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Prospect Park Issues Statement On OLTL/GH Crossover Conundrum: "They're Willing To Equally Share The Characters With GH and ABC!"

Photo Credit: ABC/Getty Images

Photo Credit: ABC/Getty Images

After all the confusion and complexities, and possibilities of today’s news on the status of the future of the characters of original One Life to Live characters: John, Starr and Todd, and where that leaves current ABC contracted actors, Michael Easton (John), Kristen Alderson (Starr) and Roger Howarth (Todd), Prospect Park has now issued an official statement explaining their willingness to work with GH and ABC and where the situation is at from their perspective.

First, came a recap of  how things went down from 2011 till now after ABC canceled One Life and it became Prospect Park’s property, and then came the statement.  Here it is below:

Prospect Park released the following statement regarding its licensing agreement with All My Children and One Life to Live. In 2011, when Prospect Park decided to put everything on the line to reboot these shows, they lent characters to General Hospital until shooting began for the new programs so that the characters could stay alive with the fans and also so that the actors could remain working.  Everyone at ABC and on the production staff of General Hospital understood that this was a temporary arrangement until production started once again on One Life to Live.  Now the time has come to start production and Prospect Park needs to, once again, cast these characters including Llanview transplants Michael Easton (John) and Kristen Alderson (Starr). See statement below:

“Prospect Park understands that General Hospital has featured Llanview transplants Michael Easton (John) and Kristen Alderson (Starr) among others while we arranged production of the new version of One Life to Live. These characters, who we own under our agreement, are obviously essential to our production efforts, and a large reason we licensed the program. We also understand that legions of General Hospital fans have grown to love these actors and characters in a short time. So even though we are paying ABC millions of dollars to license the shows, we have been, and continue to be willing to equally share the characters with General Hospital and ABC. It’s a win-win for the actors, the shows and fans, who love all of the shows and storylines. We hope to work out these agreements with ABC and the actors.”

So soapers, now that you have heard from Prospect Park and their willingness to work out agreements with ABC and the actors, and that part of the reason they licensed One Life to Live in the first place was due in part to the characters and actors that crossed-over to General Hospital, how do you feel about the situation?  And, how do you think this should be rectified to satisfy the fans and both production entities?   Let us know!

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I feel for the actors. That being said, Roger, Kristen and especially Michael owe a lot of their success to One Life to Live. GH has fantastic legacy characters at its disposal. The characters of Todd and John are essential to OLTL. For OLTL to be successful, they need Michael and Roger and shouldn’t go with recasts. Using Michael and Roger as new characters on GH will be ridiculous and seem forced, as bad as the Sam and John relationship. Crossovers won’t work in the long term.

Roger and Michael, please go home to Llanview. Your fans absolutely adore you in the roles of Todd and John.

Love Sam and John…

Me too! mcbam for the win!!

Do not love Sam and John. LOL

Me too! Also, ME was an established actor long before he came to OLTL.

AGREE w McBam! There is OLD history there that goes back before either of them were John and Sam (Caleb and Livvie) They have a lot of on screen chemistry I would love to see more of! Speaking of which, neither one of them owes their starts to their current employers…both started on PORT CHARLES…when that ended, Michael went to OLTL etc…No one owes anyone. It has been so long now that these soaps were cancelled, are they sure they still have the fan base to do this? I use to watch those shows and they seemed to be wrapped up at the end…

I disagree that Michael owes his success to OLTL, he was an established leading man long before he came to OLTL. Michael Easton and Kelly Monaco have incredible chemistry and there is nothing forced about it. Both actors have said how easy it is for them to work together. Michael can easily be Caleb on GH as a human and to be honest Caleb is a much more complex character than John McBain ever was. Easton was spectacular as Caleb. Both Roger and Michael have families who have relocated to the West Coast. PP is going to shoot in Connecticut and to ask them to commute is unreasonable. PP would benefit from GH actors appearing on their show, but ABC will not. I am sure PP’s audience will be a fraction of GH’s which is a network show.

John & Sam DO have incredible chemistry. I never liked John & Natalie together. I’m not too familiar with the character of Caleb, but I’d be willing to watch for sure. I would just miss the character of McBain though. I can’t decide if I’d miss the actors more or the characters, ya know?

Part of being an actor is commuting, flying around the world to shoot a movie, many actors who do shows in LA have homes and lives in Chicago or New York. This is not like they are going to fly back and forth to do a 9 to 5 job, they would tape several days a month (especially on a 30 minute show) Most likely blocked together and they would be able to stay in LA for likely half the month at least – all while being front burner on OLTL.

This is not just directed at you but there are so many people who have no clue how this business works crying poor actors that they have to take a flight a few times a month.

I agree with BOOPP. Michael Easton’s fan base was built with Port Charles. OLTL came later. As far as PP statement that they “lent” the characters to abc is bull. These 3 actors are under contract to abc.Did PP think that all the actors and actresses from the 2 shows would just sit and wait until they got it together? I doubt it. Life gos on and they went to work elsewhere. I seriously doubt they would be willing to give up GH to go to PP. I would think that there would be a serious paycut. I watched OLTL and AMC for 42 years when they were cancelled and I was extremely upset to see them go. And I am thrilled they are coming back, but…. I think that PP should leave things as they are. They could have the actors go back and tie up the stories. GH has explained why these 3 are in Port Charles. They are into the canvas so deep they should leave it as is.

I agree with you on that BOOPP. These actors have moved to the West Coast and are happy at GH, PP shouldn’t expect them to go back east – surely they can create new characters or use others? These actors don’t owe PP or ABC anything than what they’ve already given them!

Love Sam & McBain!!!

I think the whole situation is a mess. That being said, I think the smartest dispersal of assets would be for ME to remain on GH as Caleb or McMumbles, and for RH and KA to return to OLTL as Todd and Starr. I can see Starr bouncing back and forth, although I think KA’s terrible weaknesses as an actress are completely apparent without the acting safety net of RH and KDP or TSJ to anchor her. I don’t see any reason for Todd to remain in PC. However, if the rumors are true and RH doesn’t want to appear on a web-based soap, I think Todd should bounce back and forth for a few months to get OLTL back on track and then remain in PC. Yet another recast for Todd, after the ridiculous machinations employed to justify bringing RH back and exit TSJ, will be terribly challenging. I happened to love TSJ’s Todd, but I am skeptical they can successfully find a third actor that viewers will tolerate, much less accept.

I too agree with BOOPP. Michael Easton has been on soaps for years. I used to watch him as Tanner on Days of Our Lives. Acting is a job just like any other. Actors should be allowed to do what is best for them. Being held hostage to PP when they don’t know what the heck they’re doing is ridiculous. I am fearful that this entire relaunch on line is going to be a bust. It has been over a year since these soaps were on, original cast members have moved onto other soaps or projects, viewers have moved on to other programming. PP is now trying to bring back who they can at the 11th hour and recast other parts. If it is truly the relaunch of the soaps fans so loved bringing on 1/3 of the original cast & hiring recasts is not what I want to see. This should be interesting.

This is for Angela,
Try reading………”Prospect Park released the following statement regarding its licensing agreement with All My Children and One Life to Live. In 2011, when Prospect Park decided to put everything on the line to reboot these shows, they lent characters to General Hospital until shooting began for the new programs so that the characters could stay alive with the fans and also so that the actors could remain working. Everyone at ABC and on the production staff of General Hospital understood that this was a temporary arrangement until production started once again on One Life to Live. Now the time has come to start production and Prospect Park needs to, once again, cast these characters including Llanview transplants Michael Easton (John) and Kristen Alderson (Starr).”…
That explains what the “Agreement” was and what ABC KNEW WAS GOING TO HAPPEN! They should have never ever signed them to Long Term contracts, Epically since renegotiation is done every 13 weeks, BUT NO ABC did what it wanted to and wants PP OLTL and it’s fans to take in the ass! Bull it is time ABC took it up Pooper!!!!

The first time I saw Michael Easton was on Ally McBeal! He played a nude model! Ally & her friend were taking a sculpting class & he played the model who had their eyes pop out because he was so “big”! Anybody else remember this?

These actors have all left OLTL. Period. Roger Howarth left many years ago and developed a very different character on As the World Turns. He returned to OLTL for short-term gig. He does not need to break a contract on ABC — and possibly move his family — for a start-up production.
Michael Easton had fans before he had a role on OLTL. There are those of us who remember him from his days on Port Charles and I believe he’s been on other soaps as well. (He may even have done work outside of soaps!) He does not owe his career to OLTL, and like Roger Howarth, does not need to break a contract on ABC — and possibly disrupt his family — for a start-up production.
As far as Kristin Alderson, that young lady grew up on OLTL. I think she was planning to move to LA anyway. Let the girl stretch her wings in LA with a different cast. For those of us who have watched since she took her first steps on OLTL, how often do we get to watch the character and the actress continue to grow like this?
Crossovers have worked successfully for the Bell soaps on CBS for years. This could be a wonderful win-win opportunity for Prospect Park, ABC, the fans and the future of soaps.

Well said.

Sounds like to me, after reading the statement, PP is willing to work with ABC to do crossovers…..I think the problem lies with ABC, and we know how this network is known for their “Smart” decisions.

And although, I’m happy for the actors to be able to move on, and keep their characters alive on GH, I really don’t like them on GH…..I prefer John, Todd & Starr on OLTL. True both male actors have had careers before and after OLTL, but I just have grown to like them on OLTL. I am not too thrilled with the way the characters have been dealt with on GH….Don’t like how John has just left his family in the wind, and forgotten about Natalie & his son. And I can’t even begin to express my anger for what they did to Starr….bringing her on, only to kill off Cole & her baby girl Hope. It makes me absolutely sick thinking about it. That story was done simply to make room for her and Michael on GH.

… a lot was done to move these characters to GH, after no one was sure what was to become of OLTL… All 3 have picked up and moved to the west coast… flying back and forth is a HUGE inconvenience and I bet isnt in their contracts. At the time they were hired on GH, it looked like OLTL was never going to be back… here we are 2 yrs later, the 3 actors have moved and settled into new jobs. Hire new people to play the parts on the computer network…you dont even know if there are enough fans left around to keep it going… I use to watch OLTL, kind of glad it combined w GH.
BTW, the story w John is Todd sent a pic of him and Sam kissing to Nat who’s daddy has hired lots of expensivelawyers to keep him away from his son. I LOVE HOPE and Michael together…and Todd
fits in well…he adds humor to the show…plus I dont think he was on OLTL except as a visitor at the end….recall he was locked up for 8 yrs while his brother had his life.

Hmmmmm Perhaps they will return to OLTL and after a bit ABC will Figure out what a COLOSSAL MISTAKE they made when they cancelled Both One Life to Live AND All My Children and ABC will buy them back and return them to TV so that everyone can watch rather than only those with computer access. JUST A THOUGHT.

under the licensing agreement PP now owns the rights to AMC and OLTL for the next ten years (it might even be fifteen) – the agreement said that once they started actually producing something, which it seems they now are, they own it for OLTL, so can we please stop going on about how they could go back to ABC. it’s not going to happen. contracts have been signed. also, why should those actors go and work on what is essentially a glorified web series (nothing wrong with that, but it’s different) for probably much less money when they can get paid a network TV wage and have a network TV audience?

I ‘m sure they are going to put their heads together and work with the actors . Let them go back and close things off. Like making sure Todd knows that he never kill his brother, John brings back Natalie and his son to GH and have them go back and forth for the holidays. Same for Starr. Come on they can have the best of both worlds and they can cross over. It would be a win win. Just a thought…..
Sam can hook up with Jason’s brother AJ.

OK hang on you gh fans are incredible. ABC signs the actors to long term contracts knowing what the Agreement between them and PP are and now the OLTL fans are not only getting screwed by ABC yet AGAIN but you want to take a Very popular couple from OLTL and put them on GH! WOW does your greediness have no bounds??

John ad Nataie have years of history not only as lovers but as friends an now parents the character of John would NOT have left his family for that long and he surely would NOT have chosen Sam over the mother of his child and love of his life Natalie. I have never seen the chemistry with John and Sam both are quiet understated actors which on a soap equals snoozefes and I loved Port Charles.. Respect the characters respect the fans. I think sharing at the very least would be fair. I for one woul love to see Natalie come to town and give John and Sam what for….

Oh dear, Jolie Fan. You’re insane. Certifiably so.

Well said…go home John , go home…to your soon to be wife(a girl can dream can’t she?) and your son!!!

TERRI… please go on you tube and watch old PORT CHARLES
episodes with CALEB and LIVVY… that would be Michael Easton and Kelly Monaco…it wont take but a few moments to see the chemistry… they were lovers and there is plenty of evidence of their passion together from when they worked together in the early 2000’s.
Seems like on OLTL, John and Nat were apart more than together always sleeping with someone else… I promise the youtube trip wont be a waste of your time!
And now he’s not WELCOME at home…remember Clint has hired all the lawyers and they have a court order that he HAS to stay away…

I disagree, Gentry. They are ACTORS. They do not owe anyone anything but their families. Why can’t some people get that?

It would be wonderful to have a random day at work be like an episode of SEINFELD where Jerry went to work to boo the woman who booed him when he was on stage doing HIS job. Maybe if the shoe were on the other foot more in life people would stop feeling so entitled.

Sounds like Prospect Park is trying to do damage control. The fact remains, regardless of what they want us to believe, that GH kept Llanview alive and this is a main reason that PP still has the interest to launch a OLTL 2.0. Let the actors decide where they want to be. If it is GH, then recast their OLRL roles and allow the actors to play other roles on GH. The actors should decide where they.want to work. PP seems to be trying to take the actors’ choices away, knowing that 2 of the 3 chose not to sign on with PP during the first attempt at relainchong OLTL.

Well said… They already picked up and moved across the country… the person playing a role are commonly replaced when someone’s contract is up etc… Now is the perfect time to replace them since they havent been filming OLTL for the past 2 yrs…

They can do both!

Um, passive aggressive much, PP???? PP has really pissed some people off including me. I want Starr, John and Todd played by Kristen, Michael and Roger on GH. I will not be able to buy new characters all of the sudden on GH, played by these same actors. It won’t make any sense. I know its a soap and make believe, but that’s an insult to me as a viewer. These characters have relationships and lives in Port Charles. To have them leave so suddenly is pretty crappy.

PP is the one who needs to get new actors… and if this ever gets off the ground, that’s probably what will happen…The OLTL characters seem happy and well paid on GH …plus they moved 3000 miles away for the job… it would be ridiculous to move them again…esp since we havent seen OLTL in over a yr now…perfect time for them to get new hires…other OLTL actors have moved on to other jobs too, perhaps not even in soaps…what a mess… It’s almost like they needed to do it right away after they cancelled the shows…Im not sure it will even work now.

I can not RH and ME flying from AC to NY area to share ..
I also do not see RH signing on with PP ..
They still have a long road to go before this will be settled..

We have to wait and see if the 3 will agree to going with PP ..

Travel from CA to NY area hmm don’t think that is a selling point..
It is not what we want it is what they decide to do ..

Of course they will support the re-boot! How often is your character in such hot demand? Plus, I’m sure they will want to help OLTL succeed! My bet is with them!

Why would they sign with PP? Its an online show, it may not even succeed. PP is blackmailing the actors.

Yeah, I hate to say it, but I’m with KateK on this one. ABC is at least an established national broadcast network. Prospect Park has the Internet, and that’s great, but it’s a totally untapped medium for this type of genre. I’m excited to see how the new OLTL turns out (that is, if it does in fact happen), but if I were one of these actors, I’d rather stay on ABC– and that’s knowing they cancelled two of their three soaps.

I agree Tuc Watkins would come back and forth inthis ecnomy these actors are lucky to be in such high demand.

I think Prospect Park burned that bridge when it forced the actors not to report to work and earn their pay. Would you want to work for a company that took your livelihood away from you and your family? That was an awful move by PP and not a show of good faith. By digging in their heels, they personally/financially hurt the actors. Who would want to do that company any favors?

Todd, McBain and Starr’s success on GH kept OLTL alive for their fans. Combined with general hospital’s high ratings contributed to Prospect Park being able to do the OLTL reboot. Why would ABC and Prospect Park pass up a chance to cross promote on both shows. Seems like a no-brainier to me.

What in the hell does Gh’s ratings have to do with PP and OLTL and MAC Reboot????

RH is done w/ GH . he will only be on OLTL. ME and KA will do both. KA and CD are dating

“KA and CD are dating”. ….hmmmm..I bet that is surprising news to his WIFE!

Chad Duell ended his marriage of a few months in Dec.

he ended his marriage in December

It’s hasn’t been confirmed that RH will only be doing OLTL and that Michael and Kristen will be doing both. I doubt Roger and Kristen will be on the reboot because they didn’t sign on for it when PP was first trying to launch it.

As for Chad and Kristen dating, that is just a rumor.

Let the actors decide where they want to go for once. The shows were dumped and now that they things have turned around and OLTL and AMC are coming back online are we really supposed to accept that. What if it bombs? Stop messing with our soaps what little we have left. Have some consideration for the viewers I say. Oh well it is just my opinion. Love Michael Fairman he is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Totally agree! Leave GH alone. It’s the only true ABC soap left, and I don’t appreciate all the back-and-forth from PP!

Couldn’t agree with you more!! I felt sad watching Michael Easton yesterday knowing he won’t be on after Feb 8th. I’m pretty sure these actors are quite happy right where they are.

This is so exciting and fantastic! What a great way to work this out! It IS a win win for both shows and the actors and all of the fans! I couldn’t be more thrilled in hearing this incredible news! Thanks again Michael!

I think Todd, Starr, and Michael bring a lot to GH. However, if he’s going to be a vampire, he needs to high tail it to One Life as I hate that storyline. I can see them going back and forth seamlessly if the writers work together. I really like Star and Michael together and hope they will stay so. If Natalie is in Llanview, maybe she and John can reconcile. I would like that. As far as I’m concerned Todd can stay in Port Chalres and have Trevor in LLanview.

Agree that the vampire storyline is ridiculous. I also like your suggestion about keeping Roger on GH and bringing Trevor to OLTL.

Yes the vampire storyline is ridiculous! I think the vampire thing should be for
horror movies not the soaps. I really like Michael Easton’s character a lot. He is
the one of the main reasons I started watching GH again when OLTL was cancelled last year. Was happy to see him on GH because I missed OLTL sooooooooo much! But, ONE LIFE TO LIVE (LIVES Again)!!!!!!! HURRAH!
Here’s what you do when you don’t find the rainbow’s end
This Time
Here’s where you go when it looks like the rain won’t end
Don’t cry
I’ll give you tommorrow
Let me be the one you share it with
And each day that follows
Cause we only have “ONE LIFE TO LIVE!” OLTL ROCKS AGAIN!!!!!

I’m fine with this as long as PP’s OLTL doesn’t have to recognize the insufferable storylines on GH. GH all but destroyed these characters. They killed off Starr’s family right off the bat, then they killed off what was left of Tea’s family, her baby. Then they proceeded to destroy McBain’s family. Todd and Blair were already on the outs when OLTL ended, but GH forced a Todd&Carly pairing, that made no sense in light of the fact that Blair is the only woman Todd feels comfortable being intimate with, and that only comes after YEARS of history. GH disregarded John, Todd and Starr’s histories in order to make them fit on the GH canvas. I’m hoping PP will begin where OLTL left off a year ago …

I think the reason GH “destroyed” these characters, as you put it, wasn’t because they were disrespectful to them or anything, but rather because it was much easier to simplify the characters. Bringing on three characters– characters with rich histories, no less– from a different soap has gotta be tricky, so they probably just wanted it to be as seamless as possible, and they best way to do that was to eliminate any ties with other OLTL characters.

If they wanted eliminate any ties with other OLTL characters they should of changed their names and history’s when they first came to GH. The only history they some what messed with is that of John.

agreed, Tina, they wanted to bring the OLTL actors playing their SAME characters, in hopes of luring OLTL viewers to GH. Trouble is, they changed them so much, they may as well have been playing different characters! And I would have preferred that. I still would have watched GH and I might have even rooted for John&Sam, now that Jason is “dead”. But knowing that “John” has moved on so easily from Natalie&Liam makes him a huge TOOL in my eyes.

My first memory of OLTL is Joe Riley showing up at the door to the church…but Viki, beautifully dressed in white, is marrying someone else at the altar and he has arrived too late. The show is still in black-and-white, I must have four or five years old.
As far as I am concerned, Joe is Viki’s only love and I get upset that he is rarely, if ever, acknowledged as the father of Kevin and Joey. (I always want to scream “Clint is not their father!”)
So you’re upset that Todd has been paired with Carly…well, Blair was in love with Max long before Todd…and Blair/Todd have always been like Carly/Sonny, as Blair and Carly discovered in a great “just us girls” scene. Frankly, I would love for Blair to find someone who challenges her but in a way that moves her character forward. Todd and Blair, the couple, exist in the past. Todd and Carly seem so well-suited to each other now: Carly doesn’t judge, she just wants respect and honesty. Blair can’t get past the baggage. Once upon a time, Blair wasn’t in a position to judge Todd, they had sinned equally. Blair is a different person now and that’s why she no longer fits with Todd.
I can go on and on, just know that the person responsible for the stories at OLTL for its last years…has been at GH now. I give him credit for keeping Llanview alive, maybe investing new viewers, not destroying it.

I have watched OLTL off-and-on, almost from the beginning, I was a bit older, in 2nd grade, every day I would watch “Dark Shadows” after school and catch the last 5 minutes of OLTL, got HOOKED and started RUNNING home from school, lol. Loved Vicki and Joe, I quite agree, he was the love of her life. As for Max, I loved him with Gabrielle, but I wasn’t watching when he was with Blair, in fact, I missed most of Blair’s stories, including her story with Todd, I just know from other people’s posts that Todd has “intimacy issues” and the only woman he’s ever really felt comfortable with is Blair. But since the ’80s, GH has been “my” soap, so although I’m upset with some of the OLTL integration (especially John’s!) I’m still thrilled with GH for bringing back Frisco, Laura, Robert, Anna, and all my faves!

I rememeber Joe Riley! He was the love of Viki’s life! Her #1 love of all time.

Maddiehayes I could not agree with you More!!! I did not like the way that they just had John “forget” Natalie and Liam, RC is an Ass! There is no way that John would ever just “forget” Natalie and the son he recently got back, He missed almost the first year of his son’s life and he sure as hell would not bounce a few days after getting him back! And the lame way they “broke them up” was RIDICULOUS! Clint never ever had a problem with John, so he being wrapped up in that at all is ridiculous!
For them to Kill off Hope and Cole was beyond stupid, they did not even have to have them go with her.
I am tired of GH ABC AND RC dictating what is going to be done on OLTL that is BULL Sorry!!!

I have to agree. JOLIE forever.

ITA JOLIE FOREVER BABY!!

once PP nixed the idea of OLTL and AMC on line shortly after the cancelation the actors moved on..

Yes, and they had every right to!

Yes they did and they do,but they don’t own the characters.

My understanding Scott is they own the characters but not the actors I think their will be some serious lawyering up by these actors if they do not want to uproot again.

First: I don’t recall ever hearing that the characters of Todd, Starr, and John would be temporarily on General Hospital. Did anyone else miss that? I’m guessing so. I’ve followed this whole ABC/Prospect Park situation since the announcement of OLTL’s cancellation over a year ago, and I can’t recall one instance when ABC stated that these OLTL characters would only be on GH temporarily. And to further support this, aren’t these three actors currently under contract with ABC? That’s not exactly temporary– there’s gotta be an end date in that contract somewhere, and it’s probably not “whenever Prospect Park finally gets their act together.”

Second: I don’t trust Prospect Park. Who are these people anyway? I was super excited when they initially announced that they would revive OLTL & AMC… and then they let us all down, actors included. I’ll admit, it does seem like this time around, PP has more of their ducks in a row, but everything is still so unclear.

Third: This has to truly suck for these actors. All three of them are included in such major storylines on GH, that for them to be so abruptly ripped out of Port Charles, or to be suddenly re-written as new characters, is not only bad television, but terrible treatment of these actors!

Prospect Park, you need to realize that you dropped the ball the first time, and these actors weren’t going to just wait around for you to get serious. Now that they’ve got a new home on GH, you just want to take back these characters for yourself? Unprofessional. Disappointing. And unsettling.

I’ve truly grown to love how Todd, John, and Starr have blended in so well in Port Charles. They are just as much a part of GH as any other character/actor on that show. It is not fair for PP to just hog all these characters when they can’t even keep their promises to begin with. And how about this: what if Michael Easton, Roger Howarth, and Kristen Alderson don’t WANT to go to PP’s co-called “revival” of OLTL? Shouldn’t they get a say? Sorry for the long-winded response. Thanks for reading it!

You’ve said everything I wanted to say and more. I completely agree.

I also just want to add that the new OLTL can go on fine without McBain, Todd, and Starr. Soap characters & actors come and go all the time. I just want there to be some stability for these shows… All this back-and-forth isn’t helping the genre– it’s hurting it!

You are so right! I don’t recall any talk of “temporary”. It is so unfair to the actors, the fans and GH. These actors are under contract to GH/ABC. They continue to be seen on broadcast television, on a major network, working in Hollywood. Why on God’s green earth would they want to give up their current status only to schlep to Stamford, CT to work on a production that will only be available online to a limited audience, 4 days a week for 1/2 hr/day? These three talented actors who have obviously moved their families to Hollywood and have become an integral part of the GH landscape have to give it all up for PP??? Stamford CT, REALLY???? Talk about a step backwards! Here’s a message to PP: LEAVE GH ALONE! LEAVE THESE THREE TALENTED ACTORS ALONE. HAVEN’T YOU DONE ENOUGH ALREADY?!!!! Who’s to say PP won’t fall flat on it’s face with this new venture? Then what? It appears to me that the actors who have agreed to sign on with PP, never left the NY area after the cancellation of AMC and OLTL, nor have I heard of them working on other projects, so what have they got to loose? Stamford is a short train ride from NYC. I’m just so upset at the thought of having these actors being abruptly pulled out of GH over legal nonsense! Thanks Michael for the opportunity to vent about this. You’re the best!

If you lease a car and lend it to a friend,does your friend get to keep it???

Actually, I’ve noticed names on the PP cast lists who had taken roles on soaps on other networks…but are clearly available for PP. I’ve read plenty of commentary that other showrunners have not taken advantage of the available ABC daytime talent like GH has. People seem quick to trash the GH team — part of which used to be the OLTL team — but they clearly create a place where people want to work. The actress who plays Blair — she lives in Kentucky, they worked out storyline whenever she could be in LA. Wally Kurth is willing to go back and work for a few days — and the current GH team respects the fans enough to gather these familiar faces instead of doing an expedient recast.

Judith – someone who gets it! 🙂

It is the same reason that Debbi Morgan didn’t sign and took the job at Y&R instead. More exposure, a guaranteed job. Sadly things did not work out at Y&R, but she had the above-mentioned for a little while. You have to do what you have to do to support yourselves and your family. You can’t just sit around and HOPE that Prospect Park will come through. Anyone that faults the actors and is demanding their return to the east coast is selfish and entitled.

The actors know that they are not indispensable to a show. I mean if someone was to get run over by a car one day, the show would have to go on. Life goes on. Prospect Park could really do this reboot without uprooting the lives of these three fine actors who did what only they could do which was to go where they could be gainfully employed. You want the characters so bad? Then recast. But in all honesty, it is not like Viki or Dorian is on GH right now. Erika Slezak is pretty much the face of OLTL, but at some point, life goes on and you have to adjust.

You’re right. PP announced they weren’t going ahead with OLTL. They never said their OLTL plans were on hold until they could iron out the details. PP never said that OLTL was a temporary hold thing. Viewership is surging on all soaps now. It is profitable to have a soap in this streamlined format.That is why they are resurrecting the soaps again now. Which is fine. Just don’t hurt the actors financially or hurt GH.

My sentiments exactly. You definitely said a mouthful. All three actors have definitely made an impact on GH and I’m glad to see that RH, KA and ME have transitioned well in there new home. They are a true asset and relocating them back to OLTL to help with the relaunch is absurd. Looking forward to see how GH and PP handle Roger’s, Kristen and Michael’s characters and have other actors portray them. If all three actors are currently on contract with ABC/GH then why would PP ask for them back. Doesn’t PP know that if actors break their contracts there are legal repurcussions. Here’s to getting it right and doing what’s right.

I totally agree with you!! The OLTL characters were just decimated when the joined GH….killing off all the connections that these characters had in LLanview just upset me so much.

this was for a different comment but I accidentally attached it to your post…LOL

But now that I’m here, I would like to add, if you watch the interview that Michael Fairman did with the Martins of AMC, I got the impression that the fault should not all lie with PP…..I think ABC had a big hand in slowing things down for PP the first go round. ABC did a lot of shady things, and I really believe they stalled things more than necessary, just so that PP could take the heat off of them. I want the actors to be happy and do what’s best for them, but I believe in my heart of hearts that PP was the red-herring in this situation…ABC is the culprit.

I don’t know what you read about the “stories” for the Characters but it was stated that the character of John McBain & “Todd Manning” were going to be there as reoccurring like Blair and Tea! Starr was the only one that had a story line because her story line was finished on OLTL, John and “Todd’s” weren’t!

let me add: But because of the popularity of Todd & John with GH fans, they were added with long term contracts. Many fans wanted Melissa Archer aka Natalie Buchanan to come to GH but was prohibited from that because PP would not let her come! This MESS would have never happened if it wasn’t for ABC where 99% of the blame lies for canceling OLTL in the first place. It was the highest rated soap on ABC and got an earlier cancellation date (Jan ’12) instead of the later cancellation date of GH (Sept ’12). ABC doesn’t want to admit their failure of the cancellation of OLTL and his trying to keep GH solid. It would be very interesting if the cancellation dates had been turned around with GH canceled and OLTL still on TV.

I don’t know what our how the 3 actors on the ABC and the internet shows can be handled legally. I do think they are better off on GH as it is an hour show. The only solution that I see would be to let them rotate shows. That would mean storyline problems but that can be worked out. I hate to see them move back to OLTL although that was my fav. soap, but the characters have fit in so well on GH. Especially are Sam and Michael have such incredible chemistry. Either move will leave some viewers unhappy. I will get used to whatever is. I forgot that one show will be in NY and one in LA?? Is that correct?? If so, rotating wouldn’t be an option. To keep them happy, I would see which show the actors want to be on. Then negotiate. They COULD be on different shows if that were their choice. I would chose GH, if I were one of the actors, because I would have more camera time. Also, the idea of having soaps on the net is a new concept. Risky. Hope you guys can get this settled without too much trouble and conflicts. Good luck!!

Agree.

I agree,too… I just hope cross our fingers.

It sounds like Prospect was just floating the idea of recasting Starr and John, and fans must have called their bluff. After all, Easton and Alderson would not have signed contracts with GH if they had interest in contracting/working with Prospect on the East Coast. As many fans have already noted, Starr has already left Llanview. John has no family left on the canvas, he’s a spouse to a Buchanan. It’s better to have access to Starr and John with original actors for storyline purposes — and have leverage for doing so — than risk the new endeavour with recasts.
Notice how they left Todd out? There’s something going on there…all I know is Roger Howarth will not play games so either he’s happy with the plan or he’ll leave/play someone else. He has left “Todd” before and I’m sure he’d do it again.

Beth I thought the same thing – Howarth has had far more airtime on GH and he is not referenced by name in this press release? This implies to me that they are potentially pursuing a different scenario re: the character of Todd vs Starr and John. While I sincerely hope AMC and OLTL go live with PP, look at Erika Slezak’s statement which tells us no contracts have been signed. Much is still up in the air and even if these shows go live they will look and feel different if only because many of the cast moved on and are unavailable for a variety of reasons.

WTF articles do you ppl read?? Erika has already signed a contract so did the rest of the cast for OLTL! There is nothing up in the air! It amazes me that You GH fans actually are rooting for this to be a bust so you’s can keep some characters! WOW You’s should be proud!

Ouch Jolie Fan. The quote re a contract not being signed is on http://www.erikaslezak.com from her to her fan club and quoted a few days back here on Michael’s site. I am happy wherever the characters land as I am a fan of both shows. You are correct I did make an inference that more than Erika may not have signed contracts yet – which I read elsewhere. I want oltl back and want GH to succeed also.

I still wont watch any PP shows after this! Let the actors choose where they want to go, dont blaclmail mail or bulldog them! Why would Star go back to LV Hope & Cole are dead? Shes an adult now, shes not going to move home w/ mom. Todd got off a murder charge, everyone hates him there why would he go back? John & Nat don’t have as much chemistry as he & Sam do, OLTL never used him like GH does, let him stay. From a story stand point it makes NO sense from them to be in LainView!!

Agreed. These three characters actually have some roots in Port Charles now. To shuffle them around like this is ridiculous! And I also agree that McBain’s character is a little more… likable on GH. Not that I didn’t like him on OLTL– I LOVED him. But they’re getting real roles on GH, and established network soap. Leave ’em alone unless they vocalize they want otherwise, PP!

I really think that this reboot has had to have been in the works the whole time, I’m looking at what they have accomplished and that has not been overnight I think ABC and TPTB have known this is a possibility including the actors and blaming PP is just not fair….TPTB knew about the legalize stuff…..amd I don’t think we should just assume that the actors arent interested in going to PP just becase a mag reported “all three dont want to” please let them decide but I do think ABC will make if difficult to leave their contracts…I find it amazing that ABC cxd the soaps in the first place and we have been put through the ringer with ABC but everyone is quick to blame PP don’t you all think this is what ABC wants takes the heat off them esp after they cxd the soaps in the first place, and they are the ones making the statements to the mags sounds a little too convinent to me. With all that said I believe the characters belong on OLTL recast if they have to but they are a huge huge part of OLTL and I totaly get why PP wants to keep them and I say keep them because they do belong to PP

The only reason I’m cautious around PP is because they let us down before. It’s a HUGE undertaking to produce a soap opera with so much history and such a loyal fanbase. I don’t appreciate how they seem to be going back and forth with actors and production. It’s been like that for a good year– I say it’s time to let GH move forward with their current cast, OLTL characters included; and let OLTL move forward with the actors that have willingly signed on. They can both be successful shows in their own right.

yes, I agree — see my ‘don’t piss me off’ comment below. Let ’em get their own Todd and John and Star if they must. If they don’t want to mention GH storylines and vice versa, then why not just have 2 separate storylines with a few of the same characters… who cares. Twice as much storytime for us.

I think they can do whatever with the STARR character,,, she’s not that important to me!!!!

But they need to keep JOHN MCBAIN!!!!

HE IS VALUABLE TO THE SHOW!!

HE HAS A CHILD RAFE BARRIGTON
HE HAS LIAM BUCHANNAN

AND HE WAS GOING TO HAVE A STEP CHILD DANIEL EDWARD MORGAN

PLUS HE AND KELLY MONACO HAS MAJOR CHEMISTRY

I WAS LOOKING FORWARD SEEING THEM TOGETHER

You love ABC, you hate ABC, you love Prospect Park , you hate Prospect Park !
Just be happy that General Hospital and soaps in general are on the upswing and canceled soaps OLTL and AMC are getting a second chance.

I cannot believe Prospect Park’s short sightedness. GH almost went off the air. If that happened, plenty of people would have lost interest in One Life. The actors from One Life, and the excellent producing/writing team now helming GH has practically saved the soap industry. Now that GH is better than ever, in part duet to the One Life crossover– they want to pull the plug? What if the actors don’t want to appear in an online version? They can pull off an excellent version of One Life with the actors they have already recruited. Leave GH alone. If GH sinks, the whole industry- online and on broadcast- is in jeopardy.

This is getting to be a “drama” before the show even starts up again. I for one have decided to take the “wait and see” attitude. It’s going to be what it is and we will all adjust and love the show no matter (I hope)

I will start by saying that I am enjoying all three OL characters on GH, especially Todd, who has really fit in the best IMO. Having said that, I also happen to think that GH is full of great and already established characters that they can draw on. I’d love nothing more than to see both shows (GH and OLTL) be successful, and so I’m hoping for the OL transplants to return to Llanview. Crossovers are a fun and rich idea for story. I’m very open to that as well.

In the end though, John, Todd and Starr have way more life to live in Llanview. Go PP!

ITA

Good Luck Prospect Park – I agree with Cheryl!

Why can’t the shows exist in alternate universes?- Like Dallas and Knots Landing. Online One Life can have new actors playing the characters, while the veteran actors can stay on GH. win win.

The problem there, is that a TON of people, myself included, don’t want to see new actors in the roles for characters that we’ve watched for years.

I AGREE!!

PP is paying ABC millions of dollars to license OLTL and AMC and willing to loan out those characters that they are paying for. Who does that? I wouldn’t.

From what I understand, ABC paid PP for use of the characters. It wasn’t for free

I hope the 50/50 works out for everyone involved. It does sound win/win to me, and it could be just the thing to make the reboots successful, and then who knows what could happen… maybe we could see a reboot of “Port Charles”, and other shows.

I for one, am just happy the shows are continuing, and do believe that “TV” has a brand new life coming by way of “web viewing”

The sad thing is that it isn’t a “win win” as the actors are now financially suffering since PP has banned them from reporting to GH.

As I have said before, they need to stay put in GH! OLTL has gone on without these characters and it still can. Honestly, I don’t think OLTL will be as fun to watch without Frank and Ron at the helm anyway. I may check it out but not sure I will stay with it. GH and DAYS are my soaps of choice. If ABC was smart they would charge Prospect Park a small fee to air both shows on their network with the stipulation that these three crossover to OLTL to reboot the show only to return to GH on a regular basis!

I believe RH/Todd has told PP no , and that is why there has been no mention of him like there is with ME/McBain and KA/Starr..

I heard that Michael Easton was on board with OLTL online MANY times, so I can see him going back.

That was long before he got his GH job. His contract with PP has since expired. He is not obligated to PP anymore. He is contracted to ABC and GH! He is at his new job at GH! And why in the world would he want to leave GH? He moved his family cross country for the job. I cannot see him wanting to uproot again or do double duty. He should stay on GH where he belongs now!

I don’t understand how PP and ABC can share these 3 characters. It would be a story line continuity nightmare. IMO OLTL doesn’t need RH or KA if they can get TSJ on board as Victor and I believe they already have the girl who plays Danielle on lock. I think they are pretty much interchangable with Todd and Starr. John could leave town and they could cast a John McBain type person if that’s their fancy.

It’s puzzling to me why so many people seem to be making Prospect Park the “bad guy” here. ABC cancelled OLTL. Then ABC made Prospect Park pay millions to license the show — including all its characters. Then ABC convinced Prospect Park to loan some characters back for a while, didn’t tell the public it was a temporary arrangement and now seems mad that Prospect Park wants what it paid for. I’m certainly not saying Prospect Park has handled this well, and I love Todd and McBain on GH, but it seems pretty clear that Prospect Park is well within its rights to use key OLTL characters however it wants. And ABC has once again been caught trying to dupe its viewers.

I agree with this 100%. PP is well within their rights in wanting to use characters that they paid for and own the rights to. I also don’t understand why people want the shows back on ABC when it was ABC that screwed everyone over and canceled the shows in the first place. The last thing I want is for ABC to get their hands on my shows again.

Well said, VERY well said.

ABC is no victim but has instead duped, and outright lied to everyone involved on all their soaps. Just go back and look how blindsided everyone on AMC and OLTL were, from the setup crew to the actors and production staff when they were cancelled.
PP may not have handled this as well as they could have, but the giant in the room, the one who do the most harm is ABC. And they’ve shown they have no love or loyalty for anything, especially soaps.
And don’t forget that if PP is successful, it may very well be the future home of GH if and when ABC dumps it too.

I agree 100%!!!

Funny how everyone is blaming PP for this mess when it was ABC who started this mess in the first place when THEY canceled two shows. Now GH has OLTL old writers and they now have some darn good ones and no restraints as to censors, tho they’ll keep it toned down even on the web.
Easy solution to this mess would be ..as the actors are playing ” OLTL ‘characters with long history’s to that show if they want to stay, Change their names.. change everything about their history and backgrounds as so their NOT OLTL characters anymore and then there’s no conflict.
As GH has sooo screwed up Lucy Coe’s character to really make her look like a lunatic and made the show “Port Charles” like it never happened and screwed up TV history, why don’t they just do it again? It was just all a dream in Michaels coma when he was shot in the head.

ABC does not deserve any OLTL characters., actors, executive producers, or writers.

If all these OLTL people are so valuable–why did they cancel the show? LONG LIVE OLTL!

Well all that you have mentioned are all under contract to ABC and GH now. They just cannot up and leave their GH jobs!

Solution: Put One Life to Live back on ABC where it belongs. I don’t think the AMC reboot is going to work out, but OLTL seriously has a shot if given the right tools to succeed. PP can produce it, and ABC/Soapnet can air it. Also, some of the AMC characters like Angie and David could move to Llanview. The disputed characters/actors should stay on GH and perhaps do crossovers with OLTL or return at a later time. Bring One Life to Live home. It should never have been canceled.

I agree OLTL never should have been canceled

Triple Ditto on that!

I don’t think it will work out either – then what? They take Michael, Roger & Kristen away and they are then left without jobs with PP fails. I won’t be watching some online show, that’s for sure.

Online viewing is a huge part of the future. Even take Netflix’s project idea when it ran it’s original series House of Cards.. they released EVERY episode of the season all at once just over a week ago. People are viewing in so many different ways, binge viewing is now proving to be recognized and they are following suit with what the audience wants. No one can really say that for ABC or many other TV networks anymore. Whatever brings them the mighty buck fastest is IT.. ppl be damned. If they don’t wake up (not even sure that will help them in the long run if they did anyway) but if they don’t wake up to recognize what audiences SHOUT OUT for.. TV will eventually be a memory, as printed press will be too. Sad, but true.

Watching “some online show”.. is a positive connotation these days, not a a negative one. 🙂 Try it, you might find there is so much to enjoy!! TV shows are painful to watch compared at this point – to some of the Hulu Exclusive series, Netflix original series. They are at minimum equal to SHO or HBO quality programming, if not better now. Ever see Line of Duty?

Don’t fall behind. With all that said, PP could be the “red-herring” or not, either way, it’s interesting times and a chance for GOOD change.. why be so negative?

I have better things to do with my life than sit on my computer all day watching online programming. If it’s not on the tube then I won’t be watching it. Not being negative, just how I feel – and I’m more old school in my viewing habits, reading habits, not participating in social media (FB, Twitter, etc) so no, I won’t be watching. Just my opinion, i’m entitled. Enjoy it!

Feel so bad for the actors. If we MUST lose the OLTL characters of John, Todd and Star, here is my suggestion. Write off the OLTL characters, but not the actors. Yes, it will be awkward, but let’s remember that this is the soap that gave us “Casey the Space Alien from the planet Lumina” and the Cassadines goal of freezing the world. Anyway…

Star: The only thing Port Charles offers Star is her relationship with Michael. As Michael becomes closer with A.J., Star sees a potential ruthless side of him emerging that scares her. She is still grieving for Hope and Cole and needs the power of the Kramer women from Llanview. Star leaves town. Weeks later, Michael does a double take when he encounters a young women, who looks suspiciously like Star. What is her story? Does she have a dark side? A connection to the Zaccara family perhaps. Same actors, same chemistry, exciting new possibilities.

Todd: Todd is transferred to St. Ann’s (or Statesville Prison) in Llanview for his role in covering up the deaths of Hope and Cole and for his role in the baby switch. Bye Bye Todd. Meanwhile, there is man in Port Charles, who looks surprisingly similar to Todd. Maybe he’s a new surgeon at GH, a PI who contacts Sam for help with a case, a smarmy member of the board at ELQ (with an agenda all his own). Again, exciting possibilities.

McBain: Much as John has thrown himself into his work, he misses Natalie and Liam deeply. After a soul searching talk with Anna, John boards a plane for England to confront Natalie. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, DO NOT MAKE HIM CALEB!!!!!!! Instead, he is a recently retired WSB agent, brought into the PCPD by Anna to investigate a case. Or maybe, he is discovered in Switzerland, having had his appearance altered previsouly by Faison for an infiltration of the PCPD (and Anna), which failed upon Faison’s arrest. He looks like John, but …..new character.

Long story short, these are new characters with new possibilities.

Just a thought.

I LOVE YOUR IDEAS!!! I also agree that this is the best solution to the problem.

Ok, I’m with all of you trying to work this out:
1. John and Sam have no chemistry. Sam is so bland, esp. compared to Natalie. I agree, John does soul searching and decides to go find Nat and beg her to get back with her. She accepts. Or, John is attacked again and Nat comes to PH to his bedside and realizes she cant live without him. Enter Sam and Nat does a red heds, “Who the f.. are you? I’m his girl, now get the hell out or I’ll kick you A…” You KNOW you could just see Nat doing this and all the OLTL fans cheering at home!
2. I agree–Kristen A, Starr sees how Michael is changing. Meanwhile at OLTL who drags up from being rescued by some ?farmers? but Cole and Hope. Can you please get back original Cole? How great would that be? Starr reunites and lives happily ever after with them; well, until of course as we know on soaps there is something that pulls them apart and Cole and Star separate, but like Blair and Todd are always in and out of each otherslives; of course Cole is super involved with Hope, just sayin’.
3. Todd: version A. Trevor St John comes back as Todd, that is, he is sorry he killed his brother, that is, Todd is recast as Trevor St John.
In an alternative show, that is GH Todd, played by RH can continue his life with everyone and they can figure out how to get him out of all the charges, which should be easy for soap writers as they do this all the time. The Todd in GH is a bit sad to see Starr return to LLanview, but he is happy she is back with Cole and Hope. Todd in PC continues whatever storyline they have for him.
This way, TSJohn goes back to OLTL (yay!); RH can stay at GH and sorry, but KA has to go back to OLTL.
That’s it, my humble two cents.

Love #1 – #2 not bad – #3 I could care less for Todd Manning. I’ve been waiting for Natalie to kick Sam’s butt!

And, I so agree with Tali–could you imagine Natalie coming to PC and kicking Sam’s butt? Not a fair match up I guess because Nat would chew up and spit out anyone in her way and Sam is so light weight. Would love to see Melissa Archer come and mow her way through PC dishing it to everyone and setting the world right again.

If the 3 do return to OLTL they will never be same, not now..
We will see Todd and Carly and his feelings for her, he did proclaim he is in love with Carly..
Starr is in love with Michael..
Sam and John have chem and a hot blooming love connection ..
So, if the 3 do return to OL they will never be seen as the same as they once where..

If I saw John with Natalie I would want him with Sam.
If I saw Todd with Blair I would see him in love with Carly.. etc etc etc..

Disagree with you about John & Sam – VERY BLAH, like him better with Anna Devane, but no one better for him than Natalie Buchanan. JOLIE all the way!

ABC made a mistake canceling the shows, and PP purchase of OLTL, AMC..should have known that actors come and go for a variety of reasons, career choices, money, RH was on ATWT, he changed the show around, made it successful in the role as Paul Ryan, people, you have short memories. His recent return to OLTL, was a stroke of genius writing and story telling.I will watch this new OLTL to see if it captures me again…but it is all about the writing, and the chemistry of the ensemble as a whole…….I give them six months to move me or lose me

I prefer McBain on OLTL, he was better fit on there.I will MISS Starr and Todd!!

Glad reason and logic prevail! Hope it works out for both shows and for the actors! We win either way… we have two shows back!!!

The actors belong on GH now period! PP blew it when they pulled out of production in the first place. Recast the three on OLTL and leave them as new characters on GH! Think of them and how they feel! They cannot be expected to do both shows. Their lives and families are on the west coast now.

At this point I don’t believe ABC or PP. Michael Easton already said he is barred from the set as of Feb 8. So obviously there is more to be told!

Bingo! PP is doing damage control and lying. If they wanted to share the characters, the actors wouldn’t be banned from the GH set (by PP). How is punishing the actors a fair thing to do? How does that give the actors a desire to work with PP? PP is now taking money out of the actors’ pockets – such a terrible thing to do!

what a mess, lets see what happens, its going to be a bumpy ride.

wow seems alot of people have alot to say. I think they should crossover just to get the show started, MCBain is not needed for any reason in PC. There are other cops and he has not had any great storylines, but he does have a fictional family in Llanview and they should let the character fix that. Todd has been well integrated into GH, but he also has a son, and ex wife that he stll loves. There is not a great relationship withi his sister, so I do see his character going back and forth. Same thing as the Star character, she has family in Llanview, but without her boyfriend and daughter she does not have alot, it seemed right for her to spread her wings. She also have been wasted on GH onl her first few months were utliziled.

As far as the actors and not the characters, personally I do not know what they have done with their real families. I know Kristen brother is out there with her, but she seems to like L.A, not aware that Roge has family, I do know ME is married. So it depends on what the actors really want. ME is the only Llanview story that is really still open. The other two are free to move on.

For me, I do not like these characters, but I think they are needed to restart OLTL then they are do what ever is best for the “actor”

These are all very interesting comments. I think this is all fantastic PR for both GH, ABS/D, and PP ~ and definitely getting the names of all three actors out there in a major way.

The thing of it all for me is that none of us really know what was in anyone’s contract or agreement. Is RH off the hook because he was reportedly not signing on to the original PP deal? Would that allow him to sign on to GH as a free agent? Would that include his character or did PP purchase the rights to all historical characters on OLTL, thus allowing them to own the character of Todd Manning? I read that KA and her brother were also not signing on to the original PP project. Is that true? Would that mena the same thing for her as for RH? ME is the only one of the three that I read was signing on with PP last year. Supposing PP owns the character of John McBain, GH could easily transition ME into the Caleb role…but do we really want a vampire on the show? I know I don’t. I don’t think most people do; GH isn’t that kind of show. So what do they do with Caleb? Do they make him a regular joe and wipe out the vampire elements from the PC days? How mad would that mae any loyal PC fans? Would that cause a lot of heat for GH? No disrespect, but I’m not sure PC did that well in the ratings in its day, so maybe there wouldn’t be much. Would it be worth the risk?

I think it is generous of PP to say that they are willing to share the characters/actors with GH. I wonder how that would work? I’m not concerned about the cross-country travel, as many, many actors have done that over the years and there are always cycles where an actor can change what they’re doing if they’re unhappy.

The point I’m trying to make is that I believe all this hub-bub is wonderful for all concerned. It shows how passionate soap fans are and that TPTB shouldn’t take us lightly. We care…BIG TIME. How this all will play out is a soap unto itself and I look forward to its resolution. I just hope it’s reasonable for all concerned.

Agreed!

I’m beginning to seriously dislike Prospect Park!!!! First they said they were going to take the shows and then didn’t. And then they pop up again out of nowhere and now have things all messed up again! Come on! Haven’t these actors and fans been through enough?!? Leave them on GH where they’ve been now for a year and move on with the other characters on OLTL.

Exactly! PP are the ones who blew it when they pulled out of the soaps in the first place!

ABC owns all the bs that we go through daily for over 1 year. I am so sick and tired of that network I will never watch them again forever. They screw their actors they screw their viewers and I am sure they screw the people that work for them so the bigwigs can get the high paid salaries. GH is undoubtedly their only great show and they are screwing with it again. They should have never cancelled our shows and could have revamped them just like PP is going to do. Now all they have is replacement junk that is unwatchable. Bye Bye ABC.

Nancy, I agree with a lot of what you are saying.

When ABC canceled AMC and OLTL, I took a stand and stopped watching anything on ABC except for GH. I used to work at Sony Pictures so when LAST RESORT came on, I wanted to support it because I feel they make good TV shows. Anyway, of course ABC gave it a terrible night and ratings fell. The show was engaging, but it got canceled. At least they gave it some closure. That being said, you are SO right about the treatment of the viewers.

I really hope that what Netflix is doing by having their own original programming wherein they release a whole season on one day will shake up the industry and the way television is brought to us. I think the Nielsen rating system needs a major overhaul and networks should not be allowed to get a viewer all excited for a new show only to yank it after one or two episodes. They didn’t use to be so quick in the 70s and 80s when I was growing up.

It is also time for cable and satellite to offer ala carte programming to its viewers SOMEHOW. I don’t know how they can do it, but they will have to figure a way. Shoving programming down viewers’ throats that they do not want (read about how LA Dodgers have their own channel now and subscribers HAVE to pay for it whether they want it or not) is a prime example.

I think, while I do not want to watch soaps online, might be the way to go because that is what it has come to. Networks like ABC prove over and over again that they do not care one iota what the viewers want and that is why we get CHEAP talk shows.

I have a lot of animosity towards ABC for putting everyone in this position to begin with!!! SO, that said, SCREW them! PP owns the rights to these beloved characters. I think ABC realizes how wrong they were and they don’t want to see AMC and OLTL do well because that makes them look foolish.

Stars have crossed over from soap to soap in the past. Cross them back over to Llandview where they belong. I actually would not mind Todd staying in Port Charles and hooking up with Carley because they have great chemistry. I also love his chemistry with Blair. I really, really, really want them to bring back Trevor St. John/Victor on OLTL. I love him and loved him as Todd. I am sure I will love him as Victor if given the chance!!! As for Star and John, I like them in Llandview. GH has many other wonderful characters.

On a happy note……….Thank you PP for saving our soaps! I have missed them terribly and never gave up hope that they would one day return. Please do them justice and don’t change them too much. We loved them the way they were! ABC are the ones didn’t like them….not the fans!!!!

WOW! Dawn Burrows I TOTALLY agree!!

so am I,too… bring OLTL back on TV and get rid of Chew off the air. I can’t stand to listen about junkie foods not good for good people out there. sorry,I try to be honest how I feel about it.

They’re clearly saying this because if they recast any of these roles they will clearly be sunk. Losing Kristen Alderson, who has portrayed Starr Manning for most of the character’s run, would prove a failure to the series. So she’ll obviously be on there for guest spots, maybe during the summer months and stay with GH during the months of the fall/winter, that’d make the most sense.

“… So even though we are paying ABC millions of dollars to license the shows,…”

Why is it that this single sentence is what sticks out to me the most? It makes Prospect Park sound like they are being such martyrs, but to me it comes off as a child being scolded for fighting with another child and being told they have to share.

Something about this whole Prospect Park deal has sat wrong with me. I sincerely hope that people do not rue the day that this company became a household word as it is becoming now.

I couldn’t agree with you more, Christine. That line and a couple others really rubbed me the wrong way.

Look at things from PP’s perspective. They are paying for the rights to characters. They OWN the characters. They could simply recast them with other actors. BUT….doing so diminishes their investment. People are familiar with and enjoy the actors who originated and continue to play these three roles. If they recast, people will not be as invested.

ABC has contracts with the actors. They could have them play other roles. Obviously, not a great solution because how do you undo the last year of storyline. Or, they could not renew the contracts once they reach the 13 week cycle and all 3 are out of jobs.

The best solution would be for ABC to “buy back” these 3 characters.

My opinion on this is: I really don’t care for their roles on GH, kind of boring and bringing the vampire story into it also will be very boring as I all to happy when that story was finally over. . I am a long time fan of GH, my Mom got me hooked at age 13, and I am 55 and faithfully watch it every day, as Y&R, and sad to see that Jason from GH is now there on Y&R. As my hopes were for Jason to come back to Sam on GH.

I think it was written pretty rudely, actually, but I guess it’s nice to know they’re willing to share if it comes to that.

For one thing, to say we’ve grown to love them in a “short time” lessens our feelings. We’ve had them for nearly a year. That’s not really a short time, especially for a TV show. And especially considering how big a part of the show they have been during that year, and how integrated they are into our storylines.

For another, the lines about how they “own” the characters and are paying “millions of dollars” for the shows sound defensive.

The fans of GH who love these characters have a right to be upset, period. We’re not the ones they made this agreement with. We haven’t had a say in the matter at any point. Many GH fans were very upset about the crossover in the first place. But the fact is these characters have a new life, now, in a new place, with new friends, and new fans. And to yank them back out, or jerk with their storylines by “sharing” them isn’t fair to the fans. However “generous” the author of this statement wants to make themselves sound.

As a OLTL fan, just one in a million – One year seems like a short time when they have been on OLTL for at least 10 yrs. When you buy a successful business lots of times you pay for the name and reputation of that business! OLTL is a business and when PP paid millions for them they get all things OLTL!! No brag just fact!

love all three would like to see them continue on gh

All Right I have somethings to say here!
1 GH fans need to Understand and READ what the agreement was between ABC and PP regarding these characters! ABC KNEW what was going to happen, when PP got things in order to reboot these 2 iconic shows, so you want someone to blame for this BLAME YOUR PRECIOUS ABC!
2 Just because you “want” them on your show and they “fit in” on GH does not mean you are ENTITLED to characters that are OWNED by another company!
3 John finally found out the truth about Liam at the end of the show, Him and Natalie and Liam were finally a family and they were moving on with their lives TOGETHER! Jolie was one of OLTL’s Supercouples for 10 years, the Chemistry Michael Easton and Melissa Archer have is beyond words!
4 ABC has made all the statements for the “actors”, And told the actors to keep there mouths shut when it comes to the media. Yet according to articles and statements by ME and KA they were TOLD that day and had no idea that it was coming! Gee I wonder what else ABC LIED TO THEM ABOUT!
5 GH fans act like we OLTL fans should just bow out and say Oh well these beloved characters are gone…..OK how about this…How about PP “borrows” Sonny and Robin and Sam and then keeps them!!
6 Dawn Burrows I could not agree with you more!!!
7 GH fans Need to STOP blaming PP THIS IS ALL ABC’S FAULT! They disregarded the agreement and signed the actors to long term contracts KA is exempt from that statement as her characters story line on OLTL was over, But the other 2 still have story lines!
8 For the ones that don’t know…..PP OWNS EVERYTHING OLTL CHARACTERS, HISTORIES, ETC SO YEA THEY OWN JOHN “TODD” AND STARR…..
9 For you GH fans that think you have some dream team in RC and FV HAHAHAHAHAHA Can’t wait til that delusion slaps ya in the face! I guess RC is some “Great” writer if you like STUPID story lines, Story lines that take a year or more to finish, Stealing other shows stories and ideas and using them on the show he is writing for, Yea he is so talented!
10 PP and OLTL OWNS them characters and ABC does not bottom line!
11 Rh wants to stay on GH that is fine by me, HOWEVER he will not Go back as TODD as he is not even Todd now, and that will be proven on OLTL……

Totally Agree!! Thank you

You get John and your Jolie and we get Micheal Easton on GH, everyone is happy at least I will be 🙂

I’ll miss Michael Easton-he is awesome and at one point he said he wanted to see JOLIE continue, they had a lot of story left! I do believe however, that OLTL owns John McBain character so bring him back and Michael can be someone else on GH.

Honestly I think both side are doing “shady” stuff. I can’t put the blame on just one side.

I have been watching soaps for a very long time. Over the years I have changed the soaps I was brought up on to a different channel and even invested my time to get to know and love not just the shows but the people and characters they play. IT is sad that over the years soaps have gone down hill but the players are still wonderful. SO the remaining fan follow the characters and show support and now your going to mess with it again. Let me tell you, take the people off GH and I will not follow . I will stay with GH but as far has what ever you want to do with them go ahead but count me out, I have had enough. I love John, Todd, and Starr but if they have to go I won’t. I wish you good luck.

I would not follow them to the OLTL reboot either. So glad we get to keep the actors I will miss the characters.

ABC us at fault for all of this – that being said, I think when OLTL reboots, it is understood that those four people are out of town for the time being – that can be worked in to the story. The crossover is good, it connects the stories and will maybe have some GH fans watching OLTL and AMC even. Let’s keep the soaps alive, not fight among them! I watched all three so I don’t mind who is where :). I don’t really care if John and Sam are together on GH. Would rather see more Elizabeth and others.

The actors do not owe OLTL anything. Micheal Easton’s first soap was Days of our Lives and he built a fan base from that show. Roger Howarth gained fame as OLTL Todd but he was very popular as Paul Ryan on ATWT. Kristen Alderson is the only one that has done nothing outside of OLTL she is too young not to be given the chance to grow professionally. The actors have moved clear across the country with their families. PP will film in Conn how can they share with GH which is filmed in LA? . That ‘s one heck of a commute they expect the actors to make. If they share how can there be any consistency with the characters if they will be written by two different writing teams.
PP hopes that ABC wants the characters bad enough that they will sign some sort of agreement giving PP access to the actors as well. PP can not seriously expect this to happen the actors would again have to be willing to commute and that seems highly unlikely. Rumor has it the actors want nothing to do with PP which makes sense since Alderson and Howarth never signed with them in 2011. Easton has a very young daughter doubt he would want to leave her or his wife for extended periods of time to film in Conn. Let’s face it they do not have to they have a future with GH no matter what happens. ABC has contracts with the actors PP does not . IMHO I think ABC should end this and tell PP take your characters and shove it. ABC should let RC and FV get to work creating new roles for Easton, Howarth and Alderson.

i agree let them stay on gh recast them on oltl

Breaking News

(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!

After exciting morning for your favorite daytime stars when they were revealed to be nominees for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards comes tonight 10th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special.

Beginning at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT, several of the nominees will talk with Michael Fairman on their reactions to the news they have been nominated for a Daytime Emmy, share what scenes they submitted that landed in the top five or six in their respective performer acting categories and much more.

Scheduled to appear are: Days of our Lives nominees, Tamara Braun (Ava), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), The Young and the Restless nominees: Allison Lanier (Summer), Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Courtney Hope (Sally), Bryton James (Devon), The Bold and the Beautiful’s John McCook (Eric), General Hospital nominees, Finola Hughes (Anna) and Alley Mills (Heather), and The Bay’s Mike Manning (Caleb).

Photo: JPI

The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th and emanating, once again this year from the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

Photo: JPI

For a full list of this year’s nominations click here.

Now, watch below as the stars chat it up as we celebrate their Daytime Emmy Nominations. If you have a potential question you might want posed to any of our guests, drop it in the comment section below and we just might ask it on air.

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Breaking News

51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) have officially announced on Friday, the full list of nominees for the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

While Thursday brought with it four reveals of the nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama, Talk Show Host, Lead Actor and Actress categories (as presented by various entertainment news programs), today’s nominations include all the other categories not previously announced.

The Daytime Emmy Awards telecast is set to be presented live on Friday night, June 7, at 8 PM EDT /delayed PT, on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+. This will mark the 18th time that CBS has broadcast the Daytime Emmys.

Photo: JPI

In addition, The Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy Awards will be presented on Saturday, June 8 at t9 PM ET/6 PM PT and streamed on The Emmys apps and at watch.TheEmmys.tv. The ceremonies will take place at the Westin Bonaventure Los Angeles.

Television icon, Dick Van Dyke has received his first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Guest Performer category for his touching portrayal of Timothy Robicheaux on Peacock’s Days of our Lives. The nomination makes Van Dyke the oldest Daytime Emmy nominee in history at 98-years-old.  In addition, motion picture and TV star, Guy Pearce, is also nominated as Guest Performer for his longtime role as Mike Young in the reboot of Neighbours.

Speaking of Neighbours, the Australian soap opera also received its first ever Daytime Emmy nomination for Daytime Drama Series now that its a revival can be streamed on Amazon Freevee. In addition, The Young and the Restless iconic, Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) received his first Daytime Emmy nomination in more than 20 years in the Lead Actor in a Drama Series category.

Photo: AmazonFreevee

In the Daytime Drama series categories, CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless each scored 12 nominations more than any other show. Leading the acting nominations was B&B, who landed 7 performers in the various categories, a first in its 37-year history.

In a statement, Adam Sharp, President & CEO, NATAS expressed, “We are happy to once again honor the creative talent both in front of and behind the camera of America’s favorite Daytime programs. We look forward to celebrating the icons who enliven the days of audiences across the country.”

Photo: JPI

Brent Stanton, Head of Daytime, NATAS added, “Producing the Daytime Emmys is a labor of love for all of us at NATAS. The huge popularity of these shows continues to be must-see viewing for their fans.” NATAS also revealed that Lifetime Achievement Honorees, Hosts, Presenters, and Silver and Gold Circle honorees will be revealed at a later date.

The Daytime Emmy Awards recognize outstanding achievement in television programming honoring work in a variety of categories, including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary, and legal/courtroom programs. In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy jointly announced plans to realign the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards to be organized by content genre, as opposed to program airtime.

The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be produced once again by NATAS and Associated Television International (ATI). Adam Sharp and Lisa Armstrong are executive producers from NATAS, while David McKenzie executive produces from ATI.

Congratulations to all the men and women in front of the camera and behind the scenes for their recognition as we take a look at who will be going for gold come June. Here are the nominees below starting with the Daytime Drama Categories.

Photo: JPI

OUTSTANDING DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES

The Bay

The Bold and the Beautiful

Days of our Lives

General Hospital

Neighbours

The Young and the Restless

OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS

Tamara Braun, Days of our Lives

Finola Hughes, General Hospital

Katherine Kelly Lang, The Bold and the Beautiful

Annika Noelle, The Bold and the Beautiful

Michelle Stafford,  The Young and the Restless

Cynthia Watros, General Hospital

Photo: JPI

OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR

Eric Braeden, The Young and the Restless

Scott Clifton, The Bold and the Beautiful

Thorsten Kaye, The Bold and the Beautiful

Eric Martsolf, Days of our Lives

John McCook, The Bold and the Beautiful

Photo: JPI

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS

Jennifer Gareis, The Bold and the Beautiful

Linsey Godfrey, Days of our Lives

Courtney Hope, The Young and the Restless

Allison Lanier, The Young and the Restless

Emily O’Brien, Days of our Lives

Photo: JPI

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR

Robert Gossett, General Hospital

Bryton James, The Young and the Restless

Wally Kurth, Days of our Lives

A Martinez, The Bay

Mike Manning, The Bay

Photo: JPI

OUTSTANDING GUEST PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES

Linden Ashby, The Young and the Restless

Ashley Jones, The Bold and the Beautiful

Alley Mills, General Hospital

Guy Pearce, Neighbours

Dick Van Dyke, Days of our Lives

OUTSTANDING WRITING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES

The Bay

The Bold and the Beautiful

Days of our Lives

General Hospital

The Young and the Restless

Photo: JPI

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES

The Bay

The Bold and the Beautiful

Days of our Lives

General Hospital

The Young and the Restless

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DIRECTION

General Hospital

The Jennifer Hudson Show

The Kelly Clarkson Show

The View

Photo: ABC

OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL DIRECTION, CAMERAWORK, VIDEO

The Bold and the Beautiful

Days of our Lives

Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade

The Kelly Clarkson Show

OUTSTANDING CASTING

African Queens: Njinga

Days of our Lives

General Hospital

Start Up

The Young and the Restless

OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION/SET DECORATION/SCENIC DESIGN

African Queens: Njinga

The Drew Barrymore Show

General Hospital

The Kelly Clarkson Show

The View

The Young and the Restless

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN/STYLING

African Queens: Njinga

The Bold and the Beautiful

The Jennifer Hudson Show

Sherri

Photo: WarnerBros

OUTSTANDING HAIRSTYLING AND MAKEUP

African Queens: Njinga

The Drew Barrymore Show

Sherri

The View

The Young and the Restless

OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG

“Shine” General Hospital

“Unexpected Truth”Unexpected

“We’re Home” Reconnecting Roots

OUTSTANDING DAYTIME TALK SERIES

The Jennifer Hudson Show

The Kelly Clarkson Show

Tamron Hall

Turning The Tables with Robin Roberts

The View

Photo: ABC

OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT NEWS SERIES

Access Hollywood

Entertainment Tonight

Extra

OUTSTANDING CULINARY SERIES

Be My Guest with Ina Garten

Family Dinner

Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays

Valerie’s Home Cooking

What Am I Eating? with Zooey Deschanel

OUTSTANDING LEGAL/COURTROOM PROGRAM

Hot Bench

Judy Justice

Justice For The People with Judge Milian

The People’s Court

We The People with Judge Lauren Lake

Photo: Disney/ABC

DAYTIME TALK SERIES HOST

Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, The View

Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show

Mark Consuelos, Kelly Ripa, Live with Kelly and Mark

Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell, Sheryl Underwood, The Talk

Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall

OUTSTANDING CULINARY HOST

Lidia Bastianich, 25 Years with Lidia: A Culinary Jubilee

Valerie Bertinelli, Valerie’s Home Cooking

Eduardo Garcia, Big Sky Kitchen with Eduardo Garcia

Emeril Lagasse, Emeril Cooks

Sophia Roe, Counter Space

Buddy Valastro, Legends of the Fork

OUTSTANDING DAYTIME PERSONALITY – DAILY

Frank Caprio, Caught in Providence

Kevin Frazier, Nischelle Turner , Matt Cohen, Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Will Marfuggi, Rachel Smith, Entertainment Tonight

Deborah Norville, Steven Fabian, Lisa Guerrero, Ann Mercogliano, Jim Moret, Les Trent. Inside Edition

Robert Hernandez, Star Jones, Divorce Court

Judge Judy Sheindlin, Whitney Kumar, Kevin Rasco, Sarah Rose, Judy Justice

What do you think about the nominations for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Who do you think deserved to get in that did? Who do you think got snubbed? Who are you happiest to see receive a nomination? Let us know via the comment section below.

Make sure to be with us live starting tonight Friday, April 19th at 8pm ET/5pm PT for the Michael Fairman Channel’s 10th anniversary edition of its Daytime Emmy Nomination Special 2024, featuring some of the just announced daytime drama nominees. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Breaking News

51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations

On Thursday, the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards revealed nominations in several key categories via four entertainment news programs: Access Hollywood, E! News, Extra and Access Hollywood.

Three of the four announcements were major categories in the field of Daytime Dramas.

The nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series category are: The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, Neighbours and The Young and the Restless.

Photo: JPI

General Hospital won this category last year, and has the most all-time wins for a series in this category. For the first time, the beloved Australian-based soap opera, Neighbours is now eligible for competition due to its reboot which streams on Amazon Freevee.

Photo: AmazonFreevee

The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out in ceremonies in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th.

Previous categories announced tonight via the entertainment news outlet included: Lead Actor and Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

So, what do you think about this year’s nominee for the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series? Who do you think should win? Comment below.

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