News
Denver Post: "OLTL soon to announce deal to live for two more years"
This weekend The Denver Post’s, Joanne Ostrow has an article about the state of daytime titled: It’s a New Dawn for Daytime as Sun Sets on Oprah, 2 Soaps.” In it, she discusses the current cost-cutting measures soaps and other daytime programming are going through to endure, and how As the World Turns and Guiding Light recently faded to black.
However, there was one very interesting quote that Ostrow reported: “ABC owns its soaps, unlike the CBS relationship with P&G. ABC’s One Life to Live is soon to announce a deal to live two more years.”
Ostroff also interviewed TV Guide’s Michael Logan, who offered up this interesting comparison in how networks and advertisers view the soaps, when in fact even soaps are higher in ratings then some Emmy Award winning primetime television dramas. Logan stated, “Mad Men, draws some 2 million viewers a week on AMC while As the World Turns was canceled with 2.5 million watching five days a week.”
The Post goes on to say, “The industry is in flux, scrambling for new economic models, determined to find less expensive ways to draw audiences. Network executives don’t talk about creating mass hits; they talk about efficiently filling airtime.”
So let’s hope this One Life to Live deal will give the struggling soap a chance to climb the ladder in the daytime ratings , so that it can live more lives.
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.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: After Carter Blurts Out That ‘Implantation and Fertilization’ Has Begun to Daphne; Will Steffy Put the Brakes on His Scheme?
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
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: After Carter Blurts Out That ‘Implantation and Fertilization’ Has Begun to Daphne; Will Steffy Put the Brakes on His Scheme?
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
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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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News1 week agoJudith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
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Beyond the Gates1 day agoTUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
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Beyond the Gates1 week ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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News6 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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General Hospital6 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Nancy Lee Grahn Marks 30-Year Milestone as Alexis Davis; Co-Stars Share Heartfelt Video Tributes
As long as they keep hiring talent like the Ford brothers will not help them. After Friday’s show I have my doubts that it should. Some how drivers ED isn’t my idea of a soap. Nor is watching the texting for almost an hour! Sorry if they want to use the kids like this send them to the Disney channel.
A nice six pack abs only gets you so far.
here’s a quote from Nelson Branco’s “The Soapgeist” for Sept 27, 2010 about the Driver’s Ed scene…
“whether it’s Todd and Téa sailing around New York City or Darren taking a driver’s lesson (which was hilarious, btw). On this show, looks are just as important as what’s script deep.”
I thought it was pretty funny as well.
Why would they be signing a two year deal? ABC owns all three of their soaps. This soonds suspect to me.
Why do so many people dislike the Ford family? I have watched this show since 1984, and i quite like them. I can’t wait for the father to appear. I think people should give them a little more time and see where things go. I think we were meant to dislike Robert Ford, and since so many people do, haven’t the producer done their job?
I do not necessarily dislike the Ford family, I just think there are too many of them brought on and way too soon. I like Ford and James, Nate is okay, but Inez is totally miscast. Had they stuck to just James and Ford, it may have been okay. Heck, they could have stuck with Inez and Nate and left the reveal of their ties to her other two sons til MUCH later…..after we had more of a chance to get invested in any of these characters. Too much, too soon, bad casting with Inez, and what appears to be vets pushed aside in favor of this new family. I think those are some reasons The Fords are not going over as well with the most viewers.
I think they will find redemption if they pull back on their airtime for a while, re-cast an age appropriate actress to play Inez, explain more of the backstory in terms of INEZ as top why she left her two boys in favor of saving herself and Nate. So far Inez has been presented as a likeable enough character, but that is hard to believe when you think of her having left her two oldest sons with an abusive father. Why? Why didn;t she take them? Get them out of the situation? Getting fans to like her is going to be an uphill climb. She left two kids in a n abusive situation while she escaped with only one of her sons. Mother of the year she is not!
happy to see oltl renewed for two more years
So, TPTB are “scrambling for new economic models, determined to find less expensive ways to draw audiences”…Really? Why not try this…cater to your loyal, long-time fan base (you know who we are, the ones who have stood by the show through thick and thin) and GET RID OF THE DEAD WOOD!…all the new characters, like the shirtless brothers and their “oh, woe is me” mother, and the newest heroine of the show, Dani. (maybe just less airtime for her). Get back to the veterans, ES, RSW, HBS, RS, KD and JvD (even though he hasn’t been on OLTL as long). They are the absolute heart and soul of the show and the reason OLTL has lasted 40+ years, and brought the show to where it is today. They are excellent, talented actors who are still at the top of their games and absolutley more than capable of carrying major storylines of their own. Oh, and the only reason I and many, many others still watch the show. This will keep your loyal fans, maybe draw new ones and save money at the same time. This is just a thought though.
MIchael Logan’s comment comparing the ratings of ATWT to Mad Men is narrow-minded and doesn’t tell the full story. Yes the ratings are slightly higher, but ATWT has absolutely no resale value – Mad Men gets revenue from DVDs, foreign rights, and will be packaged for syndication at a whopping cost for the network. Also, what are the production costs? Soaps costs lots of money to make them look good, I’m sure Mad Men costs more, but again the costs are offset by other forms of revenue than just network advertising.
I love soaps and have been watching since the late 70s, I tape Y&R every day and will not miss an episode so I’m not a soap-hater, but I’m a realist. A lot of the soaps simply don’t know how to tell good stories any more and that’s why they’re going off the air.
I think one of the biggest problems with the soap industry is that the writers are not staying true to the characters on the show, and they aren’t listening to their audiences anymore. They spend way too much time focusing in on the younger demographic, and are neglecting their hard core, long-time fan base. Look at AMC for the biggest example of this…..the writers have completely desimated this once glorious show, and it is completely unwatchable. Although, I don’t understand why OLTL is always the show that people are under fire for….it’s one of the better soaps on ABC. It’s the Y&R of the ABC network, in my opinion. I do believe they need to spend more time focusing on their veterans and less time with the younger actors, but it’s still a great show. Teen stories are for the summer time…..It’s time to wrap all this Ford Family and Dani drama up. Let’s focus on Vicki, Dorian, Bo, Clint, Nora, Marty, John, Blair & Tea….Oh, and bring back Lindsey. I think she and Clint could raise a lot of hell together.
I agree with you Torrey. That is exactly what I was talking about in my post above. STOP THE INSANITY already with the teen stories. I DO NOT care about Destiny and Darren and Dani and Nate and their drivers ed. class. These scenes were absolutely ridiculous and a waste of time. I FF through all the teen-scenes. Starr, Cole, Langston and Markko were enough, all the newbies are OVERKILL!
OLTL will get some of the viewers who used to watch “The World Turns” and I will watch it when Reva (Kim Zimmer) debuts this week on it.
OLTL may get some of the viewers who used to watch ATWT, but I sure as hell won’t be one of them. For me as well as other’s, there is no other soap that can replace ATWT.