Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Ken Corday, Greg Meng Along With Crystal Chappell To Launch New Digital Soaps Platform!
Intriguing and great news today from Variety.com that none other than Days of our Lives executive producer, Ken Corday along with co-EP Greg Meng are spearheading a brand new online soap venture called Net Soaps/Net Novelas!
This new venture aiming to create and distribute original “interactive” soap operas online that let fans, thesps and advertisers participate in the shows’ development. The venture will focus on multilingual soaps for the U.S., Latin America and Brazil. Net Soaps/Net Novelas also is making a branded-content pitch to advertisers to integrate their products or services directly in the new digital series.
“This new venture is about taking the passion consumers have for soaps and novelas into a new era,” said Ken Corday, CEO of Corday Productions, who has been exec producer of “Days of Our Lives” since 1985. “This will be original content that the fans will play a role in green lighting and casting, delivered in a form that can build devoted communities of fans in the digital space.”
After Prospect Park’s attempt at an Online Network fizzled, they say this will be much different in structure: “Prospect Park was taking existing shows and platform-shifting them,” said All Screens Media founder Peter Heumiller, a former VP of content acquisition for Comcast Cable. “We are creating content in a forward-thinking way that gives us a unique platform to connect with people in multiple ways.”
The sponsorship model is key for Net Soaps/Net Novelas. Advertisers can get involved to the point of making casting decisions for the shows, according to Heumiller. “It’s really coming full circle – soap operas were originally sponsored by the detergent companies,” he said.
Net Soaps/Net Novelas plans to launch the digital soaps in the third quarter of 2014 quarter, via its own websites and distribution partners. Net Soaps is the English-language version targeted at American auds, while Net Novelas will encompass in-language programming for LatAm and Brazil.
Corday Productions’ executive in charge of production Greg Meng will lead development of online portals that will engage consumers and actors in the creation of the content, via online casting and acting auditions, voting on show concepts and ongoing narrative turns. Actors will be able to upload video reels to Net Soaps/Net Novelas as part of the development process.
And none other than Crystal Chappell is on board too! She will work with Net Soaps / Net Novelas to vet concepts, produce and direct original shows and mentor new talent.
And as for the Novela part of this new venture: “The Net Soap/Net Novelas team includes independent producer Rose Ganguzza, who has worked with Brazil’s TV Globo on international distribution and also served as president of Revlon/Latin America. Ganguzza will work with her sister, Patricia Ganguzza, whose AIM Productions provides product placement and sponsorship for corporate clients, on international promotional, talent, sponsorship and distribution deals for Net Soaps/Net Novelas.”
So, what do you think about the concept of Net Soap/Net Novelas? What about the creative team behind it? Will soaps finally have an engaging online home for new content and more? Comment below!
Days Of Our Lives
Sydney Malekeh Joins the Cast of ‘Days of Our Lives’ in Mystery Role: Who Do You Think She’s Playing?
There’s a new gal coming to Salem, or is she new and a recast? That’s what inquiring minds from Days of Our Lives fans have been trying to figure out since the Peacock soap opera dropped an Instagram video heralding actress‘ Sydney Malekeh’s arrival in Salem.
The soap did confirm that viewers will first see Malekeh on the September 9 episode. In the video, Malekeh is seen going set to set from her dressing room and in to the halls of Days of Our Lives studios.
What we do know id that Sydney has been acting professionally for 6 years and had appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, Apple TV’s Shrinking and the HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls.
Plenty of Malekeh’s DAYS castmates jumped into the comment thread with positive emojis symbols or written excitement including: Paul Telfer (Xander), Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), Sal Stowers (Lani), Conner Floyd (Chad), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Christie Clark (Carrie) and more now that fans will finally see her on-air. Since Days of Our Lives tapes 10-11 months in advance, Sydney would have started taping the show sometime back in 2025.
DAYS fans think perhaps because the actress’ name is Sydney that she might be playing the grown-up daughter of Sami and EJ. That character hasn’t bee on the canvas since 2021.
So, who do you think Sydney Malekeh might be playing on Days of Our Lives? Drop your casting director thoughts via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
Peacock Hikes Subscription Rates for Fourth Time in Four Years; ‘Days of Our Lives’ Fans Sound Off
While recently the streaming service Peacock reported turning a profit for its first time since its infancy, now comes word that the company is raising their prices for all customers, and in some cases it stared today on August 18.
The news of the subscription rate increases marks the fourth time the NBCUniversal streaming platform has done so in four years. So, on August 18, Peacock is increasing the prices for new or returning subscribers and customers, while current subscribers will see the rate increase on or after September 17 depending on their billing cycle when they initially signed up.
Here is the new pricing to follow along: Peacock Premium (which includes ads) will be $12.99/month, up two dollars from $10.99; Peacock Premium Plus will be $19.99/month, up three dollars increase from $16.99; and the Peacock Select tier (which includes current and past seasons of NBC and Bravo shows but excludes movies, live sports and Peacock originals) will increase a dollar from $7.99 to $8.99/month.
Photo: JPI
SUBSCRIBERS CONTINUE TO PAY MORE ACROSS THE STREAMER LANDSCAPE
It was back in June that the streamer reported that aid subscribers were up to 48 million adding a 2 million net gain during Q2 in of 2026. The subscription price hikes are rampant now in the entertainment streaming industry where over the last two years for example, Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Paramount+ have all raised their fees to consumers.
Peacock’s tier-levels feature not only Days of Our Lives, but reality hits such as The Traitors and Love Island USA, Bravo series, and a vault of Saturday Night Live, Law & Order, The Real Housewives franchise, and Below Deck episodes as well. Pecock Premium and Premium Plus subscribers have access to sports and live events, as well.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES SUBSCRIBERS HAD A FEW CHOICE WORDS FOR PEACOCK
As Days of Our Lives fans know, the soap opera moved from NBC to the streamer back in September of 2022 after 57 years on broadcast television. When the news hit X on the price increase, DAYS fans had a lot to say about it. Here are just a few of the comments below:
“I can’t believe Peacock and can’t come to a deal with Cordya to air old episodes of #Days. That alone would bring a ton of subscribers,” to If Peacock actually cared about #Days of Our Lives, gave the show the budget it needs for better sets, cameras, background actors and enough time to tell proper stories, I wouldn’t mind paying more. If the money actually showed on screen, the higher price would be worth it,” to “I will continue to pay for a Peacock subscription as long as #Days is on it, but did we know there was another price increase coming?” and more.
So, what do you think of the new price hike increase to watch Days of Our Lives and your other favorite shows and events on Peacock? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
In the upcoming indie feature Veronica & Julian from director Otoja Abit, two former Days of Our Lives stars, Nadia Bjorlin (ex-Chloe Lane) and Kyler Pettis (ex-Theo Carver), headline the drama feature in this story of a May-December romance that faces challenges along the way.
Veronica & Julian centers on a confident and successful marketing executive (Bjorlin) who winds up falling for a younger aspiring architect (Pettis). From there, a journey of desire and self-discovery is set against the backdrop of present-day New York City.
The cast also includes: Blake Jenner (ex-Glee), Erin Cummings, Chrystee Pharris (ex-Simone Russell, Passions and Queens of Drama), Robert Lee Leng, Mark Famiglietti and Jennafer Newberry.
Photo:
LIVE CHAT WITH NADIA AND KYLER PLANNED
Now, Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively: the key poster art below, and that current plans that call for Veronica & Julian to be released and made available late this holiday season.
In addition, Nadia and Kyler will join us for a very special livestream conversation on the Michael Fairman Channel (Monday, Aug 24 – 3PM ET/Noon PT) to chat about their roles in the film, their time on Days of Our Lives, life post-soap opera, and much more. Fans can join the live chat and pose their questions to the actors as well.
Courtesy/Bright Leicht Content LLC
THE THEMES BEHIND VERONICA & JULIAN
Director Otoja Abit shared this statement on the feature film, “Veronica & Julian is about the right people who have a chance meeting at the wrong time. It’s a look at two people who don’t grow apart—they just grow up. This film is an authentic exploration of an imminent ending and how two people deeply in love got there. It aims to be quiet while telling a relatable story about modern-day relationships.”
Abit continued, “As a society, mainstream romantic films are often delivered through fantastical aspirations. I created this film believing that viewers who have experienced a breakup can relate to Veronica and Julian, depending on their perspective. They’re a couple navigating some of the most familiar obstacles in love: miscommunication, timing and pride.”
He concluded, “It’s a story about endings told through the small moments we often don’t recognize until they’re gone. With the support of the Panavision New Filmmaker Program, I approached the story with a deeper sense of visual control while maintaining the naturalism that defines each character.”
Photo: Bright Leicht Content LLC
NADIA AND KYLER GOT THEIR FIRST BIG BREAK IN SOAPS
As Days of Our Lives fans know, Bjorlin is best known for her long-running role as Chloe Lane. Nadia played the part from 1999-2023 with various runs in Salem. She is also known for her role as Lara in the Venice the Series since 2009. Nadia’s other TV and film credits include: A Murder Between Friends, NCIS, Two Broke Girls and more.
Pettis played Theo Carver on Days of Our Lives from 2015-2018 and earned himself a Daytime Emmy for his work in the now defunct Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series back in 2019. His other TV credits include roles on: The Rookie, All American: Homecoming and Ray Donovan.
Veronica and Julian is written, produced and directed by Abit and produced through his Willful Productions alongside Kory Apton and Ian Phillips. Executive producers include: Nick Leicht, Gregory Sinche, Shelly Sinche, Torsten Sippel, Tim Freydberg, Ryan Schulke and Matthew Conlin.
So, intrigued to see Nadia and Kyler as a romantic couple in the film Veronica & Julian? Miss them on Days of Our Lives? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Kelly Sullivan Debuts as Dylan’s Mom; Suspicion is Raised About Carter and Steffy
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It seems interesting..
and not too overly interactive, I’m too lazy for that stuff..
But! I will tune in 🙂
Also;
I really really hope there will be a WAR forum because there will be war !!!
quote;
” “This will be original content that the fans will play a role in green lighting and casting, delivered in a form that can build devoted communities of fans in the digital space.””
ahh haa! the difference of opinions, wants and needs from fans will be dangerous!! lol ..
gotta luv the internet hair pulling!!
Sounds interesting…i always thought all soaps should use and mention real products in their storylines…also why not show characters eating out at a Subway or a Mcdonalds or shopping at a Target store? It would be a great way to generate more money for the soaps…imo!!!
Soap people don’t eat lol
When an eating occasion arises their food goes untouched on the plate..
And— there has not been a kitchen, a real kitchen, in soaps since the 70’s …. when most the stories were in someones kitchen ..
Mona always had a cup of coffee and cookies, in the kitchen at the table, for everyone .. 🙂
((and never instant coffee ..ha!
I know that…i cant remember the last time i had seen the Horton kitchen on Days…however, i was suggesting showing real eating places and businesses once in awhile in the storylines instead of the fake ones to generate more income for these shows…thanks for they reply!
about kitchens in soaps… I remember both Vicki and Dorian had kitchens right to the end of OLTL, and both where shown cooking…
do anyone else remember ?
I remember Brian.
G-d help me, I also remember Passions has a really nice kitchen set in the Crane mansion.
And to answer your question Jim, last we saw the Horton kitchen was during the weed donut episodes ;).
Nowadays, most living sets have a kitchenette right there, with a fridge, stove and counter. Daniel, Will/Sonny/Gabi, Sami’s apartments with Rafe and her one after that, Theresa’s etc…
Now that Brian mentioned it they did still showed kitchens on OLTL up til it left the air a few years ago!!!
Some of the reasons for not mentioning brand names is many of them are copyrighted and you have to get permission and pay fees to use the name or logo in a show. And that is the same reason right now you don’t see them eating those products on air, but have look a like packaging to suggest, say the KFC bucket without using the wording on it.
But having ads in the show , I remember GH did do it while back. Alexis and Molly were in the hospital, I think when Danny was sick and Alexis send Molly out for a snack. Molly came back with a bag of Brookside chocolates and the two of them were sitting there eating them and commenting on how good they were. I remember it because it stood out for me, because it was a brand name and they were basically pimping out the characters to sell it, which I hadn’t seen in a soap before. It was an ad because it wasn’t a conversation normal people would have sharing a bag of chocolate pieces. It was written in the show to be an ad, it too obvious, so if this going to be the new trend in shows, they need to be a bit more subtle in the way in incorporated into the story.
As for Suooo comment that you don’t see people eating on soaps– the reason for that is lighting. We the viewers don’t see it, but those sets are under a great deal of stage lights, and any real food would go bad, fairly quickly– especially if they have to do a couple of takes. All the food we see eaten in a scene is usually something that won’t spoil and made to look like something else, or not real at all, hence they never bite into it.
Brian…now that you mention it, i do remember now that they had kitchens!!!
I think Crystal Chappell should be extremely grateful that Mr Corday is giving her this opportunity after her disgraceful behavior when she left Days of Our Lives but I doubt she will be.
……And what she wrote about him in her “autobiography”.
The lesson here: never burn your bridges.
Thanks 4 reminding me about the Horton kitchen scene during the weed donut scene…but i know we havent seen the Horton dining room in ages!!!
This is the way to bring the soap genre online– creating the product to suit the media— trying to recreate a television show as online show like PP was a not forward thinking enough and it ended up disappointing those who wanted something different and those who wanted their old soap back.
And it also makes sense to make the ads a part of the show, because as television fades the idea of the commercial as we know it will have to evolved too. Making the ads are part of the show, may corrupt the creative process just a tad, but as long as the finished product doesn’t come across as sounding like an commercial it could work.
Anyway, I wish them well and hope it works out for them.
Talk about a ridiculous idea … This would be it…Ken Corday is a joke…Boggles the mind that anyone takes the man serious…Especially with the stupid storylines he allows on DOOL…
There has been worse ideas– many ..
And it will be FREE ..
so, nothing out of my pocket to tune in..
If I don’t like it I did not invest anything money wise to watch it so I can’t bitch about it…… lol
I think it just might be good 🙂
it seems to me… this is ALL good
a ways and means… for Serial… to beget a legitimate foothold… that is internet
and an outlet for Serial audience… to segueing from the lost soap channel to this
Crystal Chappell is mesmerizing…
an exotic beauty that never fails to captivate
from the time of her debut… to current, 2014
she has solidified her place at the helm of driving… Serial
be it for… lesbianism …. LOL… as she’s derided for… by few… and standing ovation
for her tumultuous courage… and acts with ever fiber in her body
I think it was only natural… that Ken Corday, asked CC to helm… this … wonderful.. venture… as she is the spearhead and one of thee pioneers for this medium… that will always have a life… a shelf life… a foothold… that will never lose it’s mainstay
Kudos to Ken Corday… Greg Meng… and Crystal Chappell… for your continued advocacy that is daytime
I don’t think I will like the interactive part. Prospect Park was a disaster. The online soaps are too short and tend to be way too sexy for me. Y & R is the soap that I find interesting. I am trying to like B&B but it the storylines don’t go deep enough for me. I will watch this new venture but I don’t hold out much hope for it. I wish I had billions of dollars to spend , I would bring back all the canceled soaps with as many original actors that I could. I would start with my favorite ….. All My Children. I am sorry that Y&R are losing some of the actors that I like. But all soaps seem to lose actors and are replaced by actors that most of the time we learn to like. The new Billy is not as good as the other one. I do miss MM, he was good but sounds like he had ego issues. I am very sorry to see Chloe go. I did not like Phyllis so I hope she doesn’t come back. Oh well, life goes on.
If done naturally, and NON Ron Carlivati style, product placement or locale advertising doesn’t have to seem jarring or out of place. It can be done subtly, and be just a natural conversation. It could be “Hey do you wanna go for lunch at Subway? They have those awesome pulled pork subs on special.” “Sure.” End of conversation. They dont have to be turned into mini ads…if he people writing the show have the talent . Many soap writers have no idea what subtext and subtlety are hough.
I am glad that Ken Corday is forward thinking. I hope this new venture is very successful and profitable. I want to see some soap stars from the past like Linda Dano and Vicki Wyndham show up on this new medium.
Ken Corday…pioneer!!!
I would like to see a websoap that just wants to be a “soap”. All the websoaps I had high hopes for (Tainted Dreams, for one) turned out to be touted as soaps but were more “artsy” than accessible. KC would do well to make sure his websoaps are “accessible”. Maybe CC can help that along, she seems to have an idea of how a websoap should work. I can live with the ads in the show as long as they’re subtle and NOT driving any story! It can work if the right decisions are made — and I am all for bringing back soap stars of the past with newer actors for an interesting mix. A good idea but ONLY if it also has a good execution (hiring CC and GM shows KC is actually trying!)
I am skeptical. None of these players have the integrity I need to accept it at face value. I will quietly be waiting to see what comes from this initiative.
NO WEB SOAPS I WOULD NOT WATCH
This is brilliant! With CC and Greg Meng involved, it will be great.