General Hospital
DISNEY/ABC Launching WATCH ABC App! GH Fans Can Watch It Live In-Synch With Broadcast!
Walt Disney Company’s ABC s looking to become the first broadcast network to go live on the Internet on a full-time basis. Today they announced “Watch ABC” which will debut this fall and allow viewers to watch the network from mobile devices and tablets when they are away from home.
“Watch ABC” will basically be a live stream of the network’s feed as well as local programming such as news. “Watch ABC” allows viewers of such programs as General Hospital to view their shows in real-time.
According to L.A. Times, “The service is only available to people who already have a pay-TV provider. Also, it will initially not be available in every market because ABC needs to reach distribution agreements for Watch ABC with all its local affiliates. The first two markets to have Watch ABC will be New York and Philadelphia starting May 14, where ABC owns the stations. Then ABC will roll the service out to other markets where it owns local TV stations including KABC-TV Los Angeles. Also partnering with the network on the service is Hearst Corp. which owns several major market ABC affiliates including outlets in Boston and Pittsburgh.”
“Watch ABC is a game-changing innovation for the broadcast television industry,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney/ABC Television Group. “This announcement represents a defining moment in technology and distribution, as well as for our advertising and affiliate partners, as we ensure that our high-quality content is available to viewers on a variety of devices.”
The “Watch ABC” effort represents a dramatic shift in the way networks view the Web. While much of the TV industry has been focused on putting content online, it has mostly used the platform for video on demand, not live TV. The reasons for that approach are several. First, there was a school of thought that consumers were not interested in watching live TV on the Web but instead preferred to use it for movies or to catch up on shows they may have missed.
Another issue had to do with the often complex relationship between broadcast networks and the local stations that carry their programming. The local stations don’t want viewers to be able to bypass them and just watch a national ABC feed on the Web. That would hurt their ratings and ad revenue. That meant ABC had to ensure that the interests of its affiliates were protected and that any feed include their local programming in any online linear feed of the network. In addition, many local stations carry syndicated programs that they may not have the rights to offer online. There are also rights issues regarding sports highlights that appear in local news and even music rights.
According to the official Disney/ABC press release: “The launch of WATCH ABC follows the successful rollout of three authenticated WATCH Disney services — WATCH Disney Channel, WATCH Disney XD and WATCH Disney Junior — in June 2012. Downloaded nearly 15 million times since their debut, the three WATCH Disney products provide authenticated users with both access to live, linear network streams as well as an extensive offering of advantaged window “on demand” episodes. In addition to WATCH ABC and the WATCH Disney services, Disney Media Networks offers WatchESPN, an authenticated 24/7 live stream of six networks, including all of ESPN’s sports and studio shows. Plans are also in place to roll out WATCH ABC Family in early 2014.”
So soap fans, what do you think of the having an app to allow you to watch everything on network television as it happens on the go? Would you watch General Hospital that way? Let us know!
General Hospital
Jessica Tuck Returns This Week To General Hospital
There will be a Cassandra Pierce sighting in Port Charles, which means one of the best actresses we know, Jessica Tuck, will be back on your screens this week on ABC’s General Hospital.
Tuck, who became soap-famous for her role as Megan on One Life to Live from 1988-1992 and then went on to primetime television roles returns to the canvas as the evil Cassandra, a role she debuted on GH back in 2017. Viewers last saw her pop during Michael (Chad Duell) and Sasha’s (Sofia Matteson)vacation.
But this time look for Tuck to mix-it up with GH icon Genie Francis (Laura) in some major showdown scenes, when she holds the mayor and Curtis (Donnell Turner) at gunpoint on the Haunted Star. Will these two be able to get the on-the-run villainess locked up for good? Don’t necessarily count on it.
Of course, a man who both Cassandra and Laura have an interest in bringing down, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) plays heavy into the story. But will Cassandra do a double-cross of a double-cross? Who else may get a dose of something potentially lethal that she has been concocting?
Jessica told Soap Opera Digest that when she found out she would be working with Genie Francis; “I was like Woo-hoo! Hot diggity! I mean, like many people, I have been a fan of hers forever and ever and ever. It was fun to meet the person behind the character I’ve gotten to know.”
So, excited to know Cassandra is back in Port Charles? What do you hope happens next for her, Laura, Curtis and Valentin? Comment below.
General Hospital
Kelly Clarkson and Tamron Hall Talkers Debut With Strong Ratings; Hall On GH Friday
The newest talk shows in the daytime arena premiered on Monday and their initial ratings were quite strong. First up was the premiere of Grammy-winner, Kelly Clarkson and her new series The Kelly Clarkson Show.
According to Variety: the NBCUniversal new daytime series scored a 1.9 household metered market rating and a 6 share in the 56 metered markets. That is the highest debut for a new syndicated show since 2012.
Elsewhere, Disney’s Tamron Hall posted a 1.4 household rating and a 5 share, and with that Tamron scored the highest other debut other than Clarkson in the past five years.
Nashville was the most successful and predicted market for Clarkson, the show scored a 5.97 household rating on its premiere day which climbed 7% to a 6.41 on Tuesday.
Hall will be promoting her show with a cameo appearance on this Friday’s episode of General Hospital where she appears in scenes with Ingo Rademacher (Jax).
In a tweet Tamron also promised that on Friday’s episode of her talker she will talk about her “longgggggg #GH love and history.”
So, have you checked out the new Kelly Clarkson or Tamron Hall Shows? What do you think of them? Comment below.
General Hospital
The General Hospital 16-Episode Collection: ‘All Sonny’s Children’ Debuts
General Hospital fans know that Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) has fathered a lot of children in Port Charles and then some, and there is even another Corinthos baby on the way.
Now, available on ABC.com and the ABC app (no sign in required) comes a new collection of past GH episodes entitled, ‘All Sonny’s Children’ featuring life-changing moments in the mobster’s life. The collection is available for viewing today September 9th through December 1st.
Courtesy/ABC
Included in the the 16-episode collection is: Sonny learning the truth about Dante, Michael’s devastating confession, Morgan’s heartbreaking struggles with mental health, Sonny’s unconditional love and support of daughter Kristina, as well as the hesitation and joy that comes with knowing a new baby is on the way.
So, check out the collection and let us know which episodes are your favorites? And, who is your favorite kid of Sonny’s of all-time? Weigh-in below. But first watch the just released promo for the collection.
Sonny Corinthos’ children are the reason he wakes up in the morning. Relive some of their most unforgettable moments in the newest General Hospital Collection: All Sonny’s Children. All 16 episodes are available now – without a login! CLICK TO WATCH: https://t.co/IytVDHu6Oe #GH pic.twitter.com/dtdINhykzc
— General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) September 9, 2019
THIS WEEK: Jason Thompson Featured In Standalone Episode of Y&R
Sharon Case Celebrates 25 Years On The Young and the Restless; Shares With Fans: “Thanks For Going On The Ride With Me”
Jessica Tuck Returns This Week To General Hospital
Judith Light Receives Her Star On The Hollywood Walk of Fame
Y&R’s Elizabeth Hendrickson and Greg Rikaart Talk On The Return of Chloe and Kevin
Kelly Clarkson and Tamron Hall Talkers Debut With Strong Ratings; Hall On GH Friday
DARK SHADOWS Sequel In Development By CW
Cameron Mathison Reveals Cancer Diagnosis and Shares Heartfelt Message
GRAND HOTEL Finale: How Sky Died, Paternity Game-Changer, And Another Mystery Begins
OLTL Favorite Eddie Alderson Reveals He Is Cancer-Free After Long Battle
Cameron Mathison Reveals Cancer Diagnosis and Shares Heartfelt Message
OLTL Favorite Eddie Alderson Reveals He Is Cancer-Free After Long Battle
DAYS’ Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes On Doug and Julie’s Emotional Scenes: “We Didn’t Have To Act Them. The Love Between Us Played Them For Us.”
GH’s Michael Easton Talks On Finn’s Hayden-Less Story, Finola Hughes & Favorite Soap Roles
The General Hospital 16-Episode Collection: ‘All Sonny’s Children’ Debuts
GRAND HOTEL Finale: How Sky Died, Paternity Game-Changer, And Another Mystery Begins
Ashley Jones Files For Divorce & Restraining Order Following Alleged Abuse by Her Husband
Y&R’s Elizabeth Hendrickson and Greg Rikaart Talk On The Return of Chloe and Kevin
Angelica McDaniel Reflects On Her Time At CBS In Her Parting Words: “It’s Time For Me To Move On To New Innovative Territory”
Kelly Clarkson and Tamron Hall Talkers Debut With Strong Ratings; Hall On GH Friday
THIS WEEK: Jason Thompson Featured In Standalone Episode of Y&R
Sharon Case Celebrates 25 Years On The Young and the Restless; Shares With Fans: “Thanks For Going On The Ride With Me”
Days of our Lives New Fall Season Promo That ‘Tops All’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Thomas Goes Over A Cliff! If He Survives, Will They Redeem Him?
DAYS Promo: What’s Going To Happen At Jarlena’s Wedding Anniversary Shindig?
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Liam Realizes Beth Is Alive As Scott Clifton Delivers Heart-Tugging Performance
David Hedison, AW and Y&R Alum and Star of ‘Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea’ Dies At 92
THIS WEEK: Eileen Davidson Makes a Return to The Young and the Restless
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jack Wants His Memory Back, But Do You Want Him To Reunite With Jennifer … Or Stay With Eve?
How to Get Away With Murder To End After Its Upcoming Sixth Season
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All My ChildrenSeptember 10, 2019Cameron Mathison Reveals Cancer Diagnosis and Shares Heartfelt Message
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NewsSeptember 9, 2019OLTL Favorite Eddie Alderson Reveals He Is Cancer-Free After Long Battle
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Days Of Our LivesSeptember 6, 2019DAYS’ Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes On Doug and Julie’s Emotional Scenes: “We Didn’t Have To Act Them. The Love Between Us Played Them For Us.”
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General HospitalSeptember 8, 2019GH’s Michael Easton Talks On Finn’s Hayden-Less Story, Finola Hughes & Favorite Soap Roles
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General HospitalSeptember 9, 2019The General Hospital 16-Episode Collection: ‘All Sonny’s Children’ Debuts
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Days Of Our LivesSeptember 1, 2019Days of our Lives New Fall Season Promo That ‘Tops All’
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Grand HotelSeptember 10, 2019GRAND HOTEL Finale: How Sky Died, Paternity Game-Changer, And Another Mystery Begins
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NewsSeptember 7, 2019Ashley Jones Files For Divorce & Restraining Order Following Alleged Abuse by Her Husband
Leave a Reply
Haven’t watched ABC since they canceled AMC and OLTL! If I don’t watch it on my TV I most certainly won’t be down loading their App!
Ditto! Losers!
Not if it meant that my GH would change in any way that effected the characters, the actors, or the integrity of the show I have watched since 1965. If I still had my hour long show, and I could see it live on the network, and it would count towards the ratings for GH then yes.
Still boycotting ABC. Love the news about Susan Lucci being in the Smithsonian!
We cancelled our cable last week, because $150 a month for internet and cable was just crazy. We’re only using a Roku, and it would make sense for ABC to step into the 21st century and make this “Watch ABC” app AD-SUPPORTED instead of making it available only to those homes with cable, but they’re not logical enough to understand that.
I shut off my then about to be $50/mo cable in mid 2008. Haven’t missed it, except for going thru withdrawals for OLTL and GH, which I watched when I could or online at lunchtime at work. But I didn’t miss those $50 bills one bit!
And I just got high speed internet, but I just had it added to my regular landline phone bill – it was wayyyyy cheaper than those bundles. They try to make it such a big deal to have it all bundled and “on one bill”… well my internet and phone are still on one bill, but cheaper!
but you can watch many shows on hulu.com for free, and many other sites, that have many, many regular broadcast stations to pick from including ABC, SyFy, Fox, HBO… and it’s all free!
Isn’t this just like abc day player?
ABC/Disney is doing some innovated thinghs these days..
They were the first to have prime time soaps of value that were busting cjharts, and still are..
Now they are aiming at millions who do there viewing on-line..
CBS tried to do the prime time soaps but they were not near a great as ABC’s and some didn’t make it..
I know some are still boycotting ABC, and ABC does not notice or give a damn about them lol and they are missing out on some really great prime time viewing/soaps..
It is the boycotter’s loss not ABC’s … lol (ABC wins on that one)
We know that ABC does not care that we boycott them. We do it because it makes us feel better. There is no loss to me because there is nothing worth watching on ABC.
I respectfully disagree. I’m boycotting ABC and I’m not missing a thing.
I choose to not watch abc and could care less what they think about it. I have found that I do not miss them.
Sorry, abc does not win on that one.
Um, not really. If they aren’t losing then why do they need an APP now that PP already went to internet. Why watch any of their shows when they will just cancel them anyway, regardless of what their fans want?
You people who are boycotting ABC are just so adorable. I wish people like you would focus your attention on important things like cancer research and the like. As for your comment CeCe, ABC is quite logical – they make much more money from the cable/satellite companies than they would from app advertising
Glad you find us ‘adorable’. But you have absolutely NO idea what else we may be focusing our attention on. Very insulting.
Takes no time on my part to boycott ABC.
Other AJ,
So boycotting ABC is a waste of time that could be spent on cancer research.. so WATCHING ABC is what? Saving the rain forest or serving the greater good?
GH people get so offended that we won’t watch ABC, and therefore, not supporting their soap. GH will be cancelled soon enuff, and these same people defending ABC are gonna look like fools for sticking up for them when they have said the soap genre is dead.
The future of TV is on the internet.. AMC and OLTL are leading the way!
I first watched Santa Barbara. It was canceled. I didn’t boycott NBC. Shows are canceled all the time. It’s business. I understand that networks are in business to make money. I get over cancellations and get on with my life.
Think how much Cancer research you could have done while typing this condescending crap!
This app doesn’t sound groundbreaking to me. I watch GH on hulu or abc.com or I dvr GH (the only ABC show I watch) and watch at MY convenience.
Still hatin’ ABC. Loving OLTL & AMC on hulu.
Me neither, who doesn’t have a App these days. Only ABC would theirs is groundbreaking.
This will not make me watch abc/d any more than I already do.
This is good news for #GH fans. I still won’t watch ABC (except for GH). I still can’t forgive them for cancelling #OLTL & #AMC. They are trying to court us, but for me, IT WON’T WORK!!! #ElephantsMemory
I see there’s more than one AJ.. guess I need a more unique moniker.
how ’bout Pickle AJ? 🙂
i just record to DVD when I’m on vacation… same as when I’m at work and watch later. And it’s on free TV – antenna and they do not count me…
but sometimes I watch GH online, but it’s still in the evening, so live stream doesn’t interest me. I actually prefer to watch it ‘not live’ cuz then I can fast forward thru parts I don’t care about.
I’m not surprised they are doing this, but they obviously missed the boat time wise. Just think if they had done this 2-3 years ago and instead of cancelling shows, they put them online… hey, what an idea…
ha ha