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Days Of Our Lives

THE DAILY BEAST: How The Daytime Soap Came Back From The Dead!

Courtesy/CBS

Courtesy/CBS

In another great piece from the mainstream media on the current state of the once ailing daytime drama genre, The Daily Beast’s Tim Teeman looks at the soap opera resurgence that has emerged since the cancellations of four major network soap operas over the last five years.

Senior Vice President, CBS Daytime’s Angelica McDaniel was interviewed for the piece where she offered up:  “Soaps are thriving. You can see that in primetime too, with the success of shows like Scandal, Revenge and the return of Dallas.”

Stephanie Sloane, Editorial Director of Soap Opera Digest, related that a significant factor is that viewers left bereft after the cancellation of a favorite show have migrated en masse to one of the four survivors. To help fans grieving One Life To Live in particular, ABC has thoughtfully exported many of the core cast to General Hospital.  “The predictions of the death of the daytime soap were greatly exaggerated,”  Sloane says. “People still want to see storytelling in daytime. The cancellation of the other shows might have made people think that no show was safe, so they have passionately turned out—and daytime soap opera fans are the most passionate fans of any TV genre—to support these shows, to keep them on air. Soaps are the only place where you can see this dramatic kind of storytelling on air every day, all year round.”

As for what the future holds, McDaniel weighed-in by saying, “You can’t take anything for granted, or you get stuck. I just implore fans and viewers to support these shows. The truth is, the longer they support them, the longer they’ll stay on the air.”   Stephanie Sloane commented, “As long as the writers and producers keep it fresh, the future of daytime soaps is secure. The thing is, people like to be told stories, and daytime is one of the few places where they can hear them every day.”

So,  what do you think about the state of the soaps?  Do you think we are now on the path for longer survival?  Or, is each soap only as good as its last storyline, where as we have seen in the past anything is possible, even the most beloved soaps could be wiped off the map?  Comment below!

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Unless i see a new soap i wouldnt call it much of a resurgence…there are only 4 soaps and if you are looking for daytime drama’s there isnt much to pick and choose, and if you do pick one or two and the story isnt good you might leave again and this time for good…if the remaining 4 are going to survive they better get a good production team and even better writers because if you dont the networks will cancel and there wont be anymore!!! So folks, its also up to you if you dont watch for any reason and your show gets cancelled you also have yourself to blame too…

Except for Y&R I love and watch b&b days and gh and love them all very much and look forward to them each day

Y&R was the Best ever. Then they got new writers and begin getting rid of the Best actors. Now the story lines are terrible and the actors that have been brought Omar the worst. Nick,Sharon,Summer,Fen,Faith ,Kelly. I’m sorry but now that Adam & Billy are done,so am I . I’ve watched this show for over twenty years but I can’t stand it any more. So it back to GH for me

Glad ratings for soaps are bouncing back. I wish it had happened before AMC got canceled, but, I guess, better late than never?

I agree mike, better late than never. gh and days is on fire now. i really think amc and oltl are gone for good now. I hate to say that, but it is true. but we still have our 4 soaps to watch still. i am very happy, all the soaps got renewed, thats great news, for everyone. Long live the soaps.

I watch 3 of the 4. I DVR and binge watch evenings and weekends. Loving the soaps.

Soaps will never die, there will always be one..

soaps are like a huge book..
Nobody puts down the book until they read the finial page..

( and soaps are a never ending story )

Yes, if you mean by soaps the serialized method of storytelling– that has been around a long time and will never go away. If you mean soaps as in daytime dramas– serialized dramas produced specifically for daytime television using certain production values– those will probably go away once network television goes the way of the dodo bird– extinction– replaced by the web as being the only means of entertainment distribution.

Cancel Y&R after today or better yet FIRE Jill Farren Phelps and bring back all she has taken from our once amazing show.

Of course she ( the CBS VP) would implore fans to keep supporting the show– she knows there is a planned exodus from Y&R starting tomorrow and she is afraid she might lose her nice high paying job if this show tanks on her watch.

Remaining daytime viewers have embraced the four remaining shows but the soap demographics remain a concern for the networks. Ad rates are based on viewer demographics plus ratings. Any slippage in numbers and the axe will fall. I hope the shows last a while.

I always watched Y&R but today was my final day. They got rid of the two greatest actors Adam & Billy not to mention the best story lines. Why would anyone want to watch it now Really does anyone want to see Jill & her famous music box or Chloe try to steal Chelsea’s baby,or Nikki & Victor break up yet again or maybe Nikki with her visits to her past life? In a word BORING! They even made poor Sharon a nut case & then there’s Neil & his girlfriend getting married on Valentines day BORING! The interesting story about Fen played out too long and got BORING! And we can’t forget Summer is going to follow (THE PATH) but because of the letting go of MM nobody is going to give a damn what happens to her. So I’m with quite a number of others. Early Spring cleaning and General Hospital & Bold & the Beautiful

I think this article is about the resurgence of the soaps. I am sure consolidation and perhaps the end of Soapnet have driven viewers to the four remaining shows’ primary broadcasts. Perhaps increased quality has a lot to do with it as well. When you’re facing elimination, to stay in the game, you have to increase the level of your performance. I’m certainly glad the remaining shows in the genre are experiencing resurgences.

On another note, and I am sorry to get irritated, but I may start tuning BACK into Y&R now. I’m tired of a vocal minority who doesn’t know what actually IS going on behind the scenes at Y&R making decisions based on zero reliable information. Also, I’m tired of hearing how EVERYONE is going to tune out after January. I’m someone, and I count, and I don’t agree. Also, Y&R is bigger than any one actor.

MM was fired. People NEED to get over it. There probably was a good reason for the termination. Also, this legacy character was ruined before the current leadership took over the show. I personally need a break from Adam Newman.

Billy Miller CHOSE to leave. Some longtime viewers like me may perhaps agree that the original portrayer is better than a recast. David Tom won an Emmy, and he is talented, and I’m thrilled by his return.

Y&R has issues. I agree that JFP is the WRONG person to lead this show. I don’t think corporate America should continue to reward proven track records of failure by executives. However, GH was on life support, pun somewhat intended, just 2 years ago, and look what good hiring decisions did for that show. Also, Y&R’s ratings have skyrocketed. I like numbers. I’m a facts guy, not an emotionally driven feelings guy, and Y&R AGAIN broke 5 million viewers last week, almost approaching 5.4 million average viewers. That’s an amazing statistic, and credit should be given when credit is due.

Thank God, a voice of clarity and reason. Wonderful post. Thank you for expressing this so clearly and logically — without melodrama, hyperbole or trying to speak for “everyone.” It will give those of us who agree with you something to cling to!

Well as a viewer of GH who thinks that RC is by far the worst writer to hack up that show in the last 30 plus years, I am thinking that I am going to switch over to Y&R because at least it isn’t an unanimated cartoon. Plus I adore Tristan Rogers.

I thought GH was a goner after the 50th, but they’ve been extended into 2015 and the foreseeable future. The rumor that ABC realizes they screwed up with AMC and OLTL looks less like a rumor and gains more traction. The OLTL team was brought in to wrap up GH “in a respectful manner” according to ABC at the time, now they’ll be on another 2 years.. funny how great writing turns things around.

If PP would give up their claims on those shows, we could put ABC to the test and see if they actually do something with them. Not to sound like an overly optimistic soap fan, BUT ABC wants those leasing rights back, PP wasn’t the only production company that wanted to do something with those shows. Perhaps too much time will have passed before ABC does get their hands on rights, but I guess we can hope for a 2nd resurrection.. altho, I’m over it already and have moved on.

I do watch Dallas, and unfortunately Scandal happens to be on ABC.. I watch that and Grey’s. Other than that, I wont watch anything on ABC. Can’t say enuff how HAPPY I am to see their entire Daytime lineup fall apart, while GH gains it’s highest ratings in years!

Well I haven’t moved on – still watching OLTL on HUluplus – need my Viki ……

ABC could ‘test the waters’ by airing highlights from OLTL and AMC over the summer – (after Katie is put out of her misery) and watch the ratings zoom…..
This would save them money and whet the appetite of the viewers for more.

We want our soaps back! (Where’s Roxie when you really need her).

Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives Star, Greg Vaughan, Gives Health Update and Thanks Everyone for Their Support

Greg Vaughan (Eric, Days of our Lives, ex-Lucky, GH, and ex-Diego, Y&R) provided an update on his health on Sunday, March 17th. Vaughan had previously shared that he had become ill during a trip with his sons to Colorado, and had developed altitude sickness when he was having trouble breathing accompanied by terrible headaches and landed in the urgent care.

Now on St. Patrick’s Day, Greg took to his Instagram and shared how he is feeling now, and to thank everyone for their love and support.  As it turned out, Vaughan was diagnosed with high altitude pulmonary edema, commonly known as HAPE. However, he is on the mend slowly and surely.

In his new video post, the DAYS favorite started by expressing, “I just felt such an appreciation and gratitude for everything. . reaching out. Your prayers have been felt. It’s been a struggle, but I’m over the top. And, taking this moment just to say I didn’t realize the things that I was going through. My (original) post was simply just to educate, put some information out there and some things that I was feeling, just share that information and the struggle that I was going through, which I didn’t quite understand. And it wasn’t because I’m stubborn or just because I’m a father, a man, and didn’t want to go to a doctor. It is just something I thought was so minor that I could overcome it, just by taking care of myself.”

Photo: JPI

The Daytime Emmy winner then revealed his actual diagnosis, “So, basically my situation was high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). With some good friends, doctors that had reached out to me, it kind of gave me some understanding on the aftermath, which was very, very beneficial.”

“But I’ve been resting, taking care of myself even though I live in a hamster wheel,” said the dad of three teenaged boys. “I gotta get up and, you know, do my normal domesticated stuff, eventually. I’m tired of laying down in this bed, but, I am feeling much better.”

Photo: GVaughanIG

Talking on his confusion of trying to understand what could have been ailing him, Vaughan expressed, “I couldn’t quite figure it out, even though I was emphasizing and professing to my children going on our spring break getaway about hydration. I professed it. But, even though I was acting on it, it had a greater effect on me, and for which I did not even think, because my head was such in pain, and I was in a very bad state of mind – not being able to be out there with my kids on the mountain, enjoying their time, as well. I thought I was doing the right thing. Unfortunately, my lungs were full of fluids and my head was in severe pain and even migraine pills didn’t even help. So, I just want anybody that goes into the Colorado Mountains to know, it is no joke. It is this very serious thing which I guess is why they call it the Mile High City.”

Greg had a mountain of ‘thank you’s’ to give for the outreach he received from his original post, “For everybody internationally, wherever you are, I love you and I appreciate you and just the time and the thoughts that you’ve shared with me,” said Vaughan. “I didn’t realize that it would make such an impression on so many people around the world. I feel tremendously loved and I can’t say it enough. I’m good. And I appreciate you.”

Photo: GVaughanIG

The actor concluded his video with, “To all the family and friends that have reached out to me, man, it means the world. So take care of yourself, enjoy your spring break with your families. It’s Saint Patty’s Day, obviously. I wish I could be out there.” Vaughan added, “I feel loved and touched and I can’t emphasize that enough. I’ll take better care of myself, promise you will do the same.” Before he signed off, Greg shared, “Just know, that I’m alive and well and breathing, and I’m sore. So, be well, take care. I mean it. Thank you, tremendously.”

Glad to know that Greg has been on the mend, and shared his appreciation for everyone that reached out to him during this trying time? Comment below.

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Days Of Our Lives

‘Access Hollywood’ and ‘Couple to Throuple’ Host Scott Evans to Appear on Days of our Lives

Scott Evans, host of Access Hollywood and the Peacock reality series Couple to Throuple, will make a guest appearance this week on Days of our Lives.

Circle the Thursday, March 21st episode of DAYS for Evans’ arrival in Salem. During his tape date last fall (since DAYS tapes months well ahead of when episodes actually stream), Scott posed for a snap alongside Mary Beth Evans (Kayla), Jackée Harry (Paulina), James Reynolds (Abe) and Greg Rikaart (Leo).

Teasers for the 3/21 episode of DAYS share that Leo tries to come up with his next gossip column, and Paulina and Abe return home to a mini-celebration set up by Johnny and Steve. Will Evans pop up in one of those scenarios? Stay tuned.

Photo: JPI

For a long time, soap opera fans knew only of one Scott Evans. The one who played Oliver Fish on One Life to Live from 2008-2010.  But in show business, there are two Scott Evans’ that are widely-known.

Last Thursday, March 12th at the 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards, it found both Scott Evans and Scott Evans together in the green room and they taped this video ditty below, calling out how they both share the same name.

Photo: JPI

Last weekend, viewers saw OLTL’s Scott Evans on-stage at the Oscars when he performed in the musical number “I’m Just Ken” from Barbie led by Ryan Gosling.

As for Access Hollywood’s Scott Evans, he has been with the entertainment news program since 2015, appeared in the recent Ladies of the 80s: A Divas Christmas with Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Nicollette Sheridan, Loni Anderson and Morgan Fairchild, and currently has an overall talent and development deal with NBCUniversal.

So, looking forward to seeing Scott on DAYS? Check out ‘Evans meeting Evans’ below, and then share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives Star Greg Vaughan Shares Sudden Health Scare: “I Truly Feel Like I Work & Live in a Soap Opera!”

What started out as an adventure with his sons, quickly turned into a nightmare for Days of our Lives Daytime Emmy winner, Greg Vaughan (Eric Brady).

In a series of Instagram posts, Vaughan shared the sudden health crisis he found himself in.  The images show Greg with an oxygen tank to help him breathe.

The actor began to fill people, sharing, “I’ve said more than a few times, I truly feel like I work & live in a Soap Opera! 🤪 this trip was nothing short of another great Vaughan adventure!”

He went on to say that on a father and son Colorado spring break trip, he began to feel shortness of breath, feeling tired and with a headache and after two days of hoping he would feel better, Vaughan finally went to an Urgent Care to get checked out.

Photo: GVaughanIG

“I finally surrendered & went to urgent care and to my shock I learned that I was experiencing severe altitude sickness.” Vaughan admitted. “My Blood Oxygen was at 54% & my lungs were full of fluids! Blood oxygen, also known as oxygen saturation, represents the percentage of hemoglobin in your red blood cells that is carrying oxygen. Most people have an oxygen level of 95-100%….”

Providing more detail to his health scare, Greg shared, “Well, 4hrs later, a couple of bags of IV & oxygen tank strapped to my face, I was told that I needed to immediately get off the mountain! However I couldn’t, we still had another day to go & wanting the boys to enjoy their last day on the hill tops! I opted to go home with an oxygen tank, a good laugh for everyone, and I know will follow, but my boys looked after their old man & fortunately they had friends on this trip!”

Photo: JPI

The experience of altitude sickness in the Colorado Rockies gave Vaughan a bit of a new perspective, “In all seriousness, no matter your age, and all the times I’ve ⛷️ & 🏂 in my lifetime, Colorado Rockies is no joke! As they say, ‘ take a breathe and smell the roses!’ That is truly something we need to remember & appreciate! #recover”

Share your well-wishes to Greg as he continues to be on the mend via the comment section below.

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Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

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