Days Of Our Lives
RATINGS: General Hospital Has Strong Week; Gains Most Total Viewers!
Courtesy/ABC
The rating are out for the week of September 19th through the 23rd, and this time it was ABC’s General Hospital which jumped back up to over 2.7 million viewers with a gain of +176,000 total viewers for the week.
General Hospital outgained both The Young and the Restless, and Days of our Lives who both added +39,000 total viewers, while The Bold and the Beautiful was in the minus column losing -51,000 average viewers. GH also gained in key womens demos 18-49, and 25-54. However, although they held steady in the 18-34 category (with no new gains or losses), they are still tying an all-time low in that ratings share. In story, the end of this ratings week featured the funeral service for Sabrina Santiago (Teresa Castillo).
Meanwhile, Days of our Lives is now showing an uptick as the three super villiains continue their reign of terror (Orpheus, Xander and Clyde) on Salem. The show added not only in total viewers bringing their tally to 2,196,000,, but also saw gains in the 25-54 demo.
Over at CBS Daytime, although Y&R lost viewers in all demos, and gained in total viewers, they are still far and away ahead of all the other network soaps with almost 4.8 millon viewers. Its sister soap, The Bold and the Beautiful, while losing some viewership in the key demos, remained in the second slot with over 3.6 million total viewers. View the entire ratings picture via SON here.
Numbers are based on Live+Same Day ratings
(Compared to Last Week/Compared to Last Year)
Total Viewers
1. Y&R 4,789,000 (+39,000/+390,000)
2. B&B 3,683,000 (-51,000/+231,000)
3. GH 2,711,000 (+176,000/+118,000)
4. DAYS 2,196,000 (+39,000/-214,000)
So, what did you think of the ratings performance of GH? The uptick for DAYS? Which show has piqued your interest? Which show is not living up to what you think their potential should be? Which soap have you been enjoying the most … or the least? Share your comments below.
I am not good with numbers but I will say this– I have fast forwarded through 3/4 of GH for these last few months and I watch every Y&R scene with interest.
GH has been a virtual train wreck while Y&R has been absolutely pitch perfect.
Moreover, Y&R keeps getting better.
Y&R has interwoven stories that connects most of its characters and stories that often makes sense …and you can tune in and see most vets being used…GH is more the opposite —its like a puzzle with missing pieces…its stories feel like the are written at the moment and not well thought out in advance…B&B is ok sometimes but uses to many gimmicks…Days has improved with the three escaped convicts story which has connecting its entire cast-hope this continues after the story ends but the still need to recast the entire teen scene-they should had never aged the kids and kept Rory and Bev and Paige instead!
Totally agree, Harry.
Gave up GH long ago, and Y and R has always been my absolute
favorite, and it gets better and better!!
Agreed, Nanci. As yourself, Y& R is en par with OLTL…..my favorite.
However, unless something is drastically done with Billy….I don’t know.!!!! He is still acting the big baby whose favorite toy has been taken from him: or, prize. This guy wants his cake and eat it too,
The writers need to turn this guy around. He needs to give Phyllis room to breathe, albeit her own strategy of getting Jack back is soooo looww. LOL….’gotta’ give her credit. We’ll see how far her feminine wiles and vampy ways get her.
No man is worth over whom to cheapen herself. Besides, Phyllis is far from the “come-hither”, sexy kind of woman, anyway. LOL.
Uh-ha, Harry….Y&R; pitch perfect sans NuBilly and Chelsea.
Y&R is repetitive and dull. I’m tired of crazy Sharon and dull as dishwater Victoria.
@Lou Pikes.
Hi, Lou,
I hope to the soap gods Sharon does not go through one of her ’bouts’ again. How many will this one be? The millionth? I am ecstatic Patty’s back, though. She should relish the fact that Jack and Phyllis have broken up. LOL.
I don’t mind Victoria….not as much as some of the others. I hope Travis can bring the fun back into her life …..I liked Travis, at first, now he is becoming the usual Y&R fare—mysterious, soooo prdictable.
What are the chances for a Travis-Ashley hook-up? What was the point of the elevator ‘disruption’, I ask?
He has such a pretty face. And, he always looks like he knows something no one else does.
Celia, I truly dread when Billy is on now. How much childish, frat boy sarcasm can one character foist on us?! This is no Billy I’ve ever known. And as for Sharon, it’s too bad we have to go thru that mess after the slim hope her secret would stay buried. I’m sure the reveal will also cause a rift between Kevin and Mariah. Oh, boy…at least we’ll get some Patty time.
@Soaphound.
Hey, Soaphound.
You and me both!!!!! I can’t even stand to look at Billy, anymore. So sad, since I do love Jason T.
As with Burgess, Jason has not taken root. I feel the same for Gina Tognoni.
Furthermore, when I see them together, my stomach revolts, through no fault of theirs. The writers stepped in caca, as usual. Had this been the first time these characters erred, per se, then; my mind could have made some allowances. But, I am sooo tired of seeing the same story, with different people, being repeated. Both need to grow up and ground themselves.
Billy is the perpetual screw-up and ‘Little Boy Blue’. While Phyllis keeps playing with the ‘fires’ of other men….the perpetual femme fatale. Well, except that it does not suit Gina….she does not possess the God-given charisma and sensuality Michelle Stafford has. …Just doesn’t work for me.
Regardless of the fact that I am a woman; I have always maintained that women are the best judges of other women. NOT men. Sorry, guys, but when it comes to women; your ‘depth’ perception takes a hike. It’s all about OTHER stuff going on…LOL.
Gina is very pretty, but looks have nothing to do with exuding sex appeal….it’s an elusive phenomenon…LOL.
These are completely different characters…not Billy; not Phyllis. It is what it is, I guess.
If Adam returns, I hope and pray, we will have the same ‘luck’ as we did with Justin H….and/or Michael Muhney, as he was not the original Adam either.
Both Muhney and Hartley surpassed my expectations.
And, yes….I live Patty. I wish ‘they’ would ‘cure’ her. Give this woman a life. She deserves it, right?
Later, my friend.
I narrowed my soaps to just OLTL and GH years ago. Since they obliterated Llanview out of existence I’ve only been a “resident” of Port Charles, with an occasional visit to Genoa City and wherever the glitzy world is in B&B. Usually turn in to see an actor or two on these soaps but I must say I really am getting into B&B. Always liked Thorsten Kaye…did you know he was married in real life to Susan Haskell (Marty, OLTL). Also Sean Kanan, Rena Sofer… John McCook is very good. So far I’m “diggin'” it. I can be sooooo groovy.
I agree
I don’t honestly know how GH numbers could rise . They are butchering the best story they’ve had in years, Parker & Kristina. It so well written, very tasteful &sincere while drawing you in to pull for this couple . GH went and got Ashley Jones, a highly talented, well known, beautiful actress for this role of of Parker. Yet, she’s only been seen 4 or 5 times. She still made fans want to see more of the story. She’s phenomenal as Parker; the same brilliance she was as Bridget on B&B
Fans are outraged this story has stalled. Ashley is in high demand, GH needs to sign her & continue their journey on ending up together, throw obstacles in their way but for goodness sake let them be seen on screen continuing with this awesome story line!!
I totally agree with Mary, it has captured so many viewers and the fan base has grown immensely since the Kristina and Parker storyline started. However, it is ridiculous how they just stopped the storyline. Ashley is definitely an exceptional, outstanding, genuine actress.
Many fans have stopped watching until Ashley comes back. GH has made some bad decisions lately but this is extremely the worst decision they have made. Ashley deserves a contract and have much more screen time. It’s obvious that GH doesn’t care about their fans. Without fans there is no show. I hope they make the right decision for a change and get back Ashley on screen.
“Oh, Mary” this should be marquee bannered and all points bulletin
since we have to wrack our brain on what is the last and perhaps only (ONE) story that piqued
I have loved Ashley Jones forever… she’s that present
a bona fide goldmine
KRISTINA and PARKER…. “we miss you”
Very well written post, Mary…..sensitive and reflective.
Nonetheless, for myself, Mary; that relationship is soooo fundamentally wrong. Please do not misunderstand; not because it is a lesbian relationship….my sentiments would be the same if said relationship were heterosexual.
Firstly, Kristina is too young, and, from what I have gathered, she easily and heavily falls into the wrong ‘arms’, per se.
Secondly, there is a VERY huge line between a teacher and her/his student that should never be crossed, no matter what….
As a High School teacher myself, I find it soooo gross. When I started teaching, 8 years ago, I wasn’t much older than my senior students.
It should never happen.
You are the second person focusing on Ashley Jones. There are so many others I would rather see, and who deserve being seen….such as, ‘Felicia and Mac’. I fell for this couple at first sight, but taken away soon after I started watching.
So, what’s all the fuss about Ashley? Something I’m missing?
Yeah, Harry! How do they square those numbers when we have watched a bunch of thugs literally get away with murder? Where is the joy in GH? Where is an admirable character? Or, at the very least, a redeemable one?
And Mon. was a terribly anit-climactic day–the scenes with apprehending Paul, the serial killer, with mundane other scenes? Gee, whiz! 🙂
Yes, Nancy, how right. All that suffering we had to endure! And, as I predicted, after Sabrina met a disturbingly violent end, Paul merely gets civilly cuffed and led away. There’s no release for the audience anymore. Bad triumphs over good, and even when justice is served, it’s fleeting and unsatisfying.
Y&R +390,000
B&B +231,000
GH +118,000 <– much the same up/down slide
Also=
18-49 -36,000
25-54 -33,000
Also lost viewers in the 18-34 demo. So one has to wonder where all those new viewers came from? Either under 18 or older than 54? Something strange is going on with the data.
I’ve been enjoying GH a lot, so I’m glad the ratings reflect that other people have been enjoying it as well. I like the story surrounding the hospital shutting down because of the murders. People always say they want more hospital drama, and that’s what they’ve been doing. Julian’s trial was also riveting stuff, in my opinion. And even though I didn’t care for the character, they gave Sabrina a nice send off.
The storyline with Paul has been interesting, as we found out his motivation behind the killings, trying to avenge his daughter Susan’s rape. Richard Burgi has been doing an excellent job portraying the inner conflict of Paul, and his sort of wobble between good and evil. I’m very intrigued to see where they’re going with this story.
There are stories and characters I can do without, such as the whole Claudette/Nathan/Griffin baby drama nonsense, that’s automatic fast forward for me. But overall, GH has been keeping my attention lately. Glad Laura and Anna are back on screen. Look forward to what they have planned for those two great characters and equally great actresses.
Richard Burgi : Paul, broke me
when he was with Susan… holding a cake… asking her to blow them out… her candles
wracked up… he did an excellent job
I know, Patrick. He played the pathetic father trying to bring sunshine to his ‘ill’ daughter so exceptionally well, I cried with him.
I actually felt sorry for him….for a killer??
Yeah, so, I know what you mean.
Patrick, you’re right and than needed to be said. Richard Burgi was given an impossible task and he pulled it off.
PS. Is it me? Or does RB look a lot like Mitt Romney?
as long as the ratings break over 2,000,000 there’s absolutely NO reason to not continue making these shows better. The networks cannot run daytime without one drama because the risk of alienating millions of viewers with no soaps is too scary for them to even try it.
Dan I have been enjoying GH too!! The hospital will re-open in short time and this serial killer story with Paul has been great. Richard Burgi is knocking it out of the park….as all the actors involved have! Also agree with the the trial…overall just enjoying GH and glad to see ratings up! I do think that now that we know Claudette is tied to Valentin Cassidine that story will move forward in better direction. He is going to bring trouble and intrique to the show and shake up several of the characters!
I couldn’t have said I it better myself Harry. I have completely stopped watching GH, after picking it up again for the 50th anniversary show. Now I know why I stopped in themid eighties and didn’t come back until the 50th. To many characters and dragged out storylines.I get a headache trying to figure it out. Y&R has been “my show” since the mid eighties, and after the rough patch we went through, I think we are finally getting our show back. If the writers keep going at this pace, l will definitely keep watching.
Soapqueen–I am of an odd duck (don’t gasp with astonishment!) but I am a sucker for good set design. One of the things I loved about OLTL and AMC is they featured kitchen scenes. Remember Joe and Ruth Martin sitting in their kitchen drinking coffee while discussing all their children? Or Blair and Starr sitting in Dorian’s beautiful kitchen with the granite counters discussing their love lives? But some time ago due to budget cuts, we lost the soap opera kitchen. However, Y&R has brought back the kitchen. The other day we got to see Phyllis and Summer discuss their woes of the day in a beautifully designed kitchen. Y&R has also brought in a bathroom set and it’s a lovely little bathroom. We saw Billy helping his son brush his teeth in it and we also got to see Vicky and her new paramour Travis lovingly and playfully compete for mirror times. I believe good set design is really important because if you build it, they (the characters and their subsequent stories ) will come.
Yes, yes, and yes, Harry!!!! Love how well you managed to ‘revive’ those images in my head….not quite dormant. THE KITCHEN…..the focal point of any home.
Another good point. I can’t remember the last time I saw a bathroom scene on any soap. As for your statement about the kitchen, when Katie on B&B was having her recent issues with Bill and Brook, alot of those discussions took place in the kitchen. I know growing up the kitchen was always the place to have open discussions. I to enjoy a good set. I was so happy when Jill came back and redid the Chancellor mansion after Billy got his hands on it. I don’t think you are an odd duck. You just like telling it like it is. Thanks for listening and happy viewing!!!
And, speaking of sets???? Harry, did you notice the picture of domesticity Victoria and Travis tried to ‘push’ through? They could barely move in that ‘shoe-box’.
Isn’t Victoria a millionairess? What a lamentable, squalid, little, two-by-four bathroom. Where were the porcelain tiles? The jacuzzi? The 4-sprinkler, roomy shower? The double vanity sinks? All the marble/quartz/granite? Just to name a few….LOL.
All soaps are picking up after the summer doldrums — the trouble with B&B they are like a dog with a bone when it comes to story lines– they tend to focus on one story at a time, so you get a couple of weeks of nothing but Eric and Quinn– but how many times can you hear every character tell Eric it is a mistake, then have Eric tell every character he loves her and he is a grown man and Quinn telling every character she was changed– and then they do all again the next day– and the next and the next— okay we got it. Even with their half an hour format this show is so sloooooowww sometimes —
Y&R is improving and I do look forward to the new writer team
Both GH and Days are not up to what they once were for me in entertainment value. I don’t find the three super villains on Days, so super– to me it is rather laughable—no one can replace the DeMiras for villainy— it’s better than diamonds in a elephant statue, but not by much
GH needs to get a game play, right now it looks like it is being written as they go– which is never a good sign– if the writers don’t know where they are going with a story, why should I invest my time while they figured it out. Yet there is still enough there for me to watch, but not with the same sense of anticipation as I did before
THIS is some serious GH mishaps
across the board disappointed
it just gnaws at you
w/the three stooges minding the store…. Valentini and Jelly
not a good sign nor does it bode well…. the last year with J & S … with the three stooges renewed
I could swear…. upon reading the latest SOD issue… who’s IN and who’s OUT column : their was Jeffrey Vincent Parise ‘ Name…. ( Dr. Joe )
I’ve tried googling to see if any thing has been written about his … being given walking papers…
this will be livid… if its true.
I don’t believe these numbers r accurate. U might want to hype up GH but it is so boring with the hospital killer that I haven’t watched GH in over a month. The soap is falling apart and it’s a shame. I have been a fan of GH for over 40 years and most of it is so predictable it has none of my interest.
I thought the Parker and Kristina storyline was fantastic because it happens in everyday life. I have no idea where this storyline went but its a shame GH has had nothing on it. I hope we see more of them because the emotions feel so real and bringing their characters to life. I watched BB when Ashley Jones was on and other shows and movies. She is absolutely the BEST when she came to GH I was thrilled. But not seeing her and the storyline just vanish is a shame. Ashley deserves a contract and don’t know what GH is thinking. Until Ashley comes back no GH for me. Killing off Sabrina was another big mistake. I lost all respect for GH. ASHLEY JONES CONTRACT!
I definitely agree with you.. I think GH has lost track of storylines. It’s hard to believe that their ratings went up it’s all so predictable.They need to bring back the Parker & Kristina storyline. They both are doing wonderful and it’s a shame they just dropped it fir over 6 weeks. They need to get Ashley Jones back she is too talented to lose.
I’m guessing the higher ratings for GH relate to Julian’s trial and Sabrina’s funeral. Honestly, most of GH is a snooze especially the hospital killings. Hope that storyline wraps up soon. What I do miss is Kristina’s storyline and her relationship with Parker. Why do they keep starting/stopping it? Sigh.
I agree with you also. I really don’t watch GH much at all. It’s always the same thing and every killer gets off. Yet they let Sabrina die and started a storyline that’s so true to life with Kristina and Parker. Both are doing an outstanding job and now it seems they stopped. Need to bring Ashley back and on contract she is an outstanding actress. If not I am totally done because this storyline is a reality. GH get with the times.
I don’t know how they are gaining anything the show is ridiculous! I have watched for decades and have never seen anything as stupid as this writing! Casey the alien was better!
My thoughts exactly!
GH’s inexplicable ratings rise sends a very misleading message to TPTB. The show is truly bad right now. Characters are being thrown under the bus for inane plot contrivances. Valentini and Jelly are systematically turning this soap into a silly, incomprehensible mess! They shouldn’t be rewarded or praised for it.
In total agreement.
GH has been boring, predictable an IMO horrible for a couple years now. I have seen no improvement at all.
I am not to thrilled about GH lately. Actually I really haven’t watched it much at all. They drag out the storylines way too long especially the boring ones. It caught my interest when they started the storyline with Kristina and Parker. I don’t know what happened to them but they need to proceed with these two fabulous actresses. It’s amazing the emotions you feel for them. I really hope they bring them back then I will go back to watching GH.
I also agree with you A feel that this storyline is so true to life and much better then the ones they have on now I can’t even watch it it’s so boring. They brought Ashley Jones to do this storyline with Alexis and they are nailing it. You can actually feel their emotions watching them. I don’t know why it stopped but really needs to continue. So many people struggle with this everyday. They couldn’t have gound a better actress than Ashley to play the part of Parker. I hope they bring it back do it will be something of interest to watch, I agree that Ashley deserves a contract. she can do anything and is amazing. I hope GH wakes up and realizes what they have before they lose her and more fans.
GH is not interesting anymore! They either keep dragging out storylines or don’t complete them. I am not sure what happened to the show but it’s not like it used to be. They were smart starting a storyline on a Lesbian issue. I have seen too many people struggle with their sexuality. Some hurt themselves because they felt they didn’t belong or something was wrong with them. My heart broke and still hurts. In my opinion I feel this storyline should be brought back to life. It doesn’t matter the gender or age LOVE IS LOVE. They have brought this alive and now it seems buried. It’s sad because Ashley and Lexi are phenomenal together. I hope GH gets their act together and bring them back.
Yes GH IS BORING! THE WRITER’S DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING! EITHER DRAGGING OUT STORYLINES OR THEY START AND ITS MONTHS AND MONTHS FOR THE GOID STORLINES. THEY REALLY NEED TO BRING BACK ASHEY JONES I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE THINKING. THEY HAVE A VETTED AND TERRIFIC ACTRESS AND NOW WHO KNOWS WHAT IS GOING ON! I HOPE THEY GET SMART AND GET HER IN CONTRACT BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE PICKS HER UP. THEN GH WILL REALLY BE GOING DOWNHILL.
So, you are saying that ONLY Ashley Jones can ‘save’ GH? Hmmmm.
I think I am in the minority here, but I didn’t care for Parker. I found her to be creepy and not because she’s a lesbian but because of how she used Kristine.
As Kristine’s professor who is old enough to be her mother, she was in a position of authority. I think sleeping with the emotionally unstable Kristina demonstrated poor judgment and an inability to recognize boundaries. I think of her as a predator.
I would also love it if they wrote for Brad and Lucas. Here’s a couple everyone loves but they’re never on. And neither is the triangle of Parker/Aaron/Kristina. Maybe TPTB are just too prejudiced to see what good stories they have in front of them.
I agree. Miss Brad and Lucas. Where are they? I sarcastically said, the other day that Lucas was too ashamd to show his face because of his father…..but, these two are medical professionals. Could they just disappear like that?
It seems odd, though, that Mary, Pri, Connie, K, T, C, F ( 24 more letters in the alphabet, LOL), are all rooting for Kristina and Ashley. I wish I had seen what these fans did; but, I just did not get a good vibe, albeit TPTB could have explored the relationship, instead of truncating it in its infancy.
Nonetheless, I still think Parker was all ‘kinds of wrong’ for her.
Oops…I need to go to sleep. I cannot think straight at 3 in the morning. I meant to say 22 letters left in the alphabet. It’s 26 total, right? LOL.
I too miss Brad and Lucas…come on writers!!! What are you doing??? Lucas is Sam’s brother, Carly’s brother, Julian’s son, Kiki’s cousin…he’s related to half the cast! Brad..as well as Felix…though not connected to legacy characters…are so full of personality…really love those guys! I think it’s time to bring them back on a more frequent basis.
I’m with Celia and Harry regarding Kristina and Parker. Didn’t work for me at all…
The last couple of months, I mostly FF through GH on my DVR–especially anything to do with the Corinthos. Which reminds me, how dare AJ murderer Sonny Corinthos enter the Quartermaine mansion as he did last week. Disgusting!
Quite frankly, those ratings for GH in the key demos are still pathetic. I’m sure ABC is far from happy with those numbers. I can’t help but wonder, though, if ABC is purposely trying to tank the show to justify cancellation sooner than later. I mean, how can you possibly reward those female head writers and Frank Valentini??
The show has been downright unwatchable for months. It’s been agonizingly slow-paced and relentlessly dark, with the lion’s share of the focus on characters/actors that fans don’t like or care about. I’ve literally fallen asleep trying to watch the show recently. The real world and so many news items are dark enough right now; I don’t need more from a soap opera day in and day out. The executives at the show and the network clearly don’t care one bit about what fans want. This show, and the genre as a whole, desperately needs some young, fresh blood behind the scenes if it has any hope of surviving long term and attracting millenial women viewers, IMO.
I stopped watching as well. Even when I am home and near a TV during the show I have completely lost my desire to see it. I guess that’s a good thing since I have found the show to be ridiculous since Cartini took over. Now that RC was rightly fired, it’s apparent that FV was also a huge part of the problem. Anyway, life is too short to be frustrated over a TV show that gets worse as the months go by.
they brought Tresa/Sabrina back for a short stay to kill her off..
they brought Jeffrey Vincent Parise back for a short stay to let him go
they lost Tyler/Nikolas
Paul is let go- into a mental ward/most likely
they are totally wasting Billy Miller/Jason
they lost Bryan/Morgan from giving him a never ending bipolar role
they lost Jason T/Patric by not writing for him, not making im a main character
ALL that ^^^ is under Jean and Shelly, FV ..
They are gutting GH of all its’ great talents and loved characters.
Either they don’t care or want it tanked. I was fully expecting and hoping for a regime change and when it didn’t happen after such obvious lazy writing and sloppy production then I can’t help but assume they want GH gone to make way for some inane talk show.
AL of you quit with your whiny little insults on the best show in daytime. Every time the writers do something you don’t like, the ratings increase. Granted, I’m not pleased with some storylines especially Sabrina’s death but it is what it is. If they decide to, they can easily bring her back with the way her funeral and child exchange happened. And yes, there’s too many cast memberS needing stories. See, I’m a LOYAL fan. No matter what, I’m there for the show. Sit back and let the stories run its course. In my opinion, it’s about to get real in Port Charles. No one needs your insults or opinions. Keep them to yourself.
Listen, people are entitled to express their opinions about the show in this thread. This is a free public forum. You can certainly like the show, but don’t stick your nose up at those who don’t. The reality is that not everyone shares your opinion. If you can’t tolerate and respect dissenting viewpoints and don’t want to read that, then I suggest you do something else with your time.
Most of these commenters who are airing out their frustrations and/or ideas on how to improve the show want to see it succeed again and live on. So let me get this straight- unless you wave GH pompoms and gush endless praise on the show, you’re not a real fan of it? Hogwash.
And the reality is that people in general are very busy these days and there’s only so many hours in a day. Life is way too short. Most people discontinue watching something that they no longer enjoy, even if they’ve watched the program for 30-40 years. That’s just the way it is. Personally, I won’t keep watching something I don’t like merely to keep the show on the air and the actors/crew members employed. The people involved with the show itself must do a good job of entertaining me, and if not, I’ll move on to something else.
Amen Pat! If we didnt care about our soaps we wouldnt be on this wonderful site!
Yess!! Couldn’t agree more!!
Darnell…I was agreeing with you! And yes Pat everyone does have their own opinion and boy do you folks like to complain constantly!! I am a loyal fan also and have been for many, many years. Yes, to each their own but there are a lot of us still watching it and enjoying it through the good and bad.
Well, Darnell, hope you feel better now that you’ve got that off your chest.
However, last time I checked, the first amendment was a live and well in this great country of ours. Surely you can afford us disgruntled GH the right to complain without admonishing us with the wag of a finger.
Pat, great rebuttal! Kimmy, with whom do you agree?
Who is Al?
GH is sooooo boring with the hospital killer, Julian getting out of jail. I can’t even watch it anymore is disgraceful. I was pleased at the beginning of the year when they brought in Ashley Jones the SL between her and Lexi is so true to life. They bring out the chemistry attraction and connection wonderfully. It seems months go by before they are seen again. An important true to life storyline is on the back burner somewhere. It’s a disgrace to keep the fans in the dark. Especially when this is what a lot of fans wNt to see. GH needs a new EP and writers or they could make it up by bringing Ashley back on contract. If not I am completely done with GH. Frank has very disrespectful to the fans.
I agree that GH has lost its touch. I can’t deal with all this boring storylines. The one I want back is Parker and Kristina. It’s an everyday life occurrence and needs to continue not start and stop it. Ashley Jones is a vetted and beautiful inside and out actress. She needs a contract before GH loses her for good. I FEEL THAT ITS YOUR GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE THE STORY AND GIVE HER A CONTRACT. IT WOULD BE DISGRACEFUL TO LOSE MORE VIEWERS BECAUSE THEY CANNOT MAKE A SMART DECISION. ASHLEY JONES!
I think it’s a joke that GH ratings have gone up, well if that is true then it won’t last long. The way they are proceeding with the storylines is very obvious and boring I can’t even watch it anymore. They need to bring back Ashley Jones and Lexi Ainsworth to continue their journey together. They are bringing it alive and it is an essential issue in this day and age. If Ashley comes back the ratings will sky rocket believe that. She is an outstanding, phenomenal, terrific actress who cares about her fans. It sad but true GH doesn’t care about the fans. Oh wasn’t Frank the EP for OLTL? I wonder why that show is no longer. Keep it up GH will be drowning too. Ashley deserves to be on contract before someone else grabs her. Many fans will be following her.
GH has made an effort to reduce the # of characters and to focus on the hospital. Any daytime show reaching nearly 3 million viewers should have a place on ABC’s daytime lineup. Jean and Shelly appear to be OK but I think that the loss of some longtime and excellent actors may continue to hurt the show. Recasting is difficult at best. As far as the Emmys, they are still No. 1 baby!
Thanks from another fan of GH….love it or leave it… I plan on watching GH…love the actors/actresses they are #1 compared to other soaps!!
Me too! Love my GH!!!!
I just love my “GH” Forever!!!
Writers, please do your research on GH history and your personal previous writings/storylines before you create a new story that throws off what has already been said and done on the show, the stories are contradicting themselves.
Really? With this crap killer story? Why?
GH has been very disappointing for quite awhile. The storylines are boring, predictable, dragged out and puts me to sleep. I don’t even bother watching it since the end of August. The storyline with Parker and Kristina was very interesting. The acting was amazing because you could feel their pain and emotions. That is what many struggle with in everyday life. Yet that’s the storyline they keep in complete darkness. Ashley Jones and Lexi Ainsworth make it seem like they have been working together for a long time.
I believe they are doing a disservice to the viewers and Ashley Jones there is no one like her and it’s unreal that Frank doesn’t recognize talent when he sees it. Once Ashley comes back with a contract knowing this storyline has substance I will be back. If not I guess after 35 yrs goodbye GH. LETS GET SMART AND GET ASHLEY ON CONTRACT.
I agree very much with you K. People of all ages fall in love and as they say you cant help who you fall in Love with. Doesn’t matter the age difference or sexuality. It’s s very important storyline because this is 2016 and GH needs to continue this storyline. This happens in everyday life. Ashley Jones is a fantastic actress and she could do anything. She definitely deserves a contract because someone else will pick her up. People need to be opened minded in a situation like this. GH should have continued it without having to wait so long. I am a huge Ashley Jones fan and Love the storyline they bring it alive.
Like I said when Y&R fixed their EP and writing problems and GH didn’t , you can report ratings all you want and spin them if you will but GH will NEVER overtake Y&R with the likes of the “Music Box Writers” and Frankie boy hiring all his buddies with no game plan attached to making GH great again!
It is still very good. Do they need to focus a bit, yes. But it is stil’ very good
It’s so good to hear a little positivity, Ghlover.
Such depressing posts….including myself to some degree. I needed a slap in the face.
I always hold out hope, though…I would not be happy if my soaps came to an abrupt end….as the others.
Yes it is…..at least some of us speak up for it….long live GH…the good, bad and more!!
Rebecca1
I believe that Thorsten and Susan aren’t married and never have been unless they married a few days ago. However, they’re still together.
Hi Lulu…thanks. Thought they were married. Just looked them up and they’re still together and have two daughters. Their non marriage (to quote Spinellli) seems to be working!
After I replied I came upon an interview Thorsten did here with Michael Fairman December 2013. Michael mentioned they were married (as he was posing a question) and Thorsten didn’t contradict it.. Either they are and most of the media is incorrect…or Thorsten feels they’ve been together so long (over 20 years) that it’s basically what it is (without the papers…).
Bring back Frisco!!!! And while your at it Todd Manning… That is all…
Re Days: not a fan of the ‘villains’ storyline – I don’t like any crime or violence on Soaps. In addition, they really do not have resources to do this type of storyline. It actually comes off funny because it is so bad. I like the individual actors, so I am not blaming them. Just this type of storyline just not my thing. Regarding the uptick in ratings, well they are considerably down from last year, and if they are up from the previous week, it may be because people are back from summer vacations. Love Days, the actors, but like storylines that focus on relationships, contemporary life issues and drama. Villains terrorizing the town to me does not work in this type of venue.
WORD ! GH STILL BLOWS ALL THE OTHERS AWAYYYYYY !
Yess!!
If you’ve watched any program for 30 to 40 years, there’s some other issues I can discussed with you during office hours. Most fans are fans for life. Like myself. I will stick with GH no matter what my my issues are with the show.I won’t blast them on a social media forum because I don’t agree with their writing ideas or character selection. Yeah…. Big Pom poms my friend. And you are absolutely right Pat, life is too short. Too short for all this negativity. If there’s really not enough time in your day then get a TiVo.
The June 22 episode of Days of Our Lives reminded us all of why Deidre Hall is iconic in the role of Dr. Marlena Evans. Here we are 50 years later, and Marlena is still the heroine of the long-running soap opera, and Deidre remains one of the most most recognizable names in the history of soaps.
To pay tribute, and to look back at the life and times of Marlena, the story starts with Marlena flipping through a photo album of her with John (the late Drake Hogestyn) over the years. As she misses him dearly, she gets a knock on the door and its none other than John’s son, Paul Narita (Christopher Sean).
With Andrew (Colton Little) in Salem working on a case, he sits down with Marlena, who says she can’t believe its been fifty years since she first arrived in Salem! Cue: Deidre’s first scenes on DAYS when she finds Mickey Horton (the late John Clarke) playing chess against himself inside the mental institution she worked.
Courtesy/Peacock
THE FLASHBACKS OF MARLENA’S LIFE
From there, viewers definitely got the cliff notes version of the history of Marlena and entrenched within them, some of the biggest moments in Deidre’s enduring run.
Paul thinks he is looking at 70s, and early 80s Marlena while going through her scrapbook, but he is actually looking at her twin, Samantha (Andrea Hall). Cue: when Marlena confronted Samantha about impersonating her, and then later getting a call on her radio show from the Salem Strangler (Jack Coleman as Jake Kostichek) who killed Samantha thinking it was Marlena.
In the present, Belle (Martha Madison) has arrived at this time to meet up with Paul, unaware of this trip down memory lane. She wants to go over the findings in the chess board mystery Stefano willed to Marlena and John, in private with him, since Marlena previously said she wanted nothing to do with it.
Back to the history lesson, Marlena speaks highly of Don Craig and even though their marriage didn’t work out, she could find a path forward with the new love her life, Roman Brady. (Wayne Northrop however is never shown, possibly to keep the story focused on John as Roman for confusion sakes?)
Paul sees a photo of a young Carrie (Christie Clark) in the album and Marlena says she was such a godsend after losing her baby. In fact, Marlena says caring for Carrie prepared her for her having and raising her own twins, Eric and Sami. Cue: The twin visiting Marlena in the hospital.
JOHN AND MARLENA’S LOVE CONQUERED ALL
Then, in a way to get through and incorporate the wild storylines only Marlena could have been in, she tells Belle and Paul, she has been through so much in her life, how lucky she was to find John, and some of the most unbelievable experiences no one could imagine. Cue: Marlena possessed by the devil and levitating from the bed. Next, John confronting Marlena being the Salem Stalker, where she admits she killed Alice Horton, pretends she needs help, then pulls a gun on her beloved John!
The comment is made by Paul and Marlena, that she literally has been to hell and back and she could not have survived were it not for her beloved John. Cue the big emotional highpoint clips; The Pier Scene! Marlena steps out of the fog when John sees her from a distance. After believing she was dead for four years, here she was before him in one of the greatest reunions in a soap opera love story in history. What followed were other times of the life of times of Jarlena.
Courtesy/Peacock
MARLENA’S ‘GIFT’ FROM STEFANO HAS A NEW CLUE
When Marlena makes a brief exit to the other room, Belle fills in Paul on the chess set Stefano left her mother and the photo of the Lire. Paul said he will investigate. Marlena comes back into the room and overhears, and says to promise her if things get dangerous he will back off, she does not want anyone hurt by Stefano’s games.
As the episode comes to a conclusion, it’s just Belle and Marlena going through the photo album giggling about 70s hairstyles and all the memories. Belle speaks on the impact Marlena has had in everyone’s lives, and that she is both the heart of their family and the heart of Salem.
An end card comes up acknowledging Deidre Hall’s 50th anniversary as Marlena, and we fade to black.
So, what did you think of Marlena’s walk down memory lane? Were you happy to see the flashback clips utilized throughout? Were you touched by the scenes and the performance of Deidre Hall? Let us know what you thought of Deidre’s 50th anniversary episode via the comment section below.
If you have ever tuned-in to the soap opera genre over the last 50 years, and witnessed some of the greatest romances, drama, classic and outlandish storylines of all-time, you would have seen Deidre Hall smack dab in the middle of it as longtime Salem heroine, Dr. Marlena Evans.
It was 50 years on this date, June 21, 1976 that Hall first appeared on DAYS on NBC which was its home for 57 years before it moved to its current streaming platform on Peacock in September of 2022.
In Hall’s first episode she was introduced as a psychiatrist treating Mickey Horton (John Clarke) at Bayview Sanitarium after he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Mickey learned that his brother Bill Horton (Edward Mallory) was the biological son of Mike Horton (Wesley Eure) with his wife Laura (Susan Flannery) and that he had been lied to for years and years. From that moment on, the rest is television and soap opera history. Days of Our Lives put Hall front and center.
Photo: NBC
There were so many heartbreaking and shocking story twists involving the beloved Marlena. One of the first was the historic crib death of baby DJ (Don Jr.) in 1980, Marlena’s infant son with Don Craig (Jed Allan). The story had never been told on daytime television and Hall’s performances received accolades from TV critics to fans when Deidre received thousands of letters from grieving mothers who had gone through the same thing in their own lives.
DAYS also brought Deidre’s twin sister, Andrea Hall Lovell to the show as her on-screen sister Samantha, who had a grudge and even locked Marlena up in a sanitarium and took her place! Fast-forward and in 1982, DAYS launched the Salem Strangler story where everyone believed Marlena was his next victim, only it turned out to be Samatha. Jake Kositchek (played by Jack Coleman) was revealed to be the actual serial killer.
Later, Deidre would assume the role of Marlena’s look-alike, Hattie Adams in 2004, once played by her sister, Andrea. Over the years, Hattie has come back to Salem and caused trouble giving Hall a chance to play a different type of character, then the always upstanding Marlena.
Photo: JPI
THE LOVES OF MARLENA
Deidre Hall struck gold with all her leading men: from the late Jed Allan, to Wayne Northrop as Roman Brady, and of course, her enduring love story with the late John Black played by the iconic Drake Hogestyn. In fact, Marlena’s 1986 wedding to John (who was believed to be Roman at the time) remains a favorite of fans to this day.
TOP MARLENA STORYLINES OF ALL-TIME
While the list is long, here are several that were some of the memorable during Deidre’s five decades in Salem!
The Possession (1994- 1995)
Considered one of the most ambiguous, outlandish and unforgettable story arcs in soap opera history, then Days of Our Lives head writer, James Reilly went there! Marlena was possessed by the devil! That included; the demonic eyes, hissing at father John (Black) the priest, morphing into creatures, and the classic levitating in her bed! It became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Deidre Hall’s status as a daytime television legend. Just ask Ryan Gosling!
Photo:JPI
The Affair with John Black (1993)
John and Marlena’s forbidden love could not be denied and they had passionate affair, while she was still married to the real Roman. Problem was her daughter, Sami (Alison Sweeney) caught her mother having sex with John on a desk that changed Sami forever.
The Salem Stalker Mystery (2003-2004)
In a shocker, Marlena was revealed to be a serial killer who bumped off several Salem favorites residents who were all alive on the island of Melaswen (spelled “New Salem” backward). Turns out, she was manipulated and gaslighted by Andre DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) to do the “killings” and had no memory of her actions.
The Pier Scene (1991)
This remains Michael Fairman TV’s all-time favorite Deidre Hall moment, which featured some of the best acting in the storied careers of both Hall and Drake Hogestyn.
In the story, a presumed-dead Marlena returns after four years. One foggy night on the pier, John is alone, and Marlena steps out of the fog to reveal herself, and is reunited with the love of her life. You can watch it any year, any decade, and in any moment, and it will have you reaching for the hankies again and again. (best music score fo a soap scene of all-time too!)
Photo: NBC
Kristen’s Secret Room Reveal (1997)
Marlena was caught in Kristen Blake’s (Eileen Davidson) elaborate web of lies, when she was held hostage in a secret wine cellar/room until John managed to track her down, leading to an iconic on-screen reunion. The classic catfight between Hall and Eileen Davidson was one for the ages.
It should be noted that Maison Blanche, Queen of the Night, Possession, Aremid and Lady in a Cage were all a part of classic DAYS storyline and all featured Hall at the epicenter of it from 1993-1996.
THE RECENT YEARS OF MARLENA
In recent years, DAYS brought back the possession 2.0 storyline under then head writer Ron Carlivati in 2021 where the devil leapt back in Marlena after taking advantage of a frail Doug Williams (the late Bill Hayes)
In 2025, viewers watched the end of the love story of John and Marlena, as John succumbed to injuries sustained in an explosion saving a vial of medication needed to bring Bo (Peter Reckell) back to life. Marlena has been a widow on-screen since June of 2025 as Hall as portrayed the good doctor struggling with her grief and to move on with her life since his death.
Photo: JPI
One story that never goes away is Stefano DiMera’s (the late Joe Mascolo) obsession with Marlena, his “Queen of the Night.” Even in death, Stefano is toying with her from the great beyond with the mysterious chess set and the missing “pawn,” that he had gifted John and Marlena in his will. The mystery is currently unfolding on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives.
Tune-in to Days of our Lives on the Monday, June 22 episode as Marlena looks back at her 50 years in Salem.
Share your congratulations to Deidre Hall for this incredible 50-year milestone as Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives in the comment section. Then let us know, what is your all-time favorite storyline or moment in the life of Marlena over the past 5 decades? And, just for kicks, and to celebrate this amazing milestone, here is Marlena levitating below circa Christmas Eve 1994.
Days Of Our Lives
Al Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
It’s been a bittersweet time for Al Calderon. The talented actor/singer/songwriter has watched from his vantage point to roles he loved so much come to their conclusion for different reasons.
In a heartfelt message posted to his Instagram story on Saturday, Calderon took a moment to share how grateful he was for the opportunity to play Javi Hernandez on Days of Our Lives, and nurse Nico Silva this year on NBC’s second season of Brilliant Minds. Currently, Brilliant Minds has two more episodes that will air on June 24 and the series finale on July 1.
Calderon expressed, “As I sit here reflecting on this lovely Saturday afternoon over the last two years of my life, I have two major chapters closing that have been part of my life every day for the last two years. We have Brilliant Minds. Our last episodes are wrapping up, and then my last scenes aired yesterday as me as Javi on Days of Our Lives.
Photo: JPI
“I’m just unbelievably grateful for the chance and the opportunity to be a part of something so much larger than me,” continued Al. “I (will) love Days of Our Lives forever, my family. Thank you for supporting me and supporting my decision to take the leap of faith and believe in myself and, and tell other stories. You know, it’s never goodbye. It’s always ‘see you later’ to me and just leaving with love and leading with love.”
Al concluded with a special mention to some very important people, the fans: “Thank you to the fans and the support from everyone, the lovely messages. So this next chapter, hopefully it’s not a dragon, hopefully it’s a gold coin.”
Photo: NBC
Calderon’s journey on-screen on Days of Our Lives began in October of 2024 and concluded this month. In one of his last appearances Javi was asking a favor from Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) before bumping into his ex, Leo (Greg Rikaart). In story, Javi has a new romance with Gus (Michael Ocampo), while fighting his feelings for Leo. The role of Javi will be played starting on June 30 by Jacob Martinez who takes over the role.
NBC decided to cancel the Brilliant Minds, after it split up the airing of its second season which began in the fall of September of 2025 and the back-half started airing after a long break this past May. Calderon joined the medical drama staring Zachary Quinto for the new season, which sadly was its last.
So, will you miss Al on Days of Our Lives and Brilliant Minds as his time on-screen has come to an end? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Marlena Looks Back at 50 Years in Salem
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Weighs-In on Dante and Elizabeth Pairing and Sharing Scenes with Rebecca Herbst (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Y&R Preview: Matt Clark Asks Phyllis on a Date, Would You Be Down for the Pairing? Roger Howarth & Michelle Previously in GH’s Franco/Nina Romance
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Reflects on Dante’s Guilt for the ‘Atrocity’ That Happened to Michael Which Kept Everyone From Telling Him the Truth About Rocco (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital2 days agoMaurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Weighs-In on Dante and Elizabeth Pairing and Sharing Scenes with Rebecca Herbst (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
-
Days Of Our Lives2 days agoAl Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
-
Beyond the Gates5 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Karla Mosley Weighs-in on Dani Dupree’s Love Life Endgame: Are You Team Bill or Team Andre?
-
General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Michael Puts Willow On Notice After Tracy Is Arrested
