General Hospital
‘Desperate Housewives’ Creator, Marc Cherry Speaks on His Admiration for Erika Slezak and Her “Astounding Acting”
This week, Marc Cherry, the creator of Desperate Housewives, joined Rebecca Budig (Taylor, B&B) and Greg Rikaart (Leo, DAYS) on the latest edition of Soapy. During his sit-down chitchat Cherry opens up about his love of soap operas, his writing process and more.
Throughout the conversation, Cherry shared that he used to watch the ABC line-up of shows and in particular, All My Children and One Life to Live, noting the likes of Susan Lucci (ex-Erica Kane), but also the iconic courtroom scene of Karen Wolek on One Life to Live and then getting to meet Judith Light in person.
In addition, Cherry had very special words for the incomparable Erika Slezak, who played Victoria Lord for more than four decades on One Life to Live and is set to debut on General Hospital this fall in a brand new role. He shared his thoughts on what made Erika so exceptional in his discussion with Rebecca and Greg.

Photo: JPI
Cherry stated, “You know who is also great? I got to see Erika Slezak on One Life to Live do some astounding acting. And the biggest thing with soap opera writing sometimes is the writers do a lot of exposition and will go, ‘Remember, the time you told me when we were in Greece about the affair,’ and I know that is part of the requirement to keep fans and in approaching it, but Erika Slezak could do that exposition and make it seem 100% real.”
He went on to say how daytime stars have often been perceived as less than, as compared to motion pictures or other television stars, simply because of the day-part and the target audience. Marc explained, “That to me is one of the interesting things about the daytime drama industry, if you would have taken these people out and just given them the opportunity on a movie, or you know a primetime show, they would be perceived so differently. They are amazing artists who might not be regarded as seriously as some other people, because they were doing their work at shows directed towards housewives at home in the afternoon. And that’s one of the other things, is learning to have respect because there’s some truly amazing talent in every sector of the industry.”

Photo: CBS
Fans can listen to Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart on Audacy or wherever podcasts are available and can watch full video episodes weekly on the CBS Brand YouTube Channel. The show is produced by the Paramount Multiplatform Production Group. The podcast is executive produced by Mike Benson. Andrew Pemberton-Fowler serves as producer.
Make sure to tune-in next week for the Tuesday, August 26th episode when Rebecca and Greg welcome Greg’s Y&R family, Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin) and Tracey Bregman (Lauren Fenmore Baldwin) to the talk series.
So, what do you think about the comments made by Marc Cherry on the greatness of Erika Slezak and his fondness of the ABC soaps of the past? Let us know below, but first, you can check out the entire episode of ‘Soapy,’ and/or the clip following it where Cherry talks about Judith Light’s memorable courtroom scene and his love of the soap genre.
It is so true what he said about Erika Slezak. I found an episode of OLTL dated 3/7/77 on YouTube the other day. There was a scene she did in the hospital cafeteria with Doris Belack as Ana Craig. They were pure perfection. Even though they were on a set with extras around them it was so believable. The little things that Erika did were masterful. It was while Viki was distressed over baby Kevin’s kidnapping. She continued to make wonderful acting choices for so long and we were lucky to witness them. Looking forward to seeing her on GH.
So true! OLTL in the day had some very strong actors… and writing. Emotional, heartfelt, suspenseful. I think it is because of the stage training.
So true
Could Marc Cherry be asked to restore some life into those daytime dramas that are lacking in strong character-driven story, or that need help moving on from a whirlpool trapping them in repetitive plotting?
Erika Slezak is the master. Watching her create a character is absolute magic. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss One Life to Live.
I cannot wait to see what Erika does with whatever she’s given at GH.
Beyond the Gates
2026 SDSA TV Award Nominations: All Five Daytime Dramas Score in Best Achievement in Set Decoration
The Set Decorators Society of America has revealed its nominations for 2025-26 SDSA Awards for Television, which recognizes the work of the set decoration and production designers in primetime, streaming and daytime series.
This year, all five soap operas: Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless all received nominations in the Best Achievement in Decor/Design of a Daytime Series category.
In its official SDSA rule book, to qualify for the category of a Daytime Series, which includes daytime dramas, daytime talk shows, daytime game shows, and daytime children’s programming, all episodes must air before 6:00pm and must have a credited Set Decorator. For daytime dramas, the content must contain multiple plotlines that are carried over from episode to episode.

Photo: JPI
WHICH EPISODES CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE COMPETITION?
The eligibility year for episodes runs June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. Founded in 1993, the SDSA is an international nonprofit professional association dedicated to promoting excellence and preserving the legacy of the art of set decoration in motion pictures and television.
Several popular primetime and streaming titles that have wrapped their final seasons also received nods including Euphoria, Stranger Things, Hacks, Outlander, and The Boys. Popular titles such as Bridgerton.
Take a look below at the nominated scenic design teams from your favorite soaps:
Best Achievement in Décor/Design of a Daytime Series
Beyond The Gates: Set Decoration by Cynthia Slagter with Production Design by Bruton Jones
The Bold and the Beautiful: Set Decoration by Prim Rosales, Beth Wooke, Prerna Chawla, Charlotte Garnell, Chelsea Mondelli, Michelle Hall, & Linda Louise Sheets with Production Design by Lou A. Trabbie III
Days of Our Lives: Set Decoration by Adele Caine & Sarah Holmes with Production Design by Tom Early & Dan Olexiewicz
General Hospital: Set Decoration by Jennifer Elliot with Production Design by Andrew Evashchen
The Young and the Restless: Set Decoration by Jennifer Haybach, Justine Mercado, Maria Dirolf, & Monica Lowe with Production Design by David Hoffmann
So, which soap opera from the calendar year of basically June of 2025 to a week ago in 2026, do you think has had the best looking sets? Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, or The Young and the Restless? Make you pick and drop it in the comment section below.
General Hospital
Marc Forget Exits ‘General Hospital’
The Thursday June 4 episode of General Hospital paved way for the end of the line for Jenz Sidwell’s (Carlo Rota) butler/fixer, Pascal (Marc Forget).
In the pick of the June 3 cliffhanger, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) was the hero and stopped the evil-doer from fleeing Port Charles for his part in aiding and abetting his boss with the cover-up of the murder of Professor Henry Dalton (Daniel Goddard) among other crimes.
Today’s episode did indeed mark the final appearance of Marc Forget who joined the ABC soap opera when he debuted back in July of 2025. Viewers met met Pascal when Kelly Thiebaud returned to the soap opera as Britt Westbourne and she was being blackmailed to work on Faison’s final project while at the Five Poppies in Dalmatia.

Courtesy/ABC
A General Hospital rep confirmed to Soap Opera Digest, that the June 4 episode, “Will be the last viewers will see of Pascal for now, but notes that in the world of Port Charles, comebacks are always possible.” So, how did Pascal get written-off the canvas? Here’s what went down:
PASCAL GIVES LUCAS KEY INFORMATION BEFORE BEING DRAGGED AWAY
After Sonny intercepted Pascal on his desperate attempt to get out of town, Sonny informed him hat Sidwell would stop at nothing from trying to get retribution for whoever killed his son, Marco, and promptly turned around and said that he would help Pascal flee the country, only if he turned on Sidwell.
An absolutely terrified Pascal had evidence for Sonny that he could use against Sidwell. However, he feared he would get killed on sight if he tried to retrieve the incriminating photos of Sonny and Laura from the safe at Wyndemere. So instead, Pascal gave the combination to the safe to Lucas (Van Hansis), so he could get the blackmail photos himself. But, did Pascal just set up Lucas to be killed since he loathes him for being the man to win the heart of the late Marco?
In the end, Sonny had one of his henchmen drag Pascal away and whisked off to an airfield to fly away to parts unknown, and hopefully never to be heard from again. But what now? Is Lucas going to end up being pegged as Marco’s killer and taken down by Sidwell if he gets his hands on the incriminating photos for Sonny and Laura? Stay tuned.
So, what did you think of Marc Forget’s run as Pascal? Sad or happy to see the character go? Do you think he will be back down the line? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Is This Congresswoman Cain’s New Chief of Staff?
In one of the more far-fetched soap opera moments in recent memory, while Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) and Willow Cain (Katelyn MacMullen) are chatting at the Quartermaine boathouse in swimming trunks for him and a bikini for her, the two exes have a heart to heart on Wednesday’s June 3 episode of General Hospital.
The moment was set-up by Michael (Rory Gibson) and Jacinda (Paige Herschell) who want to find a way to push the exes together in order to get incriminating evidence of the two, so Michael can gain leverage over Willow for full custody of their children. once and for all. Jacinda notes how Chase definitely has a savior and white knight syndrome going on.
During Willow and Chase’s chat at the boathouse, the subject turns to how Chase was demoted at the PCPD in his efforts to help get Willow acquitted of attempted murder charges at her trial for the shooting of Drew. He has since gone from detective to patrolman. However, Willow comes up with an idea! Why doesn’t he come to work for her as her chief of staff. Willow feels he would be perfect, because he is only one of the only people she can trust.

Courtesy/ABC
WILLOW LAYS OUT THE BENEFITS OF CHASE ACCEPTING HER JOB OFFER
A surprised Chase, says he isn’t qualified, but Willow thinks otherwise. She urges him to consider the position she is offering, because it would give him a more regular schedule that would be befitting for him being a new father to baby Phoebe.
Chase’s want to know why it was so important to Willow that he take the job, she continues to explain how she trusts him, but Tracy (Jane Elliot) spots the two in a close moment and hides behind the boathouse. Willow exits, but asks Chase to promise he will think over her offer.
Next, Tracy threatens Chase that this is the last time he will cheat on her granddaughter, Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton). Knowing he didn’t “cheat” on his wife, Chase looks pissed off.
So, can you imagine, Chase as Willow’s Chief of Staff? Weigh-in if you think he will be stupid enough to take this job knowing the issues it would cause for Brook Lynn? Will the police officer ever get the clue that Willow is manipulating him like she does to everyone else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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