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TODAY: Dark Shadows 50th Anniversary Celebrated On Decades Network!

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/Decades

Courtesy/Decades

It was 50 years ago that the first gothic soap opera came to be, when the iconic Dark Shadows debuted on ABC on June 27th, 1966.   In the network line-up it followed General Hospital and The Nurses.

The series aired from 1966-1971, and Dark Shadows became a phenom with vampire Barnabas Collins, a role made famous by Jonathan Frid, as the show’s most beloved and recognizable character.  Dark Shadows took its viewers audiences to the mysterious town of Collinsport, Maine, and all of its characters.  Dark Shadows also feautured in its cast: David Selby, Grayson Hall, Kathryn Leigh Scott and so many others over its short, but historic run.

Today, Decades Network will be featuring Dark Shadows episodes, including the debut of vampire Barnabas Collins. Decades remembers the premiere of this cult favorite with the 12 episodes that marked the beginning of the Barnabas storyline, one that propelled the daytime series to new heights. The episodes will be presented in groups of three at 9 a.m. ET, 3 p.m. ET, 9 p.m. ET and 3 a.m. ET.

In addition to the selected Dark Shadows episodes, the Decades original one-hour daily series Through the Decades will present an exclusive interview with Steven August Papa, the proclaimed #1 lifetime fan of Dark Shadows, who shares his childhood love for the show and why he is still hooked many years later. They also speak with Walter Podrazik, Television Curator at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, about the show’s place in TV history. The episode will feature interviews with cast members Jonathan Frid (Barnabas Collins), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans) and Lara Parker (Angelique Bouchard Collins).

Decades.com will also present the 1968 Dick Cavett interview with Jonathan Frid.  Once thought lost, this rare audio recording is taken from an interview on The Dick Cavett Show not seen on television since it originally aired. The interview covers a variety of topics including the actor’s thoughts on researching and playing the vampire Barnabas Collins, a memorable and chaotic press tour he took for publicity, fan mail influencing the show, and his rapport with actress and co-star Grayson Hall who played Dr. Julia Hoffman.

So, were you a fan of Dark Shadows? Share your thoughts on Decades Network remembering their  50th anniversary in the comment section below!

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I’ve been watching DS on Decades this morning. I’d love to see more.

I wish I had known about this tribute, I would of stayed home today. Loved everything Dark Shadows, watched it every day after school.

im its no1 fan.-lol..i even had figures made of the cast…still own books, records,board games and ring ect…..ive watched the episodes every time they air…its my top favorite serial and tv series of all time!!!…and im watching on decades!!!

i wish Edge Of NIght saved their episodes as it is my second favorite series….

0ohh my gorsh!
the music gave the creepy feeling..
When Barnabas walked to the door the drum went- boom booom booom booom..
the short celebration left me wanting a lot more!
can’t wait for Decades 3 day binge of Dark Shadows, again.
I wish a network would run DS again, 2 episodes a day for 2-1/2 years!

I LOVED Dark Shadows and have many fond memories of watching with my sisters when they came home from school or summer break. I’d watch if I could.

Thanks for the memories Dark Shadows!

I did check out Decades.com Thanks for the info Mr. Fairman! Love it!

I love you Dark Shadows !!

I wish they would bring this show back… it would totally do well today! Loved the 90s remake!

I’m catching the 8pm (ct) tonight.
When the new network ‘Decades’ aired, it’s very 1st ”bing”premiere weekend it aired Dark Shadows.. It ran the episodes for 3 days, nonstop..
It was fun.. too sad I didn’t record it..
There will be another 3 day binge of Dark Shadows’ looking forward to it, again.

Tonight is 12 episodes to celebrate it’s 50th !

btw; Decades rocks!
This 3 day/weekend binge was the original Superman from the 50’s B&W to color..
It was fun seeing those Superman episodes!!

I am dating myself, but this was my soap! It was right up there with The Edge of Night.

My two personal faves. Add OLTL and its my perfect trio!

This was an awesome show, they don’t make them like this anymore! Growing in San Jose, Ca I remember as a kid watching this show and I remember Kate Jackson in 1970 she was awesome then and of course was the smartest Angel on Charlie’s Angels.

David Shelby was awesome as well.

There is 3 day convention/festival going on as I write in NY.
Dark Shadows will never die!
Every year since it went off air there has been the yearly Dark Shadows convention, every year to date.
The stars would be there and etc..

There are Dark Shadows Cruises since 2009–
(((((Activities will include special DARK SHADOWS screenings and DS Costume Party with the stars, Q&A sessions, autographs, a special DARK SHADOWS Origins in Martinique Presentation, performances by the stars, a bus tour of Martinique and much more!
Rates are per person based on double occupancy and includes all meals, all shipboard entertainment, all port charges and DARK SHADOWS registration fee. Fans who join now with a refundable deposit by March 31, 2014 will attend a private Cast Party on the ship!)))

Dark Shadows has Facebook and Twitter, and a very active fan club.
There are still DS costume parties and books and memorabilia being sold and collected.
I find that so amazing that Dark shadows lives on that I had to Mention it.
……….. And it has been 50 years!!!

I’m sorry I missed Dark Shadows. Why did it go off air?

Since it went off the air the second time, I think you mean. It was originally on ABC, and a decade later NBC (in its ITC Serif Gothic typeface days) rebroadcast it. I was living in NYC at the time and still remember the commercials for The Milford Plaza and Rollin’ Roaster.

Dark Shadows also aired on the SyFy channel ..

who played Quintin Collins?

David Selby, Maureen.

Tivoed the whole series on Decades and will binge watch this weekend! It was my first soap that I’d run straight home after school to see. Lots of great memories watching the Decade Channel shows and so happy to catch the DS 50th Anniversary marathon.

Sadly, DECADES has no immediate plans to add Dark Shadows to its daily lineup. But you never know. Because once Barnabas has risen, he won’t go back in his coffin without a fight.

“Dark Shadows” has taken to Twitter and Facebook suggesting that fans email DECADES “saying how much you love the show and want to see all the episodes.” It’s an excellent idea, considering that DS has a loyal (and vocal) fanbase.
The DECADES email address is
—— feedback@decades.com

Or you can send a letter via snail mail (always more impactful) to:
Weigel Broadcasting
26 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60661

Thanks su!

I have been attending Dark Shadows events since 1983. I was at the one in Tarrytown this past weekend. It was so much fun to revisit a part of my life that has brought me so much pleasure for so many years.

When I texted my sister to let her know DS was on Decades (which I don’t get with ATT UVerse) she told me I could watch on HULU for anyone who is interested.

My wife & I attended the 50th Anniversary Dark Shadows Festival in Tarrytown , NY last weekend. Twelve former DS cast members were there & signed autographs & had photos taken with fans. It was our third festival & we enjoy it more each time:-)

Eugene and Jay..
wow! how awesome you both were at the 50th Anniversary Dark Shadows Festival in Tarrytown , NY … what a great time you had!!!

Would like to see Dark Shadows brought on Decades. Loved the recent marathons. I would like now to see the Quentin Collins day. So many fans would watch the show. Loved this show as a kid and would so enjoy seeing the show again.

Days Of Our Lives

‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast

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After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.

Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.

The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.

Photo: NBC

There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.

The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.

In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.

Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.

Photo: NBC

Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”

As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”

The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.

So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’

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Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.

Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.

The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark

Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”

In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.

It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.

Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.

You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.

So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.

 

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?

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On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.

As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.

Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC

Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.

BROTHERLY LOVE?

Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”

With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”

BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE

Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”

So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.

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