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!
Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”
Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
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Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmys Gold & Silver Circle Inductees: Francesca James, Patrika Darbo and Meredith Vieira Among Those Being Honored
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday, October 8, the 2026 Gold & Silver Circle Inductees who will be celebrated at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Friday, October 30.
This year’s honor roll features industry professionals that have made contributions across daytime television, including daytime dramas, talk shows, comedy, and more.
The Gold inductees include: Meredith Vieira (former c0-host of The View, journalist and EP and CEO, Meredith Vieira Productions),Patrika Darbo (ex-Nancy, Days of our Lives and Shirley, The Bold and the Beautiful, soon to be seen reprising her role of Shirley on Y&R), three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Francesca James (ex-Kitty/Kelly, All My Children, and ex-Marcy Wade, One Life to Live, plus director and/or producer at All My Children, General Hospital, Loving, Santa Barbara et al), and finally Byron Allen (Founder, Chairman & CEO Allen Media Group).
It should be noted that Vieira made guest appearances on both All My Children and General Hospital throughout her career. On GH, she played madam Bree Flanders in 2003 and 2012. She also appeared as a wedding planner on All My Children back in 2001.
Photo: NATAS
The Silver inductees are: Stephen Brown (VP Programming and Development, Fox Television Stations) and Rubin Ervin (Announcer/Warm-Up Host for Family Feud, The Bachelor and more).The Gold and Silver Circle Society Inductees are deemed by NATAS as “exceptional professionals who have performed distinguished service within the television industry, setting standards for achievement, mentoring, leadership and professional accolades for 50 or 25 years, respectively. They represent the best and brightest in the industry.”
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS shared, “This year’s Gold & Silver honorees are recognized for their continued exceptional contributions to our television industry. We are proud to honor a class of honorees from diverse career paths across many daytime genres. Their impact is evident in programming every day, inspiring generations and enriching the lives of countless viewers.”
MORE ON THE 53RD ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMYS
NATAS previously announced that soap opera icon Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during this year’s ceremonies.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys will be held at the historic Hollywood Palladium and will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
The annual awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be a single ceremony in 2026, produced by NATAS Productions. Adam Sharp and Lara Gates are executive producers, with Leon Knoles returning to direct for a fifth straight year. Rachel Schwartz serves as Head of Daytime, and the firm of Lutz & Carr, LLP, provides accounting services for the competition.
So, what do you think of this year’s Gold & Silver Inductees? Happy to see some of the names that will be recognized on October 30? Who in the future who has had enduring contributions to daytime television or the soap opera genre, would you like to see receive these honors in years to come? Let us know via the comment section below.
Breaking News
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62
Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.
According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route. Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.
Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.
Photo: NBC
Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.
As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.
Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.
Photo: ABC
Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.
Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.
Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.
Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”
The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”
Besides his role in the soaps, Kelker-Kelly appeared on primetime on Touched by an Angel and Rescue 77 , and played Bo in the Days of our Lives specials Night Sins and Winter Heat in the early 90s.
Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.
Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.
‘Beyond the Gates’ and Daytime Emmy Nominee Mike Manning to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
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THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: What Has Happened to Jill?
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Delon de Metz Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Finn May Learn Unsettling News, Zende Makes His Decision, Katie’s Bitter Battle Escalates
‘Beyond the Gates’ and Daytime Emmy Nominee Mike Manning to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Mary Elizabeth Winstead Opens About Breaking ‘Passions’ Contract, Claiming the Soap Had a ‘Militant Vibe’
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Jason Seeks Answers For Sonny, Drew Gloats, and Chase is in for a Battle
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THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: What Has Happened to Jill?
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