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.
News
The Cast of ‘The Bay’ to Preview Upcoming 8th Season in Live Chat
Four Daytime Emmy-winning stars, and two fan favorites, comprise the very special guests when cast members from the upcoming 8th season of the The Bay participate in an upcoming livestream conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel on Monday, December 4th beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT.
Scheduled to appear are: A Martinez (Nardo), Mike Manning, (Caleb) Kristos Andrews (Pete/Adam), Maxwell Caulfield (Sir Thomas Kenway), Alicia Leigh Willis (Avery) and Eric Nelsen (Daniel) who will tease what’s to come for their character in the new season and much more.
Daytime fans know A Martinez best for his role as Cruz Castillo on Santa Barbara, a role that won him a Lead Actor Emmy. In addition, Martinez has appeared on General Hospital, Days of our Lives, One Life to Live and The Bold and the Beautiful. Mike Manning, previously played Charlie Dale on Days of our Lives, and took home the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Fiction Program for his role as Caleb on The Bay.
Photo: LANY Entertainment
Kristos Andrews, the series lead of The Bay, who has taken on the dual roles of Pete Garrett and Adam Kenway, is an eleven-time Emmy winner and made history as the only individual to ever receive Emmy recognition in four key categories: Acting, Producing, Writing and Directing.
Eric Nelsen, also took home a Daytime Emmy for his on-screen performance on The Bay for Supporting Actor in a Digital Series, but also has two more Emmys as a producer. All My Children fans remember Eric as AJ Chandler in Prospect Park’s reboot of the series. Recently, Nelsen also appeared in the hit show, Yellowstone. Alicia Leigh Willis is remembered by General Hospital fans as Courtney Matthews, the biological mother to Spencer Cassadine, and Sonny’s half- sister.
Photo: ABC
One of the major editions to the new season of The Bay is Maxwell Caulfield, who many primetime soap fans recall as Miles Colby on both Dynasty and The Colbys. Caulfield has appeared in numerous soaps, primetime, and motion picture roles, and is married to former Passions star, Juliet Mills.
Photo: JPI
Be on the look out for 14 all-new episodes of The Bay, when they drop beginning on Monday, December 11th, that will include The Bay’s 100th episode special, that premieres on Thursday, December 14th. The 8th season also includes the final performances of the late Jackie Zeman in her role as Sofia Madison.
92 episodes of The Bay are currently available on Tubi, Prime Video, and Popstar! TV, with several episodes also available for streaming on Peacock and The Roku Channel.
So, what has been your favorite role and performance from these six actors? Have you enjoyed their work on ‘The Bay’? Let us know if you will be with us in the live chat next Monday via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
Win a Private Game Night with Soap Stars and Help Children in Need for the Holidays
Jen Lilley (ex-Theresa, DAYS) is back with her annual toy drive for children through the holidays through her fundraiser in her effort to raise 25,000 toys for children in need each fall through Christmas is Not Cancelled to benefit Toys for Tots.
This week, fans have the opportunity to win a private zoom game night with none other than: Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea, Y&R), Kirsten Storms (Maxie, GH), Emme Rylan (Ex-Lulu, GH), Eric Martsolf (Brady, DAYS), Rob Scott Wilson (Alex, DAYS) Ali Sweeney (Sami, DAYS), and Lilley herself, by giving a toy to a child in need via ChristmasIsNotCancelled.com website.
According to the site: “One Lucky Winner will be tuning in for a night of glamour, giggles, and game-winning moments, including: VIP Access to Your Soap Opera Faves: Join the virtual party with stars from your favorite daytime dramas! Prepare for drama on and off the screen as you chat, laugh, and bond over shared soap secrets.”
Photo: JPI
Lilley shares: “By participating in this prize drawing, you will directly contribute to providing joy and happiness to underserved children during a challenging time in their lives, creating positive holiday memories!”
For more info on how you can win, make sure to visit ChristmasIsNotCancelled.com
So, would you like to have a special ‘game night’ with this bevy of soap stars? Check out the opportunity, and let us know via the comment section below
News
THIS FRIDAY: The Young and the Restless’ Hayley Erin to Chat Live
In a rescheduled livestream event, The Young and the Restless‘ Hayley Erin (“Claire” Grace) will chat live with Michael Fairman on Friday, December 1st beginning at a special time – 2:00PM ET/11:00am PT.
As Y&R viewers have seen, there is more to Claire than originally meets the eye, as she and her Aunt Jordan (Colleen Zenk) have ramped up their revenge plot against Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) and the entire Newman clan and their true identities have been revealed.
Previously, Erin appeared on Y&R as a teenaged Abby Newman. Later, she went on to General Hospital to take on the role of Kiki Jerome, a part which won her a Daytime Emmy for her performances. Now, back at her original stomping grounds in Genoa City, and playing an entirely brand- new character.
Photo: JPI
Hayley is getting the opportunity to show another side of her acting chops. Make sure to join us for this exclusive livestream conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel. Make sure to ‘subscribe’ to the channel for more upcoming celebrity features, and content, and to receive up-to-the-minute tune-in alerts.
So, are you enjoying Hayley’s performances as “Claire’ thus far? Will you be joining us this Friday? Comment below.
The Cast of ‘The Bay’ to Preview Upcoming 8th Season in Live Chat
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Semi-Finals Conclude with A Shocking Twist
Win a Private Game Night with Soap Stars and Help Children in Need for the Holidays
THIS FRIDAY: The Young and the Restless’ Hayley Erin to Chat Live
General Hospital Pays Tribute to Tyler Christopher at End of Episode, ABC Exec Nathan Varni Shares: “You’ll Always Be In Our Hearts”
Josh Swickard, Eileen Davidson & Annika Noelle Star in Netflix’s ‘Holiday in the Vineyards’
The Men of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Tell All: Their On-Screen Romances and Love Scene Secrets During Their Visit to ‘The Talk’
General Hospital Pays Tribute to Tyler Christopher at End of Episode, ABC Exec Nathan Varni Shares: “You’ll Always Be In Our Hearts”
THIS WEEK ON Y&R: Aunt Jordan Ramps Up Her ‘Attack of the Newmans’ (Preview)
GH Alum William deVry and ‘Desperate Housewives’ Alum Teri Hatcher Star in Lifetime’s ‘Christmas at the Chalet’
The Cast of ‘The Bay’ to Preview Upcoming 8th Season in Live Chat
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Semi-Finals Conclude with A Shocking Twist
THIS FRIDAY: The Young and the Restless’ Hayley Erin to Chat Live
CM Punk Returns to ‘Monday Night Raw’ For First Time In Nearly 10 Years: “I’m Not Here to Make Friends, I’m Here to Make Money”
The Men of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Tell All: Their On-Screen Romances and Love Scene Secrets During Their Visit to ‘The Talk’
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General HospitalNovember 25, 2023Josh Swickard, Eileen Davidson & Annika Noelle Star in Netflix’s ‘Holiday in the Vineyards’
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General HospitalNovember 20, 2023Roger Howarth Exits General Hospital
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NewsNovember 27, 2023The Men of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Tell All: Their On-Screen Romances and Love Scene Secrets During Their Visit to ‘The Talk’
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NewsNovember 20, 2023ATWT Favorite Colleen Zenk on Being Cast as Y&R’s Aunt Jordan: “Josh (Griffith) Was Around During the Evil Barbara Days So He Knew What I Was Capable Of”
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General HospitalNovember 24, 2023Jonathan Frakes Opens Up on How He Met Real-Life Wife ‘General Hospital’s’ Genie Francis
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