News
REMEMBRANCES: One Life to Live Aired Its Final ABC Episode One Year Ago Today!
Courtesy/ABC
We will never forget the date of January 13th, 2012 as many of our soapers in the viewing audience, and On-Air On-Soaps, gathered around our television sets during the afternoon to do the impossible – to say goodbye to the beloved town of Llanview!
On this date a year ago we had to say farewell to: the characters we loved so much, the performances by the great talent of the series, and the stories of the legendary soap. Through the creative genius of head writer Ron Carlivati and the executive leadership of Frank Valentini, the duo and their teams, delivered to fans a whopping cliffhanger with Victor Jr. very much alive, the hope for happy endings for Viki and Clint, John and Natalie and baby Liam, and much more.
That evening following the final episode, On-Air On-Soaps hosted a One Life to Live Farewell special on the Blog Talk Radio Network that we will never forget. Listening to the heartbreak of callers from around the U.S, and talking to our special guests: John-Paul Lavoisier (Rex), Melissa Archer (Natalie) and Kristen Alderson (Starr), really brought home how a terrible decision by ABC emotionally impacted not only the fans, but the cast as they shared their sentiments with each other during this special online broadcast.
Photo Credit: MF SOAPS Inc.
And as we tried to put in perspective through our final blog on our final set visit to One Life’s New York studios, and through our final emotional video interviews with the cast, nothing could fill the hole in our hearts that for the last year has still remained as it has for many fans.
A year later, Prospect Park is set to resurrect Llanview giving hope to millions that some of the stellar cast will return and the stories will pick up where they left off, or perhaps they will fast forward ahead, that remains to be seen. But with all systems go, it will be interesting to see just how far the new One Life can go! Can it be a success online and eventually move back to TV?
For now, share you remembrances today on watching the final ABC episode of One Life and help us honor the show that we all know should never have been canceled in the first place!
News
Hallmark Channel Chief Bill Abbott Exits In Aftermath Of Same-Sex Ad Controversy
Looks like there is still fallout from the Hallmark Channel pulling several ads from wedding planner, Zola that centered on a same-sex lesbian couple kissing at their wedding.
Now, Bill Abbott, who has been Crown Media Family Networks president and CEO for the last 11 years, is exiting the company. The announcement was made today by Mike Perry, president and CEO of Hallmark Cards Inc.
No successor has been named. “I have tremendous confidence in the Crown Media management team and, with this team in place, I will begin a search for Bill’s replacement,” Perry said. “I want to thank Bill for his many years of success and contributions to Crown Media and wish him continued success.”
Prior to the firestorm against the cable outlet for pulling the Zola ads, (after conservative group One Million Moms petitioned to have the ads removed) and the network complied, the company was doing well.
Abbott presided over a period of growth and visibility for Hallmark including: Christmas programming and regular opportunities for seasoned A-list stars that in return attracted viewers and ratings. Bill Abbott’s exit is the latest result of Hallmark’s efforts to quickly turn the page on the bad PR.
Deadline reported that according to people familiar with the internal discussions, many people at the network expressed their preference for restoring the ad quickly, while Abbott went against their wishes and kept it off the air.
So, what do you think of Abbott stepping-down and Hallmark parting ways with him? Do you enjoy Hallmark Channel programming or find its fare and formula not diverse and inclusive enough? Comment below.
News
Judith Light To Receive Prestigious Honor At GLAAD Media Awards In New York
Another wonderful acknowledgement is coming its way to two-time Daytime Emmy and Tony winning actress, Judith Light (Ex-Karen, OLTL).
News on Wednesday has that Light will be honored at the upcoming 31st annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York City with the Excellence in Media Award in a ceremony hosted by Lilly Singh. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 19th.
According to Deadline, who broke the news, the Excellence in Media Award is presented to media professionals who have made a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people. Light joins previous honorees Ava DuVernay, Robert De Niro, Patti LaBelle, Debra Messing, Tyra Banks, Julianne Moore, Glenn Close, Barbara Walters, Diane Sawyer, among others, who have received this prestigious award from the organization.
“Judith Light stood up for and with LGBTQ people when others in media and entertainment refused to speak up, and she has never left our side,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis in a statement “When the GLAAD Media Awards first started and was a small event with little visibility, she was one of the few entertainers who would join us in calling for LGBTQ representation, so it is only fitting to now honor her advocacy on what has become the largest LGBTQ stage in the world. From standing alongside LGBTQ people during the AIDS crisis, to fighting for marriage equality, to now uplifting transgender people and issues, Judith advocates with a unique passion and an unending dedication that uplifts.”
Light was honored with the 2019 Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for her extensive philanthropy work, especially in fighting to end AIDS and championing LGBTQ and human rights.
Share your congratulations to Judith via the comment section on this honor from GLAAD.
News
Christian Keyes Joins Y&R As Amanda’s Ex
The Young and the Restless is bringing Amanda’s Sinclair’s (Mishael Morgan) troubled former fiance’ to Genoa City.
Look for actor Christian Keyes to appear on the canvas as Ripley Turner, the man who shares a past with Amanda and whom she filed a restraining order against and has been trying to hide from.
Look for Keyes to make his Y&R debut on the Wednesday, February 5th episode of the CBS Daytime drama series.
If Christian looks familiar, he has been a series regular on Saints and Sinners and had recurring roles on Legends of Tomorrow and Supernatural.
Hallmark Channel Chief Bill Abbott Exits In Aftermath Of Same-Sex Ad Controversy
Judith Light To Receive Prestigious Honor At GLAAD Media Awards In New York
Christian Keyes Joins Y&R As Amanda’s Ex
THIS IS US: Randall Dismantled As Sterling K. Brown Delivers Masterful Performance
NATPE Reports Daytime Talkers On The Rise Thanks To Kelly Clarkson and Tamron Hall Syndication Hits; More On The Way
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nikolas & Spencer’s Reunion Leaves Ava Attempting To Bring Peace: What Did You Think Of The Key Scenes?
Knots Landing’s Joan Van Ark, Michele Lee & Donna Mills Share Backstage Memories, Watch Back Classic Scenes & Remember the Cul-De-Sac On Its 40th Anniversary
General Hospital Extended Promo Reveals: Turf War, Cassadine Family Drama & Nelle’s Plan For Wiley Take Center Stage
The Can’t-Miss Week of Days of our Lives: What Happened The Night Adrienne Died? And … More Questions Answered
Nicolas Bechtel On His Return To GH: “I’m Back and I Am Still Spencer”
Nicolas Bechtel On His Return To GH: “I’m Back and I Am Still Spencer”
General Hospital Extended Promo Reveals: Turf War, Cassadine Family Drama & Nelle’s Plan For Wiley Take Center Stage
Real Andrews Returns As Marcus Taggert On General Hospital
The Can’t-Miss Week of Days of our Lives: What Happened The Night Adrienne Died? And … More Questions Answered
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nikolas & Spencer’s Reunion Leaves Ava Attempting To Bring Peace: What Did You Think Of The Key Scenes?
PASSIONS Reunion Documentary To Screen At Universal Studios For One-Night Only
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nelle Is A Free Woman … And Shiloh’s Widow
Sean Kanan, Tristan Rogers & Timothy Woodward Jr. Talk On The Making Of New Digital Drama ‘Studio City’ & Respect For Soaps
Knots Landing’s Joan Van Ark, Michele Lee & Donna Mills Share Backstage Memories, Watch Back Classic Scenes & Remember the Cul-De-Sac On Its 40th Anniversary
Soap Alums and Stars At TCA’s & Critics Choice Awards (Photos)
Knots Landing’s Joan Van Ark, Michele Lee & Donna Mills Share Backstage Memories, Watch Back Classic Scenes & Remember the Cul-De-Sac On Its 40th Anniversary
General Hospital Extended Promo Reveals: Turf War, Cassadine Family Drama & Nelle’s Plan For Wiley Take Center Stage
The Can’t-Miss Week of Days of our Lives: What Happened The Night Adrienne Died? And … More Questions Answered
How Do Your Favorite Soaps Ring In The New Year? (Previews)
‘Knots Landing’ Premiered 40 Years Ago Today: Remembering The Greatest Primetime Soap Of Them All
Holiday Episodes On the Soaps (Previews)
B&B Alum and Let’s Make a Deal Host, Wayne Brady Wins ‘The Masked Singer’
Michael Easton Is Ebenezer Scrooge In GH’s Upcoming ‘Christmas Carol’ Episode
‘Peloton Girl’ Monica Ruiz Lands Guest Spot On The Bold and the Beautiful
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Max Gail Turns In Another Emmy-Worthy Performance As Mike’s Battle With Alzheimer’s Takes Its Toll
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General HospitalJanuary 17, 2020Nicolas Bechtel On His Return To GH: “I’m Back and I Am Still Spencer”
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General HospitalJanuary 20, 2020General Hospital Extended Promo Reveals: Turf War, Cassadine Family Drama & Nelle’s Plan For Wiley Take Center Stage
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General HospitalJanuary 17, 2020Real Andrews Returns As Marcus Taggert On General Hospital
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 18, 2020The Can’t-Miss Week of Days of our Lives: What Happened The Night Adrienne Died? And … More Questions Answered
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General HospitalJanuary 20, 2020GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nikolas & Spencer’s Reunion Leaves Ava Attempting To Bring Peace: What Did You Think Of The Key Scenes?
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NewsJanuary 14, 2020PASSIONS Reunion Documentary To Screen At Universal Studios For One-Night Only
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General HospitalJanuary 16, 2020GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nelle Is A Free Woman … And Shiloh’s Widow
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General HospitalJanuary 15, 2020Sean Kanan, Tristan Rogers & Timothy Woodward Jr. Talk On The Making Of New Digital Drama ‘Studio City’ & Respect For Soaps
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A whole year….I was in Florida on vacation waiting to go on a cruise (as I am now),watching the last 4 episodes and then the finale.
Bittersweet it was.
I am genuinely looking forward to the online reboot – who will sign,who will decline,what it means for the actors who are now playing OLTL characters on GH.
Long live One Life to Live! Best. Show. Ever.
Ditto!
DITTO!!!!
Dtto to that!!!!!!!!!!1
I remember watching that Final OLTL like it was yesterday….so sad…I could NOT believe that come Monday my beloved soap which I had watched since the 70’s would not be airing….I felt such a large Void…one I Still Feel….
I am hoping that this PP project is a GO and that OLTL Will Return and with many of my favorite actors and characters! Wish Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati could do Both GH and OLTL!
I recorded the last few episodes epecially the last one.I even have the episode when
everyone thought John McBain was dead. And have old soap magazines from 2006.. Loving Llanview!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I never thought I could miss a soap opera so much! OLTL is pretty SPECIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks to the wonderful cast and writers!! HURRAY Llanview!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday January 13 1978 was the last 45 Minute long episode of OLTL (and GH) Monday January 16 was the first hour long show.
My mom and I first watched OLTL when it was only a half hour. And never stopped
watchin!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sad to think it has been a year already. Would hope they can get TSJ back to resolve the ending or will GH do that? What about the story continuation mentioned on GH… will that be where the new writers start or will they change direction and start off from the last episide of OLTL?
To move forward you have to accept Change! How do you change perfection and can you ever get back that momentum OLTL had? ..and alittle of it still lives on GH. I’d hate to recast any major characters, but how do you ask those actors/actresses that moved to the West Coast to hunt for employment to move back to the East coast to do an online show that is untried?! I miss OLTL and will be looking forward to it’s revival!! Must have my Jolie back and Jessica and the rest of the Buchanans! Good Luck PP.
One year ago today, the last of OLTL..
I was in shock that it had really happened, OLTL had ended .
OLTL was gone from my life I was a bit dazed and sad ..
This is nothing short of a miracle….. OLTL Fans are fierce, fastidious, and
i’m glad i don’t have to read any more about how much you miss Llanview.
Congratulations.
I’m awaiting Pine Valley!
WE ARE GOING BACK TO LLANVIEW , HURRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I watched the final two episodes a couple weeks ago and cried like a baby throughout them! OLTL was a part of my life for nearly 35 years. Hopefully this past year was just a long, horrible break, and there’s 35+++ years more of life in Llandview ahead of us.
anyone know why the announcements for who’s signing with prospect park for oltl reboot’s actors are slow in coming–there’s a 1/2 dozen amc actors already announced
I still have yet to watch the last two weeks of OLTL. They are on my DVR, and I vowed not to watch them until OLTL was back. I really hope to be watching those soon, (I will as soon as PP taping begins) I couldn’t watch them until I was sure that this would really happen, just too sad. I am so excited! Now I can watch with anticipation, and tears of happiness that Llanview lives on.
Dear Michael-
Thank you for remembering such a dark day for television and for generations of viewers. I was lucky enough to be in the audience of “The View” the day before on January 12th. It began a day of mourning that in some ways has not ended. Like you, I am a man in his 50s who grew up with OLTL being woven into his childhood memories. Your mention of it was a great suprise! Here’s to you!
Looking Forward-
Patrick
I was so sad one year ago today. Even my husband (NOT a soap watcher) said it’s sad that the fans were “dissed”. I miss the show so much! The only saving grace is that ABC is eating some serious crow over this cancellation. All the money spent trying to promote the replacements with lackluster ratings makes me laugh!
I’m glad it’s coming back, but it’s not the same watching a show on the computer.
I can not wait..to watch the rebirth of amc! Thank you prospect park for helping us dedicated fans bring our show and family back into our homes!