Breaking News
Soap Opera Digest to Discontinue Its Weekly Print Edition; Special Issues Will Be Four Times a Year
In a sign of the times, and yet heartbreaking to learn, Soap Opera Digest, the kingpin of weekly soap print magazines for nearly five decades is being discontinued. The news was handed-down to staff members on Friday, October 27th by a360Media.
The company confirmed that the weekly print edition will end, with only four special issues per year being generated instead.
In a statement to Variety, a360Media rep, shared, “Soap Opera Digest, like many other brands, is adjusting its print frequency and shifting more resources to digital to better accommodate its audience.”
Photo: SOD
The history of Soap Opera Digest showed how much things changed since its launch in 1975. Later, in 1989, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp bought it for $70 million dollars before selling it two years later, and after that time, there had been a myriad of owners.
As soaps were at their hottest in the 80’s and early 90’s, SOD had a reported circulation of 1.5 million by 1991. However, as the times changed, and viewing patterns changed, and soap operas had been canceled, one after the other, circulation became much smaller.
As reflected on its website, Soap Opera Digest has been “the leading magazine reporting on soap operas for over 40 years.” Soap fans know there used to be Soap Opera Weekly, Soap Opera Update and Soaps In Depth magazines, as well as ‘Digest’, and over time they all were shut down. Soaps In Depth remains as a digital version.
No word yet on how this may affect or change the Soap Opera Digest online brand or its coverage, as to whether it will expand, or stay the same.
One thing is for sure, all of us who follow the soaps, are so used to picking-up our latest copy of SOD at our neighborhood grocery store or magazine and newspaper stand every week, that is, if you don’t have a mailed subscription. Many fans lived in anticipation for the current issue that would await them, so they were often willing to make even longer trips to a store to find it in their area.
Share your thoughts on a360Media’s decision to cease Soap Opera Digest’s weekly print editions via the comment section below.
Sad but I liked soap opera weekly better Mimi torchin got the best scoops SOD was very kissy ass to actors too.
For sure!
I mean Y n R has been so shit since Griffith especially took over and not one editor or columnist has called him out. Like horrible really. I feel to your point another previous publication like weekly would ve
Not just the actors, but the producers, too. Just this year, they ignored the AA controversy at DAYS until the man actually resigned.
Totally agrees
This is very sad news. Back in the day, I couldn’t wait for the newest edition of Soap Opera Digest. They had the best gossip and cast interviews. But, times have changed. Thank you to all the hard working people who brought the news and features to us for all those decades. My very best wishes to all of them.
You need to have soaps to have a magazine. Everything is history now because of the over abundance of Good Morning America and the freakin talk shows!
I am devastated by this. I want the magazine in my hand!!!!
It’s a sad day We all realize that we are in a different time and most print mags are hanging by a thread but for those of us who still love that old school book in the mail or the newsstand it’s the end of yet another era does anyone know the end date or any online life to the mag please inform
I think thats terrible, for years i saved every one. They came out every other week then every week. I didnt have room to save them anymore but i had them since the 70’s & on & on. Keep it going
Are they reimbursing those of us that have paid through 2024? I’ve paid through September!
I just re-upped in the summer!
same.
I just requested a subscription in early October 2023. Sales in stores have been wonky since November 2022, for me. I contacted a360 media for help in rectifying the fact that the magazine wasn’t getting on the stands in a timely fashion or at all! They didn’t seem to be working too hard to figure out the problem. I guess, here’s my answer why.
I used to love going to the store the day digest would come out in the 80s and 90s but when Soap Opera Weekly came out in 89, that became my favorite and I was surprised it shut down before digest. Haven’t bought a print copy in decades. With only 4 soaps, it’s just not the same.
This is incredibly sad to me.
I’ve had a subscription since the 70’s and loved that it was still in print so that you could actually hold the magazine in your hand and read it.
As someone else said, I want to also thank everyone who worked to put out the issues for us. Please know you are appreciated.
Totally bad move. Not everyone has a computer!!
If you’re reading this posting and typing a reply here, you obviously have computer access.
Or a least a smartphone
I loved it when you could vote for the actors for the Soap Opera Digest Awards! I had it mailed to my home where I would read it cover to cover!
This makes me very sad. I live in NYC and I *never* see places selling the print edition. I subscribed digitally through the app but it stopped working months ago. I’ll truly miss the magazine.
What will happen to my present subscription. It doesn’t end yet?
How do we get back our money for the magazines we won’t be receiving. You owe it to us!
I have paid thru March 2024 will we be reimbursed? Not happy. I want my weekly magazine in my mail still!!
Same for me. What I find disappointing is the fact we got no message from SOD. Unless I missed that email, I don’t recall getting a message stating the magazine was shutting down. I read about on “X” and certainly no message about refunds/transferring my subscription to another magazine that I didn’t ask for or want. I’ve been a fan of SOD since the 80’s and though sad to see it end, I’m sad this is the way they treat their customers.
Very sad indeed!! Would be nice if you would let your subscribers know if they will reimbursed for subscriptions !! Mine ends April 2024 looks like I’m out of luck .
I think SOD would have done better to have gone back to their monthly format, since there are only 4 soap left, now, & one of them is only on Peacock. They could have survived that way; this news is very disappointing, as I’ve always looked forward to getting the latest issue of SOD. I didn’t like that one of their reviewers who wrote for the magazine seemed very slanted toward one soap, Days of Our Lives. Sometimes DoOL would get extra photos, extra articles, where none of the other soaps did. If they were going to do that, they should have rotated all the soaps that are left; fair is fair, after all, & the bias that was displayed was shameful. Sure, it’s ok to prefer one soap over another, but to show it in a weekly magazine, where it shouldn’t make any difference, NOPE! NOT KOSHER! 🙁 I’ll miss the issues I used to look forward to, have saved back a bunch old ones; guess I’ll read those, when I can’t get the regular ones, anymore 🙁
They shouldn’t have halted production before telling subscribers how they plan to reimburse us. What is the plan? I want a refund for the subscriptions I won’t receive.
Breaking News
‘One Life to Live’ and ‘General Hospital’ Actress Bree Williamson Mourns the Loss of Husband Michael John Roberts
In heartbreaking news, Bree Williamson (ex-Jessica Buchanan, One Life to Live, ex- Claudette Beaulieu, General Hospital) is mourning the loss of her husband Michael John Roberts who passed away after his battle with glioblastoma om Wednesday, November 11 and at just 48-years-old.
The Hollywood Reporter initially reported Roberts death sharing he died after a brief battle and was surrounded by loved ones and died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles.
Michael was a well-known animator and director behind Comedy Central’s Trip Tank and Netflix’s BoJack Horseman among others.. He also created the YouTube Red series Dallas & Robo, starring John Cena and Kat Dennings.
Taking to her Instagram following the news of Michael’s passing, Bree Williamson expressed, “Thank you to everyone that has reached out. We are heartbroken and taking some time.” Bree and Michael share a son McGreggor, who is 16-years-old.
Photo: JPI
OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FROM ONE LIFE TO LIVE CO-STARS
Williamson received an outpouring of love and support from many of her One Life to Live co-stars below:
Tuc Watkins (ex-David Vickers): “Michael Roberts. Words are clumsy. I watched the ways he was kind, and I admired him. I love him and his family, individually and collectively. He was so many things. He did so much. There would have been more.”
Michael Easton (ex-John McBain): “Michael was a beautiful spirit and he lives on in our hearts. Our thoughts are with you and Mac and your family.”
Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr Manning): “Beyond tragic, He was so kind, I only remember him with that exact smile every time I saw him. I remember when we met him & just knew you found the best partner. So deeply sorry Bree. We love you so much.”
Eddie Alderson (ex-Matthew Buchanan), “Sending you infinite amounts of love. He was so fantastic. He’ll be very missed by all who knew him.”
Others who sent messages included: Laura Wright (Carly, GH) and Finola Hughes (Anna, GH) and Martha Madison (Belle, DAYS).
MICHAEL JOHN ROBERTS INCREDIBLE TALENT REMEMBERED
The family shared a statement via an obituary that read, in part, on the gifted artist that Michael was and his remarkable gifts:
“Michael saw the world a little differently. A gifted artist with an extraordinary talent, he could find something worth exploring in what others might overlook. His creativity was not limited to what he put on paper; it shaped the way he thought, questioned, and understood the world around him.”
FAMILY STATEMENT ON THE LOVE MICHAEL HAD FOR BREE AND MCGREGGOR
The obituary also spoke on Michael’s family, love of Bree and their son McGreggor:
“Above all, Michael cherished the family he had built. His wife, Bree (Williamson), was his beloved partner, and the person he was so proud to have beside him. He treasured their shared journey, their everyday moments, and the simple privilege of walking through the world together. His son, McGreggor, was a source of immense pride. Michael wanted nothing but the best for him, and saw in the young man he was becoming, possibilities greater than he could ever have imagined for himself. He was already deeply proud of the life his son was building, and eager for all that lay ahead of him.”
It concluded with, “Although his illness came suddenly and the time that followed was heartbreakingly short, it cannot define the man he was. His life is better remembered through what he created, the conversations he inspired, the friendships he nurtured, and the love he gave so freely to those closest to him.”
Michael is survived by Bree, their teenage son, McGreggor; sister, Jane; niece, Gwen and nephew, Vaughan. He was also close with his cousin Hrothgar, whom he saw as a brother, and his wife, Emily, and their children, Evie and Lili.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Bree Williamson and McGreggor at this time on such a devastating loss of such an exceptionally talented man and beloved husband and father. Share your thoughts for Bree on the loss of Michael John Roberts in the comment section below.
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
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