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Happy 43rd Anniversary to One Life to Live!
Courtesy/ABC
The soap at times labeled, “The Little Engine That Could” for 43 years has captured soap viewers imaginations for decades with its amazing heart and soul, and not to mention unbelievable and stellar performances and storylines. And today, the current cast of One Life to Live celebrates its bittersweet final anniversary on network television in New York City. The only daytime drama still left in the Big Apple has left an indelible impression for fans that will live on forever, whether it be on the small screen or on the web (it’s future home).
Originally titled, by its creator, Agnes Nixon, Between Heaven and Hell, the title got an overhaul shortly before its network television premiere on July 15th, 1968. Although On-Air On-Soaps could (and we just might) put together a tribute for fans of the series before it ends its network run, no compilation could really serve to illustrate what the show has meant to so many people.
From social issues of the day, many daytime firsts, and stars past and present as rich as: Erika Slezak, Robin Strasser, Judith Light, Gerald Anthony, Brynn Thayer, Roy Thinnes, Al Freeman Jr., Robert S. Woods, Jerry verDorn, Hillary B. Smith, Phillip Carey and this amazing list that could just go on and on, OLTL is simply put a rare gem of a show that for 43 years has entertained and made us examine the human condition.
Watch an opening sequence montage of One Life to live through the years after the jump! And then leave a comment with your anniversary wishes, thoughts or favorite all-time moments of the soap.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
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‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Y&R’s Matt Cohen Talks Role as Compassionate Zookeeper in Rom-Com ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
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Previews4 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
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General Hospital3 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
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Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
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I do not have enough words to express what this show has meant to me. I’ve enjoyed for all 43 year’s. Yes, I’m in 50 bracket..
The cast over the year’s, adored Asa.
I’m sorry guys, as said above, I’ve just no words, but I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart, for giving us an escape for an hour each day from this crazy world.
The best actor’s in Daytime, the stories. I thank you all for everything and I do look forward to watching on the “net” if that is what it means for now.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY OLTL! You brighten my day!
too hard to better or equal your comment, you have summed up how I feel as well, except i have only been watching since 1981.
i truly hope that OLTL lives on!
you have summed up my thoughts as well – i started watching when erica slazak startes as vicki – just watching these openings has brought tears to my eyes – i am also in the 50 bracket – oltl has always been my favorite
Well, I too am the big, 5-0. I have been watching ever since I can remember. Not sure exactly what year. My earliest memories were when Meredith and Larry lived in the carriage house, which was broken into and Meredith being hit over the head with the gunman’s gun. Of course, Meredith died leaving Larry broken-hearted. I remember Viki living at Llanfair with Victor…and have been a loyal ever since! The talent has been AMAZING…Meredith Chris (Wanda); Michael Storm (Larry); Judith Light (Karen); Brynn Thayer (Jenny); Erika Slezak (Viki) and the three Dorian’s–Nancy Pinkerton, Elaine Princi and of course–Robin Strasser–and on and on and on. To me, Viki and Dorian ARE “One Life To Live” and–the main reason I’ve watched all these years. I stuck it out when Dorian was written off for several years because I still had the true, tried and stable, “Viki”. THANK YOU for these fantastic years of entertainment, great story and wonderful acting. I truly appreciate it and will continue to watch on the net!
Happy Happy Anniversary to my first and favorite soap!
I remember each and every one. My favorite years ( story wise) were the years where they sang the theme song. OLTL was truly “can’t miss” tv back then!! Happy 43rd OLTL. Thanks for the memories!!
The openings gave me goose bumps! Look how many characters and actors we have lost over the years! Bittersweet!!
Just watching the collection of openings (and I remember each one) has made me cry – I can’t imagine how it’s going to be when it last airs on TV. Happy Anniversary, OLTL!
I have so many fond memories of this show.I reaaly am going to miss OLTL.
To the great writer, Agnes Nixon, creator
The grand dames, Erika Slezak & Robin Strasser
To all the residents of Llanview, Pennsylvania,
who have brought such immeasurable joy and pleasure
to so many of us and for so long, here’s wishing you a
Happy 43rd! One Life To Live – and a heartfelt “Thank you”
See you soon on-line in the New Age!
OLTL and GH were the soaps on after school for me and I never strayed far as life went on. And I was so glad for the VCR, Lynda Hirsch, and the internet, so I could keep up with OLTL and my other fave, ATWT.
As for OLTL, I recall the Viki-Steve-Joe triangle, the torrid Dorian Cramer-Mark Toland (Nancy Pinkerton and Tommy Lee Jones) affair as well as the exciting and gut-wrenching Karen Wolek-Marco Dane storyline. (Judith Light was amazing. Gerald Anthony was so sexy!) Oh, I loved the Craigs and Wanda Webb! And Pat Ashley and the bad-boy Tony Lord. We followed Llanview through good and bad and crazy, many of us. I liked the blue-collar storyline with Bo and Didi, her father, and sisters. And the Marty rape that brought her and Todd to the forefront. The storyline with Ryan Phillippe as the gay teen. How well that was done! Watching Starr grow up before our eyes. Blair! And everything Dorian in the person of Robin Strasser. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
On July 15, 1968, I was playing at my friend Rosie Kavanaugh’s house on Silliman Ave. in Lawrence Park, PA. Rosie’s mother told us there was a new soap opera beginning in a few minutes. So the three of us sat down and watched the very first episode of One Life to Live. That I remember where I was, who I was with, and what I was doing that afternoon 43 years ago demonstrates the impact the show has had on my life. Happy birthday One Life to Live, and thank you for the dramatic, romantic, chilling, and suspenseful entertainment you’ve provided me for most of my life.
Happy 43rd Birthday One Life To Live! I was only 10 years old back in 1986 when I started watching OLTL. For the past twenty five years, you have entertained and captivatied me with your innovative storylines, amazing performances and ground breaking drama. No other daytime drama took us to Heaven, the Wild West, Eterna or the falls of Argentina. This was the era I started watching and became an avid viewer. May you live on and continue to tell great stories on line and hopefully be brought back to television for one more life to live.
I suppose I’m “old school” One Life to Live. My favorite memories are all pre-Buchanan era (I never quite understood why boisterous southerners would set stakes in mainline Pennsylvania).
My memories are of the rich tapestry of so-called supporting actors: the eccentric but nurturing Ina Hopkins (Sally Gracie), the lovable Vinnie & Wanda Wolek (most memorably, Marilyn Chris and Antony Ponzini), the radiating warmth of Sadie Gray (the divine Lillian Hayman), the high-strung energy of Eileen Siegel (Patricia Roe, Alice Hirson), the seething sleaziness of Matt McAllister (Vance Jefferis), the no-nonsense, earthy Anna Wolek Craig (Doris Belack was the only one, as far as I’m concerned), and the wise and fatherly Jim Craig (Nat Polen).
Of course, the show gifted with wonderful lead actors: the sublime Ellen Holly (as Carla), George Reinholt (as the fiery Tony Lord), the emotion-packed Jacquie Courtney (Pat Kendall), Nancy Pinkerton (as the icy Dorian Cramer), Bernard Grant (as the commanding and protective Steve Burke), David Reilly & Jill Voigt (as the adorably sweet Richard Abbott & Becky Lee Hunt), the sexy Peter DeAnda (Price Trainor), and Tom Berenger as the determined, lovelorn hero Tim Siegel. In its first 11 years, One Life to Live boasted the strongest acting repertoire ever assembled, and under producer Doris Quinlan, director David Pressman, and headwriter Gordon Russell, one of the most richly entertaining TV shows ever produced!
Some of those posting have incredible memories. I know I have age-related memory loss but now I am beginning to worry about the onset of dementia.
I love everyone (cast and crew) and everything associated with OLTL, even if I can’t remember everyone and everything. One person I do remember but did not see in the opening montage was Michael Zaslow who played David Renaldi. Many people have passed away, but they will not be forgotten.
I can’t thank everyone enough for decades of incredible work. OLTL has always been more entertaining than anything in primetime. It would be wonderful if every past episode could be available on the internet to watch it from the beginning all over again. In a few years, it will probably be completely new to me.