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.
Last week. the stars of The Bold and the Beautiful were in Monte-Carlo at their 65th annual TV Festival. With a full plate of: meeting the fans, attending the parties, talking with the press, and then shooting some remote scenes to air late this summer on the CBS soap, the cast had their dance cards full.
Kimberlin Brown (Sheila) sat down with the The Upcoming to give some insight into the life and times of Sheila Carter; acting on a soap for more than three decades, and a tease of what’s to come in the next few months for her character.
Brown previewed: “My producer last night shared some tidbits with me and there’s some really good stuff coming up for Sheila. It’s going to involve a little drama, a little bit of romance, and a lot of comedy.”
Photo: JPI
As B&B viewers know, Sheila wants Deacon (Sean Kanan) and Taylor (Rebecca Budig) to guarantee that she can be part of her son, Finn (Tanner Novlan) and her grandchild’s life in return for signing the divorce papers. Ultimately, will Sheila ever truly sign them? Stay tuned.
The popular star, who has made playing bad so good also added, “I mean where else can I do things that you should be in prison for? There are people at home going, ‘go, go get ’em.’ It is like they’re rooting for me, because I’m doing what maybe they want to do and would never get away with. So it’s an escape. Daytime is truly an escape.”
Speaking of the fun of playing all the plots she has involved with on daytime from her early years on The Young and the Restless to The Bold and the Beautiful, Brown noted “I think that the real joy to playing Sheila is I do things that nobody else does. And I was told when I got this part, don’t play it safe. There is no wrong. And as an actress to get a note like it just means that I can do things that nobody else can and smile about it and, you know, get away with it. Do I pay consequences? Yes, I do, but she always comes back. I’m the character that people love to hate and I’m the character that people sympathize with because all she wants is love.”
You can check out the full conversation with Kimberlin Brown below.
So, what do you hope Sheila does next? Do you think she will keep Deacon and Taylor apart? Will she get involved with someone else? Share your predictions via the comment section below.
News
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
The Young and the Restless fan favorite, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) is the special guest on this week’s edition of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart which dropped today on Tuesday, June 23rd.
During the interview with Rebecca and Greg, Khalil who had played Lily Winters on-screen since August of 2002, nearly 24 years with the CBS soap, shared how early on her teenage acting career, she was ready to call it quits in show business, after a heartbreaking audition for the lead of a new Disney Channel sitcom, which later turned out to be the hit seres, That’s So Raven, starring Raven-Symoné which ran for four seasons from 2003-2007.
Christel recalled what happened. “I was 14 and I had always auditioned for all these Disney projects. So I auditioned for That’s So Raven, it was between me and Raven-Symoné and it was called at the time Absolutely Psychic,” explained Khalil. “The character was this girl who had psychic ability, but then when Raven got the role, they named the title of the show after her.”
Photo: CBS
HOW A BROTHERLY TALK CHANGED THE COURSE OF CHRISTEL’S CAREER
Reliving the disappointment to Greg and Rebecca, Christel explained, “I lost that part and I was just so devastated, because for the network call there were 20 people in the room watching me, and I just have always had such performance anxiety. I just completely bombed the audition and it was terrible. So, I was just devastated. I was actually going to quit acting and then I got the final call for The Young and The Restless and I wasn’t going to go.”
It was Khalil’s brother, who actually got her to reconsider, and if he hadn’t, we would not have our Lily Winters in Genoa City! Christel recounted, “I was like, ‘You know what? I’m done. I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m just going to hang out with my friends.’ I was just devastated. My brother, who is seven years older than me, and he had quit acting at the same age that I was at that time. He said to me, ‘I promise you, I actually really regret quitting. Just go on this audition and if you don’t get it, you can quit.'”
Christel’s screen-test for the role of Lily was actually with the late, great, Kristoff St. John who would play her father Neil (Later it was revealed to Lily, that Neil’s brother, Malcolm Winters was her bio-dad).
Photo: CBS
ACTING WAS EASY WITH THE LATE KRISTOFF ST. JOHN
“So, I went (to test for Lily) and I remember the screen-test was with Kristoff St. John. It was just so easy to act with him because he’s just so there. I remember just being on set, and that was my first time there for a screen-test where you were actually on set. I had never experienced that before. It was my first time being with an actor and having makeup done, which just helps you really be able to do your best work.”
Recalling the screen-test with the St. John, Khalil, “It was where I had to be emotional ( in the scene) and I always had issues being emotional at auditions. But I was there with him, it just came, and it happened. It was natural and I felt so good and it was amazing. It stands out in my mind a lot.”
You can check out the full Soapy conversation with Christel Khalil where she also discusses juggling motherhood, marital life, and the demands of soap operas.
Fan can listen to weekly episodes of Soapy on Audacy or wherever podcasts are available, and can watch full video episodes weekly on the CBS =Brand YouTube Channel. Whether a lifelong fan or discovering the genre for the first time, SOAPY offers a fresh, fun behind-the-scenes look at the stories – and storytellers – that define daytime drama.
Now let us know, over the years what had been your favorite Lily Winters story on Y&R as played by Christel Khalil? What did you think of of Christell’s recollection where she was up for the lead of “That’s So Raven” as a teenager, before it was even titled that? Let us know via the comment section.
This summer beginning on July 21, Netflix streams the return of WWE: Unreal for its third season. The behind the scenes docudrama series gives fans a glimpse of life in WWE and inside the writers room, as injuries, last-minute pivots, and career-defining decisions reshape WWE’s biggest event of the year, WrestleMania 42.
WWE Unreal is taking fans deeper than ever inside World Wrestling Entertainment’s creative process, The hit docuseries will once again pull back the curtain on some of the biggest moments, boldest decisions, and unforgettable storytelling with some of the WWE’s greatest legends who’ve shaped the industry and new stars who are emerging as prominent parts of the future.
In the new season of ‘Unreal’ which consists of 5 episodes at 50 minutes each: John Cena says goodbye, a fan favorite returns, and the next generation of Superstars rise to the occasion.
Photo: WWE
The cast and WWE superstars featured include: the aforementioned Cena, plus Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, CM Punk, AJ Lee, Trick Williams, Lash Legend, Stephanie Vaquer, Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Chelsea Green, Matt Cardona, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
As previously reported AJ Lee revealed on General Hospital star Maurice Benard’s (Sonny Corinthos) mental health series, State of Mind, that she was part of the cast of WWE: Unreal.
WWE: Unreal production credits include: Directors/Showrunners: Chris Weaver and Erik Powers Executive Producers: Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Ross Ketover, Keith Cossrow, Ken Rodgers, Jessica Boddy, Lee Fitting, Ben Houser, Marc Pomarico Sr. Producers: Harley Glantz, Brian Decker, Michael Flynn Producers: John Galiani, Dan Gati, Jeremy Lundblad Production Companies: Omaha Productions, NFL Films, Skydance Sports, WWE.
So, what do you think of the loglines for the new season of WWE: Unreal? Who are you most excited to see featured in the behind the scenes drama from the list of WWE superstars and the twists and turns leading into this past April’s WrestleMania 42? Let us know via the comment section below.
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Kimberlin Brown Previews What’s Ahead for Sheila Carter
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Marlena Looks Back at 50 Years in Salem
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
Al Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Kimberlin Brown Previews What’s Ahead for Sheila Carter
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
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General Hospital3 days agoMaurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
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Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
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General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
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Days Of Our Lives3 days agoAl Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
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Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Karla Mosley Weighs-in on Dani Dupree’s Love Life Endgame: Are You Team Bill or Team Andre?
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Days Of Our Lives3 days agoDeidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
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General Hospital7 days ago‘General Hospital’ Head Writers Spill Some Summer Tea and Preview What’s Next for Jason, Anna, Cassius and Carly
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.