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Michael Fairman TV Names The Best and Worst in Soaps 2020

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Michael You got it all right for 2020. What a year and yes Y&R went to shits, that’s for sure. They need Gina T back for a huge SHAKE UP! Those idiots behind the Y& R going down need to be fired, what is CBS waiting on, the #1 daytime soap is NO LONGER #1. GH and DAYS are rolling. What shame for those outstanding actors & actresss at Y&R knowing they aren’t #1 anymore. Boring boring and yes the same storyline over and over with Adam and Adam, maybe it should be called Adam Young & Restless. We are… Read more »
I’ve watched this show for 33+ years and it’s definitely not what it used to be. My viewing is mostly hit or miss these days. My discontent started with not rehiring Michael Muhney for the Adam role and escalated when they fired Gina Tognoni. Storylines are for the most part not interesting either. They definitely need someone to shake things up!
Great comment, Kathy!!!
Hi Michael. Happy New Year! I agree with everything you said about GH. Thank you
Michael, for the first time in a long time, I agree with the majority of what you’ve selected for your best and worst of 2020! So happy you continue to share this! Here’s to an overall better 2021, especially for the CBS soaps. Hoping YOU are well!
agree with many of these picks,Y&R really went downhill, it’s boring stories have no payoffs,and they have cast to be great, writing just isn’t there,GH was best soap,really injoyed it since returning production
Y&R has been absolutely horrible for too long now. I can never watch for more than a couple of scenes once or twice a week. Such a shame given how good it was in years past. You should add a most missed category next year; mine is Kimberlin Brown/ Sheila Carter(preferably on B&B).
I loved Kyle and Lola and was completely invested in them and still am. Patiently awaiting their eventual reunion!! Michael and Sasha have outstanding chemistry:)
I’m a Kola fan as well! 🙂 Would love to see Kyle & Lola reunite in 2021
Oh you guys, don’t hold your breath! Michael should have titled them The Worst of The Worst.
Nothing is worst is than sanctimonious Liam and Hope on B&B. Or no chemistry Ridge-Brooke.
Thank you for stating what I consider the majority of GH fans have been saying for years – it’s time for Peter to go. Ramsey seems like a nice guy. Once Liesl finds this out, we’ll hopefully begin Peter’s exit. On the subject of Emmy nominations. I’d say at this point, NLG should submit in supporting. Alexis’ current storyline is the C or D level story these days. Genie hasn’t submitted in Lead in years, but based on storyline, I’d say that’s where she belongs. LiLo has to be a frontrunner in this category. Would Emmy rules permit WK to… Read more »
Yes,to Genie as Lead Actress! Yes, Yes!
I agree with most of these. While DAYS remains my favorite Soap on the air at the moment, GH had an amazing year. I would like to say that firing Emme Rylan was another huge mistake worth mentioning here! Finally, not only was having Cady McClain pinch hit for Missy Reeves brilliant move but a great indicator that she should be a permanent recast! I much prefer her to Missy Reeves!
While I agree with most of Michael’s choices I have to mostly agree with the Lola, Kyle and Summer trio. I did not like Kyle with either girl, so possibly he’s the one messing up things, maybe try the two gals together? Don’t remember Theo being mentioned. Could not stand him! I don’t know if it was a mistake dropping Emme Rylan but an even bigger mistake would have her replace Melissa Ordway as Abby as has been swirling around the rumour mills.
I don’t think Melissa is going anywhere!!!
Unless they pull a “Michelle Stafford” and replace like they did to Gina T
Yes, to biggest mistake–firing Emme Rylan. Lulu needs to come back NOW.
I believe that the situation with Peter on GH has yet to be completely revealed. It may be just like it seems to be and if it is then I believe that Peter will come through for Maxie and Lou in the end. I believe that Lou should be alright and that Peter is going to be a good father to his daughter. I believe that Maxie and Peter can sort out this mess whatever the situation has been. Peter will prove that he can be the man that Maxie can trust and love.
Peter cannot be as “he seems to be”, we have seen him numerous times giving orders and incriminating himself to his flunkies on the phone, to have this one or the other to be killed as he demands. In the beginning I liked Peter when so many other fans hated him from the start, but he has shown his true self and I think we have to believe the writing on the wall in this case.
I believe that Peter can be redeemed. It has not been completely clear as to who he has been dealing with. I believe that even if it is the worse case scenario that Peter can get back on the road to redemption. He was living a completely law abiding life until the situation with Shiloh happened. I believe that he can open up to Maxie and the others that he cares about and can make some sort of restitution in some way. I believe that if Franco and Luke can be transformed into better people the same can be done… Read more »
BRAVO!! Michael Fairman–
Your; The Best and Worst in Soaps 2020
_____ It is Outstanding..
I got nothing- but-Right On !!
and-
Thank You 🙂
Two thumbs up. You got it right. I’m only a regular viewer of GH but I can say I agree with you 100% at least on that show. Maura West is and always has been brilliant. Laura Wright has made Carly her own and I’ll always be a Sarah Joy Brown fan. Genie Francis can do no wrong. And if Ingo Rademacher & Laura Wright had a baby, it would be Eden McCoy. Finally everyone loves Maurice Benard but I also adore Steve Burton & Bradford Anderson. And will miss William DeVry more than I could ever miss Julian Jerome.
Happy New Year everyone. Looking forward to new, positive beginnings. Michael, liked you categories. I would also add The Christmas Carol as another best Standalone episode along with the Women’s Right to Vote. Both were outstanding. But as long as GH keeps guns, shootings, bombs, criminal characters trying to play pillars of society, plus drug and alcohol addictions as growing storylines they sure aren’t the best imo and not what attracted me to the soaps in the first place. Too much in everyday “real” news. And if you think Peter (I’m probably one of the few who doesn’t mind the… Read more »
Couldn’t agree more with Michael on the stuff regarding #YR, #BandB and #GH. #YR doesn’t deserve “most disappointing”. They deserve worst drama series of the year. I don’t watch #DOOL at all so I really can’t say anything about them. But yeah, as someone on here said, #YR was a shit show this past year.
I couldn’t agree more with your MOST BORING COUPLE (three-way-tie): Kyle and Lola, Kyle and Summer, Theo with Lola. Kyle/Lola/Summer ALL need to go! They are sleep-inducing in every scene. It’s really too bad Theo got wrapped up with those 3 characters. He never really had a chance. It only they had given him his own S/L, he could have been a great addition to the show.However, anyone involved with the Tedious Three is doomed! I hope that the Sally character can do something to shake things up, but if she’s destined to be with the Tedious Three, she’ll be… Read more »
I was and am extremely invested in Kyle and Lola’s relationship. I think their marriage ending was a huge mistake, but I think Sasha Calle and Michael Mealor give excellent performances when “Kola” are dealt with angsty scenes. Their chemistry is electric and their love story is magical. Kola is my favorite part of Y&R and it’s a bummer that they’ve broken up. I hope a new love interest is in store for Lola for the new year. And I hope Sasha Calle will be nominated for a Daytime Emmy again next year. Would love to see Michael Mealor be… Read more »
Its time for Anthony Morina to go hes an awful EP. The show feels directionless, visionless and all around terrible. Hes the worst EP ever for YR. At least Mal Young was creative. Josh Griffith is just writing terrible stories. Steve Kent i hope ur listening its time for another new team at YR. The show needs a jolt in a big way.
Only watch GH. Max Gail, SUPERB!
The Devil would like to add a category to the list…. WORST SOUND EFFECT ON A SOAP That ridiculous “baby with serious asthma” noise on Days of Our Lives. When they first used it for Brady & Kristen’s kid, it didn’t seem all that weird, as the kid was known to be sick and might have actually had breathing issues. But then they used it for Allie’s kid Henry, and now are using it again for Lani & Eli’s twins. And on that note, shouldn’t they be wheezing in stereo since there’s TWO of them?? Enough already! We all know… Read more »
What they have done to Y&R is inexcusable EB was bitching about Mal Young you ended up getting a worse writing team ! I also resent the heck out of actors stomping their feet and demanding who they are going to work with! Be lucky you are drawing a paycheck and shut your mouth.
Trust MF to undeservedly kiss ass. B&B is a shadow of it’s former self and frankly has become a complete joke. Giving Brad Bell any credit for this mess is ridiculous.
Agree with most things #GH (especially the lovely underused Rebecca Herbst), but in addition to the gratuitously overkilled (pun intended) demise of Julian Jerome, the inexplicable exit of Lulu just as Dante came home was the absolute worst. We need more Spencers, not less. Whether it’s Julie Marie Berman or Emme Rylan I hope Lulu wakes up and is back in Port Charles stat!
Agree with you 666% on the Spencers. And I’m fine with using Elizabeth more, as long as they leave Frodd out of it.
Only ‘best ‘ thing of y n r was the vintage eppys aired during the covid shutdown. Wow. What a treat to relive how magnificent the show once was. The 80s was truly their golden era. Even b-plots like Gina Roma hiding her boyfriend who was responsible for Katherines look alike switch was thrilling! The background music, the buildups, the climatic cliffhangers .. Only to get back to new eppys which brings me to the ‘worst’ part. Everything new is just the complete worst. The dismantling of Kola only to have Skyle bore us with no real conflict is a… Read more »
Had Bill Bell and Kay Alden outlined the “who shot Adam” storyline, it never would have ended so abruptly nor with the obvious suspect being the reporter. I kept hoping the real culprit would have been a drunken Faith, who had strong motive for shooting her uncle– with the help of that insipid Jordan. After all, how in the world did Billy’s gun end up at the scene of the crime? The gun was stolen from Victoria’s house break-in… only a family member would have that kind of knowledge… again, possibly Faith. UGGGH!
Love that idea! I too was hoping Faith was in on it after her anger towards Adam. At the very least they could ve upped the conspiracy angles and made her a suspect…but alas nothing this regime does has any thrill. Faith is too good to waste with that useless Jordan character, she needs a teen scene around her to boost the young set. Griffith sidelined the Kola triangle and along cut more young characters with sooo much potential like Anna and Fenn. Key Alden should be offered the moon and stars to come back and save us from this… Read more »
Hi Damien– Just getting to your response– Kay Alden should come back and steady a sinking ship. As we know, she was with Bell since the 70s.
The moss! Ha!
I’ve been smh about it that stuff since it first appeared
I disagree. GH was NOT the best soap and Chris & Dan weren’t worthy of being “soapmakers” While there was a noticeable improvement with more focus on Laura (and I love her new brothers) there was far too much Sonny & Co. (MB did NOT deserve to be the best actor either. 2 good scenes out the the far too many he’s in doesn’t make him best at anything. And the dragged out story of Michael & his sister wives. Has there ever been a quad with less sex appeal? Michael & Willow have no chem. Willow was on the… Read more »
ANOTHER Sonny hater! Go away! He was on a lot because he was in one of the great stories in the last TEN years! He and Max Gail knocked it out of the park sister!
There are a lot of Sonny haters out there and we’re not going away
I know your cult, “The I hate Sonny, Carly, Jason and Sam” following. You get out of life what you put into it! Goodbye.
Maurice Benard’s work on the Max Gayle stories showed how very talented and versatile he is. The scene
with Sonny crying at his father’s bedside was wonderful. If you hate a character, please fast forward
and if you don’t like a show move on but please don’t ruin it for the fans who do like it. You are very welcome to your opinion , but remember what these actors are going through during Covid. jMO
Lucy, you have nailed it! Thank you for your commentary! While I do appreciate Mr. Fairman’s role in promoting soaps and I am thankful to him for this website and its platform, as a “Sonny hater” since day 1, I am so tired of the incessant ass-kissing of this character and actor. Over the years at this website, I have repeatedly mentioned my objections to the Sonny character (and endless mob storylines). But to sum up: (1) I object to the glorification of a despicable, abusive killer. (2) I object to the moral center of GH being hijacked from doctors… Read more »
Thanks. I agree with you. The moral center bit is what truly disturbs me. Sonny is a terrible person. Why center your show around that?
And the latest version of Carly, where she just shrieks most of the time is soooo bad
Steve Hardy Luke Spencer Sonny Corinthos Without at least one of these guys, there is no General Hospital. Steve Hardy can’t come back, and odds are against Luke ever showing up again. This show is already starting to fall apart without Sonny… let alone his own organization with Carly going rogue and kidnapping some frail old lady who has nothing to do with her son being a drug running douchebag. Most of the rabid Sonny hate started up after February 2012, so let a Devil make this perfectly clear. There is not now, nor will there ever be, a OLTL… Read more »
Great article! Will say what separates great actors such as Maura West is that they can do any type of story to include those written poorly and spin it into gold 100% of the time. Actors like Wally Kurth need specific material written for them and acting is spotty at times.
Agree
Not all of Mike’s family got to say goodbye to him. Kristina was not involved in or even mentioned when Mike was dying and the only reason she was included in the memorial episode was because of fan uproar on SM.
General Hospital is definitely the best! Your reviews of all the actors and their story lines are right on point, I agree Rebecca Herbst a MVP and could be utilized much more!
I don’t know why this incredible show is not at #1.
Marilyn Miller
I was saying that to somebody today that I don’t know what’s happening with Y&R, and I was thinking maybe it’s since we’ve come back from the pandemic and they started filming again, it’s just stale like the stories don’t flow. And it saddens me because they have such incredible talent, and I’m worried that the talent will go somewhere else if they don’t feel like they’re getting storylines…. The Alzheimer storyline on GH though was so gut wrenching and so beautifully done. I lost my dad two years ago to Alzheimer’s.. it was just an amazing storyLine and GH… Read more »
Michael, I agree with every choice you made. With the exception of Days of Our Lives awards as I’ve never watched Days. I do wish there was an award,beside Best Storyline, to make known the exceptional storyline and acting done by GH in their Alzheimer storyline.Max and Maurice were at their pinnacle. The acting, and connection these two shared made you feel honored to view ‘this “something so special and rare” you didn’t want to end! Then Eden McCoy got the chance to contribute and she delivered!!!!I can only remember one other time when just viewing made you feel part… Read more »
BEST TWIN
Jake Lambert – Days of our Lives
When Jake the mechanic showed up looking just like Stefan O DiMera, obviously they were twins. But the difference between the two is startling thanks to the performances of Brandon Barash. “aint talk of the town, but venture gues’t : libido intstincts first, ad hurl
coming on best his hard on still take
Jake is more like Johnny Zacchara than he is Stefan, really. Hooking up with Kate for example. On GH, he hooked up with three different women who were old enough to be his mother. I think Johnny also worked as a mechanic for a while when he was trying to stay out of the “family business”.
GH was awful, IMO! Maura West and Genie Francis were the saving graces of the show. KD, as a recast for Jackie Templeton is horrible. Olivia’a performance was so over the top, that it made me FF!
You overlooked the scene with an alive Holly being held hostage, as a highlight of 2020…but you would.
DOOL was definitely the best, all around soap of 2020!
Why all the love for B&B? My dvr had to break up with the show. It was becoming too painful to watch even before the pandemic.Days was pure soapy goodness this year.Agree Y&R needs storyline work It wasn’t the greatest but still above the hot mess of B&B.Plus y&r delivered the treat of all those wonderful classic episodes something GH was unable to do with 50+ years of shows. Agree GH was the best this year because of the fantastic Alzheimer’s story, the teens and the queens Genie, Maura, Nancy. Lisa, Chloe and Kathleen.Nice for Jane to pop in. Gh… Read more »
Hi Michael
Your picks were right on but have to disagree on best new character, Gwen on DOOL, maybe should be Best New Bitch! While I liked her role on Y&R, I can’t tolerate her as Gwen. Guess it shows how good she is huh?
As a GH fan for too many years to count, I definitely agree with you about Becky Herbst. I always feel that the writers seem to leave her in the background, only to appear when necessary. She is a far better actress than some that are always front and center. I do hope the writers see what a treasure she is and give her a story line that is worth her talent.
Hi Michael, Happy New Year. I read the article and although I do agree with most of it, particular the GH stuff cause I’m a huge fan. I think you should have added the youtube content from Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson. Their podcast and their 7 Questions with Steve and Brad have been the best to watch during Quarantine, and should’ve tied with the best pandemic series. But that’s just my opinion. All in all this is a great article, Good job.✌️
It’s obvious Michael leans more towards GH. I watch GH and Days. I fast forward far more through GH than Days. Ron Carlivati is the best writer in daytime and he has the best writing team. I know it’s all apples and oranges. I just felt compelled to defend my favorite show.
Ron Carlivati is the best writer in daytime? wtf! haha haha haha haha haha, that was unintentionally funny.
Mario
We all have our favorites and if GH is Michael’s it would be totally understandable. I watch all four shows and have from the beginning. Three have not stood up to time but GH has pretty much given us interesting characters, SLs,etc. That cannot be said of the other three. Hopefully Summer on Y&R checking out Sally previously on B&B in LA will add a little excitement to that show.
Agree with most everything except for Britt.. nothing against the actress but she is like nails on a chalkboard to watch… FF all the way
PS no comments about Sam? The danger junkie leaving Jason?! She will always be in danger and knew that, together or apart. They were my all time favorite soap couple, and this “reunion” has been painful. Were they happy for a day?! They are supposed to be together.
IMO the Worst Soap is B&B. A Vanguard for rushing the return of a soap yet whereas other soaps have cast members stand closer, sit next to each other, even hug B&B have the actors still at opposite sides of a room. Even ones in love with each other.
Michael I love this list this year you were right on but the one that I really agree with you over is Rebecca Herbts most undersuse MVP, I pray EP Frank Valentini and Head writers and soap makers of the year no less, will see this and finally do something about it, It completely boggles my mind how Kelly Monoco and Laura Wright are in everyones storyline’s yet poor Rebecca is reduce to less then actors who are not even contract players? GH do something right with Rebecca finally this year once and for all.
Before we start making predictions for 2021 Daytime Emmy nominations, I would love to see DOOL get some love. Rob Scott Wilson needs a nomination as Lead Actor. He has carried the show and seems to be the only actor that deserves a Lead nomination. I always love Ari Zucker’s work. I also think it is time for Lauren Koslow to get a Supporting Actress nom.
Wow! So much. I don’t watch GH. For me, Days is the best. Y&R does need help. Too much on the A.J.-Adam story and the Teardrop of Love. Liam was so stupid. Why didn’t he go in the room to see what Thomas and “Hope” were doing?
Looking forward to a great 2021!
GH was awesome. They really wrote some great stuff after the Covid shutdown. Y&R was and still is horrible! I love Victor but he is just a shell of himself now. After this current story warps, he should retire and bring back Michael Muhney. Also, Lola’s mom should be Jack’s new love interest. Recast Kyle and I liked Mellissa Orday’s husband as Chance. But, none of this matters if they cannot find capable writers.
I really liked your selections, Mr. Fairman! GH has been especially outstanding since it’s return to production. There is so much mentioned about GH and it’s spectacular cast, writers, production team, that I totally agree with.
Here’s to a fabulous 2021 for ALL the soaps!
I agree with most of what you wrote. Upon return I felt Frizz was finally getting a good story. So while Rebecca Herbst does deserve more screen time I felt like Tracy Bregman is the most underused VIP As the daughter of a nurse who took care of Alzheimer patients for over 30 years I can say GH did a beautiful job, all the way down to Max wanting Sonny to leave so he can pass on alone. It really happens. With absolutely NO disrespect to a legendary actress like Marla, I was completely disgusted and off put by the… Read more »
Michael
Can you add an addendum or whatever and call it the worst injustice done to an actor and the fans? The firing of Donny Boaz as Chance on Y&R has got to be one of the stupidest things they’ve ever done. I know there are tons of fans that agree with me.
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