Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Co-EP Greg Meng Speaks Out On The Writing Regime Changes to Save Salem!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Days of our Lives is going through yet another overhaul, and once again timing is critical! The show has been faltering again in the ratings and apparently not even the great Will Horton coming out storyline, extremely well-written by Marlene McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas could save the scribes, because the other storylines with Salem’s favorite couples being torn apart for various reasons, was not clicking with viewers. So with that, and host of other issues facing the lone NBC soap, DAYS co-executive producer spoke to TV Guide for what happens next in trying to get Salem back on the map!
Meng on if NBC instigated and demanded a writing change at DAYS: “We spoke with the network and collectively felt we needed to take a pause, make a change with the writing and the style of the show for a while and see if that will redirect things. The ratings situation is very complex and difficult, and we have a tremendous challenge with that right now. Everybody on the Days team, and that includes NBC and Sony, our distributor, wants this show to succeed and we’re doing everything we can to make it work. We all have different visions as to how to achieve that success but the good news is that we’re all in synch on the future. No one wants cancellation. Even though we brought in Darrell and Marlene to reset Days last September, it was always our feeling that the show needed to constantly be nurtured with smaller resets. This isn’t the end of the world. We’re just resetting it again in an effort to get it right.
Meng on how all the Salem couples were written under McPherson and Thomas: “People do want to see the major couples but the problem is you can’t tell good story when couples are together and everything’s all hunky-dory. That’s the challenge Darrell and Marlene have been up against. They tried some unique ways to split up those couples yet that hasn’t quite worked. But they get an A-plus for effort. In hindsight, I do think too many couples splitting up has been an issue. We also brought in the wonderful Sarah Brown (Madison) and threw her into a lot of material very quickly. Maybe too much too quickly. But, again, we feel like we’re in a great place to make the next step.”
Meng on if the next step is seeing another major shuffle of major characters being weaved in and out ( as already posted today, DAYS let-go four actors) and if the firings will be epic, like Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn being pink-slipped a few years back. “Yes. And that’s all I’m going to say about that right now, We’re looking at weaving people in and out, and bringing them back later if we can.”
Meng on if there is viewer backlash from the gay storyline as OLTL faced with KISH: “I don’t know. I think it’s a beautiful story and we are committed to it. But probably it’s not the story that most women are going to tune in for every day, the one they don’t want to miss. I think it’s a story everybody likes, but the women want to see romance. Our goal is to get back lapsed viewers — our family of viewers who stopped watching altogether or aren’t watching us every day.”
So soapers, what do you think? Can another round of firing actors and bringing in writers save DAYS? What do you think the integral problems with the show are? What would you like to see on-screen that you are not being given the opportunity to see? Let us know!
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Translation: I talk out of both sides of my mouth and I have become very good at it!
DAYS is so tragically messed up. The issue at DAYS is and has always been Corday.
Amen!
Agreed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He really has no idea. Its a shame really
I think they need to fire Greg Meng!!
at the end of the day if it saves Days …
What’s the point for Days to be saved for savings sake if the stories are written poorly, rushed and overlooked for weeks at a time? They fired Matt Ash. so by default they fired me as a loyal fan too.
Me too!!!!
That’s how I feel about Carrie and Austin, although I am a Jack fan too. These firings are devastating and remind me of 2006 when Jack, Carrie and Austin were shown the door yet again. These are the characters we want to see! No one wants to watch a DOOL about useless characters like Rafe, Daniel, Gabi, Melanie, Chad, Ian and Madison. Yuck.
The actors are taking the blame for the failings of the writers and producers. Such a shame.
You proven to be a the biggest idiot in just one line :”“People do want to see the major couples”. You don’t know us fans at all. You have no FREAKING CLUE what we want. You NEVER listen. Not the actors fault or the couples, characters. Its you writers lousy writing. It takes more than just bringing back fan faves. You have to write them in character but with a compelling storyline around them, not one done a million times over. There are tons of fans who love the MAIN COUPLES and is the main reason we have turned in.… Read more »
Exactly then show us EJAMI, jenn/jack, Brady/Nicole. I agree with your comment 100%. They have shoved useless characters that cant act down our throats and we have to like it. I hope the show does get cancelled because the way they are treating the VETS, they deserve it. I have lost ALL faith in DAYS and I am no longer going to watch. Letting go of Matt, Christie and Patrick just about does it for me.
I think NBC will end up cancelling Days in 2013. NBC wants to extend Today to a fifth hour and Days’s timeslot is the only one that is available for such project. All the other timeslots belong to the affiliates and they’ll never give them to the network.
NBC wants to exit the soap business just like ABC and CBS.
First, glad Mr. Meng spoke out, we needed to hear from ‘The Management’ about the direction the show was going to take even if we anticipated what he would say. Any way, want to say thank you, still good and important to hear because you kind of feel that this is the beginning of the end, so some reassurance that the show is going to continue for awhile anyway, and they are going to continue to try improve it is helpful. With that said, I think with all that goes on internally, they may lose sight of what the viewer… Read more »
DOOL used to be so good when Crystal Chappell was on and now they have slaughtered the show. I cant believe they are firing actors once again. Recasting the recasts didn’t work.
Whats the point of watching a show that treats their actors the way they do. One certain
actress cant keep the show going in fact I think the sand is going to run out of the Hour Glass sooner than we think!
I couldn’t agree more. I loved Carly and still think she and Chloe should be front and center. I would also like to see Belle and Shawn-Douglas come back. The misuse of Mary Beth Evans, Judi Evans and Wally Kurth has been embarrassing.
They need to keep the Will story on track, but it sounds like they might just throw the baby out with the bath water. I think Days needs someone like Ed Scott at the helm.
DAYS NEEDS TO BE CANCELLED ASAP!!!!!! THIS HAS NOT BEEN MY SHOW SINCE 2003. DOESN’T”T MATTER WHO IS WRITING, ITS STILL CRAP! NO ONE KNOWS HOW TO TELL GOOD ROMANCE STORY LINES ANYONE. ITS ALWAYS MUSICAL BEDS.
I hate this Meng guy, and Corday sucks! Me and my grandmother will gladly take up the roles of head writers and set some things straight.
Just want to add to my last overly lengthy comment. In relation to how I said they could improve Days, I do not necessarily believe they have to spend massive amounts of money (or blow the budget) to achieve what I have outlined. If there are good quality story lines that are compelling and engaging and character development that makes you feel for the characters this will compensate for glitzy sets, location shots, clothing, etc. To tell a good story you do not necessarily need excessive ‘props’ just good writing and acting! The Gay/Will story line is an example of… Read more »
Extremely upset and disappointed that Carrie, Austin, and Jack are leaving. I only started watching Days again after a 5-year absence because they brought back my favorite couple (Austin and Carrie). I won’t watch Days again after they leave, except for maybe the series finale in September 2013.
What was the point of bringing back all those vets and stirring trouble with stories that were boring back them. And using old stories lines that have already been used. It’s like someone is trying to sabotages to show to kill off . I have been watching the show for over 25 years. Why they didn’t they just brought back Carrie and Austin give them a story line about them having baby or adopting a baby instead destroying Sami and Rafe.
Destroying Sami and Rafe was the BEST thing they ever do, this pairing is awful and boring !
I’m over it! I can’t even think of anyone that they could bring back or add that would make the show better. Why get rid of writers who were just getting their stride? Matt Ashford should not be let go. I can see why Carrie and Austin might be leaving because their characters were ruined
Keep Christie Clark! And Do NOT even THINK of letting Deidre Hall go again. If you have to, get rid of Drake- can’t stand the Gina/Pawn rehash…just give us more of Deidre Hall!
He’s a sexist pig! Who is he to tell me or any woman what we like or don’t like to watch? The only reason I still watch Days is because of the gay storyline! Chandler Massey, Freddie Smith and Deidre Hall are kicking this story out of the ballpark. It’s obvious he nor anyone at NBC know what they are doing or even know who their audience is. The network execs all have their heads up their a**es! This is 2012 and women are not just fans of “straight” love. There are many kinds of love and this story has… Read more »
Well said.
I totally agree!! Clark and Brown should do the same!
I agree with you about Straight women have no problem with the Gay storyline I love it and wish they would just get on with it it is extremly frustrating that they are taking so long getting it started and Greg does’nt have any clue what we want!
I’m not a women, so I can’t reply for them. But as a man who has loved soaps all his life, I totally disagree about the WILL sotry line. It is the ONLY reason I am tuning into DAYS. His scenes are the ONLY scenes I do not FF to when I tape it. This story line has been well written and acted. It makes sense when so many of the other ones do not. If DAYS’ new writing team decides that they need to stall or change the direction of WILL’s story, I’ll find something else to do with… Read more »
Excuse me, Mr. Meng, but the Will storyline is the ONLY one I tune in to see every day. Actually I DVR the show and skip the storylines I don’t like. I think it was condescending of him to say that “the women want to see romance.” I’m assuming he thinks that a gay storyline can’t be romantic. I think there is great potential for the Will/Sonny storyline to be very romantic. If he is truly interested in saving Days, he ought to realize that many of the storylines are not working; but the Will/Sonny storyline may truly be the… Read more »
I totally agree with you that is why I tune in as well to watch the Will and Sonny storyline I can care less really about the other Characters they are the ones I want to see and I also agree the gay story line can be very Romantic and yes I agree also that its the one that is working!!!!!!!!!
the main character in this show right now is the Horton town square and I am getting tired of it already. oh… what romance… evryone is breaking up and or turning into characters from the very tired past. how many times can you shake up the writers and reset the show? doesn’t all of thst resetting just give us very disjointed stories?
It is so sad… too many talented people in the soap world and too few well written soaps!
You’re right on about the Horton Town Square. In the middle of February, people are eating lunch in the square wearing a light jacket. People have intimate, private conversations in the square, as if it’s the most private place in the world. Every press conference is held in the square. The Dock used to be the place to go for all conversations, muggings and make-out sessions.
I dont think anyone likes Will being gay,I sure as hell dont and no one I know that has watched Dool for as long as its been on likes Will being gay.
they should have done a gay SL with new charecters and when the SL was over they could be gone.
Anna…what a stupid comment. Gay people don’t just go away. Ignotant people like you should crawl back in your cave and go away.
The Nielsen ratings are always wrong and way outdated! I don’t know why the networks don’t do something else. I am glad Carrie and Austin are leaving. The storyline with Abigail needed to be more mental. The fatal attraction was not played enough. Stefano needs to go.
Carrie and Austin shouldn’t be cut. They are a popular supercouple. Unfortunately, the writing DESTROYED them this time, particularly Carrie. Not looking forward to months more of this Rafe crap followed by a rushed Aurrie reunion.
Carrie is boring…..The sooner they go off in the sunset the better.
Cathy, Carrie is a sweetheart. She is one of the best characters on Days. Getting rid of them is a HUGE mistake. They’ve just lost an entire fanbase.
News for the Meng/Corday company: The problem was not Brown, Ashford, Clark and Muldoon. It also was not the previous writing regime. It is the head guys in charge! They don’t commit to story and everything the writers write, they change direction mid-way through the stories. Days was on track a few months ago. They brought back fan favorites and got me back as a viewer. Salem seemed like a real town where people really cared about each other and I couldn’t wait to get home to watch the show. Now I am sure we can expect the storyline for… Read more »
You wonder why soaps are dying, this is another prime example. They are slowly committing suicide and how can you ask viewers to continue watching when GH, DOOL, & Y&R are churning out a big pile of dang.
So sad the “reboot” flopped, but all our favorites returned only to be ravaged with crummy storylines. Such a waste! Now the firing of our favorites begins. I returned after Steve/Kayla, John /Marlena, Jack/Jenn, and Adrienne/Justin disappeared. Now Maggie and Victor have disappeared. The Will/Marlena story has been really good, the rest is a mess. I want to see all the iconic Brady/Horton/ couples and families restored. Ian is way too creepy, Gabi, the Spa, Abigail turning ugly, now a new doctor? Who cares! The Horton Sqare was great, but the stories it spawned, not so much! I, too, will… Read more »
I am a woman and the only storyline that is drawing me in every day is Will’s coming out. Yes, I want romance and Will finding someone is romance!
Totally agree but so far as of todays show it looks like they are going to butcher that too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These guys have no idea how to run a soap. I worry for the future of Days……
DAYS seems like it is in MAJOR trouble. The “zig zag” decisions it has made over the past 3 years are inane — Deidre Hall is fired; the show later cleans house, sending lots of characters and writers packing, bringing back Hall and other veterans; 6 months after this “alleged reboot”, the new writers and a lot of the returned veterans are sent packing. This guy can offer all the explanations that he wants to make things sound reasonable. However, even Helen Keller can see, the DAYS bosses either (1) have NO idea on how to build interest in the… Read more »
I can’t believe he made such a ridiculous comment about women not tuning in to watch gay romance, where has he been??!! Don’t they keep an eye on the internet? Thousands of women worldwide tune in specifically for gay romance stories, they’re desperate for more gay storylines. Nothing like a good m/m romance! I know that’s why I tune in to Days, hoping for more and for them to be more adventurous with the storyline. If they drop the Will (and Sonny) storyline, I won’t watch DOOL anymore.
I agree That is why I tune in is to watch the Gay storyline!!!!!!
I don’t watch soap operas. I watch characters. I used to watch Luke and Reid on ATWT and then they fubared that up at the end. I had to content myself with Europe and Austrailia for my characters. Christian and Olli, Aaron, Chris and Aiden… You’ve probably noticed, they’re all gay characters. I am a straight female. The only romantic storylines that interest me on tv are gay storylines and so I follow them. I seek them out. And I am not alone. Started watching DOOL the day that Sonny K came to town. I ONLY watch on the days… Read more »
Well said Research research reasearch get a clue Greg Meng!!!!!!!!!!
This must be an error about Austin and Carrie, i mean i don’t mind their characters but they are quite boring and their coupling without Sami plotting is an abyssal bore..so i don’t believe their numbers are higher than folks like Marlena or Sami..come on, as for the gays stories, characters they are very popular online, it is not new. Gays viewers love soaps and love to watch it online, they are pretty obsessed actually..lol
For those who are angry about the Greg Meng article or the latest firings and have twitter accounts…many are planning a twitter bomb to @daysofourlives and @nbcdays with hashtag #DaysAngryViewer and #days and any comment you’d like to add. Scheduled for tomorrow 04/12 at 1:30pacific/4:30eastern. Try to get it to trend and let TPTB know we care about this show and where they are headed with storylines. Pass it on. If you visit Daytime Royalty link them as well. There are 115 pages and counting of angry posts. Push for them to continue Will/Sonny or save your other favorite characters.
Not quite sure what the point of this interview was. If it was to reassure the fans that despite all the changes, yes, there’s a plan, and it’s going to result in something worth watching . . . it’s an epic fail. Some of it is pretty preposterous, even for a spin attempt; the tripe about “smaller resets” (or whatever it was he said) is just pure nonsense: you build viewership by having a vision, finding the right people to execute that vision, and then going forward confidently to enact that vision (in other words, through continuity), not by throwing… Read more »
You fire Matt Ashford and think you are making good decisions for the show. Think again. I dropped all abc viewing after oltl was cancelled. I guess I’ll have to drop nbc too if this situation is not rectified.
There is no limit to the number of times characters can be presumed dead and never really die because it is a soap opera. After viewing the May 7 promo, I had to laugh. Who is Sami going to have grief sex with this time?
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