All My Children
On-Air On-Soaps Names The Best and Worst Of 2012!
Courtesy/ABC
What a year 2012 was for soap fans! After trying to cope with the loss of another canceled soap, all types of new daytime programming other than soaps emerging on the daytime landscape, the bad rap that soaps are dying from the mainstream, it’s a wonder everyone did not need two Xanax before they sat down to watch the remaining soaps on the air for fear that at any given moment the networks might levy the boom and cancel those too!
However, what 2012 proved the most is that, say what you will, daytime soaps and the genre is surviving with renewed interest. In the case of most of our hit list for the year, the performances and creative energy abound, has given the genre its own back-from-the-dead new lease on life! Once again, On-Air On-Soaps pays tribute to the tremendous work of the talented men and women in front of the camera and behind the scenes, whose tireless efforts in the grind of producing and acting in this genre’s format is more than just respectable! But of course, in addition to the best moments of the year, there were several not so stellar moments, characters, or storylines that get the dubious honor of some of the “Worst’s” of 2012.
So with that said, On-Air On-Soaps presents our fifth annual Best and Worst of the Year. As you will read, we try to dissect it all in our annual look back at the year in review. In several categories, it was almost too tight a race to call, and so, we had to call it a “tie”. In other cases, there were several runner-ups that deserved recognition and those are included, as well.
Now, while we know many of you have your own picks and choices, and may disagree or agree with our picks, we encourage you to let us know your thoughts as well. And most of all, we want to wish all our soapers a healthy, prosperous, and fantastic New Year! It is you, the fans, who have willed this daytime industry to continue!
So here we go … after the jump, we reveal the list of the Best and Worst in Soaps 2012!
SOAPMAKERS OF THE YEAR
Photo Credit: Steven Bergman
Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati – General Hospital and One Life to Live – For their achievements raising the bar in the daytime genre, Valentini and Carlivati receive our highest honors. Cartini reinvigorated an ailing GH as the show to watch in 2012, and gave us the perfect goodbye under extraordinary difficult circumstances with One Life. Through their efforts daytime, as we come to the close of 2012, is on an upswing once again! To read our new interview with the honorees click here!
BEST SOAP (TIE)
General Hospital – Stunning returns, a new regime with a fresh perspective on Port Charles, an entire canvas utilized, fantastic performances and creative storytelling, where just a few of the reasons we are naming GH Best Soap Of 2012! Clearly and easily the best daytime soap to watch of the year!
One Life to Live – The best two weeks of daytime soap opera we have ever seen as OLTL said farewell to its 43-year run on ABC. Think about it: The entire town got shot, it involved a trip to heaven and hell, it paid homage to the fans and the soap itself with the cancellation and the final episode of “Fraternity Row”, had heartbreaking family goodbyes, a baby was born, and an amazing cliffhanger. In two weeks, One Life did what the remaining soaps on the air, except GH, could not do in one calendar year and made us cheer, cry, and care!
BEST EPISODE OF THE YEAR
Courtesy/ABC
One Life to Live’s – Second to Last Episode- Airdate: January 12, 2012 – From Viki’s speech on soap operas, to Starr, Rex, Gigi and Shane saying goodbye to their families and moving out of Llanview, and the ending of “Fraternity Row”, this show was the one that has us reaching, and reaching, and reaching for the hankies!
BEST PRIMETIME SOAP
Revenge – Is there anyone in the Hamptons who doesn’t come with a twist on a twist? And that what soap operas are all about … juicy scandal, dirty schemes, backstabbing and life and death! Bring it on!
BEST REBOOT
Dallas – Who knew that you could take the most popular primetime soap of them all, Dallas and update it and make it even better the original? Well, TNT’s Dallas reboot had us screaming, “More please!”
WORST SOAP
The Young and the Restless – The number one soap was a number one bummer throughout most of 2012, with lackluster stories, fan favorites thrown into the mix who were wasted, yes, Debbi Morgan, Darnell Williams, Genie Francis, what was the point? Genoa City was a snoozy town in 2012.
MOST DISAPPOINTING SOAP
Courtesy/CBS
The Young and the Restless – The reason this is most disappointing because it has such A-list talent attached to it, that it was hard to watch the bad storytelling and the entire cast trying to make it work. They did their best, but Y&R was still hard to invest in it.
BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR
Jason Thompson as Patrick Drake – General Hospital – Every episode that Jason Thompson has graced the daytime screen this year has been filled with raw emotion, and stunning performances. Robin’s exit has provided this outstanding actor an opportunity to strut his stuff and in 2012 there was no one better and not a dry eye in the viewing audience, thanks to Mr. T!
BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS
Finola Hughes as Anna Devane – General Hospital – Fans who may never been witness to the sheer acting brilliance of Finola Hughes, when she won her Daytime Emmy as Lead Actress in 1991, were treated to heartbreaking performances throughout the entire 2012 soap season as she played a mother grieving the loss of her daughter, and being duped by “Duke” brilliantly. Welcome back to daytime, Fin!
Runner-Up:
Courtesy/ABC
Kelly Sullivan as Kate Howard/Connie Falconeri – General Hospital – The first part of the year was a marvel for Kelly Sullivan as we learned about Kate’s rape in stunning scenes and when she went back and forth between, Kate and alter Connie. Now Connie has been to long at the party … we want Kate back!
BEST SINGLE PERFORMANCE MALE
Jason Thompson – Patrick gets ready to attend Robin’s Funeral – General Hospital – Is there anything more memorable than Patrick seeing visions of Robin and trying to put on his tie to get ready to attend her funeral? Hankies! Brilliant work.
Runner Up:
James Scott – Lexie tells EJ she is dying – Days of our Lives – The dashing brit showed once again why he is also tops in the game for the scene in which his sister, Lexie informs him she is dying of an inoperable brain tumor.
BEST SINGLE PERFORMANCE FEMALE
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Laura Wright – Sonny tells Carly that Jason is dead – General Hospital – Simple, heartbreaking and raw, no one on daytime does this better than Laura Wright. In a scene with Maurice Benard (Sonny) informing Carly her best friend Jason, has been shot and assumed dead, Wright once again delivered a brilliant piece of work.
Runners- Up:
Katherine Kelly Lang – Brooke helps Stephanie die in her final moments – The Bold and the Beautiful – In her best work to date, Katherine Kelly Lang brought us to tears as she sang Stephanie to her final breaths, while she admitting she was ashamed at all that she had perpetrated on Steph throughout her lifetime.
Jane Elliot – Edward’s death, – General Hospital –Elliot was extraordinary as she had to come to grips that her beloved and often time adversarial relationship with her daddy, Edward has come to an end. Her scenes in the Q crypt were hankie-worthy alone!
BEST PERFORMANCE IN A FINALE EPISODE
Courtesy/ABC
Robert S. Woods as Bo Buchanan -One Life to Live – It was Woods, who in the final moments of OLTL, made us reach for the hankies! Remember, when Matthew informed Bo that he was going to name his newborn son, Drew? Or, when Bo tells Nora, “I love you, Red?” Waterworks!
BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTOR
Doug Davidson as Paul Williams – The Young and the Restless – Veteran Davidson, received an opportunity to showcase what he does best, but this time there was a twist! Paul shot his own son, Ricky! Rot-ro. It provided Davidson with a chance to break viewers’ heart and he did it well.
BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Genie Francis as Genevieve Atkinson – The Young and the Restless – We were beginning to like Genie’s work on Y&R! Did she really have to be shown the front door?
Honorable Mention: Ilene Kristen for her final appearances as Roxy Balsom on One Life to Live.
BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY A YOUNGER ACTOR
Photo Credit: Ryan Forbes
Chandler Massey as Will Horton – Days of our Lives – Will came out, and we suffered along with him wanting him to accept himself. Massey proved he has the chops and is one of the finest young actors to ever appear on daytime.
BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE BY A YOUNGER ACTRESS
(TIE)
Haley Pullos as Molly Lansing – General Hospital – As Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) has told On-Air On-Soaps; “Pullos is the Helen Mirren of GH!” Enough said!
Kristen Alderson as Starr Manning – One Life to Live – It was Alderson’s last series of shows that were most exceptional on OLTL this year. As Starr dealt with almost losing Cole (which she ultimately did on GH) and saying goodbye to Llanview!
BEST CHILD PERFORMANCE
Brooklyn Rae Silzer as Emma Drake, General Hospital – Is there anything more precious than Emma? Brooklyn scenes with Jason Thompson are always note-worthy!
MOST HEARTBREAKING EPISODE
Courtesy/CBS
Stephanie’s Goodbye Party (Parts 1, 2,3) – The Bold and The Beautiful – With B&B being a half hour and minus the commercial time, the sum of these three episodes made an hour of a perfect tribute to the matriarch of the Forrester clan. The family gathered to celebrate her life, trying to smile beneath their tears, Eric sang to his Irish lass, Celtic Woman’s beautiful voices, and Stephanie saying farewell to her family as she prepares to die, was … heartbreaking!
BEST CRAFTED EXIT
EP and head writer Brad Bell for Susan Flannery’s exit and the final days of Stephanie Forrester – The Bold and the Beautiful – Bell constructed and delivered what he promised … a true send-off to a legendary character and an iconic actress in Susan Flannery.
BEST CRAFTED EXIT FOR A SOAP OPERA
One Life to Live– See “Best Soap”! No question, One Life to Live delivered a package with a bow on it to its fans and went off the air on a high note, even though we were all bawling our eyes out at home!
BEST TEARJERKER
Stephanie’s death – The Bold and the Beautiful – The big question was who would be with B&B’s Stephanie (Susan Flannery) when she died? The answer was the one that made the most sense and provided heart-tugging drama at its finest as Brooke sang Stephanie to her death, and the two had one final dramatic heart to heart on their long and storied feuding relationship that evolved into love and respect.
Runners Up:
Robin’s funeral – General Hospital – While the characters of Port Charles were mourning the loss of Robin Scorpio, the fans at that point at home were too! The emotions on display from Patrick, Anna, Maxie, Mac, Sonny, and Jason made this most memorable.
Courtesy/ABC
Lexie passes away – Days of our Lives – What was so great about this story was Days of our Lives for once, delivered a real human story about dying with dignity, while family and friends tried to cope with the loss. Now if only the rest of 2012 on DAYS had a huge emotional heartbeat!
BEST MEMORIAL EPISODE
General Hospital pays homage to John Ingle, Edward Quartermaine passes away! – The performance of Jane Elliot, the returns of Ned and Skye, and the ending, “First we sing, then we eat!” The famous Edward Q phrase was followed up with the images of Edward and Lila finally being reunited as they go up the Q staircase to heaven together. GREAT!
MOST TOUCHING MOMENT IN A STORYLINE
Edward tells Tracy to give the anti-toxin to Emma instead of him – General Hospital – In just a small scene that said so much, Jane Elliot, the late John Ingle in his final appearance, Jason Thompson and Brooklyn Rae Silzer, made this one for the record books!
BEST STORYLINE
Courtesy/ABC
Robin’s believed to be dead, but really is alive! – General Hospital – After Kimberly McCullough’s decisive exit as the beloved Robin Scorpio Drake, leave it to Cartini, to get her to continue on! And was this story filled with shockers and blasts from the past: Faison, Duke, Helena, and Robert … Yummy drama!
Runner Ups:
Will’s Coming Out Storyline – Days of our Lives – Most realistic coming out story ever told. Too bad, it had to get ruined when Will slept with Gabi. But we will look at the bright side!
Stephanie Death – The Bold and the Beautiful – Once again, beautifully written and told from Stephanie delivering invitations to all her family and friends one by one, flashbacks of over 25 years of Susan Flannery as Stephanie, the goodbye party and Steph’s passing. Bravo!
WORST STORYLINE
The bizarre antics and character shift of Sharon Newman – The Young and the Restless – Talk about bi-polar! This storyline was up and down and all over the place! Sharon Case had the task of trying to keep up with the writer’s decimating her character. Thank God, she is a good enough actress to survive this nonsense!
Runners-Up:
Courtesy/CBS
The Woman In White/Cassandra/Irina Helena’s Pawn – General Hospital – What a mess!
Franco rapes Sam and is Jason’s evil twin -General Hospital – James Franco’s return as psycho Franco and the re-writing of GH history that had Susan Moore giving birth to twins: Franco and Jason, was a EWWW moment. So was Sam’s rape. And after awhile, we didn’t care. Not good.
BEST WRITING
Ron Carlivati – One Life to Live and General Hospital – Carlivati and his writing teams delivered high-stakes drama, human emotion, clever and humorous moments, and paid respect to the history of both OLTL and GH in episodes that aired in 2012!
WORST WRITING
Maria Arena Bell – The Young and the Restless – While we know Maria has written some great stories in the past, 2012 was not her best, nor her team!
BEST CLIFFHANGER
Victor is alive on One Life to Live – Alison Perkins had a tied up Victor Jr. who was indeed alive! Thrilling cliffhanger that made everyone at home happy that Trevor St. John’s Victor was still out there somewhere!
MOST BELOVED CHARACTER AND PERFORMER WE MISS THE MOST
Courtesy/ABC
Erika Slezak as Viki Banks One Life to Live – This was easy! Just look at the comments we received all year at On-Air On-Soaps! Everyone misses six-time daytime Emmy winner Slezak. Here’s hoping she is part of Prospect Park’s OLTL in 2013!
BEST RETURN
Finola Hughes as Anna Devane – General Hospital – From February of 2012 through to the end of the year, it was Finola whose return was a treat for long time fans of the series, and new ones!
Runner-Up:
Eileen Davidson as Kristen Blake DiMera – Days of our Lives – Y&R’s loss was DAYS gain, and who doesn’t love a snarky and spiteful, Kristen? We do!
WORST RETURN
Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed – Days of our Lives – What was the point of Rinna coming back if there was no story for Billie? A DAYSaster in every way!
BEST RECAST
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Jen Lilley as Maxie Jones – General Hospital – Lilley had the most difficult task of all in 2012. And she wowed the audiences at home, replacing fan favorite Kristen Storms while she was on leave from the series. Lilley did a more than admirable job, in fact, she was incredible.
WORST RECAST
Linsey Morgan as Kristina Davis – General Hospital – While we understand GH’s decision to age Kristina a bit, we can’t help but miss Lexi Ainsworth who really took off in the role.
WORST BREAK-UP
B&B’s Ridge and Brooke over a text message! – Ronn Moss’ sudden departure called for a quick out to break-up the just married Ridge and Brooke. But this was kind of ridiculous, don’t ya think?
BEST RECURRING PERFORMER
Jeff Branson as Ronan – The Young and the Restless – Everyone is clamoring for Branson to return to Genoa City, because this Daytime Emmy winner, is just that damn good!
BEST RUINATION OF A CHARACTER
(TIE)
Courtesy/IMDB
Jennifer Horton, Days of our Lives – What happened to her? First, she has had every body part operated on, her heart and now appendix, and her mood swings and behavior towards, Jack, Daniel, Nicole and everyone else made her a shrew at time and that is not our Jennifer!
Neil Winters, The Young and the Restless – How many women can they throw this business man in one calendar year? Did anyone of them work? What is his storyline?
MOST TORTURED COUPLE
Jason and Sam Morgan, General Hospital – Jason and Sam survived it all only to have Jason shot and pushed into the Port Charles waters. Ugh!
MOST OVERUSED PLOT DEVICE
Heather Webber, General Hospital – We love Robin Mattson’s return; however, Heather just kept popping up everywhere in almost every story!
WORST WAY TO WRITE OFF A MAJOR SOAP CHARACTER
Courtesy/NBC
Bo Brady just exits the Brady Pub never to be seen again!
SADDEST MOMENT OF THE YEAR
Soap Fans and the series stars, saying goodbye to ABC’s One Life to Live!
MOST INEXCUSABLE WAY TO HANDLE THE SOAPS AND ITS AUDIENCE
Replacing One Life to Live with The Revolution which ultimately got canceled signaling to ABC that “OOPS”, they made the wrong move!
WORST DECISION THAT IMPACTS SOAP FANS
Network executives continuing to believe that putting on talk shows, cooking shows, makeover shows, will make viewers tune-in back into daytime, while depriving its loyal and adoring audience of the shows they want to see, their soap operas!
WORST TRIANGLE
Photo Credit: Gilles Toucas
Steffy/Liam/Hope – The Bold and the Beautiful – How long can this go on? How much air time can this triangle have? How indecisive can Liam be?
Runner-Up:
EJ/Sami/Rafe – Days of our Lives – With so many DAYS writing regimes, it’s hard to care anymore about this triangle. Everyone thought this was the year for Ejami, now Rafe is back in the picture. Lucky Alison Sweeney, she has two hunks to act with, James Scott and Galen Gering!
MOST CRINGEWORTHY COUPLE
Sharon and Victor, The Young and the Restless – Oh yes! Shiktor! Not only the fans rejected this, but the series star got into a heated debate over tweets on Twitter!
WORST COUPLE
Nick and Gabi, Days of our Lives – This was like, how fast can we get a guy into Gabi’s orbit, so we can build towards this storyline where she is pregnant by her gay best friend, and gets involved with the first new straight guy she sees! And said guy exhibits … homophobia!
Runner-Up:
Courtesy/NBC
Jennifer and Daniel, Days of our Lives – After getting this couple together, only to have them broken up by the next writing regime, Jennifer and Daniel are slowly, slowly, slowly inching their way back to each other. Of course, Jennifer had to mourn the loss of Jack for a few minutes before this happened.
MOST IRRITATING CHARACTER
Sharon Newman – The Young and the Restless – Even though Sharon Case did an amazing job with the material she was given, let’s look at this character: Sharon marrying Victor, being with Adam, all the men, burning down the house of Newman, and on and on. How could we like this once beloved heroine and character, without feeling irritated?
MOST OVERUSED CHARACTER
Connie Falconeri From Bensonhurst, General Hospital – Connie’s got to have a rest! Even a third alter would be a pleasant departure. Who thought we would be begging for Kate?
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT IN AN ABORTED STORYLINE
Caroline’s two moms story that never that got off the ground featuring Crystal Chappell and Joanna Johnson – The Bold and the Beautiful
MOST REVITALIZED CHARACTER
Courtesy/ABC
Tracy Quartermaine, General Hospital – We love Jane Elliot! This year the uber-talented fan favorite, brought Tracy back to the forefront, thanks to Cartini!
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A RECURRING CHARACTER
Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado – General Hospital – Got to give it to Florencia here; for a mother who has to come to terms with the gripping horror that her baby died in the baby switch concocted by Heather and Todd.
MOST CREEPY PERFORMANCE
Anders Hove as Cesar Faison – General Hospital – The creepiest villain of all-time in soaps resurrected! And it was a blast watching. Anders Hove was deliciously sinister and scared the pants off all of us!
BEST NEWCOMER MALE
Robert Adamson as Noah Newman – The Young and the Restless – Noah’s come and Noah’s go, we think this one will stick! Handsome, charming and he can act
Runner-Up;
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Marco Dapper as Carmine Basco – The Young and the Restless – Dapper is great to look at and interesting to watch in his performances.
BEST NEWCOMER FEMALE
Teresa Castillo, General Hospital – “Ugly Betty” lives in Port Charles! Teresa Castillo is delightful as Sabrina Santiago and we can’t wait to see her decked out in a beautiful dress, sans glasses, and hair down!
WORST NEWCOMER FEMALE
Kelly Thiebaud General Hospital – Is it Kelly or is it the part she plays as GH’s Britt?
BEST NEW CHARACTER
Sabrina Santiago – General Hospital – She’s fun, quirky and she could be spoiler in the relationship between Patrick and Robin …. for a short while!
WORST NEW CHARACTER
Joe Scully Jr. – General Hospital – This character fell flat to us!
BEST GUEST STAR PERFORMANCE
Jessica Tuck, One Life to Live – How great was it so see Megan interact with mom, Viki, one last time in heaven before One Life took its final bow?
MOST SHOCKING ANNOUCEMENT
Photo Credit: Cliff Lipson/CBS
Ronn Moss decides to leave B&B after 25 years! – While Flannery, Burton and Reckell all left daytime and seemed like no surprise, Moss’ decision happened fast, without warning, and shocked us all!
WORST EXIT
Peter Reckell as Bo Brady, Days of our Lives – How could DAYS do something so lackluster for one of the most popular characters in the history of soaps?
THE WORST CHARACTER WHO KEEPS POPPING BACK UP
Daisy, The Young and the Restless – Just when you thought Daisy was done, she popped back in 2012!
HARDEST WORKING PERFORMER WHO ACTS AND DANCES!
Kelly Monaco, General Hospital – Chutzpah, talent, and beauty, Kelly wowed us doing double duty during Steve Burton’s exit story and Dancing with Val on the DWTS All-Stars.
BIGGEST WASTE OF TALENT THAT ALL FIZZLED IN STORIES
Sarah Brown, Ian Buchanan, Christie Clark, Patrick Muldoon, Matthew Ashford – Days of our Lives – Ill conceived stories sealed the fate of these favorite daytimers.
BEST PSYCHO:
Courtesy/CBS
Peter Porte as Ricky Williams – The Young and the Restless – Porte changed our minds about him, as he delivered performances that were psychotic and scary. Great job!
Runner-Up:
Barbara Garrick – One Life to Live – She shot Viki and Clint near the end of One Life to Live. And … had the distinction of tying up Trevor St. John.
BEST SPEECH
Viki’s speech about Soap Operas – One Life to Live Jan 12, 2012 – The perfect monologue to what soaps mean to all of us as we prepared ourselves for the finale of the iconic soap the next day.
BEST MEMOIR
Jeanne Cooper, Not Young Still Restless – Bombshells galore as told by the one and only Mrs. C!
OK soapers, after reading our list of the Best and Worst Of Soaps 2012, do you agree with our picks? If so, which ones? If not, who do you think deserved the honors in the categories above? Weigh-in!
I agree with all of them, but Julie Berman & Dominic Zamprogna should be up there too. They are amazing actors & I love have loved all their s/l’s for 2012. And GH been loving it!
Sharon Case showed she is the greatest actress. i love her 🙂 and I love that the show is getting better but the worst story was attacking Sharon!!!!!!!!!!! I am so sick of Nikki and Victor and it was so time her lost the company! This man can not do these things to people and always win. I love the new Noah. I hate how Nick was so mean to Sharon but love Sharon with Adam. Chelsea has no chemistry with Adam it put me to sleep!
Love Sharon Case. But, her storyline has been really bad. I think they’re finally letting her become “normal” again. Love Adam. Love Jack…..a fantastic actor. Phyllis is a great actress.
Love Sharon Newman HOT! I really want DRUCILLA back!!!!!!! Victoria Rowell is missed!
Drucilla coming back would really help Neil’s storyline.
Agree with most…But IMHO James Scott and Ali Sweeney AKA EJ & Sami on Days were the most overexposed in 2012, and I would give special honors to Days for bad business decision re: their filming schedule..Too much happens off camera, and they tape WAyyyyyy to far ahead
i disagree and finally if this soap gave these actors a chance to make their characters a REAL couple it would be refreshing, enough with all the other spoilers involved in their stories for years NOW ! Majority want Ej and Sami, not some Rafe, Nicole ect..always here to destroy them, mos of us (the audience are fed up with predictable and boring agenda from writers of this soap).
By the way Ej and Sami were not more overexposed in 2012 than many other characters (Jennifer, Daniel, Nicole, Rafe, Gaby, John, Marlena, Brady ect..)
We all have different views of this, I, for one, do NOT think that Marlena & John were overexposed….I will agree that Gabi, Rafe, etc, were along with EJ & Sami……That is just my opinion!
Actually, majority of fans want Lumi and EJole. Maybe majority on this board want EJami, but not the majority overall. SOD hosted a poll asking viewers which man Sami should be with, and Lucas won! In addition, SOD showed that Lucas is the most logical choice for an endgame with Sami, and the same article showed that EJ is the most logical choice for an endgame with Nicole.
“it breaks my heart” about how far DAYS films in advance…. this is just food for thought… but, would it seem to you … that the reason DOOL is so lackluster… that the writers may not be inspired and/or motivated cause… 3 months filming in advance.. that trying to fix any thing… may seem too little too late? SONY/NBC/DOOL should be on the same time frame as all the soaps as to be procactive and streamlining with all the soaps… ie: i know it’s all about money and budgeting… just saying….
sentiments….. ATWT was my true #1 soap…. 2nd and now #1 is DAYS… for me… and thankfully… I have GH to fill my soap world….
Agreed
ITA!
Loved your list until you got to FL/Tea Delgado. :/ Can I take out the earplugs yet? ~ a question heard around the net.
Great list! I glad that you include Florencia Lozano on the list. While KDP’s appearances seemed to get the most hype, it was truly FL who won fans over. She should have an Emmy last year! If she’s not a part of OLTL 2.0, I would love to have return to Port Charles.
There’s a very good reason that FL doesn’t have an emmy.
There’s no category for *best scene chewer.
Florencia Lozano…. should definately be in cosideration for best supporting actress for Tea… Geez… Flood of Tears for her losing her son… i never watched OLTL… so watching her as a new fan… I loved her immediately…. She’s Sexy to boot as well…. i’ll say it again… if i could be a woman… for the va va voom factor… it’d be either Laura Wright or Flrencia Lozano….
Along with Missing Viki (Erica Slezak) under missed I’d like to add Natalie (Melissa Archer) I miss that firecracker character I don’t see it in other soap characters Natalie was one of a kind….which is to me what made her special whether you hated or loved her.
Glad to see another Natalie fan! I love her & agree with you.
I Agree !!!!! TOTALLy with you on this !
Ditto!!! Agree, ditto!!
Not only is Melissa Archer absolutely gorgeous, but she is a great actress!
I saw a picture of Melissa Archer in abc soaps in depth. She looked fantastic! Wearing a tailored shorts alfit..Looks like she even lost some weight going by the picture…That beautiful long red hair! I miss seeing her on the soaps! She needs to get to get together w/John in Port Charles sometime soon…They should kiss and make-up like they have done before.
Completely agree as well I miss Natalie’s character!!! I keep picturing what she woul be doing in Port Charles and how she would be reacting. Whether you love her or hate her she is never boring!
That’s for sure! That firery red hair!
Ditto. Erika Slezak is OLTL and Melissa Archer’s Natalie is one of my all-time faves.
I’d swap Teresa with Emily (Ellie, GH). But I agree with many picks.
EXACTLY
so agreewith almost everythIing, please bring
Victor /TREVOR ST JOHN TO GH.
I have only watched the ABC soaps, so I can’t comment on Michael Fairman’s picks for the soaps on the other networks. Although, I do agree with almost every one of his picks for the ABC soaps. However, I feel that Kassie DePaiva should have been listed as a runner-up in the “BEST PERFORMANCE BY A RECURRING CHARACTER” category for her work on GH in 2012.
I also agree with Meg that Trevor St. John should definitely be asked to return as Victor Lord Jr. in 2013! He could appear on either Prospect Park’s possible reboot of OLTL or on GH and finally bring closure to the cliffhanger that was left at the end of OLTL.
Yes, bring Victor for one day to clear Todd. One day.
Yes I agree about Victor coming to Port Charles and resolve his issues with Todd!!!!
Agreed. The Todd/Victor cliffhanger needs resolution. I’m a TSJ fan. He and Roger Howarth are exceptional actors and I love the chatacters too.
I miss watching One Life To Live. I am hoping PP brings back All My Children and One LIfe to LIve . These days I don’t turn my TV on until Gerneral Hospital comes one. I am so tired of talk shows, cooking shows, selfhelp show and be our own doctors shows : (
I totally agree with everything you said!!!!! I am sick & tired of the talk/info/cooking shows & selfhelp, & be your own doctor also! Especially those talk show hosts tthat think they are professional advice givers to to every situation in life.I wouldn’t take advice from a talk show host. He or she could do more harm than good. These
kind of shows for me are a waste of time. And boring and not very entertaining at all to me…I prefer the soaps hands down!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with Doug Davidson. He turned in a great performance. However, the show/writers just ended the story without tying up all the ends. How did the knife get wiped clean? Who was the women in the shadow? We were excited that Isabella might be back to go after Paul for killing Ricky.
We all got excited about seeing Doug on screen only to have him disappear again.
I agree- I too was thinking the mystery woman was Isabella and that her and Ricky somehow found a way to fake Ricky’s death, because how else would she had access to the knife unless she knew he was going to go out the window? Also was looking forward to Cane’s twin sister being alive, which I think is where that story was going, but the new regime just dropped it- had some woman murdered and then never explained who killed her- However, sometimes when writing teams change, you have to expect some story lines to just disappear, accept it and move on.
Paul is a great actor. Don’t know if he and Christine can recapture the past. The knife thing with Ricky’s death was not resolved.
Agree with most but NOT best newcomer for GH with Sabrina. RC told us we would love her end used Robin and Emma to get viewers to like the character . What happened to an actor making us like them on their own without the slanted writing like for the Sabrina character. Made me feel the opposite. I like who I like and do NOT want any writer to tell me who to like. Trying to make her another Robin won’t work since there is only ONE Robin played by Kimberly.
FV got Kimberly to stay not RC and that’s was from FV in an interview recently.
I just want to see Robin reunited with her husband and daughter. Emma has a mother and it is time or Robin to return. Story is about who has Robin not Parick dating. NO ONE can take Robin’s place EVER! Lets get back to Robin’s story and where is Robert.
Yes, I’d like to see Scrubs back together. This S/L has been going on too long. I want Robert and Holly back together, too. Tristan and Emma Samms always had great chemistry. It should be HARD…Anna and Duke, Robert and Holly! Then I’d be over the moon.
Actor that needs to return full time: Tristan Rogers as Robert Scorpio!
Oh, definitely. I am crazy about him.
I would love to see TR back full time!
If robert makes it from being injected from that crazy associate of Faison.. I would like to see him full-time also………
Let me add an amen! He rocks every scene. His scene with Kimberly when he found Robin broke my heart. The bond between daddy and daughter is strong!
I agree. Tristian rogers still has it!
Bring back Tristan Rogers and Robert for good! All you have to do is take a look at Twitter, Facebook, Soap Boards etc to see how badly the Fans want him back!
I agree with everything Jason was outstanding this year I cried like a baby every time he was on screen I could tell Jason really put actual feeling in to it….. but come on KeMo wasn’t best single performance or best actress performance. I love both Laura and Finola but I think she brought the house down this year with everything the writers put Sam through!
the worst for me is taken my favorite liz from gh & putting her on the back burner want more liz time please she’s the only reason why i watch thank you
I couldn’t agree more with you about Jason Thompson, but only in scenes having to do with Robin. I couldn’t DISagree with you more about Sabrina on GH. I can’t stand the character, and I think the actress is horrible. No way could I ever take Patrick seriously with her as his love interest. It is an awful storyline.
Overall I think you did an excellent job!! I only watch ABC Soaps so I have no valid opinion on the other Soaps. I miss OLTL & AMC so much and you are so right…the last two weeks of OLTL were FABULOUS!! It was always my favorite show! GH has been wonderful!! The story lines move so much faster and there’s more than just mob stories! Sorry Steven Burton & Scott Reeves won’t be on GH anymore, but I’m getting used to not relying on anyone or anything being around too long…..after all, it IS Hollywood!!
I strongly believe that one reason Burton left was the terrible S/L they did for Jason. He would’ve accepted the baby as his own, no doubt. Adding John McBain to the mix just ticked off most fans. We wanted JaSam to finally be happy…not get tortured some more. They were together nine years and we loved how Sam brought out the smiles in Jason. Steve leaving was the one crummy thing that happened in 2012.
I have to agree… it was like Jason and even Sam… were like “zombie” mode… it was like their passion dissappeared…. ?!?! what were we rooting for…. and I was so caught up in these two… first and foremost… Patrick and Robin…. then Jason and Sam…. so go figure… playing a character with no life must be tiresome… and I want soap actors working…. I love this genre above all else.
It has been one heck of a year of soaps! I agree with all of this. I miss OLTL and am loving GH right now! It had been unbearable to watch until the OLTL writers came on board! My hope for 2013 is for Y&R to stop with all the foolishness and start taking cues from the other soaps. Give us the characters we care about and don’t drag out wack storylines.
My mom watches Y&R and has for years. She’s been ticked off with it for a year or two. So I don’t think that Phelps is the problem. But she, Guza and Frons certainly almost killed GH. I hope that unholy trio never gets together again. Phew!
I have no interest in watching Burton on Y&R. I have tried to watch other soaps but only GH seems to hold my interest. I’m loving the return of the vets…Duke, Anna and Robert! If they would just bring Holly back, I’d be in seventh heaven. I hated the years when we were stuck with new characters b/c they refused to pay Stuart Damon and others for their experience. I’m loving the return of Monica and even A.J. I have really missed the Q’s! The show used to be about the Scorpios, the Spencers, the Q’s and the HOSPITAL staff. Three cheers for Valentini and Carlivati for knowing the history and giving fans what they’ve been yearning for.
Burton liked to be on camera every darn day. Frankly, I got sick of Sonny, Jason, Carly…all the darn time. They are good actors but so are Nancy Lee Grahn, Jason Thompson, Kimberly M., Tristan Rogers, Finola Hughes…the list goes on! I started watching GH in the ’80s and it was very successful then. The S/Ls were silly adventures but it was funny and FUN. Give me that over the MOB any day.
All are very True and so far I have not seen anything on Y&R that tells me they are going to try and fix that HOT MESS of a soap that is and still is Y&R I really want to see better for this show But what they are pulling out on the air right now is not doing anything to make Y&R a better show that I know that it can be Just look at the turn around GH had and the greatness that is Dallas I hope soon Y&R can get back to being Good
Best supporting female you think Genie Francis? Ridiculous. Worst. Actress. Ever .
She was great as Laura it was just that they had that really bad writer MAB!
Sorry, but I can’t sit back and allow you to besmirch one of the most gifted performers in the history of this genre. I agree with Daniel that Genevieve was not a well defined, clearly written role, but Ms. Francis has turned in hundreds (if not thousands) of moving, brilliant performances on GH and elsewhere. You know what they say about opinions being like a**holes. Perhaps you should be more circumspect about airing yours out in public.
What are you going to do–have me killed? LOL! This vote was about the BEST of 2012. Not the best of 1983. GENIE FRANCIS DOES NOT DESERVE any accolades for her performance as Genevieve Atkinson. NONE. NADA. Her performance on Y&R was NOT *moving and brilliant.” It was TRASH. Was it because of the writing? Sure. But what does that have to do with anything? A great actress can turn sh!t into gold, and GF couldn’t even do that on Y&R.
Her character on Y&R was boring, frankly. I tried to watch a few times and just couldn’t like her. She was like Kate on GH…cold and only thinking about her career.
Genie is an amazing actress. You need to watch the scenes around 1998-99, when everyone thought Lucky had died in an apartment fire. Jonathan Jackson was playing Lucky then. Genie brings it! She faints, she cries, you can feel her PAIN as a mother. She should’ve won an Emmy for those performances.
I agree with MF!! Genie was awesome as Genevieve and it was a big mistake letting her go!! I loved the character of Genevieve and Genie was great in the role!!!
Stephen Nichols & Genie Francis were both on the chopping block the minute JFP came on as EP. No matter how ill conceived the character Genevieve was no way were they going to try to turn it around. GF would like to work in the industry again so she is going to keep mum about it which is what anyone would do the same with SN.
Connie is the most overused character, but Kelly Sullivan is also the most overused actress. She does not come close in any universe to being a runner-up. This is a soap newbie, who has not earned her place. She is widely disliked for her acting. No one who is that hated is a runner-up to Finola frickin’ Hughes. If she has to stick around, put her on the back burner, in a supporting role, like a newbie.
REALLY!!!! Your totally wrong!!! KELLY SULLIVAN IS THE GREATEST!!! Old Kate snooze New Kate/Connie AMAZING
I agree with Rod. Kelly Sullivan has been FANTASTIC as both Kate and Connie! I would also LOVE to see what KS would do with a second alter of Kate at some point in 2013.
Rod – i agree… the New Kate/Connie… just came on like gangbusters… course i do agree… they need to bring back Kate full-time… she’s radiant… i already posted about her below… but… she is a very likeable character now.
Kelly is good but sometimes she overacts, IMHO. I’m sick of the Connie personality. I’d rather see more of Finola, Tristan and Ian!
Great list !!
I also think Michael Easton bringing “John McBain” to Port Charles has been so exciting.
Pairing him up with Kelly Monaco has been a real treat for ‘Caleb and Livvie “fans.
He has done wonderful work all year and brought a real excitement to the show.
It has been super seeing our favourites from Llanview pop up in Port Charles knowing that they are still with us has been fabulous…Quartermaine’s front and centre ,and the revelation that Caesar Faison was under a Duke mask was chilling and that real Duke is alive the show keeps getting better and better.Can’t wait to see what happens in 2013 !!
Can’t wait either! To see what the new year holds for GH…
Michael and Kelly would fantastic if RCand FV could make it
work!
Some people say she should be paired up with Roger Howarth
I don’t think it will work, so let’s bring KELLY AND MICHAEL
together…..It’s hard sell for the JASAMERS and myself, but
I say give a try, Steve Burton is gone……
BEST COUPLE: Dante Falconeri and Lulu Spencer from GH
They are the only couple who have stayed loyal and true to one another which makes them very unique to soaps. Their love is SO REAL and Dominic Zamprogna and Julie Marie Berman have AMAZING chemistry! Best couple ever!
Dante & Lulu best couple. NOT! Lulu is the only Spencer that I dislike! She turned all holier-than-thou on Sonny – but now she has WILL accept his money? I like Dom/Dante, and WISH he falls for Maxie – his baby’s real mama… Then, the writers could pick up the dropped “wine for breakfast” story line and run with it…
I must agree with Melissa. If this is a Best & Worst list and you have a worst couple where is the best? I nominate Dante & Lulu on GH. DZ and JMB portray this sweet, sexy, fun, loving, committed couple so believably we can’t help but root for them in their quest to become parents. Their road to happiness is a rocky one filled with drama, but through it all they have always been steadfast in their love and worked through their problems together, something practically unheard of on a soap.
Such a fantastic list! With only four soaps to choose from for the majority of the year, it’s amazing how many great story lines and performances we were treated to! I agree with everything on this list aside from two items. I preface this comment with the fact that I had taken a break from General Hospital for a few years until November 2011.
I actually loved the twist that Franco and Jason were twins. I’d never actually seen the Franco storyline so maybe I’d feel differently if I had but a friend of mine who has never stopped watching felt that it tied the storyline together and explained a lot of Franco’s actions and behavior.
The other item I take issue with is the recasting of Kristina Davis with Linsey Morgan. I’ve come to like her very much and actually wish she could have a real story. Granted, the only time I saw Lexi Ainsworth play her was on a Thanksgiving repeat on SoapNet. I know fans loved her but I missed out on her tenure. To me, Kristina was the little girl who stopped talking after she saw Sam shoot Diego. I’m sure Lexi was great but I’ve been enjoying Linsey – well, aside from “Mob Princess” of course!
I cannot wait to see what 2013 brings for our soaps!
I hated the Franco rape, frankly. That was over the top. It seemed like way too much torture for JaSam to endure. Then, poof! Burton was gone. We only got to see them as a happy family for one damn day. The fans felt cheated. They should have let JaSam be happy this past year.
As for Roger H., I love him with Laura. They have hot chemistry and did from the very start. I want to see what happens between Todd and Carly.
If Sam could liven up John like she did Jason, I’d be on board with McBam. But he puts me to sleep sometimes. I did love him with Anna and Robert during the Faison unmasking.
Disagree about Sharon Case…she’s not a “good enough” actress. She’s stellar and considering the crap writing she had unlike some of the other notable daytime actresses, I believe Sharon Case deserved higher honors.
Wow! Michael, what a gallery of our soaps and the exceptional stars that really shone. You have presented a challenge to your fans to agree or disagree.I’m pretty much in sync with your choices. You must have really mulled over this.I also haven’t liked Y&R. The Sharon histronics really tried my patience. Why can’t the producers and writers of these soaps know how to bring an ending to a story line that keeps going on and on. I have to reboot my brain to know what happens. The writers have to bring these stories to a close sooner than later. You are losing your audience. I’m thrilled that Prospect Park will bring back OLTL. I hope that is for real! Michael, you have done a great job with your best and worst picks of 2012. Kudos to you>>>…
I agree with everything you said about General Hopital. Jason Thompson and Finola Hughes ‘ scenes in dealing with Robin’s death were heartbreaking. Thank Valentini nd Cartini breathed new life into the show.
Bored of #1, sick of #2, so sick of #2 we want boredom of #1 back, hey let’s try #3..3rd times the charm, but, but, but, Ksu rocks!
Most overused character: Connie. Trust me Michael, no one’s begging to have Kate back. A third alter? Because the first two are a bust. Go for 3? Ksu needs to go. The masses don’t accept her characters. Truth.
agree
BULL CRAP!!!! The masses do not agree. Your probably the old Kate Howard fans. Love Kelly replacing who ever that last one was. BORING!!! Kelly has done an amazing job making that character way more interesting. The old Kate could never have pulled this off
I also agree with Tracy.. the masses do not agree.. Kate/Connie has to go!!! Also Sonney.. A third alter would be great. .she is a great actress.. just way overdone story.. maybe something is happening now and we will finally get the story going in a much better place since she has been caught by Star!
NOT TRUTH! I accept Kate, and I can accept Connie on a recurring basis. But a four-month takeover of the series is over kill. Kelly Sullivan is a phenomenal actress, it’s the horrific writing and horrific storyline right now that’s ruining the strong character of Kate Howard.
This really has been Jason Thompson’s year. I was never really invested in General Hospital (I watched here and there), but his incredible performances this year not only got me watching the show on a regular basis, but also had me watching his storyline from the beginning with Robin unfold on YouTube. Kid is seriously talented.
I generally read these comments entertainingly but I had to chime in with this comment because I had the exact same reaction. I created a Patrick and Robin playlist. Jason Thompson is truly talented and matching his chemistry with Kimberly McCullough is going to be a real challenge because their storyline was done so well. It will be a challenge to find a new actress that can make us believe she belongs with Patrick (which is a true testament to Kimberly’s skill because let’s be honest there hasn’t been a leading man she couldn’t shine with Stone, Jason etc.) – So assuming Robin does not come back- Good Luck, Sabrina Santiago…
You said Connie is overused, but it’s really the actress. No one cares about any characters she plays. Kate/Connie don’t resonate with the audience, only with Cartini.
Her character is worn out ! It’s getting old too!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with Melissa above, the of Lulu & Dante( with Maxie) surrogacy storyline has been interesting. I also think the Ellie/Spinelli story has been super LAME! Had great potential when Spinelli put Maxie back in her place (not the center of the universe).
I disagree with you about Connie though, she is terrific comic relief when the show seems to drag sometimes.
Great choices sir!
While I agree with a lot of your picks, Laura Wright is bland, one note, and overrated, not to mention tacky. (Hell yeah!) There are many actresses in daytime who run circles around her, no matter what scenarios their scripts dictate.
There is also no way in hell Kelly Sullivan deserves best overall performance in anything, runner up or not. She can’t act, and whatever she IS doing is about the only unwatchable part of GH right now. Oddly enough, I seem to remember her fawning all over you in a video from the Emmys posted here earlier this year, so your ridiculous comments about her and her cartoonish characters are anything but surprising. You’re certainly entitled to your opinion, but many disagree and are sick of ConKrap, Sullivan, and her storyline. They think Benard deserves better than being relegated to the role of acting coach for a wannabe who’s cheaper to hire than someone who can actually hold her own opposite veteran actors. Seasoned actresses at the very least know to “soap slap” a co-star rather than belting them for real, but it seems your little pet didn’t get the memo.
Omg you took some hate pill today, while I also don’t like the character of Carly and I’m hating the Connie storyline neither Laura wright and Kelly Sullivan are bad actresses, in fact they are so good they make u hate their characters. The Connie storyline has been overplayed n Carly is always annoying but damn girl or dude whatever u are your email is overtly hateful and makes any point u make pointless cause u sound so ” crazy”. Learn to tone it down or take your med before you write something and hit send.
while harsh everything she/he wrote is true. Kelly Sullivan and Laura Wright are terrible actresses as in they don’t know how to act. Honestly Jason Thompson is what has kept me tuned into GH this year, well and Brandon Brash but he has been stuck with the worst actresses on GH, however, he has been fantastic.
To give Kelly Sullivan runner up to Finola is just a crime, and during the scene that was described for LW’s brilliant performance all I could think during that was man I wish Sara Joy Brown or Tamara Braun were playing this part so I could feel the emotion. This was 16+ years of history, it was Jason’s biggest (not to mention the love of Carly’s life/soulmate) and it fell flat and left me wondering about what other actresses would have done (both of whom I consider average soap actresses at best).
The OP was harsh in her post but she was right too. Also I think Jane Elliot reading a phone book is more moving then anything LW has ever done.
Aria,
Try learning to write coherently before attempting to play quack therapist and dictate how others post. It might give your drivel a shred credibility. While you’re at it, have someone read you the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. It guarantees my freedom of expression. That means if I don’t like something or someone, I can say so, and don’t have to “learn to tone it down” just because others find my remarks harsh. It also means I can tell a would be censor like you to shove your unsolicited advice. 😛
Oh em thanks for the “writing “advice, and for the suggested therapy classes, and I promise to get someone to read me the first amendment to the United States , but please still take a chill pill. Cause u sound crazier then Connie falconeri.
Aria,
What suggested therapy classes? You’re the blithering idiot making mental health assessments you’re grossly unqualified to make, especially considering you can’t even read responses you elicit. Your reading comprehension is just as bad as Kelly Sullivan’s and Laura Wright’s sorry excuses for “acting,” which speaks volumes, so I really couldn’t care less how “crazy” you think I “sound.” I’ll “take a chill pill” when you pass remedial reading and understand that just because you like certain actors doesn’t mean others are obliged to do likewise, but I’m not holding my breath. LMAO!
Well done Michael!!! Agree with 99% of your choices! You really watch all of them and you get it so well! All of their powers to be should listen to ths and keep you on as a consultant!
Thanks again Michael… Michael Fairman On Air On Soaps…the best site on this genre!!! The best content ever!!! The best interviews… may they be video, audio and print!!! The best podcasts… though they need to be more consistent and more often!!! The best champion of the genre… Michael Fairman!!!
Agreed.
on bold & beautiful liam is so cute with hope i wish steffy leave hope & liam alone i wish steffy leave the show cant stand her she didnt give hope a chance to marry liam
Mandy I do like Hope and Liam alot and wish they would get back together:) I wish they could bring someone new for steffy so she can actually have someone that she got on her own without him being involved (BF,husband and fiance) with someone else especially her enemies the Logans. all cuz shes still stuck on being a kid and losing her dad. Which Her mom stole ridge from brooke first. But anyway I dont agree with her leaving the show because JMW is a good actress if steffy wouldnt of turned into another brooke:(All I can handle is one brooke not 2 and I can barely handle even the one brooke.lol
I agree, Lope is the better couple, Steffy should reunite with Bill.
i agree with you i know she cant leave the show she is a good actrress wish steffy finds a new love or she can go gay what would you say to that i like bill with brooke katie can have steffy brooke can renite with bill they are so cute couple
The writing on Bold & Beautiful is horrible
I think you pretty much covered it all.can’t think of anything I disagree about that much. Soaps have been saved by frankenRon,but lets give Kimberly Mc a big round of applause. She wanted to go on with her career,and she came back,worked hard to be there to keep the story going. GH has been saved by this story,and her parents return. We all sit with baited breath waiting for the reunion. Robin has been around for so long and remembering she has been for a long time the face of GH.
The only thing you forgot was the face that ate the show and made us gag was Sonny on GH . his not being front and center has been great.Lets keep it that way. No more mob.No more Sonny wins or I will have to go back to the dvr so I can ff him.
I guess I ff through LW as carley finding out Jason was dead.Thanks
Give Faison a medal for killing Jason.that’s all.
You are also doing a great job covering the soaps thanks.
Rebecca Herbst was the bes6t Female preformer of the year. She blew laura Wright away. Sadly she’s barely been used except for a scene here and there just like many of the GH regulars. Between the OLTL characters and all the old character returning GH has barely used many of it’s long time cast members so giving them credit for using the whole canvas is a joke.
RC/FV Destroyed Jason and Sam’s baby story with their writing. It was a horrible and dishonourable way to treat loyal fans! Talk about not being in touch with their audience. I really hate their writing of them! And the moments have passed and can we’ll NEVER get them back. Ugh!
Jason and Sam was the most toture couple.
From the time they went on there Honeymoon
To the time they kidnap Daniel Morgan, I
love RC and FV, and how they brung back
the spirit of GH, but Jasam was horrible
Is that reason why Steve Burton left the show because of their
writng?
oh well …..Sam should have a baby with John in 2013
I;m trying to get over ny favorite couple of all times
J-A-S-A-M
Heather Webber should have been best psycho.
Agreed with many of your choices and was excited how much GH has renergized itself! The only negative and I hate to say it, but I so agree wtih Michael on the recast of GH’s Kristina. Not one once of emotion OR acting ability comes across in her scenes. In fact, anyone in her scenes, I could care less about…she just drags everyone down with her! I’m not clamoring for a return of Lexi (but it would be nice!) but just an actress who can act. While I was sad ot read of Erik Valdez’s exit, was it wrong to be optimistic that Kristina would go with him?
A rare but big casting misfire from GH. I just don’t see how Frank and Ron can’t fathom how lifeless Kristina is. Maybe they do as Kristina’s scenes are few and far between…and I couldn’t agree more!
Oops…I meant to say, not one OUNCE of emotion!
This is the first time I’ve read a run-down where I agreed with all the them! The ONLY good thing Days has done recently is Will’s coming out the storyline. The rest of it is pure fluff. Thanks Days for shoving Jenn & Daniel down our throats and firing Matt Ashford. Real smart choice there …
Will’s coming out story line, the explosion before the Olympics and the return of Kristen are the only three things that stopped this show from being named the Worst of the Year. IMO without these three things, it was as you said fluff- lots of people talking about what they talked about yesterday. As for Daniel it wasn’t that long ago he was considered the man slut of Salem, sleeping with everyone and now we are suppose to think of him as the “hero” and Jen the heroine- ewwww. And I wish to God he would stop looking at Jennifer as if she was a pork chop and he hasn’t eaten in a month. It is creepy- not romantic. Maybe with Chloe coming back it will end this very strange romance.
DAYS was awful this year! From EJ and Sami overexposure, to the crappy triangle and EJami, I hated them. Kristen is the only thing keeping people watching the show right now. I mean I can’t believe that the best storyline on the show (Will’s gay story) just had to be ruined by the writers for the baby bullshit!
Love the list and agree with all of it except Linsey as worst recast. It’s not her fault that Lexi left and though it took a while to get used to her, I like her now. Both Summer recasts on Y&R were awful but it may just be because her character is an insufferable brat. Not a fan of Fen either.
I also still have that second to last OLTL on DVR. Loved it!
I think aging Kristina was necessary and Lindsey Morgan is doing a great job! Everything else I agree!!! Jason Thompson destroyed me in his scenes getting ready for the funeral. Wow.
loved Sharon Case this year. Best acting of her life 🙂
Agree totally. Even with all the wacky and off the wall stuff they had her do, she found a way to play it. It is easier to act when half your job is done in the writing, it takes a whole other level of acting to make poor writing sound plausible. If there were an Emmy for best performance with the worst script ever- she would win hands down.
YES!!! Sharon Case has an AMAZING year. I want to see an Emmy nom 😀
I agree with many of your picks especially Jason Thompson and Finola Hughes. While I dislike the character on GH I am a fan of Kelly Sullivan and think she did a nice job especially given the large volume of material she had this year. It is a lot given how fast soaps film these days. I also think it is a disgrace how Days wrote off Bo Brady and how JFP is already hurting Y&R. I disagree on recognizing Laura Wright and Kris A. (Starr) on GH. They are both overrated in my opinion.
As for considering Ron C. A great writer, I can’t agree with that statement. He did a nice job with the final weeks of OLTL but he did a hack job with the writing for a long time before that. If he wrote at that level all the time perhaps the show would not have been so vulnerable for ABC to cancel it. He has given GH a badly needed boost and I appreciate his attempts to keep Robin alive and bring back legendary characters like Faision, the show still lacks heart and soul which it badly needs to woo back fans who are fed up waiting for the real GH to return. I also think they are doing Patrick Drake a disservice in the writing by pushing him into a story about trying to move on through dating when his wife has not been dead for even a year yet and he is disturbingly absent from the Anna/Robin/Robert/etc story. Jason Thompson deserves better and so do Scrubs fans.
Completely agree Michael! Although I would say the return of Kristen on Days is note worthy as well. The demonic glare in her eyes as she subliminally provokes Marlena (great job Eileen Davidson, way to stick it to Y & R for dumping you) is creepy but very interesting. Days was greatly in need of this infusion.
I want GH to not bring anymore characters to the show. It’s been like 6 days we last left Anna & Scorpio; that tells me there are too many characters/storylines going on at once. Hoping Kate/Connie bites the dust for good this time!
Yes, I have been waiting every day to get back to Anna & Robert-He better be ok! That freaked me out when he got injected by that witch. And where is Robin? This past week was unbalanced. But still very good.
Yes, the show has still been good this week because they DO have many good storylines going on at least; just too many. Anna, Luke, Robert .. they all need to come back to the canvas soon.
That’s what I would like to know!! Is Robert going to make it and finding Robin once & for all! Now Jerry Jaxs has her! Need to get this storyline goin again & it should be resolved soon! Luke has been gone for a while!!!!
I agree with you wholeheartedly. I would like Kate Howard to return and go off looking for Trey her son, Michael to chose AJ as his father and become involved at ELQ, Todd and Carly to become a couple, and I would love to see a defeated Tracy depart PC, and get rid of Sabrina and the doctor so that Patrick and Robin can reunite. That’s 4 right there. One other thing, the storylines are drug out too long for me.
Susan
I’m with you on Kate Howard and I really don’t like the Brit/Patrick/Sabrina waste of time. If Kimberly McCullough is going to stay, stay, but if she’s not planning on sticking around then they need to wrap this story up for good so Patrick can really move on. Love Todd & Carly together. They have a great cast but so, so many without storylines. I hope Christina is really leaving but I haven’t heard anything about her departure.
They need to move forward with her character now! That character is in a RUT right now!
Finola & Kelly should be switched the other way around!!! And NOOOOOO we don’t want BORING Kate back. After all Kate is the Alter NOT Connie. If Kate comes back it’s boring story and I hope Connie takes right back over
Laura Wright IS THE GREATEST & BEST ACTRESS Daytime has EVER had!!! NO MATTER WHAT SOAP she has been on!!! LW is the BEST CARLY EVER!!!!
I think Julianne Moore would disagree and so so so many others. Now if you LW is one of the greatest hair models in Daytime history I would agree but actress sorry that is not something LW is capable of doing.
Wills story is great but he’s a lousy actor and so is that bf Freddie or whatever so it is to hard to watch!!
DAYS should be canceled. Not OLTL
WHAT??!! Chandler Massey is one of the finest actors on the show, and Freddie is great as well! No soap should be canceled!
I watch Chandler as if i’m his mother… Oye! ala Grandma Marlena…. prodding him along… hoping he makes the right decisions… he seems so indecisive… at times… probably a trait he got from mother Sammi… and/or I agonize that he makes the right choices….
I salute DAYS for Lucas… telling his son and Sonny that he’s going to PFLAG Meetings… “Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gay” children… A Support group for and Loving their Gay family….
I agree, I think Lucas’ involvement in PFLAG is great, and I wish the show delved more into that storyline, rather than boring Dannifer or repeated RaJami triangle.
Freddie isn’t the greatest actor (he’s a bit one-note), but Chandler Massey is doing a phenomenal job.
All My Children
51st Daytime Emmys: Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa Receive Talk Show Host Nominations
On Thursday, nominations were announced in the Outstanding Talk Show category for the upcoming 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo, All My Children) coming off his first-year as co-host of ‘Live” with real-life wife, Kelly Ripa scored his first Talk Show Host nomination along with Ripa who has been nominated previous times.
Joining Mark and Kelly in the race are: Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell, Sheryl Underwood, The Talk and
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall.
Photo: CBS
As previously reported, The Talk is coming to its end when its upcoming 15th and final season ends in December of 2024.
The 51st annual Daytime Emmys are slated to be broadcast and stream live on CBS and Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th
Look for the full list of nominations to drop on Friday morning at 12 noon ET/9 am PT.
So, are you rooting for Kelly and Mark to win their first Talk Show host award together? Comment below.
All My Children
Mark Consuelos Celebrates One-Year Anniversary as Co-Host of ‘Live’ Alongside Kelly Ripa
Today, April 17th marks a full-year since Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo, All My Children) took over the co-hosting duties of ‘Live” alongside his wife, and longtime co-host, Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley, All My Children).
Consuelos replaced Ryan Seacrest who are six seasons decided to be back on the west coast full-time. For Consuelos, now having the opportunity to work off of Ripa as co-hosts has been something of adjustment for him, but viewers have been eating it up.
Live with Kelly and Mark has remained the No. 1 entertainment talk show on television over the past year, growing 3% in average total viewers to 2.23M per episode. It is also the most-watched daytime talk show in the last year in key demos of women 18-49 and women 25-54. All of this, since the real-life marrieds teamed-up.
Photo: ABC
Speaking with Deadline, Kelly Ripa shared why the two are gelling on-screen, “I do think that there is something very possibly relatable about our relationship. We have disagreements like a normal couple, and we’re not afraid to let them unfold on the air and in front of America, and I think people find a lot of themselves in that.”
Mark weighed in how he has progressed as a host, and what he could improve at, sharing, “I’d like to get better at my interviewing skills. I’d like to get better at reading a teleprompter…I think I’m getting better at throwing to commercial. The other day in the middle of the show as we go to commercial, my sign off was ‘See you guys around.’ I mean, the show wasn’t over. The most obvious thing to say would be, ‘We’ll be back right after this.’ But I just said, ‘See you around.’ So we went to commercial and one of the producers (goes) ‘What was that?’ I don’t know… So for the next few sign offs, as a joke, I’d say ‘See you around.’ We got a kick out of it.”
Photo: ABC
Meanwhile, Kelly has given huge props to Mark, “I find Mark utterly compelling, really interesting, super funny, and he’s bold in a way like nobody else. He says what’s on his mind. If he’s thinking it, he says it. I’ve done this a long time and oftentimes people will adjust their natural personalities to pander to what they think the audience wants to hear, and Mark will tell people what he thinks, and he doesn’t care if it’s not a popular opinion. It gives him an edginess that I think is really missing in the landscape today. Everybody’s so afraid to say anything, and Mark is unafraid to say exactly what he’s thinking.”
In a statement, Debra O’Connell, President News Group and Networks, Disney Entertainment shared, We could not be more thrilled with how Mark has seamlessly joined the show family as permanent co-host. His undeniable charisma and his and Kelly’s natural chemistry are evident as they deliver the laughs and smiles to our viewers each morning. We are incredibly proud of how Live has continued to evolve and that the audience is responding so enthusiastically.”
So, do you think Mark Consuelos is the best co-host his wife Kelly Ripa has ever had on ‘Live’? How would you say he is doing as co-host after one full year on the job? Comment below.
All My Children
Susan Lucci Joins the Cast of Jonah Hill’s Movie ‘Outcome’
Look who will be part of the ensemble cast in motion picture and film star Jonah Hill’s new film project! That’s right, none other than Susan Lucci (ex-Erica, All My Children).
According to Deadline, the daytime television icon joins other notables including Laverne Cox and David Spade who have been added to the cast of Outcome. The film stars Keanu Reeves, Matt Bomer (ex-Ben, Guiding Light) and Cameron Diaz.
In Outcome, which is written by, and will be directed by Hill, the dark comedy centers around Reef (played by Reeves), a damaged Hollywood star who must dive into the dark depths of his past to confront his demons and make amends after he is extorted with a mysterious video clip from his past.
Photo: JPI
Soap fans know that following her iconic run as All My Children’s Erica Kane, Susan went on to be featured in Lifetime’s Devious Maids in the role of Genevieve Delatour. Since her Pine Valley days ended (when AMC was canceled in 2012), Susan has appeared in numerous shows and made numerous appearances. n December of 2023, Lucci was awarded the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Photo: JPI
Outcome will debut on Apple and is an Apple Studios production. The film marks the latest collaboration for Hill and Apple Original Films, who are also developing a Grateful Dead biopic with Martin Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions, to be directed by Scorsese, with Hill starring in it and as one of the producers of the project, as well.
So, intrigued to see what kind of role Susan plays in Jonah Hill’s new film ‘Outcome’? Comment below.
51st Daytime Emmys: Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa Receive Talk Show Host Nominations
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
51st Daytime Emmys: Tamara Braun, Finola Hughes, Katherine Kelly Lang, Annika Noelle, Michelle Stafford, Cynthia Watros Score Lead Actress Nominations
51st Daytime Emmys: Eric Braeden, Scott Clifton, Thorsten Kaye, John McCook and Eric Martsolf Score Lead Actor Nominations
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