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NBC and USA To Adapt Telemundo Telenovelas Into English-Language Shows!

Courtesy/Telemundo

Courtesy/Telemundo

Looks like more soaps will soon enter the primetime arena! Today, via The Hollywood Reporter announced that NBC and it’s cable network USA will adapt English-language versions of  hit Telemundo telenovelas: Senor de los Cielos (The Lord of the Skies), Telemundo’s highest-rated novela last season, averaging 2.3 million viewers nightly, and USA is developing the upcoming Mujer de Acero (Woman of Steel).

According to THR, “El Senor de los Cielos is the story of Aurelio Casillas (Rafael Amaya) one of the most prominent Mexican drug lords from the 1990s, whose ambition was to become one of the richest and most powerful men in Mexico.

The telenovela generated more than 35 million page views on Telemundo.com, spurring a seven-part midseason web companion series — El Capitulo Secreto (The Secret Episode) — that bridged the first season cliffhanger with the second season, which began last Tuesday.”

For those who may need some info just what is a ‘telenovela”: The telenovela is a widely popular and enduring genre in the Spanish-language entertainment market. The series can run for just a handful of episodes or more than 100, airing weeknights and typically ending with a cliffhanger to hook audiences night after night.  In an increasingly time-shifted universe, telenovelas are still overwhelmingly viewed live.

“Developing this hugely popular telenovela allows us to not only showcase the great plotlines and stories that have captured Spanish-speaking audiences in an English-language adaptation, but it gives us the great opportunity to work hand in hand with our NBCUniversal partners at Telemundo,” said Jennifer Salke, president, NBC Entertainment. “We can’t wait to get started.”

So what do you think of the adapting of more telenovelas?  Seems like everyone is jumping on the bandwagon banking on their success for their storylines and audience!  Do the storyline concepts of the two mentioned in the post interest you?  Who would you like to see cast in them? Weigh-in!

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here’s the bigger question: Why do the ‘powers that be’ at the big 3 networks assume that soaps will sell and win over audiences in primetime, yet want to abolish them in daytime? It’s never made sense to me. Long live soaps….daytime soaps especially.

I kind of agree with what you are saying but daytime or primetime ill take my soaps where ever i can get them as long as the are good!!!

Agree 100% I’ll take them anytime I can get them.

That PO’s me!
The network will run a Spanish telenovela/soap prime time evening’s,
and let our soaps suffer dwindling viewer numbers during daytime ..

And, telenovela’s are violent etc..
So.. for those who complain about a mobster in GH wait for the cartel telenovela ..
I will like it IF the dubbing is done well .. not a fan of subtitles ..

The US versions will not be dubbed or have subtitles. They are being adapted into English and will be cast with English speaking actors, similar to Devious Maids. I’m sure many daytime soap stars who are out of work will be auditioning.

I’m really not interested in a story about a drug lord. Too bad NBC couldn’t buy OLTL and AMC. But, I realize the alphabet people won’t sell.

What a clever idea…NOT! Less than a decade ago, one of the minor networks….(MyNetworkTV)….tried this same thing, and it went down in flames despite attracting such marquis names as Morgan Fairchild and Bo Derek. There were three or four different stories, and only one was even watchable…oddly enough, it had the least known cast members, but the plot was passable. Quite frankly, I don’t understand soap showrunners’ obsession with this format….it has totally ruined GH’s storytelling ability as opposed to the traditional method of presenting tales. In addition, the telenovelas are so campy and over-the-top melodramatic that they are more comical than the usual classy affairs one has come to expect in primetime soapies. I say if you want this form of entertainment, then just go to Telemundo.

LOL @Shay..even though daytime was in much better shape back then I was all over these shows on MyNetwork..They were silly..cliched..but packed a passable punch more or less. I was disappointed when they went off. Remember the one that had Tatum O’neal on it?? Some of those shows were an outright hoot.

Oh yeah, davlestev1, I remember them well. They were so bad they were unforgettable, although the one with the two cute blond Italian restaurateur brothers from NJ who fled to the West Coast to escape the mob was the best one from a storyline point of view. I actually watched all of those episodes. But the Bo Derek/Morgan Fairchild vehicle lost me, even though I tried to stick with it…I just couldn’t waste the VCR hours, when as you pointed out, we still had more daytime drama variety from which to choose. I vaguely recall the program with Tatum…she was such a trainwreck back then that no soap could outdo her real life story!!!! LOL….As for your suggestion about rebooting the great nighttime soaps of yesteryear, there was mention of bringing back “Falcon Crest,” although I cannot imagine it without the late, great Jane Wyman! And even if they don’t do a “Knots” redux, then at least some of their characters should re-emerge on “Dallas,” especially Donna Mills….once her “Swiss Sis” gig with Dr. O. ends, of course! “Peyton Place” was before my time, but I do know that Mia Farrow and Ryan O’Neal played the show’s “supercouple”…. Allison and Rodney, I think???? Quite frankly, no updated plot for the two of them could surpass their real-life sagas….the tales are so outlandish they would be deemed unbelievable even by soap standards! In the words of true telenovelas (not to mention, Bart Simpson….) “Ay caramba!!!!!”

Wasn’t one of them some God-awful thing with Bo Derek who absolutely cannot act her way out of a paper bag – I tried to watch it and it was just atrocious – was a few years back –

Ugly Betty was a success so why not?

Devious Maids is also doing well and it was adapted from a Mexican show.

And why not resurrect FalconCrest or KnotsLanding for that matter…Hell..update PeytonPlace and throw that back on the screens. I guarantee you people will jump on that bandwagon to at least see how it goes.

Don’t like GH so I know I won’t be watching. Violence is the last thing I want to watch.

It helpss that ComcastNBCUNIversal OWNS Telemundo so its easier to translate them to NBC/USA

I think the shows will be geared to the ever increasing Latino market. Apparently Latinos watch daytime soaps in significant numbers. I’m not interested.

I don’t think so. Otherwise why translate the telenovelas to the English audience in the first place.

Many Latinos are bilingual, especially second and third generation. TV programs are developed for minorities too and they are in English.

Rapids, I am living her In Africa, (thanks, don’t need your condolences), and telemundo is a big hit, granted these dumbass people are entertained by anything that comes on from the west. What pisses me of is how the cheap non-professional voice over actors are so stupid and can’t act or lend their voice in a way that would make them the professionals they claim to be.. i.e. Margret on Precious Rose, an overacting wannabe actress, Lola Volcan’s voice over actress, with their overacting squeak voice. Hate them all… My wife watches them until I come in and change the channel… Especially hate the way they use the complete name when addressing each other… i.e. Lola Sanchez Martinez Gonzales Volcan your are a bitch,,,, Don’t call me that Andrea Sanchez Martinez Gonzalez Suarez.. It makes the Latino community sick..

i would love this because i was introduced to telenovelas in 2009 by ny former patient. i loved them alot i loved gata savaje innnocente de ti, and another i forgot the name but it starred eduardo yanez adela noreaga. and the one mariana de la noches. i love the actors helena rojo and ceasar i forgot his last name,laura flores pablo montero omg too many to name. oh ninal conde. so yeah im all for it bring it on.

oops i think i misunerstood the concept. i thought they were bringing telenovelas to primetime and translating them into english. with the original actors . oops. oh well i love telenovelas and i wish i get get them in english

Personally, it freakin’ annoys me that something like this is considered, but no one could breathe honest life back into ALL MY CHILDREN or One Life to Live – instead they became butchered and not even salvaged at the hands of brainless, witless, clueless PROSPECT PARK ~ cannot stress enough how badly they mismanaged absolutely everything and BLAMED every one else.
I realize that it is highly unlikely that these two iconic soaps will ever see the light of day again thanks to the combined mishandling of ABC-TV and Prospect Park whom I sincerely hope never come anywhere near a soap again – and no, I’m not sitting around hoping for a miracle – it just totally annoys me that to this day, Prospect Park has not offered any kind of explanation, no apology whatsoever to long time fans, many of whom watched the shows for 40+ years – NOTHING – just declare bankruptcy and the heck with the actors, crew and Fans – I am sorry but I really think it’s despicable.

How the heck do i watch el senor de los cielos in english im going crazy trying to do this please someone help

News

Robin Strasser Meets Kristen Alderson’s Baby Kiera in a One Life to Live Reunion

For years, Robin Strasser (ex-Dorian) and Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr) have been the best of friends and the best of co-stars. On One Life to Live, Kristen was only six-years-old when she began her journey as Todd and Blair’s daughter and met the iconic Strasser.

Now in 2024, Kristen is a new mom to her baby girl, Kiera. Strasser, who lives in New York, along with her best friend, John, traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, just a few days ago to visit the Alderson family and spend the day with Kiera.

Taking to her Instagram a very happy Kristen shared, “Look at who came to visit today! Robin & her bestie John! Robin and I got all misty eyed when she met Kiera today!”

Photo: JPI

In a very touching part of her post, Alderson expressed, “Robin is such a special person in my life, it means so much to me that we’re as close as we are. She’s just the best❤️ A great day of laughs & a great brunch spread😍”

Robin added, “I’ve been smiling since I met her. I’m a big softie for babies, but what a doll Kiera is!” The Daytime Emmy-winning star, also shared, “I’m so grateful for my ongoing friendship with Kris and Kathy. Amazing women and loyal friends!”

What do you think about Kristen and Robin’s enduring friendship and recalling their time on One Life to Live? Comment below.

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General Hospital

Nancy Lee Grahn’s Star-Studded ALS Fundraiser Reveals “I’ll Be There” Video Featuring Soap Opera Notables

Talk about your impressive line-up! It’s a soap fans dream and for a great cause. General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) is prepping her one-night only ALS fundraiser which will feature many of her friends and co-stars.

The benefit is set for May 4th in Glendale, California. Slated to participate are Genie Francis, Jane Elliot, Peter Bergman, Maurice Benard, Eileen Davidson, Thorsten Kaye, Michelle Stafford, Stephen Nichols, Rena Sofer, Jason Thompson, Kelly Monaco, Melissa Claire Egan, Maura West, Kristina Wagner, Gregory Harrison, Trevor St. John, Kate Mansi, Kirsten Storms, Cynthia Watros, and many others.

On Wednesday, Grahn took to her social media and released an “I’ll be there” video shout-out featuring, Monaco, Elliot, Bergman, Bernard, West, Harrison, St. John and more. In a touching and important moment in the new video, Michelle Strogny, who is battling ALS, is featured.

Photo: ABC

Previously, in speaking with Soap Opera Digest on the impetus of the event, Grahn recalled, “I was actually doing Zoom events during Covid and I met this woman that I just fell in love with, Michelle Strojny. At the time, Michelle had been living with ALS for four years. Now, it’s five years. She is a mom of a teenage son, she has the most wonderful husband, and she has been dealing with this [disease] for quite a while. And obviously, there isn’t a cure yet. It’s not survivable yet. But as she says, it’s not incurable. Nothing is; it’s underfunded. But anyway, I just really dug this woman. She is so grounded and filled with grace, and she spends all of her time working to raise money for the cause. We did a fundraiser for her last year and then I thought, ‘You know what? The soaps don’t ever get together to do something for charity.’ Collectively, we have this amazing community and we don’t collectively use it for a good cause, and I think it’s such an easy thing for us to do and we could potentially really make a difference.”

As GH viewers know, Gregory Harrison is playing the character of Gregory Chase, who is also battling ALS in a touching storyline that is currently playing out shedding a light on this disease.

For information on Nancy’s event, including the stars who are s scheduled to participate click here. To purchase tickets to the event click here.

Check out the video featuring Nancy’s friends and co-stars below.  Now let us know, your thought son the line-up for the benefit and helping raise awareness and funds for ALS research via the comment section.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Writer Shannon Peace Let Go, and Shares on Sprina: “One of My Only Regrets is to Not Have the Opportunity to Develop That ‘Ship’ Further”

As General Hospital’s new head writing team of Elizabeth Korte and Patrick Mulcahy gets off the ground and running, there are still changes a foot on the writing team.

Now comes word via breakdown writer Shannon Peace that she is no longer on contract with the long-running ABC soap heading into its 61st season. Peace shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram, thanking the fans, and the show for the opportunity and the importance of diversity in the writers room.

Peace began, “After almost 3 years on staff and 106 episodes penned, I am no longer on contract with General Hospital. Writing for this country’s longest running television serial drama has been an education of epic proportions; I will forever be grateful that I earned my WGA card on a daytime fixture that holds memories for so many.” (Peace pictured below with GH EP Frank Valentini and script writer, Charlotte Gibson from about ten months ago).

Photo: SPeaceIG

Shannon added “Even more importantly, as the sole Black breakdown writer (and only POC in the writers room) during my tenure, I pushed for vital interactions and discussions that prioritized inclusion, visibility, and representation”

The writer pointed to the example of vital interaction when in story, “Stella and Portia’s frank July 2022 conversation about the role race played in Esme’s framing of Trina is just one example of the impact I’m gratified to have had.”

Acknowledging former GH co-head writers was also part of Peace’s farewell expressing, “Appreciation to my former bosses, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor – not only taking a chance on me, but for valuing my opinion and championing my voice.”

Courtesy/ABC

Many GH fans know that Peace was key to the development of the love story between Trina Robinson and Spencer Cassadine as played by Tabyana Ali and Nicholas Chavez. Shannon gave a special shout-out to ‘Sprina’ fans, “I also want to thank fans who were supportive of my work, especially the recognition of my love for ‘Sprina’. One of my only regrets is not having to develop that ‘ship’ further.”

She concludes her statement with,”In the aftermath of a historic writer’s strike that shed new light on the troubling ways writers are regarded in daytime, my sincere hope is that General Hospital recommits to valuing staff writer efforts and input, with a more intentional focus on diverse viewpoints — and thrives for another 60 years.”

Accompanying her post, Shannon added, “Thank you all for the love and support these last few years. I hope GH fans get all they hope for and more!”

So, what do you think about GH not renewing Shannon’s contract? Will there be more continued changes afoot? What do you think is the future of ‘Sprina’ anyway at this point as viewers wait to see if Nicholas Chavez officially returns to the show?  Comment below.

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