Breaking News
General Hospital Reveals Plans to Say Goodbye to Bobbie Spencer and Honor Jackie Zeman
As viewers have been waiting for, ABC’s General Hospital is finally going to address the death of the iconic Jackie Zeman and her beloved character of Bobbie Spencer, on upcoming episodes at the start of the New Year.
What we know: New Year’s week will bring the news to Port Charles that Bobbie has died. The following week on two back-to-back episodes airing on Wednesday January 10th and 11th, Bobbie’s family and friends come together to say farewell to nurse Bobbie.
In one of the more shocking deaths of 2023, Zeman passed away quickly in May at the age of 70, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. It has been rumored that GH waited to address Bobbie’s death on-air until the writers strike was resolved, in order for co-head writers, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor to be able to create this important moment in GH history.
Photo: JPI
According to PEOPLE: characters from the past and present will show up at Bobbie’s Memorial. This will mark the return of Ryan Carnes, who plays Bobbie’s adoptive son, Lucas Jones.
Also said to appear in the heartbreaking episodes will be: Maxie (Kirsten Storms), Laura (Genie Francis) Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst), Scott (Kin Shriner) and Carly (Laura Wright). In addition, Zeman’s real life dear friends and co-stars, Finola Hughes (Anna) and Lynn Herring (Lucy), will also be featured.
Photo: DISNEY/CHRISTINE BARTOLUCCI
While there will be the farewell part of the story, Bobbie’s passing is said to kick-off another story arc, where “Carly and Felicia connect in a special way during the memorial, but a stranger’s surprise arrival unearths a shocking secret, and kicks off a mini adventure for the duo in Amsterdam, where they attempt to take care of Bobbie’s unfinished business.”
Laura Wright who plays Bobbie’s on-screen daughter, told PEOPLE on the special episodes: “When we shot the memorial, the entire cast was there. And it wasn’t just for Bobbie; it was for Jackie as well.” Wright added, “It was like we as a cast got to really say goodbye.”
Are you glad to hear that GH will address the death of Bobbie Spencer and honor Jackie Zeman in just a few short weeks? Share your thoughts in the comment section and have your hankies handy.
In case you missed it, The Michael Fairman Channel held a livestream tribute to Jackie a few months back with six of her closest co-stars including: Kin Shriner, Rick Springfield, Brad Maule, Sam Behrens, Tristan Rogers and Tamara Braun. You can watch that below.
Michael Fairman: Michael, whose stories are we currently watching? Are we still seeing stories written by the writers who filled in during the strike or stories by the writers who returned? Thanks.
Rebecca1, you can tell by the onscreen credits. The regular writers started getting credited again just a few days ago. However, they did leave the outline followed by the fill-in writers. So even though the fill ins have been writing the dialogue, etc. the actual stories were planned by the regular writers. And, of course, Frank Valentini, who has the final say, has been there the whole time to keep things on track.
I’m not sure about the fill-ins just providing dialogue. My understanding was they could take the stories in the directions they wanted to go…The stories were way different than the regular writers; and better.
Frank V. and the network still have final approval over all stories, like always, so the temp writers would not have been able to take the stories wherever they wanted. They had to stick to whatever the original plans had been for the past few months. Frank would have been guiding them along the whole time. He’s the boss, no matter who’s writing the scripts!
I’m pretty sure we just started seeing episodes from the original writers in the last week or so, and everything airing now and after is them. You can tell based on if there are writing credits in the opening credits when they show FV’s name and who directed
Thanks. I’ll look. Maybe their writing is back. It seems we’re back to everyone dumping on NIna again. I can’t…
This just breaks my heart all over again. I still cannot believe she is gone. I remember the Nurses Ball when she arrived with Carly & Joss. The 3 of them were gorgeous that night & Jackie looked fantastic. So sorry for her girls & all her friends at GH. Such a loss.
Good that they could bring back the “real” Lucas for this sad story. Now if they could only bring back his namesake uncle…. Luke really needs to be there to say goodbye to his sister. Nobody believes he’s dead, and believe me, I would know.
Plenty of people believe Luke is dead. Based on Tony Geary’s real-life circumstances, I’m one of them.
I’m hoping that Luke will show up for the big goodbye. As so many have said, the character’s alleged death was just too lame for Luke. Tony had a great fondness for Jackie. It would mean a lot if he shows up.
Nice to finally see a tribute to Jackie. Looking forward to Ryan Carnes return; it’s a shame that it’s under these circumstances. I wish they’d bring him back to the show, as well as Dylan.
Not thrilled to hear there’s going to be a Carly/Felicia story. Let Carly stay in her lane. She’s interacting with too many characters that have never been part of her history.
I agree with you – for me, Carla’s misdeeds are skirted over, constantly!
Sounds like they will give Bobbie Spencer a proper send off and pay homage to the one and only Jackie Zeman. My goodness. I remember Bobbie as the nursing student desperately in love with Scott Baldwin. Ms. Zeman did a wonderful job as the character grew from a scheming girl to stalwart professional and beloved pillar of the community.
Thank you Ms. Zeman for all the years of wonderful entertainment. You are well loved and may you rest in peace.
I’m VERY happy Ryan Carnes has returned as Lucas for dear Bobbi’s memorial episodes.
According to the cast photo above, it looks like no Eden McCoy (due to her leave)… if that’s the case, that kinda bites as Joss is Bobbi’s granddaughter.
Also, looks like Tristan Rogers (Robert) is not in attendance and a shame that John J. York (Mac) isn’t around. John is off on a medical leave.
Looking forward to the January episodes! It will be a sad one, Bobbi will forever be General Hospital. What a character! Beloved character and actress.
All the soap actor deaths this year made me sad, particularly Jackie’s. I hope the show does her justice. I would like it if the mystery guest is Tony/Luke but I won’t get my hopes up.
I think Anhony Geary will return.
Rosie O’Donnell revealed that she plans to head back to a seat at the table of ABC’s morning talk show The View.
The announcement came during Monday’s episode of The Tangle Podcast where she shared she will participate in “in whatever way they want” her or “just as a guest” for its upcoming 30th season.
The View’s season 30 will kick-off this fall in September. O’Donnell explained, “They’re bringing back all the hosts, I think. And, you know, I’m pretty proud of that show, what it’s become and how it really speaks to the people and to politics.”
Photo: ABC
ROSIE ON HER PREVIOUS GO-ROUNDS ON THE VIEW
As fans of The View know, O’Donnell famously had two different one-year stints on the talk show in 2007 and again in 2014- 2015. She often feuded with then co-host Elizabeth Hasselbeck.
However, during her discussion with host, Kyle Ridley on The Tangle Podcast, O’Donnell also noted she often had tense moments with longtime moderator and anchor, Whoopi Goldberg.
O’Donnell also expressed, “Many, many people got the short end of the stick there. It was, you know, it was a factory where people were being churned in and out and their tenuous security, nobody got to be calm. It also was a show at the time that was run by a man. A show created by a woman, for women, about women, and the man was deciding what we should talk about. And that didn’t sit right with me, you know.”
Back in 2023, Brooke Shields had asked Rosie on her podcast, Now What? with Brooke Shields, about how she felt on her two stints at The View and all the controversy that surrounded it. Rosie at that time, stated, “I know this, it’s not the best use of my talent to get in a show where I have to argue and defend basic principles of humanity and kindness. It was not something I’d ever do again.”
You can check out the clip with Rosie and Kyle Ridley discussing her return to The View in some form for its upcoming 30th season below.
Then weigh-in: Would you be excited to see Rosie, even for a one-day or a week guest stint on the upcoming celebratory season of The View, or not so much? Let us know via the comment section.
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In what could prove to be a massive shake-up ahead, both the TV Academy (ATAS), who presides over the Primetime Emmys, and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), who preside over the Daytime Emmys, are in exploratory reunification discussions to merge the two organizations into one.
Both sides received an overwhelming vote and support from their boards to evaluate what a unified Academy could look like. However there is no formal calendar at this juncture for the discussions. In addition, because of the ongoing unification talks that should occur, the TV Academy board has voted to extend all current sitting Governors’ terms by one year so they can see the process through.
Boards at both organizations voted overwhelmingly to evaluate what a unified Academy could make possible: a strong vision for the Academy’s future, more effective thought leadership for the industry, broader service and support for members coast-to-coast, and new momentum and opportunities across the full complement of national Emmy competitions.
Photos: ATAS/NATAS
AFTER NEARLY 50 YEARS, CAN THE EMMYS BE UNDER ONE BANNER?
In a joint statement, ATAS and NATAS shared, “Television remains the most powerful medium we have to shape culture and prompt conversations that define us—no matter the size of the screen, With the business of television undergoing such a monumental transformation, this is the right moment to explore a reunification of our Academies, providing our members and our industry with a bolder voice advocating for them and a stronger partner to navigate the future with them.”
If the reunification talks continue, this would be the first time since the two Emmy organizations split back on June 30, 1977 that they have tried to come together, all of this after almost three decades of often uneasy and strained tension between the two.
The most recent joint change came in 2022 when a move of the game show categories went from NATAS to ATAS’ and now are in the Primetime Emmys.
Deadline notes that a unification of the two television academies who overall preside over nighttime and daytime programming would be similar how SAG and AFTRA used to represent performers from completely different dayparts of work.
Could the Daytime Emmys finally see some love in primetime and have their major categories televised as part of the annual kudofest every September? Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony will take place live on Monday, September 14th starting at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT and air on NBC and stream on Peacock emanating from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. While, the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will take place on Friday, October 30, time to be announced, live from the Hollywood Palladium and will be streamed on watchtheemmys.tv
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is a service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy Awards for News & Documentary, Sports, Daytime and Children’s & Family programming, as well as achievements in television Technology & Engineering.
The Television Academy (ATAS) strives to shape and advance the dynamic television landscape; cultivate a diverse, inclusive and accessible professional community; and advocate for the television industry while capturing the spirit of a new generation of content creators and industry professionals. Through innovative programs, publications and events, the Academy and its Foundation foster and empower storytellers. The Academy also celebrates those who excel in the industry recognizing their achievements through awards and accolades, including the renowned Emmy Award. Membership in the Academy is open to working professionals in the television industry.
So, would you like to see the Primetime Emmy and the Daytime Emmys fold into one show if the two unions reached a unification arrangement? Do you hope that after almost 50 years, the two organizations can finally make some serious headway? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 15
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 15, respectively.
General Hospital was next with 13 overall nominations, followed by Days of our Lives with 8 and The Bold and the Beautiful with 7 nods. The full reveal on Tuesday, follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony are set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California. The ceremony is currently planned to stream via watch.theemmys.tv and its associated apps. For the second year in a row, both the main Emmys and the Creative Arts will be presented together in one night.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories. Congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Photo: ABC
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Photo: ABC
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Photo: CBS
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Photo: ABC
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Photo: WBTV
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Photo: CBS
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
Outstanding Costume Design / Styling for a Daytime Program
The Jennifer Hudson Show, Episode 4140
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Young and the Restless Episode 13149
The Young and the Restless Episode 13273
Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing for a Live Daytime Program
The Bold and the Beautiful, Episode 9658
The Jennifer Hudson Show Episode 4039
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5007
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13260
Outstanding Lighting Direction for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates Episode 104
General Hospital Episode 15624
The Jennifer Hudson Show Episode 4010
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 6169
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design for a Daytime Program
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Live with Kelly and Mark Episode 250414
The View Episode 6280
The Young and the Restless Episode 13145
The Young and the Restless Episode 13244
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
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