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How good was today's episode of One Life to Live? Awesome!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Today’s episode of One Life to Live was in our opinion, one of the best written and most beautifully acted episodes in recent memory of all of soapdom. For anyone who does not watch this series, or may have watched in the past, you need to tune back in and you need to tune back in now! With cancellation rumors consistently swirling, if the show was to get axed, it is just such a wrong move and a terrible shame. Just look at today’s myriad of stories and performances. Each had stand-out gems that we will remember for some time to come. It was so good; we have got to break down each of the major sections of the show!
Matthew/Nora/Bo – When Eddie Alderson’s Matthew, finally reveals and relives the shooting of Eddie Ford and confesses to his parents, (the Llanview D.A. and the Commissioner of Police), that he pulled the trigger after a harrowing experience at the Minute Man Motel with the evil Eddie, it was soap opera at its best. And, how about the quiet, understated reaction of Robert S. Woods (Bo) preparing himself to hear Matthew’s story of the ill-fated night? How about the end of the show when a heartbroken Nora breaks down in Bo’s arms? Kudos to a fantastic performance by Eddie Alderson. You brought us to tears.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Shane/Rex/Gigi – Who in the viewing audience’s heart did not break for poor Shane, and the bullying and emotional abuse he has suffered at the hands of Jack Manning and the gang of kids at Llanview High? The scenes on the roof where Shane wanted to end his life were so well portrayed. But not only that, it was John-Paul Lavoisier (Rex) as a helpless overwrought father (with damn good reason) telling off the High School staff and the students, that made us stand up and cheer. JP was amazing and kudos as well to Austin Williams (Shane). Great work!
Viki/Tea – Is there a better actress on the soap planet then Erika Slezak (Viki)? No, there truly isn’t. When Viki is betrayed and hurt, we are betrayed and hurt and feel right along with her. Slezak delivered in spades as Viki tries to cope with the realization that her marriage to Charlie has fallen apart, thanks in part to Echo, but to Charlie too! He wants Echo! She is reeling from finding them in bed together. The conversation between sisters-in-laws, Tea and Viki, in Todd’s hospital room, was again well done. Hankies!
Blair/Starr/Jack – The pivotal moment of these sequences was when Blair admitted to Starr that she hit her son, Jack. Kassie DePaiva (Blair) did powerful work with the realization that by her lashing out at Jack; she then is a bully, too. And don’t we all want to just “bitch slap” Jack ourselves?
There were other well-played moments between Natalie and Clint and Sean and Tea that had high emotional stakes. To watch the full episode go to ABC.com and check for the posting of today’s show. So what did you think of the episode? Let us know your opinion. We told you ours!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
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.
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Carly Fears Escalating Tensions Between Sonny and Josslyn: ‘I’ve Already Lost One Kid Because of That Man. I Won’t Lose Another’
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘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
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’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘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
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News3 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
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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 Lives1 week ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
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Today’s show should be submitted for an Emmy. It was drama at its best. I loved all the performances today–strong, yet understated. There were wonderful scenes with Clint and Natalie where we actually saw Clint’s heart again; and with Viki and Tea. These scenes allowed these actors to show such vulnerability. The bullying storyline and Matthew’s confession to his parents were examples of powerful, yet subtle acting at its finest. Eddie Alderson and Austin Williams delivered excellent performances that broke my heart. Everyone in the cast of today’s episode should be commended for such wonderful performances.
Again,i pray that this doesn’t mean that Eddie Alderson is leaving the show. He’s just so good. Austin Williams is doing really awesome,as well. NuJack,whose real name i’ve forgotten,can leave anytime now.
Can you believe NuJack is on contract? Give him some acting lessons!
Just an incredibly emotional show today. So well done. That bit of camera work viewing Bo & Nora through the window as she breaks down in his arms was just superb.
This is great great stuff. So if you were Frank will you summit this episode or the fallout from the double wedding for the emmy’s next year.
While I was watching this episode, i was amazed at how good it was! If ABC does decide to cancel this show it will prove just how out of touch they are with what the viewing public wants. I still love this show just as much as when I started watching it 30 years ago. It has become my guilty pleasure! I hope Brian Frons begins to understand how these characters become like an extended “family” to many viewers. You can see just how much all the actors are putting in to make this show as amazing as it is. Perhaps if the 1pm timeslot is so desirable for a talkshow, ABC should move OLTO to primetime since they can’t seem to get a hit show there.
The bullying storyline really got to me. I cried along with Gigi as they were talking Shane down from the roof. Very powerful performances. Farah Fath can be proud of her work too. I was originally against MAtthew being the killer, but it is so well done. The drama that Bo and Nora have to face now is so daunting. I hope they cover it up. I still want Clint to get what is coming to him. He set everything in motion for how awful half the town’s lives are. The only story I am not interested in is James/Starr/Deanna and who shot Todd. Now can we hurry up and get Starr’s Spunkiness back, Roger Howarth on the air, and Niki Smith all over Llanview?
Austin Williams and Eddie Alderson Wow, those kids were great! The veterans Woods,Smith,ver Dorn,Depaiva all exceptional. Great writing. Soap Opera at it’s very best. As for NuJack with some work I think the kid has potential .
A total AMEN to OLTL goes here. This was indeed a first-class episode with truly great performances! 🙂
This episode was AWESOME! My show is back.
Love this show. I’m italian, so I can watch it only on YouTube, because OLTL is not aired here anymore (as it used to be years ago). I’m a tv director in my country, and I think no one does (well written-directed-acted) drama better than american soaps. One Life To Live is the best! 🙂
OLTL just gets better and better! I have watched it for years and years and years!! So hard to let go of this amazing Soap Opera! I am still praying for a miracle here as it’s like a Soap Opera inside of me with all the emotions I have had since the announcement of the cancellation!!! SAVE OUR SOAPS PLEASE!!!