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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!
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.
Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!
Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners: ‘General Hospital’ Takes Drama Series, Tamara Tunie and Scott Clifton Top Acting Honors
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards have just concluded on Friday night, October 30, and it was ABC’s General Hospital who took home the top prize for Outstanding Drama Series for the sixth time in row. Executive Producer, Frank Valentini accepted the award on behalf of the show.
Beyond the Gates scored its first two acting honors in the young history of the show. Veteran actress, Tamara Tunie won her first ever Emmy for Lead Actress a Daytime Drama Series for her performances as Anita Dupree, while Ambyr Michelle took home the gold in the Emerging Talent category.
Scott Clifton won his fourth Daytime Emmy overall, and second Lead Actor Emmy for his heart-tugging performance as Liam Spencer, who believed he was battling an inoperable brain tumor, only for it to turn out to be medical ruse to bilk Liam’s father out of $1 million dollars.
Courtesy/NATASYouTube
DECADES BETWEEN BETH MAITLAND AND ROGER HOWARTH LAST EMMY WIN
In the Supporting Actor and Actress categories, Daytime Emmy history was made with Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott, The Young and the Restless) winning her second Emmy 41 years since she won her first won, and Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) following suit for the men with his coming 32 years after he won in 1994 for One Life to Live.
Courtesy/NATASYouTube
Jeff Kober picked up his second Daytime Emmy win for his role as Cyrus Renault on General Hospital in the Outstanding Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series category. He previously won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the role in 2022, following a nomination in the same category in 2021.
The Kelly Clarkson Show, meanwhile, won Outstanding Daytime Talk Series it its final year, while Sherri Shepherd won for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host after finding out her talker had been canceled after four seasons.
Photo: NATAS/YouTube
THINK OF LAURA
General Hospital star Genie Francis (Laura) received the Lifetime Achievement Award and shared from the stage, “I know 50 years sounds like an awfully long time, but it doesn’t feel like that to me,” she said. “As they say, if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”
Overall, General Hospital, Beyond the Gates and The Kelly Clarkson Show received the most gold statuettes for the night with four wins apiece.
Here’s a look at the honor roll for tonight’s big winners below:
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
General Hospital
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree, Beyond the Gates)
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Scott Clifton (Liam Spencer, The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless)
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott, The Young and the Restless)
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas, Beyond the Gates)
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
General Hospital
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jeff Kober (Cyrus Renault, General Hospital)
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing in a Daytime Drama Series
Days of our Lives
Outstanding Talk Series
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Outstanding Talk Series Host
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Lighting Direction for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Costume Design/Styling for a Daytime Program
The Young and the Restless (Episode 13273)
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, The Kelly Clarkson Show
So, who were you happy to see win a Daytime Emmy on tonight’s 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Do you think the right show and actors took home the gold? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section. In case you missed it, you can watch the replay of tonight’s livestream of the Daytime Emmy ceremony below.
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