Breaking News
Bridget Dobson, Co-Creator and Co-Head Writer of ‘Santa Barbara’, Dead at 85
One of the most game-changing and prolific soap opera writers, Bridget Dobson has passed away at the age of 85. No cause of death was immediately given at this time.
Bridget was the daughter of the late great, Frank and Doris Hursley, who were the co-creators of General Hospital. Being born into soap royalty, she carried on her parents tradition, and along with her husband Jerome Dobson (who she had been married to since 1961) created Santa Barbara for NBC.
Santa Barbara, to this day is considered one of the most creative soap operas in the history of the genre. The series aired from 1984 to 1993 and had the distinction of winning three Daytime Emmy Awards in a row for Outstanding Drama Series in 1988, 1989, and 1990.

Photo: SantaBarbaraBlog
Ironically, Dobson famously accepted the award in 1988, shortly after then New World Television (now New World Pictures) locked her and her husband out of the show’s studio. This was after a dispute with the production company when the Dobson attempted to fire then head writer, Anne Howard Bailey.
According to the LA Times, “As executive producer and series co-owner Bridget Dobson, whose contract gave her creative control, including the right to hire and fire writers–tried to dismiss head writer Bailey because of creative differences, she discovered that Bailey’s contract with series co-owner New World Television permitted her dismissal only upon NBC’s request or series cancellation. Citing breach of contract, Dobson’s attorneys declared her own contract with New World rescinded and demanded that the series be returned to her ownership.”
Throughout the series run, Santa Barbara took home 24 Daytime Emmy Awards and received 74 nominations. By 1991, the The Dobson had settled their dispute with New World Television and NBC, returning to the studio and overseeing the show in its final years of production. However, at the time of its cancellation, and when it aired its final episode in January of 1993, Paul Rauch was serving as executive producer, with Pamela K. Long as head writer.
Prior to their work on Santa Barbara, Bridget and Jerome Dobson had been the head writers for As the World Turns, Guiding Light and General Hospital.
The news of Dobson’s death came from Pierpaolo Dongiovanni via his Facebook page where he shared: Jerome Dobson told me that his beloved wife Bridget passed away three days ago. They spent a lifetime together, co-created, co-produced and beautifully co-wrote Santa Barbara, among other things. Jerry and Bridget brought with them so much beauty on Earth. She gave me friendship, love, fun, hope and was pure inspiration to me, even when I was sick a couple of years ago. She may be gone, but always present. All my love to Jerry and Mary Dobson.”
Dongiovanni runs the Santa Barbara Blog and it is he, who had a multi-part interview with Bridget Dobson talking about the highs and lows of writing, and creating Santa Barbara.
Dobson is survived by her husband Jerome, daughter Mary and extended family and friends.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Bridget Dobson and of course, Santa Barbara via the comment section below.
RIP
Santa Barbara was my first soap opera experience and remains my favourite. I caught the very first episode quite by chance and stayed with it until the end. Such a unique and creative show.
I agree. I think I started at the beginning too. Loved that show and all their stars, mainly Jed Allen and A. Martinez, Lane Davies,Nancy Lee Grahn, etc Never realized how many of that cast I adored.
RIP to Ms. Bridget Dobson, who, along with her husband, created quite a unique soap opera. And while I was not the biggest fan of the decisions they made, I respect they went up against the TPTB in the best ways they could!
Lots of fond memories watching Santa Barbara back in the day. May she rest in peace.
Santa Barbara was amazing. I didn’t know of all the behind the scenes drama at the time. RIP
Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday that the syndicated entertainment news series, Extra will be its partner for exclusive coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards being held on Friday, October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys as previously reported can be seen streamed via the The Emmys,YouTube channel, via watch.theemmys.tv, as well as on the official Emmys app, available for phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Here’s a breakdown of the pre, during and post Daytime Emmys coverage via Extra below!
Beginning Monday, October 26, Extra will feature five nights of dedicated Daytime Emmys segments leading up to the ceremony, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the award show.
In addition, Mona Kosar Abdi, Weekend Host & Senior Correspondent with Extra will host the pre-show red carpet stream on the @TheEmmys Youtube channel.
Extra host and Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough will present during the ceremony, and correspondent Terri Seymour will also host coverage throughout the evening.
Extra’s weekend edition (A WEEK FOLLOWING the ceremony) will features notable red carpet moments, winner reactions, and exclusive footage from the night’s festivities.
The entertainment news program is also nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards going into the ceremony.
So, what do you think of Extra’s scheduled upcoming coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards starting on Monday? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Breaking News
Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco Welcome Baby Girl, Philomena into the World

Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”

Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
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