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Maria Arena Bell & Hogan Sheffer fess up to the reason behind Y&R's doppelgangers!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Genoa City citizens, and fans of the number one soap, The Young and the Restless have had several bouts of seeing double recently, with both the Lauren/Sarah Doppelganger story, and the Emily/Patty Doppelganger story. But in a new and revealing interview with TV Guide Canada’s, Nelson Branco, Y&R’s head scribes, Maria Arena Bell and Hogan Sheffer sat down for a joint interview about all the on-screen happenings and recent backstage casting. Here is an excerpt about the some of the online flack the duo have taken for to much duality at one time!
Maria Arena Bell on why so many doppelgangers: “Let me tell you what’s funny about that. Someone in the soap press [Soap Opera Digest’s Carolyn Hinsey] recently wrote, “Did you guys realize that you have two doppelgangers airing at once?” Yeah, we did [laughs]! It was intentional. The two stories are intertwined. The Sarah and Patty storylines will be a rapid-fire denouement. It gave us an opportunity to tell a fun, clever and interesting culmination of Patty’s story and the pseudo reemergence of Sheila. It gave Tracey Bregman an opportunity to stretch herself as an actress and show a different side, a darker side, in this dual role. It’s a very short arc. But what it gives the audience is a tour-de-force performance from Tracey. You’ll see a very fun explosion this week. Tracey shouldn’t just win an Emmy Award for this portrayal, she should win an Oscar! You’ll see! As for viewer dissatisfaction, I want to say I do visit the message boards. I do listen to our fans and critics. Sometimes when you’re watching a storyline unfold, you don’t know where it’s going and you get understandably frustrated. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It means people are watching and talking about our show. I’d be more concerned if fans weren’t talking about our show! A perfect example of that is the Adam Newman storyline. Everyone complained about Adam getting away with all his evildoings, yet [we surged almost 300,000 viewers in the ratings the week he was murdered — which proved at the end of the day that the audience really loved the story]. We always ensure there is a great payoff in all of our stories. Just trust us.”
Breaking News
Hollywood Studios, Producers & Guilds Send Plan To Gov. Newsom and Gov. Cuomo For COVID-19 Production Restart Guidelines
On Monday, the two states with the most television and film production in the United States (California and New York) received a plan from many Hollywood studios, producers and the entertainment and production guilds of a plan and outline to be able to rejigger and restart production of your favorite shows and films. This includes the soaps: General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful and Days of our Lives.
Via Deadline: In an effort to get the industry moving-forward again where jobs were lost or put on hold, and production were completely stalled out-of-the-blue, the guidelines submitted by “The Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee Task Force (the “Task Force”) is asking for consideration and adoption for the resumption of motion picture, television, and streaming productions in an environment that minimizes the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19,” says a report for Governors Gavin Newsom of California and Andrew Cuomo of New York.
Photo: AP
You can read the details of the report here. While there has been no word from the Governors and their offices if they have seen the report, bets are that several more steps will be needed before anyone would head and report back to a set yet.
As one would expect, limiting contact, social distancing, regular temperature checks, ways to handle props, and a COVID-19 compliance officer for all productions are part of the proposal. As well as virtual writers room meetings, avoiding filming on-location as much as possible and filming in front of large audiences.
So, glad to know that this major step has been taken to try to get production back on track in Hollywood and New York? Comment below.
Breaking News
British Soap ‘Coronation Street’ Set To Resume Production Next Week Following COVID-19 Shutdown
Will American soaps soon follow the Brits, and be able to start up your favorite soap towns again? While production entities await for guidelines from the state of California and the city of Los Angeles, across the bond, ITV’s Coronation Street has set next Tuesday, June 9th to begin filming new episodes of the popular drama.
Coronation Street had been on 10-week mandatory shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic sweeping our globe. The return to start up the show keeps the soap on-air throughout July and then ongoing. There will be three episodes filmed each week at their studios in Manchester.
Along with ITV’s Emmerdale, and other programs, Coronation Street is returning to production under the UK’s guidelines and safety protocols for COVID-19.
According to Deadline that will include: crew members designated to a specific studio or exterior lot … social distancing will be observed … cast and crew will have daily temperature checks, while older and more vulnerable members of the team won’t be part of the new episodes during the initial period of filming.
In a statement, John Whiston, ITV’s managing director of continuing drama, said: “Getting to this point has taken a huge amount of work and goodwill from a huge number of people, not least our cast and crew. With the peak past, all indications are that the time is right for a return to filming. And with the extensive protocols we have put in place, we have made our workplace as safe as possible. I’m sure our audience will appreciate having the show they love continue on air. For many who have written in it is a vital escape from all the fears and stresses this virus brings in its wake.”
So, do you the news on “Corrie” spells a brighter outlook for the American daytime dramas to begin production shortly in some capacity? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Guiding Light R.I.P.
Mark Derwin, Melissa Hayden and More to Reunite for Upcoming Guiding Light Virtual Reunion
Some beloved faces from Springfield return when they gather virtually for one of the next Guiding Light reunion chats via Alan Locher.
Look for fan favorites: Mark Derwin (Ex-A.C. Mallett), Melissa Hayden (Ex-Bridget Reardon), Morgan Englund (Dylan Lewis),, Kimberley Simms (Mindy Lewis) and Jocelyn Seagrave Fundoukos (Julie Camaletti) on Wednesday, June 10th beginning at 3PM EST/12 PM PST on The Locher Room You Tube channel.
Guiding Light fans will remember the love story of Mallet and Harley, Dylan and Julie, as well as Bridge’ts Relationship with Dylan and of course, the spoiled rich girl Mindy Lewis.
Get your questions ready and join the virtual chat. To view on June 10th click here,
So, what were some of your favorite memories from GL featuring this fab five? Comment below.
DAYS Susan Seaforth Hayes Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination For Julie and Doug’s Emotional Storyline
Hollywood Studios, Producers & Guilds Send Plan To Gov. Newsom and Gov. Cuomo For COVID-19 Production Restart Guidelines
The Best of the GH Nurses’ Ball Continues; Which Is Your Favorite Musical Performance?
British Soap ‘Coronation Street’ Set To Resume Production Next Week Following COVID-19 Shutdown
DAYS Chandler Massey Chats On His Bittersweet Daytime Emmy Nomination
DAYS New Summer Promo Reveals The Returns of Jay Kenneth Johnson and Louise Sorel
Mark Derwin, Melissa Hayden and More to Reunite for Upcoming Guiding Light Virtual Reunion
Eva LaRue Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, And Opens Up About The Loss Of John Callahan
ATWT and ‘Vampire Diaries’ Alum, Zach Roerig Arrested For DUI
Y&R’s Tracey E. Bregman and Kimberlin Brown Pelzer Talk the Iconic Battles of Lauren & Sheila
DAYS Chandler Massey Chats On His Bittersweet Daytime Emmy Nomination
Eva LaRue Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, And Opens Up About The Loss Of John Callahan
GH’s Steve Burton and Maurice Benard Deliver “The Power Performance of the Week”
B&B’s Annika Noelle Chats On Her First Daytime Emmy Nomination For Hope’s Emotional Journey Back to Beth
Former Y&R Star, Emily O’Brien Set to Debut On Days of our Lives
Hollywood Studios, Producers & Guilds Send Plan To Gov. Newsom and Gov. Cuomo For COVID-19 Production Restart Guidelines
All My Children Weeklong Virtual Reunions Kick-Off With Ripa, Consuelos, LaRue and Penny
DAYS New Summer Promo Reveals The Returns of Jay Kenneth Johnson and Louise Sorel
All My Children Reunion with Josh Duhamel, Ricky Paull Goldin, Cameron Mathison and More; Later Debbi Morgan Live
Next Y&R and B&B Theme Weeks Announced
Y&R Alum Max Ehrich Big Smooch with Demi Lovato in Arianna Grande & Justin Bieber’s New Music Video ‘Stuck With You’
Soap Vet Debbi Morgan’s Emotional Words On How COVID-19 Has Affected the Black Community
WATCH: ‘Venice the Series’ Gregory Zarian Talk Daytime Emmy Pre-Nom, Bullying & Staying Safe During COVID-19
Tony Geary Opens Up About His Iconic Role as GH’s Luke Spencer on Nancy Lee Grahn’s ‘Soaps In Quarantine’
Soap Stars & Jake Gyllenhaal In All-New Episode of Tonight Show’s ‘The Longest Days of our Lives’
WATCH: Nancy Lee Grahn’s Birthday Celebration Replay With Her Drive-By GH Friends & Co-Stars
Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong Continues To Lobby To Be On Y&R & We’d Be All For It
Brandon Barash On His DAYS Return: “The Reveal Is Going To Be Fun!” But, Who Will He Ultimately Be ?
FRIDAY ON Y&R: Paul and Christine’s Honeymoon Circa 1996
ABC and PEOPLE Announce ‘The Story of Soaps’ Two-Hour Prime-Time Television Event
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Days Of Our LivesMay 30, 2020DAYS Chandler Massey Chats On His Bittersweet Daytime Emmy Nomination
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All My ChildrenMay 29, 2020Eva LaRue Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, And Opens Up About The Loss Of John Callahan
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General HospitalMay 24, 2020GH’s Steve Burton and Maurice Benard Deliver “The Power Performance of the Week”
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InterviewsMay 26, 2020B&B’s Annika Noelle Chats On Her First Daytime Emmy Nomination For Hope’s Emotional Journey Back to Beth
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Breaking NewsMay 27, 2020Former Y&R Star, Emily O’Brien Set to Debut On Days of our Lives
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Breaking NewsJune 1, 2020Hollywood Studios, Producers & Guilds Send Plan To Gov. Newsom and Gov. Cuomo For COVID-19 Production Restart Guidelines
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All My ChildrenMay 26, 2020All My Children Weeklong Virtual Reunions Kick-Off With Ripa, Consuelos, LaRue and Penny
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Days Of Our LivesMay 30, 2020DAYS New Summer Promo Reveals The Returns of Jay Kenneth Johnson and Louise Sorel
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Sheffer, MAB and Nelson Branco have been vilified online for this interview.
It’s on the goldderby forums and daytime confidential boards.
My critiques are there, but to Sheffer’s credit, his Y&R is pushing the envelope and not doing customry things soaps do, like on boring B&B.
I have to agree with MANY of the derogatory comments on other boards in regard to this interview. These writers are so out of touch with what the viewers want. While the Patty/Emily required MAJOR suspension of disbelief, the Lauren/Sara story was just plain dumb. Tracy Bregman made gold out of the crap she was handed, as well as the rest of the cast involved in this beyond ludicrous storyline. My gripe is that what people want are the character driven storylines that made soaps so great. Now it seems its just one crazy plot device after another.
Bold and the Beautiful is barely watchable these days becasue they recycle the same storylines year after year, just using different characters. Now we are going to be tortured by the Bridget/Owen baby for months on end, even though we all know how thats going to turn out.
I want to see storylines on Y&R that deal with the Victor Vs Tucker and Katherine getting her company back. Hell, I welcome the Tucker/Ashley/Neil triangle!
Just listen to what the people want and they will watch, dont turn this once great show into a second rate Passions.
B&B never taps into its history. It completely ignores it when the show’s history could be mined for good storylines. Instead it’s 1 rewrite after the next.
Bridget lost Nicole, had a freaking surrogate that lost her baby, and now that Bridget’s older, she’s pregnant!
Can you imagine the lengths Nelson Branco is going to promote this storyline? He just named Jackie Marone one of the best mothers on soaps! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Jackie lied to Nick abt Ridge Junior being his child. Jackie lied to Nick abt her prostitution and had her “johns” over at their house while Nick, a child at the time, was present in the house. Jackie even pushed Nick to reunite w/ Bridget, despite knowing that HOwen and Bridget were making strides as a couple since jackie obviously put her own selfish, sexual needs over Nick and Bridget breaking their cycle of abuse caused by Nick’s infidelities. And now, Jackie is lying to Nick and forcing Bridget to lie abt the miracle baby, all so Jackie can stay in her marriage to her manwhore. Yet, Nick’s children have been proven to be not his (Ridge Junior, Dino) and he’s lost so many babies (Nicole, miracle baby w/ Katie, surrogate baby)! Jackie’s one of the worst mothers, lying abt the paternity is soooooo overdone, and this is all to pair Nick w/ Aggie.
Y&R and B&B are awful soaps. MAB and Brad need to step down, but that will never happen since MAB married into the Bell dynasty and Brad will never step down bec of his ego and quest for more Emmys.
The reason MAB gave for all of the doubles on Y&R still did not satisfy me. Makes for very dull and boring and brings nothing to the table. I have been with the show much too long to just accept anything. I am sure I do not share these feelings by myself. We . tje voewers. want more than we have been getting lately. I want the edge-of-your- seat storylines back and the wonderful Friday cliffhangers. After you get used to the best of the best –that is all you will ever want. I speak for a lot of viewers on this one.
If MAB really reads the message boards then she should know how much we want Victoria R. back!!!!
and on B&B, I wanna know how Brooke’s blond haired, blue eyed sister gave birth 2 a darkskinned man!!! and his “dad” just comes OUT OF NOWHERE! no one even remembers you dating a Black man, much less being PREGNANT by one and now let’s just pop this unimaginable storyline in… i was insulted, not only as a Black viewer at the fact that adding Black characters to the plot was so thoughtless and haphazard, but that the writers think the viewers are that damn dumb…
as for the doppleganger stories, DUMB!!! you REALLY need to listen to the fans! Victoria Rowell made a good point on Mo’Nique’s show… Y&R is #1 among Black women, but we are the MOST underrepresented group on the show! Rowell’s Drucilla brought depth, passion and a great story to the show… I have been watching the show since I was 3 years old with my mother! I am now 30, my mother has passed and it’s a way I feel close 2 her everyday, by watching the show. But truly? more and more, my friends are starting 2 turn away from the show… BRING DRU BACK! PHICK SUCKS as a couple, Sharon NEEDS Dru and so does Lily… GET IT 2GETHER Maria Arena Bell!
Dear Maria, Eric Roberts is one of the most interesting characters on Y& R. I think his charcter could evolve into a permanent role. He’s always been one of my favorite ‘macho actors. Thanks for giving him a leave of absence from the show so he could straighten himself out. I went through rehab a few times myself so I know the painful drill. Well take care and HSPPY NEW YEAR. Bob “Ziggy” Anderson
We Need to have Nick & Phyllis back to together because they have a lot of chemistry and a lot of people will watch the show more like people like my age like 18-29.
Go phick forever