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As The World Turns

CBS's Barbara Bloom on new era of daytime programming for network

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: JPI Studios

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

In an article out today from AD Age, the head of CBS Daytime Programming, Barbara Bloom, spoke on the ever-evolving and changing landscape of the CBS daytime programming block which has seen, As the World  Turns and Guiding Light as its first major casualties replaced by the game show, Let’s Make a Deal, and the new “Mommy” gabfest, The Talk, which premieres on October 8th.

Bloom stated in regards to the recent soap opera bloodbath:  “It is a time of great change and great opportunity and more viewing choices.  Staying at the forefront of making sure you’re the choice that is taken is always a battle. I’ve always thought the mandate is to make this the most competitive and engaging daypart as possible, and for a long time, we worked very closely with Procter & Gamble to try to keep the shows able to fulfill that mandate, and then it became clear that wasn’t happening.”

In regards to her new strategy for the daypart, Bloom said she always tries to keep her audience in my mind, and then works to hire people who the audience is attracted to:  “I always try to be really clear about what the universe is that I’m operating in. Am I empowering the people who are working on those shows? That’s the way I work. We really are trying to do the best by both our audience and the company.”

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Cancelling ATWT was a big mistake. We will see how long this new crap lasts. I for one will not be watching.

CBS Daytime made the choice to cancel As the World Turns and Guiding Light. I have made my choice to turn off CBS during the daytime hours and watch Days of our Lives and Swift Justice. Both are seen on my NBC affiliate. Dr Phil and Oprah are on my ABC station. In fact I think the only CBS show I will watch is Blue Bloods on Friday night, and that will be from my DVR. I may not be speaking for all people, but you have lost my family.

what a bunch of nonsense. She took something unique and replaced it with something ordinary. the affiliate in my city doesn’t even bother airing GL replacement at 3pm they pushed it off to a less desirable slot, something they never did with GL. She has ruined CBS daytiime and doesn;t care one bit for the viewers who have been loyal to cbs daytime for years

It’s a shame that all we’re getting are reality shows and more game and talk shows.ATWT had such a core of decency, even with all the sleazey characters that wandered through.I really feel sick about it and what does it say about our society as a whole with the garbage that people are watching.If this is the way of the world I think we all are in big trouble.

Nothing is replacing ATWT on my DVR. I’m moving to watching episodic nighttime TV series DVDs instead. The traditional networks (CBS, NBC, ABC) still don’t get how most people watch “live” TV today – they record it. It doesn’t mean people are not watching; they are simply time-shifting their viewing to a time when it’s convenient for them. There were probably millions of ATWT viewers that were simply not counted. I get it’s all about the ad dollars for the networks (obviously, they have to make money somehow), but if you still want eyes on your commercials in this new world, try shortening the commercials to 10 or 15 seconds so it’s inconvenient to fast forward and work on product placement like in film. I’m not interested in watching a mind-numbing game show or another gabfest. CBS has lost this daytime viewer.

I think it was a mistake to cancel ATWT and to me Barbara Bloom is a Blooming idiot. I’d say it is easier to have a certain number of loyal viewers that are actually buying what is advertised as opposed to having new game shows and talk shows that will be hard to find and keep.. This was it for me i’ve moved on from CBS to find my entertainment.

How can she say that she is keeping her audience in mind. By cancelling ATWT you are most certainly not thinking about your audience. My daughter was the 4th generation in my family to watch ATWT. Have you thought about people like my grandmother and mother who have worked all of their life and since retiring has been enjoying this show. Even when they couldn’t watch it during the day, once vcr’s came along they started recording the show and so did I. You have no idea what you have done. In my line of work in medical office administration, I have seen people waiting for Drs. appts. watching ATWT on the flat screens in the waiting rooms as well as people in assisted living centers and nursing homes. You have no idea of who the audience is. This show had a vast audience from all walks of life. Theire are also more men watching soaps now than ever before. You might not think that you’ve made a mistake but you will find out in the long run. The dumbest thing about all of this is that you and P&G are both playing the blame game when it’s us the fans that are being hurt in this whole fiasco. This was the only soap that I watched.

It amazes me how people like Barbara Bloom land executive/director of programming positions of anything! The truth is this woman is a complete failure! She sucked at ABC and she’s sucking up the place at CBS!

Since Barbara Bloom held former CBS head of daytime programming Lucy Johnson’s position, she’s managed to lose two iconic soap operas with Guiding Life and As the World Turns; enable poor writing staffs and production teams and is pretty much responsible for CBS Daytime’s tanking ratings.

When Lucy Johnson held the position, the daytime line up was primarily locked around CBS Daytime’s strengths The Price is Right and Young and the Restless. I recall As the World Turns and Guiding Light pulled in decent ratings by holding on to their core audience.

Sadly, under Barbara Bloom’s leadership, everything went to hell in a hand basket. It’s quite obvious her superficial concerns lies with what’s pretty. She’s a dim bulb that never looks beneath the surface!

Like Chris Goutman, Jean Passanante, Barbara Bloom’s arrogance and disdain for soap opera fans is quite evident with every interview they give. They have no idea who their viewing audience are. They, like so many idiots in control of the daytime industry have bought into this so called LARGE teenage soap viewing myth. If they took time out to read the fan mail, they would know that the vast majority of people who watch soaps are astute working professionals over 25 years of age who enjoy GOOD acting, storytelling and character driven writing.

Well, thanks to Ms. Bloom, she has successfully ruined CBS Daytime for me — a working professional. My CBS Daytime viewing has been suspended indefinitely.

Liv you summed up my feelings perfectly! My family no longer watches anything on CBS.

cbs has gone to the dog. cutting the people from cbs morning news to as the world turn and guiding light. some time changes are not good. how many talk show can you have. i am really enjoying abc. they are keeping it real.

It`s time to reveal some of the secrets on ONE LIFE TO LIVE ,we`re sick of watching in suspense.

Canceling ATWT was one of the biggest mistakes CBS ever made!

That’s for sure.As a long time viewer I still miss it and i know i always will.i stopped working a year and a half ago and i was so happy to have
‘time’ to really sit down and watch it with no interruptions….it was the one constant in my life.Even on bad days it was so much better than what’s on TV now.And the acting was so good most of the time.54 years on the air and the show and the viewers were not treated with respect at all.I have so many channels on my TV and i’m hard pressed to find anything decent to watch.

CBS is a mess! Not only did they cancel ATWT, but the got rid of their whole early show news team. I used to be a big fan of CBS, but they seem to think nothing of their fans or the people who work for them. I perfer to watch ABC or NBC now!!

As The World Turns

Scott Bryce ‘Celebration of Life’ to be Livestreamed for Family, Friends, Near and Far

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Scott Bryce

Scott Bryce’s beloved wife Jodi Stevens Bryce announced on Instagram that a memorial service for her husband will take place this coming weekend and will be able to viewed via livestream for family members, friends and fans who loved the actor, personally and professionally.

As first reported by Michael Fairman TV, Scott passed away on Sunday evening, July 13 at the age of 68.  His son, Jackson Bryce took to Instagram to make an official announcement of his father’s passing sharing, “What began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him.”

As the World Turns fans know that Bryce was smash hit in the role of Craig Montgomery, a part he played for several runs  on the CBS soap opera from 1982–1991, 1993–1994, and 2007–2008. Along the way, Bryce earned two Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nominations in 1986 and 1987.

Previously, Scott had been diagnosed diagnosed with Stage 3 esophageal and stomach cancer back in October of 2024. He had credited early detection as a vital part of his journey during a conversation on The Locher Room in July of 2025. At that time, Scott had shared he had undergone medical treatment and had since reported being “on the mend.”

Jodi Stevens Bryce’s message for those who want to view Scott’s ‘Celebration of Life” shares, “To our dear family and friends, both near and far, thank you for surrounding our family with so much love, kindness, and prayer. If you’d like to join us in celebrating Scott’s beautiful life, his memorial service will be livestreamed on Saturday, July 25 10am ET.”  She signed the message, “With love, Jodi and Jackson.”

Photo: JPI

AS THE WORLD TURNS CAST SHARES REMEMBRANCES OF SCOTT BRYCE

Over the last few weeks heartfelt condolences on the loss of Scott have poured including from: Finn Carter (ex-Sierra, ATWT), Martha Byrne (ex-Lily, ATWT), Melanie Smith (ex-Emily, ATWT) and  many more.

In fact, Bryne made note to TV Insider following the loss of As the World Turns co-star, of just how memorable Bryce’s work with the late Elizabeth Hubbard’s work as Lucinda was, and their unforgettable pairing; “The energy between them, their dynamic, all the play, fun, and the intensity just jumped through the screen. Most actors wouldn’t go down to set just to watch other performers. They’d stay in their rooms. I would go and just watch them work.”

The livestream will be broadcast courtesy of the The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, Connecticut.

We all loved Scott Bryce and his powerful performances as Craig on As the World Turns and his body of work in primetime television as well. Now, it’s time to say our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones. Comment below.

 

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A post shared by Jodi Stevens (@jodistevensbryce)

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As The World Turns

Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68

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UPDATED: Heartbreaking news to report this Sunday evening, July 13. Two-time Daytime Emmy nominee and beloved soap veteran and television actor Scott Bryce (ex-Craig Montgomery, As the World Turns) has died at the age of 68.

Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill, Bryce’s longtime friend and former co-star announced his death via her Facebook under an hour ago (in a post that has now been deleted, but see below). Arnaz expressed, “a wonderful actor, a beautiful man and a terrific husband and father, Scott Bryce, passed tonight. I am going to miss his eyes, his smile, his wit, his brain, his intelligence, his talent, his bravery, his laugh and his hugs. Dearest Jodi, dear Jackson, he’s watching over you now from a place of pure joy and will always be your guide. But, I hate these goodbyes. Rest in peace you marvelous, magnificent man”.

Previously, Bryce was diagnosed with Stage 3 esophageal and stomach cancer back in October of 2024. He had credited early detection as a vital part of his journey. He had underwent medical treatment and had since reported being “on the mend.”

Photo: JPI

SCOTT BRYCE’S RUN AS CRAIG MONTGOMERY WAS MEMORABLE

However, Lucie Arnaz shared on her Facebook post in the comment thread section when asked, that Scott’s cancer had returned. She has appeared in two projects with Bryce, the Indie film, The Pack and the TV series, Sons and Daughters.

Jackson Bryce, Scott’s beloved son, shared a beautiful tribute to his father after his passing on his Instagram where he shared that, “What began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him.”

Scott was the son of actor Ed Bryce, who was best-known for his role on the soaps as Bill Bauer on Guiding Light from 1959 to 1983.  On As the World Turns, Scott had a significant run as Craig Montgomery, and at one point was initially paired on-screen with Meg Ryan (ex-Betsy Stewart). Bryce had appeared on the CBS soap opera from 1982–1991, 1993–1994, and 2007–2008.

AS THE WORLD TURNS CO-STAR PAYS TRIBUTE

On As the Word Turns, Scott’s on-screen romance was with Finn Carter, who played Sierra Esteban was a fan favorite for longtime viewers.

Carter expressed her grief on Instagram following the news of Bryce’s passing sharing, “My sadness knows no bounds. My gratitude for Scott knows even fewer. Scott was the best husband a woman could ask for. As an actor he was fearless, kind, generous and forever looking for ways to grow. And what a sense of humor! It is so difficult to write this as I can not stop crying . Scott , you were a gift that I did not deserve and one the world was freely given . All of my love to you – ah, just can’t stop crying. See you soon ( not too soon) and look forward to recalling our days on As The World Turns . You patiently taught me so much . XO”

It was during his initial run that Scott received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as the manipulative Craig Montgomery. Bryce was nominated in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in both 1986 and 1987.

Bryce exited ATWT in February of 2008 and by December of that year, Jon Lindstrom, (Beyond the Gates, General Hospital) was brought in as the final Craig from 2008-2010 as the soap went off the air. Over the years, Hunt Block and Jeffrey Meek also played the role of Craig.

FROM OAKDALE TO PRIMETIME

In addition, Scott appeared in numerous episodic comedy and drama series throughout his career with roles in: Murphy Brown, The Facts of Life, ER, Law & Order, Reba and Sex and the City and Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, Homeland, 30 Rock to name but a few. On the soaps, Bryce also appeared on One Life to Live in the role of a psychiatrist, Dr. Ed Crosby, from 2006-2007.

Scott is survived by his wife Jodi Stevens and their son, Jackson. 

Michael Fairman TV will bring you further updates on this developing story.

Share your remembrances and condolences for Scott Bryce via the comment section below. But first check out these scenes featuring Scott in moments from As the World Turns with Cady McClain and Marie Wilson.

Photo: LArnaz Facebook

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As The World Turns

‘As the World Turns’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Alum, Colleen Zenk Arrested for Third DUI Since 2010

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UPDATED: Fan favorite, Colleen Zenk (ex-Barbara, As the World Turns, ex-Jordan, The Young and the Restless) found herself in trouble with the law when she was arrested for a DUI in Naples, Florida near where she lives.

The incident took place back on May 15 at 7:35 pm, when the actress was charged with a DUI resulting in damage to property or person of another with a with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or higher, above the legal limit of 0.08. Both misdemeanors carry a bond of $1,000.

Soap Opera Network was the first to report the news after they had obtained records from County Sheriff’s Office and the County Clerk’s Office in Collier County.

Photo: JPI

Zenk posted bond on May 16, 2026, and court date that was set for June 10, 2026. Although she did not appear in person at the hearing after filing a Waiver of Appearance at Non-Mandatory Court Appearances, she pled not guilty through her attorney, with a continuance scheduled for July 29, 2026, for pre-trial.

Now, according to PEOPLE.com, Zenk’s attorney shared on June 30, “The charges are being defended. Ms. Zenk has not been convicted of anything. The truth will be played out in court.”

According to the arrest report, a witness told deputies they saw Zenk backing out of a handicap parking space near a Tommy Bahama store when her vehicle struck another parked car. The same witness alleged Zenk continued moving after the collision before being stopped a short distance away and claimed she appeared unsteady after exiting her vehicle.

In addition, after Zenk greed to perform field sobriety exercises, the arresting officer notated that Zenk showed multiple signs of impairment, including balance issues, swaying and difficulty following instructions.

Photo: JPI

PREVIOUS DUI TROUBLE

This is not the first time Colleen has been arrested for DUI. This is her third. She was first arrested in April 1, 2010, when she was pulled over by police in Wilton, Connecticut, for erratic driving and crossing into the oncoming lane of traffic, resulting in charges of DUI and improper lane usage. The second time was back on May 28, 2017. Zenk was charged with a DUI, marking her first offense and arrest in Collier County.

Zenk made her daytime debut as Barbara Ryan on As the World Turns in 1978 and remained with the series until its final episode in 2010. Viewers will recall, Barbara dancing with Henry Coleman (Trent Dawson) to “Last Dance” in the finale.

Along the way, Colleen earned three Daytime Emmy Award nominations for taking the once girl to a bad girl and eventually a fully evolved character. Then in November of 2023, Colleen made her triumphant return to daytime as the villainous and oft-kilter, Jordan Howard who had more than nine lives! The character was eventually killed off in 2025.

Jordan was the creation of departing head writer, Josh Griffith, who has brought Zenk and Hayley Erin as “Claire” to Y&R to shake things up for the Newmans.

Share your thoughts on the latest DUI charges for Colleen Zenk via the comment section below. Do you hope she gets the opportunity to appear on another soap? Let us know.

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