News
Co-Head Writer Thom Racina Posts Message: "Start Watching One Life To Live Come April"
Courtesy/facebook
Veteran soap scribe, Thom Racina was recently named the new co-head writer of Prospect Park’s One Life to Live along with Susie Bedsow Horgan! Racina just took to his facebook page to let his followers, colleagues, and fans know he is in his new digs, the One Life studios in Stamford Connecticut. He ends his post with a special note telling everyone to watch for One Life to Live come April! We had heard originally some previous reports that the series would not end up online till May. So it would appear we are just a few months away from seeing the rebirth of the beloved soap.
Here’s what the enthusiastic scribe who will help lead the new Llanview creative direction stated: “Well, I’ve arrived in Llanview, which is now situated in our studios in Stamford, CT, and I couldn’t be happier. Not only are we on groundbreaking territory here with Prospect Park reinventing soaps for the Internet, but I’m looking forward to putting the results of my creative passion into story and the voices of characters once again.
I’m working, as most of you know, with my writing partner, Susie Horgan, with whom I’ve written 3 pilots over the last few years, and this is our dream come true because we met after our daytime careers were pretty much over (the shows were dying)…and now, suddenly, we are the co-head writers and we couldn’t be more thrilled. What a blessing!
Susie has posted several pictures of us “hard at work” sipping martinis–in fact she just handed me one (it’s dinner time after all), so I toast you, friends and fans, and I sincerely hope you will support us and tell your friends and start watching One Life To Live come April.”
So soapers does Thom’s statement give you more good feelings now that the production offices are open. and that Thom says April is the target date to see One Life to Live again? Let us know your thoughts!
All My Children
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
On the Friday, October 2 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the morning talk show marked the 56th birthday of Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley Vaughan Santos, All My Children).
During the opening segment, Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo Santos, All My Children) humorously comparing his wife to both Gandhi and Groucho Marx, reflecting on both her comedic ability and peaceful ways.
Later, they went on to discuss the origins of her name and the most popular picks to name babies back in the year she was born, 1970. They were Kimberly, Lisa, and Jennifer for girls and Michael, David, and James for the boys.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Ripa recalled that she learned she was almost named Kim. However, their neighbors at the time had two daughters Kelly and Kim, which is what her parents wanted to call them, but they settled on Kelly and and her younger sister, Linda.
At the conclusion of the episode, Mark rolled out a huge cake for his wife. It was, “Happy birthday from all of us here at Live and at home.” Next, he cut the cake, and Ripa grabbed his face and gave him a “thank you” kiss.
Photo: JPI
KELLY AND MARK TRIED TO KEEP THEIR VEGAS WEDDING ON THE DOWN LOW
All of this brings back memories of how Kelly and Mark’s Las Vegas wedding ceremony went public in 1996 while the two were still on All My Children playing Mateo Santos and Hayley Vaughan. In essence, they were outed by then radio host Wendy Williams! They discussed it on the talk show back in 2024.
In fact, the duo hid their marriage from their All My Children castmates for months, until they found out Williams got wind of the nuptials and spread the intel on the airwaves.
The two recalled their secret wedding on a 2024 episode of Live! “We’d eloped. It’d been a few months at that point. We’d been married for three months, nobody at All My Children knew we were even dating, much less married to each other. We’re brushing our teeth and we’ve got Wendy Williams’ radio show on. We’re listening, and she’s like, ‘I’ve got celebrity dish!”
EYEWITNESS
Next Ripa continued, “The celebrities,’ I guess they had a broad use of the term back then, was the fact that ‘two soap stars from All My Children, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos eloped in Las Vegas.’ There was this eyewitness that worked in the Clark County courthouse that said we eloped, and the news broke, and we had to tell everybody we were married.”
Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication. Check your local listings for times in your area.
Share your birthday wishes for Kelly in the comment section, and let us know your thoughts on how Wendy Williams broadcast the news, unbeknownst to the All My Children newlyweds, that they tied the knot in Vegas? Check out Mark and the ‘Live’ studio audience singing ‘happy birthday’ to Kelly in the post below.
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Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
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Days Of Our Lives3 days agoREPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
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Beyond the Gates3 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
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General Hospital1 week agoAlley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
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News1 week agoJudith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
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Beyond the Gates7 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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News5 days agoY&R Alum Thad Luckinbill Cast in New Thriller ‘Copperhead’
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News1 week agoMatthew Atkinson Reveals New Project ‘Into the Wilderness’
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Beyond the Gates18 hours agoTUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
I am not really interested in watching an online version of these soaps. Most of the actors will not be back with the shows as many have moved on to other projects.
Wow! What a “Debbie Downer!” You must not have been a big fan to begin with or you would be as thrilled as the rest of us just to have our shows back! In fact, many of the original actors have signed back on are also thrilled to be a part of this. Will they be different? Sure, but something is better then nothing! Plus, being online you can watch it anytime or anywhere you want too! I couldn’t be more thrilled or more happy about it because I am a life long fan and I miss the show, the characters and even the actors that play them. Be happy and give it a try. Sort of like when we switched from radio to TV. Just go with it and support our shows.
Thank you Lisa. Well said. For those of us who have missed & mourned this show every single day-well the news couldn’t be better. We’ll take OLTL any way & with anyone we can get. It is OLTL!!!
Right on Lisa!!! I don’t really care what form the shows take, I’m just thrilled that OLTL is coming back. It’s been a staple in my house for so many years and I was devastated when it was cancelled. I’m so glad they are making a return. I’ve been filling my craving by watching the old episodes on Soapnet, early in the morning, but I can’t wait to see what happens in April. This life long fan, will definitely be tuning in, logging on or whatever else I need to do…LOL
That is your opinion and you are welcome to watch online. I watched OLTL on and off for years, but it was not my favorite soap, true. I was more a ATWT fan and GL but I did watch OLTL for years. I started watching when Todd and Blair first met. I don’t think many of the younger stars will come back to OLTL and doubt very much Melissa Archer will return as she has been making quite a few movies lately and seems to have relocated to California. I am not on board for a new Natalie, Jessica, Starr, Todd and John.
I take it back I was wrong, I see Melissa Archer is coming back to OLTL.
I don’t know what Deb means here, since we’re getting back
Prospect Park announcmnet stated, “It has closed the following deals with cast members and production executives, with more deals expected to close in the coming weeks, for The Online Network’s production of All My Children.” Now take a look at the official cast as of today!
One Life to Live Cast List:
Photo Credit: Wire Image
Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan
Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord
Tuc Watkins as David Vickers
Robert S. Woods as Bo Buchanan
Kassie DePaiva as Blair Cramer
Jerry verDorn as Clint Buchanan
Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado
Melissa Archer as Natalie Buchanan Banks
Hillary B. Smith as Nora Buchanan
Kelley Missal as Danielle Manning
Josh Kelly as Cutter Wentworth
Andrew Trischitta as Jack Manning
Sean Ringgold as Shaun Evans
Shenaz Treasury Rama Patel
Nick Choksi as Vimal Patel
That’s a HUGE portion of the original cast. And we’re getting some character recasts.
Some people can’t bear it if there aren’t clouds in the sky. Nothing brings more joy to some than being unhappy and spreading it around.
OLTL has always been a superior, well-written and crafted soap. It’s no surprise so many past cast members are coming back. I was a huge fan of AMC, but it had been falling off the creative cliff for a long time. Not OLTL! I can’t wait for its return. AMC… not so much.
well yea i agree its better then nothing and yea it will for sure be different but i do look forward to seeing how it takes shape.. i am just really looking forward to the oltl more so then the AMC .. truth be told i dont know if i will be able to get into watching them on the computer… also it has been such a long time will there still be as much interest in them OOOOOOO i do hope it gets them plenty of new fans and i hope alot of the old ones are able to come back . but I think they will need to do some BIG BIG BIG promoting and stuff like that they will need to get the actors out there on talk shows and fan events and stuff like that so it gets the word out there….
Deb lots of the original characters are coming back, Bo, Nora, Vicki, Clint, Natalie and more. I can’t wait for the first show!!
Actually, if you have a Wi Fi TV with an Internet connection you will be able to watch it on your TV!!! Its just like watching regular TV! It’s the wave of the future folks! You have to keep up with the times or you will be stuck listening to 8 tracks!
I just hope it’s on T.V. in some form. I know more people who would watch it On Demand than on the internet. We don’t all have the internet at home!
It just gets better and better and better.
Can’t wait. Just hope they don’t take John, Starr, and Todd.
They can’t make the actors go to the show they are all under contract with ABC and not PP.
actually the 3 of them were were kinda if you wanna calll it on loan from prospect park with the understanding that if they got it and going they would have to go back.. and there is an agreement i think that at some point they will get back to gh
I am thrilled with the show coming back! There has been such a huge void without it.
That’s two months away at least, more or less. Happy happy joy joy! Good news.
I wsh the new writers would bring Tina(Andrea Evans)back to OLTL
Would love to see the Kyle/Oliver story back. It was daring, bold, and sweet (after all the hubbub it was shown to help the ratings, not hurt them.)
Another hopeful sign! I look forward to finding out exactly how this will play out, and look forward to seeing it all come to fruition in April !!!!
When will AMC go online?
I can’t wait to see OLTL written by other writers!
I’ve read on a couple of sources that PP will be going for a younger demographic when OLTL starts online. Many of us longtime fans are concerned that this means the cast will consist of many youngsters and newbies. Yes, they have hired some much-loved vets, but we’re afraid that this is to lure us in to start, and then back-burner them. PP needs to remember that it’s mostly the fans who have watched this show for decades who worked the hardest to have it return. We want to see all generations of characters interacting, both online and back on a tv network!
I agree with Mary. It’s great to see something happening with the show.
The vast majority of hires have been the vets so I don’ think that’s much of a worry.
BUT I do want to see “next generation” too, just as we did when the show as broadcast on ABC.
Exactly! Who wants to watch a show full of over 60-somethings? That’s been the problem with the soaps and why they couldn’t generate a younger audience every year. They’ve got to build younger-aimed storylines to lure in younger viewers. They’re the ones watching shows on computers, phones and ipads anyway.
Thrilled beyond belief!!!!!!!!
Aside from me being worried about the intentions and plans for AMC + OLTL– which seem to be centered around tying up any stories with the vets, and wheeling in the youngsters to be front and center–I’m still not looking forward to these upcoming revivals until a cable deal is announced. I’m tired of taking the heat for advocating for them to come to cable, but I must continue doing so. Various predicaments will hinder the ability of much of the audience to watch online.
There are other soaps on the Internet, so what is ‘ground breaking’ about this? That they used to be on network TV?
You’re right, and most of them are pretty good.
But what is groundbreaking is the revival of two shows that between them span almost 100 years, and have reached audiences far and wide in those years.
Reviving a network show that was considered dead and gone, dumped by networks that said that the days of soaps were over IS groundbreaking.
And even more than that, it’s heartening to think that these longterm shows are surviving once again, even after their previous network homes dumped them. And, how much their revival owes to overwhelming fan support that never gave up.
I can’t wait for this to happen. I will watch it whatever it’s on. I just hope there are lots more old favorites coming back!
My hope is that a cable station will see the viability of this show and pick it up or we can continue to see OLTL characters pop up in Port Charles and maybe intertwine stories….either way its good news. Lets hope all those fans crying about the cancellation “log on” and watch. THATS the only way we will ever hope to see this show on TV again!
I wish Prospect Park the best of luck with this, but sorry-
Until/unless I actually see these soaps airing on the internet in a non-diminished way with actual evidence that this could last long-term, I remain highly skeptical about this. Personally, I just don’t see these so-called reboots getting off the ground without some kind of TV deal in place to share costs. They almost certainly cannot get by on only online advertising to generate enough viewers and ad revenue to offset the costs. The economics involved just does not make sense.
You know the expression- Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
On top of that, these shows will not appeal to the younger demos advertisers covet.
lol that is true…. I am was thinking the same thing.. how are they paying the actors if they are not charging us or there are no commercials. my thinking will be we hae options… pay to watch it with out commercials or watch them with the commercials… but who knows yea i feel the same i will have to waite and see what it brings but i will be viewing with an open mind at first but yea i am wondering how the quality will be as well
Oh Yeah…You bet I’ll be watching! So excited!
Will we be able to see the online episodes for free or is it by paid-subscription only?
Just as I jumped on GH with the arrival of Cartini if only to help support the genre, I will try my hand at online soaps with OLTL. My mom was a diehard AMC fan but is not sold on the online format. I truly hope that if there is sufficient interest, maybe these shows can get picked up by cable some how. Surely Lifetime has openings in its schedule.
I am looking forward to watching OLTL again. I hope it will be good, I would like David vickers back. He is aways good. good luck
It has been reported that Tuc Watkins IS coming back as David Vickers!!
THRILLED BEYOND WORDS! CAN’T WAIT CAN’T WAIT CAN’T WAIT!!!
Hope you will not forget to stay with the “history/core that made the show like the Lords, Cramers and Buchanans. Also hope you guys will solve the cliff hanger and bring Trevor St John back.
Not a One Life to Live fan, so I won’t be watching the web version. But I wish them (and AMC) the best of luck. And please, for the love of all that is unholy, take Todd, Starr, the vampire, and Ron C. with you.
It All sounds Great!! Can’t wait to see OLTL Live again!!
Oh how I have missed my Fave Soap!!
Well i will start by saying how excited i am about the whole thing and i am looking forward to the relaunch.. I hope it was all worth it and that it all goes the way they plan. I am just wanting to know if i am going to have to pay to see it when they come back.. BECAUSE that i wont do no matter how much i love and miss OLTL.. I know I will give it a shot and watch with an open mind hoping for the Best for all involved and may
PLEASE BRING TREVOR ST JOHN/VICTOR.
For sure! Since Roger is stuck on GH, bring Trevor back in his place.
I know Trevor was the one who wanted to leave the show before, but maybe he’s changed his mind.
This is what is making my 2013!!!! Thank u to everyone involved for working so hard and making this happen. From the bottom I my heart, thank u!
Im happy. That one life to live is coming back, but not happy to be watching it online. I like tv better. Sorry wont be watching!!!!