Breaking News
EXCLUSIVE: ‘Montecito’ a New Audio Soap Opera Featuring Daytime Favorites Set to Make Its Debut
What’s old is new again, but with a modern twist! Coming April 22nd, an all-new audio soap opera featuring many notable stars, and an incredible sound design, marks a bold reinvention of the American soap opera.
The series entitled Montecito is set to make its debut when it drops its first two of its 10-episode audio-only drama and brings with it explosive drama, betrayals, and unforgettable characters to your ears every week.
Set in the sun-drenched enclave of the ultra-wealthy, Montecito presents a dark paradise where shattered romances, hidden family secrets, and scandalous affairs hide behind manicured hedges and the shadows of towering palm trees. Each 20-minute episode immerses listeners in a world of deception—an experience designed for today’s soap opera, podcast and audiobook audiences. The audio-first series comes from creator and Emmy-nominated podcast executive producer, Grant Rutter, with Andrew Pemberton-Fowler serving as Executive Story Editor and Trae Budde as Supervising Sound Editor.

Courtesy/GRutter
General Hospital’s and longtime soap favorite, Rick Hearst lends his unmistakable voice as the series announcer. The cast of Montecito includes: Crystal Chappell (Venice: The Series, ex-B&B, DAYS, GL, OLTL) as Helena Granville-Belasco, a fiercely protective matriarch who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Vincent Irizarry (Ex-AMC, B&B, Days and Y&R) takes on the role of Bradley Belasco, the alpha businessman and ageless playboy. Mike Manning (Beyond the Gates, The Bay, and ex-DAYS) is JJ Roman, a reckless, alcoholic nepo-baby whose destructive choices threaten his family’s legacy. Peter Porte (ex-DAYS and Y&R) plays the brooding Deacon Granville, a gay man burdened by his moral compass and his toxic marriage to a woman.
In addition, Chelsea Rendon (Vida) stars as Mina Rast-Granville, a treacherous narcissist with an iron grip on her Montecito lifestyle and marriage of convenience. Emme Rylan (Ex-GH, GL), who steps into the role of Bethany Gina Roman-Quinn, the overachieving COO of the family business who’s as sharp as she is relentless. Marc Anthony Samuel (ex-GH) who returns to the soap genre as Gio Carreri, an even-keeled resident confronted with ghosts from his past. Kelly Thiebaud (ex-GH) guests as Dr. Layla Carreri as well as Jake Getman (American Dad!) as Diego Granville, a young man growing up in the eye of the storm.

Photo: JPI
“We are entering a new era of the American soap opera,” said series creator Grant Rutter in a statement. “Soaps began 95 years ago on the radio. We’ve seen the genre expand and contract over the years, but there’s new life with the premiere of CBS’s Beyond The Gates being the first new daytime drama in 25 years. Montecito brings the genre back to its original form as a premium audio serial. We’ve cast the show with daytime TV favorites and are proud to bring in new voices as well.”
Soap fans can be on the lookout for the first two episodes to drop on Tuesday, April 22nd, with episodes 3-10 (dropping one per week) every Tuesday through the middle of June. You can listen to episodes of the series via Apple Podcasts as well as all major podcast streaming platforms, and on the Montecito YouTube Channel. A teaser will be released on Tuesday, April 15th and you can subscribe to the feed and find out more about the series on YouTube and Facebook.

Photo: JPI
Speaking exclusively with Michael Fairman TV on the casting of the series and the process to get the sweeping soapy drama recorded, Grant Rutter revealed, “We recorded through a virtual studio. I provided all the talent with equipment as sound quality was very important. I wanted to make sure that the actors had a chance to act opposite each other. So, nobody tracked alone. Everybody was able to act with the other actors in the scene, and play the scene out as intended. I wanted the actors to really be able to have an opportunity to do the scene work, opposite talent and look at the talent on-camera and be able connect. As you know, a lot of these other shows and voiceovers they’ll just record separately in a booth.”
Speaking of the cast, Rutter provided some exclusive fun behind the scenes intel on working with some of his main cast starting with Peter Porte: “Peter took the show, very seriously, which I appreciated. In Montecito, Peter’s character is a gay man that is not closeted, but married to a woman. Very unique story for 2025. There’s a whole litany of reasons why, but which you’ll have to listen to find out! There were some heavy scenes with him and the character isn’t very happy. So, when we wrapped a scene, Peter just kind of said, these are some ‘sad gays,’ and it made us all laugh.”

Photo: JPI
“Emme Rylan is almost too nice of a person for the role that she had to play, which is a real icy, corporate, rich woman. In the end, we ended up picking a lot of great takes that she gave us. The character’s very direct it, and it was fun to kind of get her there and shape the character of Bethany Gina.”
“Mike Manning is playing one of those classic kind of soap male leads that’s easily manipulated by the women in his life.”
“Crystal Chappell, she will always be Olivia Spencer Spaulding from Guiding Light to me! Working with her was really fantastic because she’s just so trained with her voice. She recognized right away that this was audio-first, so she would try all different types of pronunciations and inflection points and pacing and, line deliveries. She really embraced the genre and it was really great to hear and to work with her.”
Courtesy/GRutter
As to the hopes and future for Montecito, Rutter shared, “These 10 episodes are treated like that pilot, and while it’s well over three hours worth of content, it is a full arc. I’m kind of viewing this as cycle one with the perspective and the goal of continuing onto the next cycle. I’m very much looking to take the temperature in the market, get some data, see where this lands and hopefully it lands in a place where it makes sense to continue.”
Grant Rutter is an Emmy Nominated Podcast Producer. For over 14 years, he has created, produced and distributed original podcast programming. Grant developed HBO’s The Official Gilded Age Podcast. Notably, Grant created and produced the Webby Award Winning podcast, The Good Place: The Podcast for NBC. The podcast was recognized with an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media Within a Scripted Program. With a love and respect for soap operas, he created and produced the official companion podcast Inside Salem: Days of Our Lives for NBC/Corday/Sony.
Now below, you can check out the trailer for Montecito. Then let us know, are you intrigued and excited for this all-new audio-first broadcast quality soap to debut? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
I am so very happy for this news. I’m old. Not old enough to have listened to radio soaps. But, I did watch 15 minute TV soaps with my mother when I was a child. I remember her saying her shows started on radio. Video production has become so expensive what with premium sets, props, wardrobe, extras, locations, etc. None of that is needed with audio which relies on the theater of the mind. I sincerely hope this is a success.
I will be listening in.
At least this one does not look stolen like [some] others have been. Wishing everyone the best of luck; this looks to be quality-produced, as well.
I’m excited to get invested in this story and these characters. What a great cast!
Everything old is new again. And compelling stories and characters never go out of style. I will look (listen) into this venture.
Just today I was telling a young friend how I listened to the “Soaps” years ago on radio,GL being my favorite, among others. They were 15 minutes each and ran one after the other all day. Hope I can figure out how to do this.
This “sounds” like it will be a new fun podcast to add to my favorites for my daily walks – yeah! And they chose a great number of daytime favorites who all have distinct and familiar voices so it will be easy to follow along with the character development. Again – yeah!
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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