Today the “World” stop turning for the current cast of As the World Turns when it taped its 13,858th and final episode at its Brooklyn studios, ending its storied run on CBS. EW.com was issued a statement today from Brian T. Cahill, senior VP and managing director of TeleNext Media, Inc. “We have aggressively pursued network and cable outlets as well as syndication options, and have explored many innovative formats and relationships that we hoped would ultimately enable the future success of As The World Turns. Regrettably, we have not found an outlet or platform that will carry the show forward. This is an extremely disappointing outcome to what was a tireless and exhaustive pursuit.
While we are sad to see As The World Turns come to an end, we remain proud of the achievements the show has made over the last 54 years and are extremely grateful to the loyal fans who invited us into their homes every day. There is still much in store for the show’s well-loved characters throughout the summer, and although the show will go off the air in September, the remaining stories will honor the remarkable history of As The World Turns.”
Colleen Zenk Pinter (Barbara) had been tweeting throughout the final days, and here were some of her thought which told the story for how her and many of her co-stars felt. “Just read the last script. So beautiful. How can we get through it? A puddle of tears.” “Here I go… One last day of love & angst in Oakdale, Illinois…my last day of Barbara…Barbara’s set is only a memory…Almost gone… Two more scenes as Babs… The walls are bare. The drawers are empty. It’s a wrap……ATWT…..xoxoxoxoxox”
Well soapers, can’t believe the final tape date has already happened. I know many of you are very disheartened, as is On-Air On-Soaps.
I WANT LUKE&NOAH TOGETHER AND HAPPY END.
I WANT HOLDEN&LILY TOGETHER AND HAPPY END.
MY ADORABLE COUPLES.
Guest
bottomchef
Only Luke appears in the ATWT finale. There’s a list of all the actors that appear in the ATWT finale. Only van hansis is a part of the list, so the finale of ATWT will most likely not feature a “happy ending” for any coupling for Luke.
Guest
thesaneone
Where is can we see this list….
Guest
bottomchef
Lesli Kay’s Molly not being in ATWT’s finale is worse than any of the Luke pairings not being there.
Here are all the characters in the finale:
Bob Hughes, Kim Hughes, Chris Hughes, Margo Hughes, Tom Hughes, Casey Hughes, Katie Peretti, Lisa Grimaldi, John Dixon, Jack Snyder, Carly Tenney, Sage Snyder, Parker Snyder, Rosanna Cabot, Craig Montgomery, Paul Ryan, Emily Stewart, Eliza Ryan, Barbara Ryan, Henry Coleman, Susan Stewart, Alison Stewart, Holden Snyder, Lily Snyder, Natalie Snyder, Luke Snyder, Faith Snyder, Ethan Snyder, Lucinda Walsh, Johnny Donovan, Dusty Donovan, Janet Ciccone, and Lorenzo (Janet’s son)
No happy ending for Luke.
Guest
AMANDA
I am very sad to see this soap end. I have been a faithful viewer since I was in college many years ago. I will miss the stories and characters of Oakdale immensely. I feel that CBS has made a mistake in canceling this soap. The decison in my opinion was done in haste, because of the economy, which does not justify canceling a soap of sixty (60) plus years on the air. The economy will improve in due time, but we will never retrieve the enjoyment this soap has given to many long-term viewers. Best wishes to all of… Read more »
Guest
Rob
RIP ATWT!!
So sad,. P&G killed another one!
Guest
semaj
im going to miss atwt so much the couple i want together in the end is dusty and janet because they have amazing chemistry and they belong together. dusty and janet endgame
Guest
silvana
I hope that Luke & Noah have a happy ending togheter.
They deserve fair fans and we love and also deserve to NUKE.
I sincerely hope the writers do not disappoint us.
Guest
Cathy28
I hope we have a very good ending for all the couples.I for one wish luke and reid end up together they make such a wonderful couple.
Guest
Michael Bird
I’ve watched this show most of my life (36 years) … it’s like losing a member of the family, and I can’t really imagine how the veterans of the show must feel, losing the jobs they’ve held for so long. It’s the end of the Procter & Gamble, New-York-produced soap opera that has served as the template all through the years. We are down to one show with Irna Phillips’ influence … Somehow, I was hoping that ATWT could somehow tip their hat to those P&G shows that have gone before. Dr. Bob Hughes, as he retires from the hospital:… Read more »
Guest
thesaneone
I am holding out hope that Luke and Noah will end up together…NUKE to the End!
Guest
Tanya
I am really upset the show is ending,although their are many storylines on right now that i am not enjoying one of the shows popular pairing has blown new life in the show just as it is ending.I am talking about LUke and Reid one of the hottest new couples on the show in years,Van’s character has totally grown in this mature romantic pairing and Eric is one of the best new actors to join the show in years!! I have no doubt if the show was not ending that LUke and Reid would be the best couple on the… Read more »
Guest
BrockLong
The TeleNext executive mentions a “tireless and exhaustive pursuit” made by the company to find another broadcaster for the show. What exactly did the company do to try to find another outlet? I haven’t heard ANY rumor that TeleNext did ANYTHING to try to keep this show on the air. Am I right to question the genuineness of the statement or have I missed something????
Guest
ROCKY
TELENEXT didn’t do jack! It is the same spin they use for GL cancellation! Shame on CBS and Telenext!
Guest
thesaneone
To my NUKE friends, we will soon see what the writer did with Luke’s story line. The fact the Noah and Reid are not in the last episode, could leand to many possibilties. I for one am hoping the writers stayed true to their original vision and the hearts of true NUKE fans. The die is cast, we have fought a good fight, now it remains to be seen as we all watch the last episodes and say goodbye to Oakdale…NUKE forever!
Guest
silvana
I hope Luke & Noah have a happy ending together.
Nuke deserve.
We loyal fans deserve.
We love our boys(Jake & Van).
NUKE…………..FOREVER.
Guest
Michelle
I hope Luke and Reid end up together. They are the best new pairing on the show. LuRe forever!
Guest
silvana
LUKE & NOAH FOREVER !!!!!!
VAN & JAKE BEAUTIFUL PERFECT TOGETHER !!!!!!
NUKE ALWAYS !!!!!!
Guest
wendy
I can’ believe cbs would cut As the world turns. I’ve watched this show with my grandma, and my mom all of my life (33 years) and still do. This is so sad, i do not watch any other soap, and dont plan to. As a matter of fact i am so angry i dont plan to watch cbs at all! I feel like im losing part of my family. good luck to the wonderful cast of As the world turns.
Guest
Dee
I have been a fan ATWT since 1958 when I had my first little girl. It was a topic of conversation in our neighborhood. Many sad things and good things to look forward to in our everday world. Very sad and I will miss all the people that were almost family. Good luck to the cast. BYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pride Month Celebrating LGBTQ+ Soap Supercouples: Nuke, Kish, Otalia & WilSon … Which Stands the Test of Time?
June 2, 2023
June is Pride Month, the time when across the U.S and the world there are celebrations and commemorations to recognize all who identify as LGBTQ and their allies.
Daytime soap operas have had a rocky road when it comes to the representation of same-sex couples. The soaps have been at one time leaders in portraying key social issues of our time, as well as treading lightly on other subjects, as to its concerns to ‘turn-off’ its core audiences.
When you look back at the groundbreaking first same-sex weddings, and the first gay kiss, the soaps have come far in some ways in their representations of gay characters, but there is always work to be done to serve and to shed light on the under-represented.
As we reflect back to the then and the now, which LGBTQ soap supercouple remains your favorite and had made a lasting impact? Let’s take a look at four duos who captivated many viewers.
Nuke – Luke Snyder and Noah Mayer – As the World Turns
Van Hansis (Luke) and Jake Silbermann (Noah) were a key part of the evolution of, and representation of LGBTQ character on the soaps. ‘Nuke’, as they were known as, became the first gay male soap couple to share an on-screen kiss back in 2007. ATWT also became known as the first soap to depict a fully realized romantic male couple as an integral part of the show. There was plenty of backlash along the way for the long-awaited kiss to happen, but when it did, the show moved forward to tell their love story.
When Crystal Chappell (Olivia) and Jessica Leccia (Natalia) began to play the love story of Otalia, they had to show their affection by a kiss on the head, or holding hands. It took quite some time for GL to move forward to have two women, two moms, no less, share a lip lock. The complicated love story featured Natalia being conflicted to face her true romantic feelings for Olivia, because of her value system and religions upbringing, and that made this all the more riveting and frustrating at the same time. In the end, the rabid fan base for this duo was so great that Chappell wound up creating her own series, Venice, to honor and serve them, remaining one of the LGBTQ communities greatest allies.
Kish – Kyle Lewis and Oliver Fish – One Life to Live
In 2009, One Life to Live’s Kyle Lewis (Brett Claywell) was an out lab tech in Llanview, who back in college had a relationship with Officer Oliver Fish (Scott Evans). It imploded when Oliver denied he was gay. For years, Oliver remained in the closet, before finally coming out to himself and Kyle.
Kish had been a big success with the media and One Life’s gay audience. LGBTQ-advocacy groups honored the couple and the story. However, Kish was cut short when the network felt that the data showed that the storyline was not resonating with the show’s core audience.
WilSon – Will Horton and Sonny Kiriakis – Days of our Lives
Days of our Lives delivered daytime’s first-ever gay male wedding in 2014, between Will (then played by Guy Wilson) and Sonny (then played by Freddie Smith).
In an interview with EW, Days of our Lives executive producer, Ken Corday shared on the union, “Will and Sonny have been together for a while and it was the natural progression of their love story. We didn’t feel like there was anything we could or couldn’t do, we treated them like any other couple on the canvas and continued to grow their romance as such.”
In addition, the coming out story of Will Horton was critically praised and noteworthy for the performances of Chandler Massey, who won three Daytime Emmys for his work in the Outstanding Younger Actor category 2012, 2013 and 2014. Freddie Smith also won in the same category in 2015. Will has been played over the years by Chandler Massey and Guy Wilson, while Sonny has been portrayed by Freddie Smith and Zach Tinker.
There have been several other key LGBTQ couples throughout the course of daytime history including All My Children’s Bianca (Eden Riegel) and Reese (Tamara Braun). These two characters were involved in the first same-sex lesbian wedding on daytime. Problem was … Reese kissed Zach (Thorsten Kaye) before the wedding, making this infuriating for viewers at home.
Other notable LGBTQ couples through the years have included: Bianca and Maggie on All My Children, Mariah and Tessa of The Young and the Restless played bv Camryn Grimes and Cait Fairbanks, Maya and Rick on The Bold and the Beautiful, Lucas and Brad on General Hospital and others.
Which couple do you think has had the most lasting impact on the history of LGBTQ representation on daytime soap operas? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
As the World Turns Castmates Mourn the Loss of Elizabeth Hubbard
April 10, 2023
UPDATED: Monday, the soap world was saddened by the loss of one of the most respected actress ever in the genre, when the news broke of the death of Daytime Emmy-winner, Elizabeth Hubbard.
This powerhouse performer who was best known for her work as Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, and as Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns,died this past Saturday at her home in Connecticut from cancer.
Throughout this afternoon, several of Hubbard’s former As the World Turns castmates took to social media to share their reactions on the passing of this beloved daytime icon. In addition, Retro TV, which has been airing vintage episodes of The Doctors, also paid tribute to Hubbard.
Photo: CBS
Martha Byrne (ex-Lily, ATWT) shared on her Instagram: As many of you are finding out this morning, Elizabeth Hubbard passed away. First and foremost I want everyone to know I made sure she was aware of how much everyone loved her. I would share your comments from social media, videos and your fond memories of her as Lucinda, Althea, every time I saw her. She loved the audience and fought like HELL to bring truth and honesty to her performances. On a personal level there aren’t words to describe how much she meant to me. Only feelings, which override words in so many cases when it comes to love. I will be sharing more so we can all grieve together but here are our last words together only just a few days ago. I said, “Liz, do you know how much you have done for me?” She said, “You can do more.” Because of what she has done for me over the last 38 years, the strength and fearless nature in how she lived her life, she is right, I can AND WILL do more. I look forward to sharing more about her life, which encompasses so much more than her INCREDIBLE career on daytime television. She also said to me when I told her how much the fans loved her…”I tried.” She more than tried. She left it all on the screen. I’ll miss her every day but grateful the universe gifted me with such a force of nature, of which the world will not see the likes of again. ❤️”
Michael Park (ex-Jack) shared via Twitter: “If Liz was involved in a scene I was lucky enough to be in, I could always count on learning a little something and laughing a whole lot. She was a ferocious talent in love with her craft. One of the greats that will certainly be missed.”
Photo: NBC
Mary Beth Evans (ex-Sierra, ATWT and now Kayla, DAYS) expressed: “I was so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Elizabeth Hubbard for six years on As the World Turns, where she played my mother. What an amazing powerhouse this woman was … always striving for spontaneity and keeping it real. My favorite times with her were riding in the car from Manhattan to Brooklyn — the stories she would tell were so much fun. Rest in peace, sweet lady. #RIPLIZ#ATWT
Photo: CBS
Peter Boynton (ex-Tonio, ATWT)added: “Rest in peace, Boss! Working with/for you at ‘Walsh Enterprises’ was a highlight of my NYC years! Your encouragement and respect meant the world to me. I’m raising a glass to you and feel so lucky to have worked with you in that great ‘ATWT’ community. On angels wings. – Peter ‘Tonio Reyes’ Boynton.”
Retro TV expressed: “We are saddened to hear of soap-opera legend Elizabeth Hubbard’s passing at age 89. A force to be reckoned with, Hubbard stole our hearts with her portrayal of Althea Davis on The Doctors. Please share your favorite memories with us as we remember the beloved Elizabeth Hubbard.”
In addition, Alec Baldwin who played Billy Aldrich on The Doctors wrote: “I worked on The Doctors with the great Liz Hubbard. An amazing woman and remarkable actress.”
Michael Fairman TV will continue to update this post as reactions continue from Liz’s colleagues.
What do you think about the remembrances shared thus far from Martha Byrne, Michael Park, Mary Beth Evans and Peter Boynton on working with the great Elizabeth Hubbard? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
We are saddened to hear of soap-opera legend Elizabeth Hubbard’s passing at age 89. A force to be reckoned with, Hubbard stole our hearts with her portrayal of Althea Davis on The Doctors. Please share your favorite memories with us as we remember the beloved Elizabeth Hubbard. pic.twitter.com/Ctb020q6bw
One of daytime drama’s most beloved and revered actresses, Elizabeth Hubbard, has passed away. The legendary Daytime Emmy-winning star was best known for her performances as Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors and Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns.
Elizabeth’s son, Jeremy Bennett, broke the heartbreaking news via his Facebook page, sharing, “I’m sorry to say with a broken heart mi mum passed over the weekend. Thank you for being an unmovable rock that guided me through life. I will try to honour your memory for as long as I live.”
Photo: NBC
Hubbard received 11 Daytime Emmy nominations throughout her career on the soaps. Of her 11 Daytime Emmy nods, Hubbard earned eight for her towering work as Lucinda Walsh on CBS’ As the World Turns, a role she played from 1984 till the the beloved soap went off the air in September of 2010.
However, Liz was the very first actress to win the Outstanding Lead Actress award in 1974 for her star-turn as Dr. Althea Davis on NBC’s The Doctors. She followed that two years later winning a Daytime Emmy for the TV movie, First Ladies Dairies: Edith Wilson.
Liz was born to be an actress and graduated from the distinguished Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, England, She got her soap start with roles on Guiding Light, then Edge of Night, and eventually joined The Doctors as Althea. She played the role from 1964-1969, then again from 1970-1978 and one last time from 1981-1982. After The Doctors was cancelled, she went over to One Life to Live for a short run in the role of Estelle Chadwick.
Photo: JPI
Later, everything changed in Oakdale when As the World Turns wisely cast Hubbard as Lucinda Walsh, a defining role in her career. Lucinda was a tough-as-nails corporate business woman with a past, who guarded her heart, and carried on tumultuous relationships with her children and the men in her life.
Photo: JPI
Elizabeth’s final appearance on-screen was in the web series Anacostia in 2015 that reunited Hubbard with her ATWT on-screen adopted daughter, Lily, played by her dear friend, Martha Byrne.
We will continue to provide updates and reactions in the soap community on the death of Elizabeth Hubbard in the days ahead.
Share your condolences and remembrances for the great Elizabeth Hubbard vis the comment section. But first, we share the last times we had the opportunity to connect with Liz. One, on the red carpet at the Daytime Emmys along with Martha Bryne in 2018, and her participation as one of our ‘Doctors’ alums during our pandemic game show, ‘Soap-Opera-Know-It-All’, where she was gracious enough to be a part of the episode.
I WANT LUKE&NOAH TOGETHER AND HAPPY END.
I WANT HOLDEN&LILY TOGETHER AND HAPPY END.
MY ADORABLE COUPLES.
Only Luke appears in the ATWT finale. There’s a list of all the actors that appear in the ATWT finale. Only van hansis is a part of the list, so the finale of ATWT will most likely not feature a “happy ending” for any coupling for Luke.
Where is can we see this list….
Lesli Kay’s Molly not being in ATWT’s finale is worse than any of the Luke pairings not being there.
Here are all the characters in the finale:
Bob Hughes, Kim Hughes, Chris Hughes, Margo Hughes, Tom Hughes, Casey Hughes, Katie Peretti, Lisa Grimaldi, John Dixon, Jack Snyder, Carly Tenney, Sage Snyder, Parker Snyder, Rosanna Cabot, Craig Montgomery, Paul Ryan, Emily Stewart, Eliza Ryan, Barbara Ryan, Henry Coleman, Susan Stewart, Alison Stewart, Holden Snyder, Lily Snyder, Natalie Snyder, Luke Snyder, Faith Snyder, Ethan Snyder, Lucinda Walsh, Johnny Donovan, Dusty Donovan, Janet Ciccone, and Lorenzo (Janet’s son)
No happy ending for Luke.
I am very sad to see this soap end. I have been a faithful viewer since I was in college many years ago. I will miss the stories and characters of Oakdale immensely. I feel that CBS has made a mistake in canceling this soap. The decison in my opinion was done in haste, because of the economy, which does not justify canceling a soap of sixty (60) plus years on the air. The economy will improve in due time, but we will never retrieve the enjoyment this soap has given to many long-term viewers. Best wishes to all of… Read more »
RIP ATWT!!
So sad,. P&G killed another one!
im going to miss atwt so much the couple i want together in the end is dusty and janet because they have amazing chemistry and they belong together. dusty and janet endgame
I hope that Luke & Noah have a happy ending togheter.
They deserve fair fans and we love and also deserve to NUKE.
I sincerely hope the writers do not disappoint us.
I hope we have a very good ending for all the couples.I for one wish luke and reid end up together they make such a wonderful couple.
I’ve watched this show most of my life (36 years) … it’s like losing a member of the family, and I can’t really imagine how the veterans of the show must feel, losing the jobs they’ve held for so long. It’s the end of the Procter & Gamble, New-York-produced soap opera that has served as the template all through the years. We are down to one show with Irna Phillips’ influence … Somehow, I was hoping that ATWT could somehow tip their hat to those P&G shows that have gone before. Dr. Bob Hughes, as he retires from the hospital:… Read more »
I am holding out hope that Luke and Noah will end up together…NUKE to the End!
I am really upset the show is ending,although their are many storylines on right now that i am not enjoying one of the shows popular pairing has blown new life in the show just as it is ending.I am talking about LUke and Reid one of the hottest new couples on the show in years,Van’s character has totally grown in this mature romantic pairing and Eric is one of the best new actors to join the show in years!! I have no doubt if the show was not ending that LUke and Reid would be the best couple on the… Read more »
The TeleNext executive mentions a “tireless and exhaustive pursuit” made by the company to find another broadcaster for the show. What exactly did the company do to try to find another outlet? I haven’t heard ANY rumor that TeleNext did ANYTHING to try to keep this show on the air. Am I right to question the genuineness of the statement or have I missed something????
TELENEXT didn’t do jack! It is the same spin they use for GL cancellation! Shame on CBS and Telenext!
To my NUKE friends, we will soon see what the writer did with Luke’s story line. The fact the Noah and Reid are not in the last episode, could leand to many possibilties. I for one am hoping the writers stayed true to their original vision and the hearts of true NUKE fans. The die is cast, we have fought a good fight, now it remains to be seen as we all watch the last episodes and say goodbye to Oakdale…NUKE forever!
I hope Luke & Noah have a happy ending together.
Nuke deserve.
We loyal fans deserve.
We love our boys(Jake & Van).
NUKE…………..FOREVER.
I hope Luke and Reid end up together. They are the best new pairing on the show. LuRe forever!
LUKE & NOAH FOREVER !!!!!!
VAN & JAKE BEAUTIFUL PERFECT TOGETHER !!!!!!
NUKE ALWAYS !!!!!!
I can’ believe cbs would cut As the world turns. I’ve watched this show with my grandma, and my mom all of my life (33 years) and still do. This is so sad, i do not watch any other soap, and dont plan to. As a matter of fact i am so angry i dont plan to watch cbs at all! I feel like im losing part of my family. good luck to the wonderful cast of As the world turns.
I have been a fan ATWT since 1958 when I had my first little girl. It was a topic of conversation in our neighborhood. Many sad things and good things to look forward to in our everday world. Very sad and I will miss all the people that were almost family. Good luck to the cast. BYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!