you hoping lands a nomination from Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless? Let us know via the comment section. More Tuesday!
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Daphne’s Devastated, Steffy Finds Herself at a Crossroads with Finn
-
As The World Turns2 days agoScott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
-
Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
-
Breaking News4 days agoRandolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
-
General Hospital4 days agoSteve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
-
Beyond the Gates2 days ago‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
-
General Hospital2 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Rory Gibson Ties the Knot with Alicia Ruelas
-
General Hospital6 days agoKelly Kruger Set to Debut on ‘General Hospital’: Why Serena Baldwin Comes Back to Port Charles Revealed
-
Beyond the Gates1 week agoRATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ and ‘General Hospital’ Score Highest Weekly Viewer Increase
