News
Erika Slezak Shares Thoughts On: DAYS Move to Peacock Years After Prospect Park’s Streaming Attempt with OLTL & The Ultimate Dorian, Robin Strasser
In a new interview on her website, Erika Slezak (Viki), the six-time Daytime Emmy-winning star of One Life to Live, weighed in on a myriad of subjects, including DAYS move to the streaming platform Peacock, plus working opposite the various Dorians over the years on One Life, and none more so than the incomparable Robin Strasser.
When discussing Days of our Lives upcoming exclusive move to Peacock on September 12th, Slezak made reference to her experience in 2013 when Prospect Park produced new episodes of One Life to Live and moved it online; following the ending of its run on network television and ABC in 2012. As OLTL fans know, unfortunately, the online version lasted only one season on Hulu.
Courtesy/TOLN
Below are a few excerpts from Erika’s conversation had with her longtime fan club president, Walter Miller.
On DAYS’ move to Peacock, Erika expressed: “I think that’s fantastic! I emailed Ron (Carlivati, head writer) when I heard it because he was our head writer. I was delighted for him, and I asked him if he was staying? He said, ‘Yes, as far as I know I’m staying!’ I think it’s wonderful. The whole point of us going online was such a good idea. Unfortunately, it was so mishandled by the producers at Prospect Park. They knew nothing about what our audience was looking for, what THEY wanted. It was about stories and relationships and a lot of our audience was extremely offended by some of the things they were doing. We went through four head writers in three months because they kept saying, ‘We can’t write this stuff, or we don’t want to write this stuff.’ The idea behind it, Rich Frank and Jeff Kwatinetz who put it together, was a wonderful idea and we would have been the first to go online (Hulu). It was just five minutes ahead of its time and it was run by people that didn’t know what they were doing. They didn’t know how to produce a daytime drama and they pushed the envelope too far, too quickly, and then they spent too much money and then they ran out of money.”
Courtesy/ABC
On the rivalry between One Life to Live’s Viki and Dorian that went on for decades, Slezak discussed all the Dorian’s she worked with by noting: “They were all different, obviously. As far as I’m concerned, Robin (Strasser) WAS Dorian. Nancy Pinkerton was wonderful in the beginning, but then she left, and thank God we got Robin because she was the absolute ultimate Dorian. The wonderful thing about Robin is that she played Dorian with all the conniving and scheming, but she always had some warmth about her. Even when she was being just horrible, there was warmth there. She was just perfect! There could not have been a better Dorian, although Nancy was very good in the beginning because she had to establish the character and what they were looking for was a villain, and she was. The other ladies, I certainly remember them all: Dixie Carter, Claire Malis, Elaine Princi…they were all slightly different but, as I say, there was one Dorian and that was Robin. Dixie, Claire, and Elaine were all very good in what they were asked to do, but they never had a chance to establish a character because they were never there long enough. Robin is an actress who is so talented and who is so clever, and I have always said that she brings a Thanksgiving Day feast to every performance. She wasn’t “performing”…from the moment she walked on set, she WAS Dorian.”
If you would like to receive updates from Erika’s Fan Club, please go to the homepage at erikaslezak.com and sign up with your email.
Now, what do you think of Erika’s comments on DAYS upcoming shift to Peacock as its new exclusive home? What did you think about her thoughts on Robin Strasser and the Dorians? Let us know in the comment section.
I really loved the reboots of AMC and OLTL on Prospect Park. There was room for improvement, certainly, but if given more time they would have worked it all out. If they had waited until streaming services took off they would still be on the air in my opinion!
As for Dorian, I finally got to see a few episodes featuring Nancy Pinkerton and Claire Malis – both were good – I never liked Elaine Princi’s version. Dixie Carter? Did she sub because she played Brandy on The Edge of Night. But the REAL the only and only GREAT Dorian was always ROBIN STRASSER!!!! I always preferred Robin to Erika and felt that Robin deserved the six Emmys – oh well! Those things never go my way! (;
YES! People were so critical of the changes that had been made for both shows (more coarse language, a little more sex, and some slight nudity that pushed boundaries) but I thought it was great!
I was so glad to read Erica’s take on why the online version of OLTO failed. I agree with her fully
I hope ABC/Hulu tries a v3… I would subscribe and certainly pay.
While I respect Ms. Slezak’s opinion, I have to disagree: TOLN’s production of All My Children was exactly what American-produced soap operas NEEDED, and was the most exciting thing (sans a few things here and there) produced by an American soap opera in the past ten years. It wasn’t safe and I loved that. Plus, the production model, while flawed, resembled what British soaps have been doing for years. And given the overall success of both soaps, both on Hulu and iTunes, I’d wager audiences were happy.
I use a VPN and watch my soap and more in any country of my choice..
I have watched Y&R for a very long long time by way of Canada..
No problems,, get a good VPN and enjoy all via Canada..
Network TV is quickly dying— in the future no soaps will
be shown via network tv…
The OLTL reboot was so bad, it left a bitter taste. Erika Slezak was right bad producing and writing the recast of many of our character was no way the same. The show Stink! I was like put a Well daytime story to rest, before destruction. I would love to see repeated episode on steaming on something free. PLEASE, OLTL was the best of day time. Too many characters are gone elsewhere. I’m sure if they could get them back I would be a follower.
It’s always an absolute pleasure to hear from Erika Slezak. I enjoyed the online One Life to Live; but, I did feel the story lines wandered in every direction. If they went through 4 head writer in 3 months, I can understand why.
I couldn’t agree with Erika more. Robin Strasser WAS Dorian!!!!!!!! I remember Nancy Pinkerton and Claire Malise very well. Both were very good. But, Robin brought that something extra. For me, it was the warmth factor that Erika mentioned. Sudden you cared about Dorian. There was a vulnerability about her that I didn’t see with the other performers. And Erika Slezak and Robin Strasser together was pure magic.
Not a day goes by that I don’t miss the wonderful characters, rich story lines and fantastic actors of One Life to Live.
I knew Dixie Carter had been on Edge of Night but had no idea she had played Dorian! I liked Elaine Princi she was so pretty but Robin is the only Dorian!!
Erika is so classy.
A lot of people put their heart and soul into this production. And sure there were some things that didn’t work, but there were also some wonderful moments too. We were all learning and evolving. And we did win some Emmys…..And again….many people put their heart and soul into these shows…..we tried and just ran out of time. Season 2 for OLTL was written and it would have really righted the ship. To me it matters if you try even if you fail. “Failure is success, if we learn from it.” I wish everyone at Days the best of luck on Peacok and know that they very talented cast, crew, and production team will knock it out of the park!!!!!
Jennifer, it was a very brave move picking up OLTL for streaming. I wished it had been successful. Thank you to those who were behind and in front of the camera of the reboot.
I never watched Claire Malis as Dorian but I remember Soap Opera Digest did a tribute to 70s fashions in the 90s when Robin was back on OLTL and a picture of Claire as Dorian was included with her wearing a gauze shirt which was popular then. The caption read:”Here is Claire Malis in a blouse the current Dorian wouldn’t be caught dead in” LMAO it was so funny!
I so miss OLTL and Ms. Slezak and I am in agreement,except with Elaine Princi. Her performance as Dorian was pretty close to Robin Strasser. Claire Malis was good, but something was missing. Nancy Pinkerton, OMG!! She was pure evil, as Dorian! She started the Viki/Dorian rivalry and the scene where she was going to let Victor Lord die, was a great TV! Dixie Carter was a temporary replacement for Nancy Pinkerton.
I love to hear actresses from all of the shows that are no longer with us be cheerleaders for the genre. I have loved Erika since watching OLTL when Viki, Larry, Joe Riley, Carla and Meredith were the main leads.
I would love to see Netflix, Peacock, Hulu and some of the other channels start showcasing some of the great actresses of yesteryear. There is just too many great talents that aren’t being seen by a HUGE following. My dream would be to see a show/movie about “mature” ladies taking a road trip together, similar to a modern-day, more hip “Golden Girls.” Who wouldn’t love to see Erika, Robin, Linda Dano, Kim Zimmer, Colleen Zenk, Susan Lucci and this caliber of actress on our televisions again? In addition, I’d love to see Martha Byrne on a Lifetime movie. She is a powerhouse.
Erika is correct on both soaps streaming and Robin Strasser. When NBC created the Days sequel Beyond Salem to be shown on Peacock, I thought it was a trial balloon. Iit was a success. Moving Days to Peacock saved Days. For some reason the networks hate soaps and totally disrespect soap fans. Wanna bet that next year after GH’s 60th Anniversary, ABC moves GH to Hulu or Disney+. Expect CBS to more YR and BB to Paramount +. Prospect Park ruined AMC and OLTL! Instead of picking up they left off, the producers took two iconic soaps and geared them towards a much younger audience by adding swearing and turning love scenes into soft porn. ABC regained the rights of AMC and OLTL and I’d love for ABC to relaunch both on their streaming service . Use GH to reintroduce the characters. Forget about Kelly Ripa and her hubby bringing back AMC as Pine Valley. It’s not happening.
ROBIN STRASSER IS DORIAN LORD! I’m still missing the Viki/Dorian relationship! I wish that idiot soap hater Brian Fronz got his taste of Karma for the way he treated the women on AMC and for canceling two of the iconic soaps on t.v.
if Days makes it streaming. If it does lets hope that Ron Carlivati will bring back what back some of the older unemployed grand dames of daytime for short term arcs. I loved Linda Dano and Strasser on Days but did not lije them playing the Vivian character which Louise Sorel owns. They should be new characters who can chew the scenery and give us a blast from the past.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
Judith Light Talks Her Role in ‘The Terror: The Devil In Silver’ Dropping on AMC+ with Co-Star ‘Downton Abbey’ Alum, Dan Stevens
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