Breaking News
Impeachment Hearings On Broadcast Networks Show Ratings Much Lower Than The Daytime Soap Operas They Are Preempting
In an infuriating article written by FOX news, off of a study from NewsBusters, the news outlet and others have come to the realization that all of us who want our soaps back on the air already know. That is … that the network daytime dramas ratings are far better on a day-to-day basis than people tuning into network TV during the day to watch the impeachment hearings of Donald Trump.
Soap fans have been furious that in the afternoon network TV is pulling their soaps off their normal airtime across all coasts. Daytime soap viewers feel that all of the 24-hour news cable outlets should be the the place to go to see the hearings during the day; as to not to preempt the drama on General Hospital, Days of our Lives, The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful.

Photo: CBS
Just for the record, the study via NewsBusters showed that on day one of the impeachment hearing the networks scored as such: CBS averaged 1.52 million, ABC 1.29 million viewers, and NBC averaged 1.26 million viewers. Thursday’s were even worse with CBS averaging 1.4 million, ABC 1.2 million viewers and NBC had 1.1 million viewers.
Now compare that to the weekly daytime soap ratings and total viewers which while it ebbs and slows is still way about this. According to the study: “The Young & The Restless” has been averaging 3.7 million viewers during the 2019-2020 season and The Bold & The Beautiful averages 3.15 million viewers. ABC’s General Hospital averages 2.15 million viewers while NBC’s Days of Our Lives averages 1.95 million viewers.”
Share your thoughts on the pre=emptions of your favorite soaps, and how the impeachment hearings are, of course, not bringing in higher number in the day-part via the comment section below.
If I wanted to watch the
Impeachment. I would watch CNN news channel . If I wanted to. . There losing viewers. Much more people want to watch there shows. Not the impeachment. In my opinion nothing is going to happen anyway .
Not all of us have cable.
I’m sorry, I am a faithful soap opera watcher and have been my whole life, but if people think it’s more important to watch fictional escapism than deal with the issues facing this country and our government, then they are part of this nation’s problem. And that’s not a Republican/Democrat thing. Everyone seems to have made up their minds without actually watching the impeachment trial. We the people are in charge of our government. This is a presentation to us the people so we can draw our own conclusions no matter how we vote. If we can’t give up the soaps for a couple of days and pay attention to something critically important, than we don’t deserve to live in a democracy. The soaps will be back next week, but will our democracy survive?
AMEN!!!!
Totally agree. I am a faithful soap opera watcher as well. But I watched the hearings everyday.
There’s a lot of people out there that want to keep the American people in the dark about what this administration is doing to our country. I think a few days of missing my soap (which will be aired later) it not a big price to pay to be informed about what this administration has done and is doing to harm our democratic values.
Sounds as though you really ARE being kept in the dark.
..and lets be honest, if young and the restless is the soap of choice we re certainly nothing missing anything. This show is such shit right now josh griffiths writing it on the toilet
#firetrump
#fireJoshGriffith
Yes yes yes.
sonniorsolita, Very well said. I agree with you. I’m glad the broadcast networks are showing the proceedings from Washington DC. Kudos to them.
I agree. Also want to add that if we want to keep our democracy everyone of voting age should vote. The average is around 40% who did not vote for the last two presidential elections. Too bad about the wild card electoral college.
I agree. But want to add if we want to keep our democracy everyone of voting age should vote. I read about 40% of voting age didn’t during the last two presidential elections.
thank you. When reading complaints about pre-empting a frikking tv show in lieu of news of international importance, it makes me somewhat sad but mostly it makes me realize how this loser got elected (not by the popular vote, I must remind) in the first place.
Exactly! Well said.
I certainly agree with the sentiment that the proceedings should be broadcast and available to the public and that in the long run, the impeachment trial is much more important than any television entertainment. That said, the impeachment proceedings have been going on well into the night, and I don’t think NBC, CBS, or ABC has been pre-empting prime time programming to show them live during those time periods. So I’m certainly sympathetic to the argument that the soaps didn’t need to be pre-empted either; if it’s important enough to pre-empt programming, that doesn’t change magically at 7 pm. I think the question isn’t “Should the soaps have been pre-empted?” but “What wasn’t ALL network programming pre-empted whenever the trial was in session?”
As for watching or not watching: no, I didn’t, and it isn’t because I don’t care about the future of the country or the (theoretical) importance of what’s going on. It was clear from the beginning–at least to me–that no witnesses were going to be called (not to mention that several senators were foolish enough to declare which way they were going to vote before the trial had even started–I mean, OK, your mind is already made up, probably the majority of senators had made up theirs too, so in that sense it’s just honesty, but to say that out loud? Yikes!), which in turn made it crystal clear to me that I wasn’t going to be able to “draw [my] own conclusions,” at least not any meaningful ones, and I wasn’t going to get any information beyond what’s already out there in the public domain through the endless news coverage over the last couple of months.
I do agree that people should care, at least in theory. But when those in charge behave so irresponsibly as to make a mockery of the process, I’m not going to waste my time on watching the debacle. The fix was in from the beginning–in both the House and the Senate. There wasn’t a chance in Hades that the House would not impeach. Ever. And there wasn’t a chance in Hades that the Senate would convict. Ever. We can’t do anything anymore in this country–not even something as significant as impeach and try a president–without partisan bias taking center stage. If anything should be making people mad, it’s THAT. And THAT is what keeps me up at night worrying about the fate of our democracy, much more than the behavior of the President or this impeachment trial. I find that behavior disturbing, and I have lots of questions, but I never for a minute–not from the start, back when the word “impeachment” was first spoken–believed that I was going to get any useful information from the impeachment process about what that behavior was, how far it went, how significant it really was, etc. And both the House and the Senate have proved me right (the latter having done so more blatantly, thus angering me more, but I’m under no illusion that what went on in the House was totally untainted by partisan maneuvering, either).
So when the networks are pre-empting the soaps (and other programming) to cover serious discussions about how we’re going to mend this rift among the populace and move forward in this country without splintering further, count me in; if they’re truly serious discussions, I will so totally watch. But this impeachment trial fiasco? No thank you. I’m grateful it was there and available to me if I wanted to watch it (I do agree that one network covering it each day might have been sufficient, although I’m wondering if there are still areas of the country that have access to only one television station, in which case, no, it wouldn’t have), and I’m glad to see that a fair number of people on here felt differently from me, thought it was worth their time, and did take advantage of the opportunity, but: no. And I don’t feel the slightest bit unpatriotic or lacking in civic responsibility for not bothering.
Michael (not Fairman)…I did watch most everything from Mueller Kavanagh and Impeachment. Where I did have to tune out frequently was the presidents defence team. I gain a lot, not just from the facts presented, but watching the individuals demeanour, words, body language. It really gives you a sense of the person that news clips and summaries never will. Throughout all the hearings I watched there were some who testified I found quite impressive, courageous, and patriotic with the information they gave. They made me proud to be an American unlike many who will go nameless.
Lets keep news where it belongs..on news stations..when i got cable..mtv was a music channel now its stupid reality..E was entertainment turned Kartrashian marathons..i could go on…cable/networks have gotten worse that i think i might give up tv viewing all together…and this wasteful trial makes it all the worse..elect a new president in Nov if you dont like Trump…i think the impeachment was hurried up because they want to prevent Trump winning again and really for no other reason…i dont hate Trump or Like him…he doesnt take any bull,,,and has been the toughest Potus so far who isnt going to hide behind some goody two shoes fakeness like some past presidents pretend to be…sorry but thinking the whole world is going to come together in peace will never happen…our country will always have enemies and always will..no other person elected will bring world peace when none has ever found a way to make our own country a peaceful nation as there will always be hate no matter the time or who runs this country
their is no need to preempt when their are a bazillion news outlets on cable and streaming
Millions don’t have, can’t afford, or just don’t want Cable or internet. Their choice. And it IS the responsibility of the broadcast networks to bring this crucial time in history to those people. END OF!
Like missing the goings on in fictional television Cities impacts your daily life to the point of annoyance. Something’s off there. JMO
But will the IIC at the networks realize that the soap fans are not going to support their ridiculous interruptions of their soaps for something they can see in full on the 24-hour news channels or in summary on the evening news? I have my own opinions on what’s going on in ‘D.C., but I still don’t feel my soaps should be replaced by this…nor interrupted to let us know someone said this or that, or someone farted for Pete’s sake. They respect the evening line up enough not to interrupt it for such things and many of prime time shows are rated lower than the soaps. It’s just a bad mind-set on the part of the network brass that continue to allow this disrespect. I hope this report will help them realize our soaps deserve better.
It all doesn’t matter.
— -Trump approaches speedy acquittal — —
The Fix is in from day one..
Mitch will never allow trump to be removed.
There will be No witnesses nor documents.
It’s just another reality show
to make it appear there was/is a trial.
It will be over sooner than later.
People who know trump is guilty
your justice is via voting.
People who believe he is innocent
will go happy along with trump.
Either side, go vote!
America’s future is in your hands, either way.
What frightens me is encouraging people to vote who obviously do not understand a Democratic Republic or the Constitution. If you lose the Electoral College, you lose the Republic.
Tidbit;
The presidential elections of 1876, 1888, 2000, and 2016 produced an Electoral College winner who did not receive the most votes in the general election.
All, Electoral College Presidents were Republican’s..
so- it seems to be the Electoral College delivers Republican presidents.
I have total faith that the lord will lead us through these troubled times just very sorry that Washington once again has made a mockery out of this what a bunch of bloody fools we finally have a president that is wanting to put us first what is wrong with that ???everyday I pray for this country and people I don’t agree with we live in a wonderful country we are free we have a right to speak our minds we are finally in a great economy a great market and you can come to this country legally what’s wrong with that??? President Trump is not a racist not anything close what happened was he dared to expose the boys club for what they are both sides please get on your knees and pray for this nation and stop please stop with the hate
So much wrong with what I just read, but am choosing to take the high-road on it. Keep up your own positivity, Kay.
Thank you I will once you are a believer the rest just falls into place I was not a fan of Obama but I respected that he was president and never cursed him or wished him harm I feel the same way about anyone who has held this office I personally would pull my finger nails out ugh to be a president ! My mother would have made a great one so very smart she would have demanded a balanced budget or she would have thrown you to the wolves she was the hardest worker I have ever known great business woman most compassionate soul I have ever known ! I wish I was half the woman she was so yes I would like us to get it together but I am not naive Washington has always been a cess pool of idiots ! Saying all that we walk our own path whomever is in office we make our lives enjoyable and my husband and I are very happy we just pray every nite that it all works out ! Newsflash for the networks people will finally tune out they will be disgusted they won’t come back it just won’t happen and they only have themselves to blame ! Keep it cool Scot! And no I am not offended in any way you are more then entitled to your opinion I just wish you would come over to my side of thinking and be happy life is too short not to be! God speed he has it handled always has!
“I just wish you would come over to my side of thinking and be happy life is too short not to be!”
Never said I wasn’t happy; merely that I am not a believer or supporter of who is currently in office. But, again, taking the high-road on this one, as I don’t like mixing my political views with my soaps.
There are other ways to watch the trial. PBS, CNN, etc. Give me back my soaps!!!
The impeachment hearings are just one big fiction, played out as written by the elite and performed by the minions. It is all scripted bs…as is all of politics. I just wish people realized it. Truth is stranger than fiction! I would still take the soaps anyday…at least the actors in the soaps are attractive, as opposed to the actors in government!!!
Since George Washington became president-
Trump is the 3rd president in U.S. history to be impeached.
That’s why there is preemptions.
))It’s sorta a big deal, ya know..
This whole cluster is an embarrassment to this country. Other countries must laugh at the way our politicians are spending their time and wasting our tax dollars! Who the hell would ever want to be in politics. IF you had a agenda that you actually wanted to do something good for the country, the other side will dig crap up on you, attack your family and stall anything that would benefit the country in a positive way! END this witch hunt. Go out and campaign and let the chips fall and go on with your life! Quit bitching about not getting your way or not coming out on the winning side. It used to be if you lost, you would get up off your ass and try that much harder next time. Be an American!
Well said Timmm but it is going to be ok I think most Americans are worn out they just as my family does want you to get out of our way !! We are not fools we have and always will take the bull by the horns as my daddy god bless him use to say and let’s get going !
I love love love my GH. With that said, I’m happy to finally hear more than one side of the story as to what did it did not happen with the President. This gives me the opportunity to draw my own conclusions without bias.
It’s the ratings to follow this chaos which will matter most. DOOL, probably picked up a bit 01/20-24, but was also the stupidest, inane week of Days ever broadcast. Way to tell a story Ron! In a way it mirrors the stuff on the other networks, Andriod Schiff as Summer…all around it’s bad tv.
This is a farce! I don’t watch soaps, not for 40 years, but a few times I tried to watch Dr Oz for some info I thought his show could give me and instead it was this nonsense that is supposed to be a “trial” about what? It is just a group of poor losers who have nothing else important to do, like maybe, RUN the COUNTRY, like THEY were elected to do. If he is such a terrible POTUS get out and campaign against him ( how about with TRUTH this time!) instead of standing up there on TV (WOW!) all self important! A least they are adding to our longevity because laughter adds years to your life, and this whole TRUMPed up farce is just a great laughable JOKE!!!
I am grateful it has been on the broadcast networks. I do not have cable and want to watch the hearings. One solution would be to have CBS, NBC, and ABC take turns showing the hearings on alternate days and have regular programming on the others. That way those of us who want to watch the historic hearings, but don’t have cable can watch.
Breaking News
‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)
The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.
Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.
While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100, A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman
HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM
Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.
There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC
A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN
In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”
Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”
So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.
Breaking News
‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.
The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.
On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI
THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.
Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.
The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.
As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.
Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.
So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Breaking News
ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.
The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.
The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC
In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”
A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS
The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.
Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear. The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.
It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.
So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.
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