News
OWN Orders New Soap Opera To Series!
Big news soap fans! None other than Jamey Giddens (Daytime Confidential) has written and will co-executive produce a new soapy drama for Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network.
The word came via Deadline who announced that Ambitions (working title) is a multigenerational family saga centered around one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city.
Ambitions will begin production later this year and will debut on OWN in 2019.
The series will be produced for OWN by Will Packer Media in association with Lionsgate/Debmar-Mercury. Will Packer Media’s Sheila Ducksworth serves as executive producer alongside Packer; writer Jamey Giddens serves as co-executive producer.
So, excited to hear a new soap is on its way, and Giddens has been given the nod as writer and co-EP? Comment below.
I know Jamey has worked hard so kudos to him he will be missed at DC he made me laugh hysterically but he deserves this!
He proved you work hard you can live your dream!!!
Time will tell…the best primetime soap was Peyton Place with Knots Landing a close tie…also liked Dynasty and Dallas-the originals!!!!…did watch Empire for some time but lost interest!!!
Never saw Peyton Place the soap-loved the Movie with Lana Turner. Wish they would re-run Peyton Place-and the other classic soaps. Loved Knots-also Falcon Crest was delightful.
Jim really!! How old sre you?? Lol??? Peyton Place??
Jovin there’s a lot of us old fuddy duddy diehard’s still hanging about. LOL. I was 7 when One Life To Live started and 8 when All My Children began. Our father worked days, our nurse mother worked nights. During the summer it was watch her stories or go outside. I chose the soaps and haven’t looked back. My aunt and uncle used to argue over how true to the novels Peyton Place was. And if you were visiting one of three other aunts you ran the range from ABC to CBS to NBC.
maybe.
Good for Jamey!
And
Good for us!
Do not know where else to post this but we lost a First Lady yesterday Barbara Bush I read President Obamas remarks they were very gracious do you think maybe we might just stop with the hate on both sides just for once and try to come together as a nation their have been many Presidrnts that I have not agreeded with but maybe we might try to just for a day stop the hate. If we do not we are going to be lost as a nation let’s quit yelling at each other and try to find solutions for our many problems. Obama Clinton Bushes even the Trumpster maybe we just might find some common ground for our children and for our nation.
We also lost Harry Anderson-star of 80s sitcom Night Court…
There was another “coincidence” the same time of Barbara Bush’s passing. I wonder, is the universe telling us something? The British were celebrating the 92 birthday of Queen Elizabeth. You may not agree with some of their politics or decisions, but here were two women about the same age, both having grace, dignity, love for their family and country, and having adapted to changes throughout their lives. You won’t see many of their kind again.
Thought I should add re the comment ” You won’t see many of their kind again.” With Barbara and the Queen I meant persons like them that were brought into the public/political arena by circumstance or lineage who became good role models. But I’m sure many of us have those in our own lives to whom we can say the same things. I know I can. But wonder how they would adapt to many of the changes if they were here now. Hard enough for us who are here now. Sometimes a lot of culture shock here in micro seconds.
It is Not a soap opera,,
It is simply another series with a continuing story which is the same as all the other tv series with a continuing story all considered to be soapy by continuation.
* OWN is not a big enough network to create and maintain a soap opera.
A soap airs daily– – series air once weekly with a set amount of episodes per season.
IF, OWN could maintain a daily soap it would have taken on AMC or OLTL that came with a huge ready to go following (and still has its’ audience)
”Ambition” is simply another tv series with a continuing story..
((and by description, it sounds like ‘eeehhh’ ..
Anyways– good luck with it .. 🙂
su0000, simply, you’ve nailed it!
In your remarks here and the remarks below regarding the current status of soap boards…
No! Not all soap operas air daily… Primetime Soaps have been around for quite sometime and were even featured in SOD in their heyday! That being said this does sound more like a soapy continuing drama NOT a Soap Opera! The fact that the network even stops short of calling it a soap speaks volumes!
I hope Oprah knows what she’s doing and that Jamey Giddens is a much better writer and producer than he is a co-host of Daytime Confidential’s podcast. I always support Oprah and her network though so will give it a chance despite the often obnoxious, aggressive, talk-over-your-cohosts petty critiques I have heard from Jamey on DC in the past. I have heard enough of his podcasts to know the ideas he pitched on there were not my taste. They were often of the Carlavati-inspired school of soap.
Wow, congrats to Jamey Giddens. That’s probably why he’s not as active in Daytime Confidential lately.
hi James ..
All the soap boards are failing..
We, checked out the soap boards this weekend, a look-see to check out the situations
All were quite absent from posters and enthusiasm.
The big posting board around the corner is the same old speak..
It’s referred to as – Groupthink .
Same people posting their carbon copy remarks, it seems to be the same group, mainly for the past decades.
Even here, my favourite place ..
It used to be updated 3 times a day, now once every 1-2 days, usually.
Why??
there is no new news to get excited over to generate controversy ..
It used to be that 150- 200 (at times) posts, in threads here now 50 is a big deal..
Some boards have instant posting other boards have a delay to get to moderaters, yet they all are way-way way below posts they once were.
It seems, Jamey Giddens, has a lot more time these days to do other projects..
Hi Su- I am thinking the reason things here are not updated so often is Fairman is busy with launching his new site, plus the emmys nest weekend is a huge amount of work and planning-and often he is involved in the production end of the program. I don’t know what the big posting board around the corner is?
This is my favorite place-the scoops are always 100 per cent true and accurate and way sick of those sites that put out totally false or misleading soap news or lure you in with clickbait titles and then nothing. Hate that. I do enjoy twitter- can quickly scan through a lot of info and respond right away if desired.
Hi Phyllis, I totally agree with you
Im hoping we get some veterans fromOLTL and or AMC/GL. Also, kinda of hoping for a priest! I know, a bit weird but love the idea of havinf somebody know all the secrest via confession!
Thanks, Oprah.
No.Winfrey stated that ‘there is no money in soap operas’ when she was previously asked to produce the now defunct One Life to Live and All My Children.
Yep; that was my first thought!
I can’t take on another soap, but good luck!
Good for him can’t wait and i’m sure Jamey will be casting some of our daytime faves
It is Not a soap opera unless it airs 5 days a week.
If it is a once a week then it’s simply another ‘continuing series’
A real genuine soap opera, it will not be.
but- it’s worth a look-see..
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?
Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”
Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
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‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Y&R’s Matt Cohen Talks Role as Compassionate Zookeeper in Rom-Com ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
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General Hospital3 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
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