All My Children
Susan Lucci Talks Shocking Cancellation Of All My Children On Oprah's Where Are They Now?
Courtesy/ABC
It’s still painful to watch and hear the iconic Susan Lucci talk about the demise of All My Children and how she found out the long running ABC soap opera had been canceled.
Lucci recalls it once again for her appearance on tonight’s new episode of Oprah: Where Are They Now? series airing at 9PMEST on her cable outlet OWN.
So, if you’re wondering how it feels to lose a job you’ve had for 41 years, you want to watch this segment. And while La Lucci is doing just fine these days with her myriad of new projects from Deadly Affairs to Devious Maids, the special does account that Susan still went through a lengthy grieving process over having her role of Erica Kane come to stop! She also reveals her fears of never working again, and moving on post-life AMC!
Watch a clip with Susan discussing AMC’s untimely ending after the jump! Then, let us know, do you still get choked up every time you hear a beloved cast member from Pine Valley talk about the demise of the soap? Let us know!
All My Children
8 Years To The Day Of All My Children & One Life to Live Being Canceled; Still Considered By Many Worst Move For Daytime
It’s hard to believe that 8 years ago today on April 14th, 2011, the soap world, its fans, and the cast members, learned of the heartbreaking news that ABC, in one swift move, decimated its daytime line-up when they announced the cancellations of long running series, All My Children (which would end at its 41st year), and One Life to Live (which would ends its run in its 43rd year).
At the time, ABC announced it would move to more lifestyle/entertainment series to replace these dramas. In its place came The Chew and The Revolution, neither show is still on the air today. Executives at that time pointed to research saying that times are changing and that their decision was “guided by extensive research into what today’s daytime viewers want,” and blame, in part, “the changing viewing patterns of the audience” for the axing of AMC and OLTL
Then ABC Daytime President, Brian Frons had joked to Deadline about the big announcement that he: “Pre-entered the witness protection program prior to today’s events.” He added that “The demise of the two venerable soaps was actually a year in the making. A year ago, we started to look at our projections where the ratings for the soaps would go. When those projections came in pretty discouraging, the network began to aggressively develop replacement shows, 15 of them. Four of the 15 were picked up to pilot: The Chew and The Revolution and two others, a talk show and a dating show. Originally, the idea was to cancel only one daytime drama. The way the ratings developed and the pilots turned out, the ratings developed negatively and pilots developed positively, so we decided to make a bigger shift.” Of note is that when it went off the air, One Life to Live was in third place among its competitors in the ratings.
The press release that came with the cancellations stated: “To honor the core, passionate audience and their rich history both shows will conclude in a manner that respects their legacies and the longstanding hopes of many of their viewers.”
Following the cancellations daytime reeled. The mainstream was sure it meant the endings of the soaps, period. However, four shows illustrated that is not true at all. For Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless all remain, and still whether they are up or down in their numbers/ratings, they remain relevant and important to the enduring daytime viewing audience.
Sadly, as with any shows, the end of ABC’s AMC and OLTL meant loss of jobs for so many working in front of the camera and behind the scenes. One Life was the last soap opera in production in New York at the time. AMC was already being shot in LA to cut costs to save it.
Still in 2019, if you venture on to social media, especially Twitter, you see fans constantly missing its stars and the towns of Llanview and Pine Valley, wanting this wrong rectified. Although Prospect Park tried to revive the show with their online versions, eventually after legal battles that went on for a few years, ABC now retains the right to these properties,
The good news is that many favorites from AMC and OLTL have found success and been hired on other soap operas, bringing their followings with them, whether it be on-screen, or in the writing, producing, directing or crew departments.
So, do you think the loss of AMC and OLTL consolidated daytime and made the remaining shows stronger so they would not be touched or canceled? Do you think ABC should try to mount a resurrected AMC and OLTL or an amalgamation of the two? Do you remember where you were when you learned the two soaps were cancelled? Was this the worst misstep of all-time for daytime? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
All My Children
George R. R. Martin’s “Leak” Of New Hulu Series WILD CARDS Featuring Eden Riegel, Thorsten Kaye. and Greg Rikkart
April Fool’s Day started off with a bang today when Eden Riegel (Ex-Bianca, AMC) posted a photo of herself with Thorsten Kaye (Ridge, B&B) and Greg Rikaart (Ex-Leo, DAYS) in a very intriguing image. See above pic! As it turns out, it’s said to be from behind the scenes from some leaked footage of the upcoming Hulu series, Wild Cards.
The premise of Wild Cards is based on the sci-fi anthology series edited by George R. R, Martin, best known for writing the “Song of Ice and Fire” novels, on which HBO’s Game of Thrones is based. Riegel’s husband, Andrew Miller is the showrunner attached to the upcoming series.
On Martin’s website he teases the set-up of the “leaked” video clip: “This was not supposed to go public.. Everybody (Well, everybody that has been paying attention knows that we are developing two Wild Cards as a series for Hulu Andrew Miller has taken the reins as showrunner, a writing staff has been hired, and they have been hard at work for months. What was NOT supposed to be known is how far they’ve come. Not only have some scripts been finished, but the first show has gone into production and has been shooting. That was supposed to be a deep dark secret, however. We wanted to surprise the world. It’s hard to keep secrets in Hollyweird, however. And now it appears that some of the rough footage has been leaked by person or persons unknown”
Meanwhile, Riegel sent out a series of tweets: “Hooo boy…cat’s out of the bag! Fans, please don’t judge our show based on these leaked videos!! The effects are going to knock your socks off. And my costars, @Iamthorstenkaye and @gregrikaart, are doing the best work of their lives!” That was followed by, T”hank you @GeorgeRRMartin_ for the chance to work with you on your first foray into soaps! I am humbled and honored. We won’t let you down.” And then, “I’m probably not allowed to share this with all the NDAs I signed, but damnit I’m just so proud of the #wildcardssoap team! think we are breaking new ground for soaps. So proud to work with you!”
Now below, check out the Wild Cards “leaked footage” and let us know if you think of the …. um … drama! Comment below. And one more thing … Happy April Fool’s!
All My Children
WATCH: All My Children Reunion On Strahan & Sara
On Monday’s episode of ABC’s Strahan & Sara, the show welcomed several stars of the beloved All My Children for a reunion, of sorts. Joining hosts Michael Strahan and Sara Haines were Susan Lucci (Erica), Walt Willey (Jack), Cady McClain (Dixie), Jacob Young (JR) and Jill Larson (Opal).
While it was wonderful to see the stars from Pine Valley again, it was also a painful reminder that this network, ABC, canceled the show, and had put in its place – The Chew, and now Strahan & Sara – since canning the series. In fact, as you will see on the clips below, many of the crew who work on this talk show were once the crew for All My Children.
During the segment, Susan Lucci was tested to see if she remembered all of Erica Kane’s wedded names. Later, Walt Willey and Susan re-created the final scene of the ABC version of All My Children between Erica and Jack, where Jack walks out on her. However, this time, they have Jack changing his mind and coming back to Erica and sealing their relationship with a kiss – a moment of closure that never happened (since the show moved to online via Prospect Park).
In addition, Cady McClain and Jacob Young re-created the infamous Dixie “dying from eating poison pancakes” scene, as JR watches his mother die, only this time she lives.
It’s always great to see these veteran performers, but Strahan & Sara is trying to capture the soap viewers to put eyeballs on their show by bringing in talent from the show that sadly and wrongly went off the air.
Watch the clips below from the All My Children reunion below. Then, let us know what you thought of it via the comment section below.
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Franco Looks In The Mirror … And Believing He Is Drew Kisses Kim
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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope To Steffy, “I’m Taking My Daughter & Don’t You Dare Try To Stop Me”
Kelly Monaco Addresses Billy Miller’s Departure From GH
DAYS Stacy Haiduk and Eric Martsolf Talk Kristen & Brady’s Twisted Relationship : The Mask, The Deception, The Sex
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Franco To Cameron, “Tell Your Mom I Love Her … And Tell Her I’ll Be Back”
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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Thomas’ Turn To The Dark Side Is Getting Creepier! What Is His Next Move?
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General HospitalAugust 10, 2019GENERAL HOSPITAL: Will Franco Wake Up As Drew & Become The Next Victim Of Mind-Mapping?
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RecapsAugust 10, 2019THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope To Steffy, “I’m Taking My Daughter & Don’t You Dare Try To Stop Me”
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General HospitalAugust 13, 2019Kelly Monaco Addresses Billy Miller’s Departure From GH
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Days Of Our LivesAugust 13, 2019DAYS Stacy Haiduk and Eric Martsolf Talk Kristen & Brady’s Twisted Relationship : The Mask, The Deception, The Sex
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General HospitalAugust 9, 2019GENERAL HOSPITAL: Franco To Cameron, “Tell Your Mom I Love Her … And Tell Her I’ll Be Back”
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General HospitalAugust 8, 2019GENERAL HOSPITAL: Franco Walks In On Shiloh and Dr. Cabot’s Plans for Cameron
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Breaking NewsAugust 13, 2019Constance Towers Returns To GH As Helena Cassadine … But Just How Does She Appear?
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General HospitalAugust 11, 2019WATCH THE TRAILER: Dominic Zamprogna Stars In New Short Film, ‘To The Moon and Back’
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It’s hard to believe Erica maybe GONE for good!
It was a shock to get a third and fourth cancellation in a third year. I miss AMC (ABC more than Hulu). By the time Lorraine came on, it was too late for the series, but the writing was strong and stories were amazing. But everything happens for a complete reason, and I see now why ABC did cancel both AMC and OLTL. But right now, I’m happy with the daytime lineup. And the memories of AMC will always live on!
I remember the shock as if it were yesterday. I had been worried about the fate of my favorite show, OLTL, for several years because it was clear to me that the alphabet network had stopped supporting it. I was absolutely stunned when both shows were canceled. I know it doesn’t matter to them, or anyone else for that matter; but, I will never forgive the alphabet network or the mouse company for this diabolical betrayal of their loyal viewers and their loyal employees.
I agree. No ABC/D for me.
I totally agree! I still get tears in my eyes when I think of AMC and OLTL, or see something that pertains to them. I will forever grieve for these wonderful shows, and will never forgive ABC for their greed and treachery! I am glad that GH is still doing so well, but I worry about it since I no longer trust ABC/D.
It still makes me cry. I miss both the shows and the characters so much.
All My Children was boring and low rated when cancelled…i hate to see any soap go but its cancellation wasnt a shock to me when better soaps have been cancelled!!!
You said it.
Jim, I started watching AMC way back in the seventies when I was just a small child. Yes, I am one of those I-watched-my-first-soap-when-perched-on-my-grandma’s-knees kid–this akin to being a latch key child, I guess. Back in the day AMC was smart, romantic with literary allusions. Agnes Nixon was well versed in Shakespeare and the Romantic Poets and infused their works into her work. Even though I was just barely 10, it was Phoebe, and her hatred of that “Kane woman” or that “Donna Beck person” who fascinated me. I also adored Brooke English, Myrtle Fargate, Palmer Courtlandt, Adam Chandler, Tadd Martin, Jenny and Greg, Nina and Cliff and Jessie and Angie. Sure, Erica was fun but she was never the reason why I watched and I am kind of tired of Erica Kane being portrayed as the face of AMC. There was an over reliance on Erica which I felt helped bring down the show–not Susan Lucci’s fault. It seems during the last 10 years of AMC that the writers were trying to ruin the show–Tadd Marin acting horrifically out of character, Erica’s aborted fetus coming back to life to torment her as an embittered adult, the awfully stupid Fusion women, and finally, that boring, generic Ken doll named Ryan Lavery. You see, I missed AMC before it was cancelled and like you, I was not surprised or sad. I had already grieved the first soap I grew to love as it bore no semblance to its former self. It’s kind of like when a love one is taken off life support–you’re sad but you already grieved the loss of that person.
yes.. that last years of AMC were actually terrible..
When AMC became near wasted I turned into OLTL.
I was surprised that OLTL was much better.
Sad. But love her on Devious Maids.
I have been working every day since AMC and OLTL,’sshelving to get ABC interested in reprising these two iconic soaps! We need to get Pp and Abc to settle the lawsuit and get them out of legal limbo. As far as I am concerned, PP can produce them, but they should air on ABC as well as the internet . Bring Back love in the Afternoon!
The cancellation of AMC is still so shocking. Erica Kane is an iconic character who was played by an icon herself, Susan Lucci – who is well known internationally. All my Children was something more than just a show, it was special to me because it was shared by my Mother. So many memories and so many reasons the show should have continued and still be on television. For it to have left the way it did after 41 years, All my children deserved better. Susan Lucci’s recollection on the cancellation is and will always be: heartbreaking.
I haven’t watched anything on ABC since the last episode of All My Children. My tv never goes there. I really miss the show.
I appreciate Lucci’s devotion to AMC but she still is working and visible. When are we ever going to see any type of interview with Don Hastings, Eileen Fulton, Kim Hayes, or Elizabeth Hubbard about how they felt on the cancellation of ATWT? These folks have been invisible since ATWT was cancelled and, in the case of Hastings and Fulton, dedicated far more years to their shows than Lucci did to AMC.
Lucci’s fans can still see her on television, albeit not as Erica. However, the fans of the ATWT veterans don’t get much.
This is a fine piece. However, I would prefer if a site like this would do a little bit to cover these ATWT veterans. It is like this 54-year old show basically was forgotten by the soap sites and most comments the minute it was cancelled.
You’re so right, Barbara–it’s almost as though ATWT never existed, comparatively speaking. You just don’t hear much about the cast (long-time vets or otherwise). It would be some slight consolation to find out a little about what the veteran actors are up to. (Of course it could be that they’re very private and don’t want to share–although Eileen Fulton has certainly never come across that way.)
For what it is worth….The New York Times had a great interview with Don Hastings on the 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination, as ATWT was the only network show airing nationally at the time of the announcement. Since it was live, the actors weren’t told because the producers wanted the show to go on. But Don figured something was up. Because it was live the actors kept doing their scenes, even though they were — unbeknownst to them — being interrupted by Walter Cronkhite’s audio break ins. During CBS.com’s rebroadcast — as it happened — of CBS’s TV’s entire four-day coverage of the assassination, all of ATWT that was aired that day was shown. Great stuff. I think Eileen was interviewed as well. The article is certainly still available on nyt’s website and is a really great read. Michael had it on this website as well.
You said it! Why are none of the ATWT actors on any other soaps (besides Maura West & Jon Hensley-(briefly on B&B) And Colleen Zenk, Martha Byrne, so many wonderful people-oh this is making me sad. And the GL actors too. Where are they? Enough of Susan Lucci forever.
Oprah is a huge Lucci fan. That is why the interview with Susan. And, really, Susan has been a great ambassador for daytime. She is someone who should get a pass from fan nastiness, in my opinion. She is the one soap star who is known by her real name by people who do not watch soaps. She is classy and deserves respect, even if you do not like AMC.
Tristan, of course you’re right about Susan Lucci being a class act who deserves our support and respect. I just think some people would like the focus not to be just on her, but on all of the out-of-work soap actors who once were fixtures in our daily weekday lives–that’s all.
Still stings whenever I think of the loss of all my children. I have faced the fact that its not returning. I enjoy the remaining soaps.
All things come to an end, everything ends.
We end/die ..
I loved AMC and it will always be in hearts, I am grateful to have had enjoyed it five days a week, it was wonderful and my daytime joy ..
RIP AMC … people have to let AMC and OLTL go ..
Still missing Erika and all the wonderful actors on AMC. I still will not watch anything on ABC. I know that if AMC ever resurfaces, it will be so different from my AMC. I know my AMC is gone forever . I will never forgive ABC. I have stopped crying but I still get very sad.
Susan came out smelling like a rose. I’m surprised anyone was shocked by the cancelation as ratings were bad for several years. I personally think the cast fully expected it to be canceled, with all the rumors, reports and speculation. The last years were not good for this show, let’s be honest.
I still cannot believe two iconic soaps (AMC and OLTL) began and were cancelled during my lifetime. Just seems so improbable but someone had it out for the daytime soaps and pushed their agenda and as a result, they are no more. I still haven’t recovered.
Great post , David- I still miss these two shows. Being born in the early 60,s I basically grew up with them and was looking forward to enjoying them as my mother and aunts had in retirement. I’ve tried the other soaps but you can’t replace 40 years in Pine Valley and Llanview.
I’m still missing them in 2015! There will never be another PV for me 🙁 I’ve watched since the seventies when I was a small child with my Grandmother and Mother. I do not watch much tv and never have, however I never missed “All my Children” I have had to tape it and watch several episodes at once due to my schedule but never missed them completely. And given the choice i’d still be doing just that! better than anything on today!
I watched every day it was on PP and it was excellent. I am hoping it is not gone for good. I firmly believe ABC made it not as good on purpose at the end so they would have an excuse because they didn’t want to carry soaps. Now, on my computer this segment ends in mid sentence. is something wrong with my computer? The segment was incomplete.
Wait, how could Erica Kane been on AMC for 41 years when she is only thirty-nine?
I cried the last time it aired on ABC. I have watched this show since 1970’s and grown with all the characters on the show. When it ended it was like my family was moving far far away and not to be seen again. But now I have watched other soaps that have picked up a lot of my favorites from AMC and OLTL. And I haven’t t missed an episode of “Devious Maids”. I am happy the most of the cast has found work on these other shows but, I still miss “All My Children and One Life To Live”. 🙁
Still miss AMC. Thot we would at least get short episodes once Hulu took over and I almost joined HuluPlus because of AMC. Now I’m glad I never did, since they gave us a one short short “season” and then cancelled it again. We were promised some of the old characters would be back..in fact it was even set up (like for Tod) to show up and then suddenly NOTHING. Cancelled as abruptly as it was on ABC. And to top off the insult, ABC replaced it with “The Chew”…just what we needed…another food show and what a disgusing name!
I really miss ALL MY CHILDREN, the abc-tv version. I watched every on-line episode of the new AMC as well but I have to be honest and say it was not that compelling as an On Line presentation, though I was very happy to have it back. In fairness, it wasn’t on line long enough to find it’s proper footing. I suppose there still exists the possibility that Prospect Park could re-launch it once again, but it hardly seems likely. My hope has been that ABC would wise up and bring it back even as a half hour lead-in to General Hospital but even that seems doubtful at the moment.
I miss AMC and OLTL… The PP shows were TOO short, just as you would get into something there would be 3 or 4 commercials.. The shows were 25 min They were 1 show 1 week, then the other, then they were every other day, and then 2 days a week… Big deal 40 episodes for each show, and they were supposed to air for 12 months… Yea right.. And they say ABC broke the contract.. From this fact of only airing for 4-5 months, that does NOT equal 12months… Fulfill your contract and BRING THEM BACK as FULL 1 hr shows 5 days a week…
I still have tears in my eyes when I think about my favorite shows gone forever. I pray every day that some how they will get reincarnated. The shows on ABC are not good anymore and truly don’t make sense without these shows. I cant support this network anymore because they don’t believe in loyalty. 45 years come on who does that to people who love the soaps One Life to Live and All My Children. Networks should be ashamed for their greed and stupidity.
I can’t understand any hatred towards Susan Lucci. Yes, she does get a lot of recognition and there are a lot of talented people. But sadly she brought respectability and national or world attention to soaps. While other sought fame on night time or movies Susan was and is a recognized star in her own right not relying upon her movies which for the most part she starred in and most were in the top ten and all were in the top twenty (the only one maybe not in the top 20 was a cable movie but I am not sure if Ebbie was a cable movie. She got the salaries to rise, she got public attention for soaps with major news outlets and mediums. She has been a great amabassador for daytime tv where others include Deidre Hall and the likes couldn’t get the star power Lucci had and had to seek other opportunities -most coming back to daytime really with the head between their legs. Heck the woman got her own star on Hollywood Blvd. Sure others have followed but she really put soap on the maps.
Loved AMC.
Will NEVER watch ABC ever again.
And frankly, Erica Kane was interesting to watch right to the very last minute…
i miss u so much at least u won an emmy though more famous 4 not i only hope & pray they do not wait till u are gone to make a movie of your icredible life love u always best 2 u and family what ever u do now will be great of that i am sure chow 4 now ll my best Stephanie xxxxxxxxx
Still can’t get over All My Children is over and bullies like Tony Geary are still on daytime tv. The world needs Erica Kane back – sorry Genevieve Delatour is NOT Erica kane. thye look and sound similar but are not the same ! 🙂