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

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.

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Robin Strasser Meets Kristen Alderson’s Baby Kiera in a One Life to Live Reunion

For years, Robin Strasser (ex-Dorian) and Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr) have been the best of friends and the best of co-stars. On One Life to Live, Kristen was only six-years-old when she began her journey as Todd and Blair’s daughter and met the iconic Strasser.

Now in 2024, Kristen is a new mom to her baby girl, Kiera. Strasser, who lives in New York, along with her best friend, John, traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, just a few days ago to visit the Alderson family and spend the day with Kiera.

Taking to her Instagram a very happy Kristen shared, “Look at who came to visit today! Robin & her bestie John! Robin and I got all misty eyed when she met Kiera today!”

Photo: JPI

In a very touching part of her post, Alderson expressed, “Robin is such a special person in my life, it means so much to me that we’re as close as we are. She’s just the best❤️ A great day of laughs & a great brunch spread😍”

Robin added, “I’ve been smiling since I met her. I’m a big softie for babies, but what a doll Kiera is!” The Daytime Emmy-winning star, also shared, “I’m so grateful for my ongoing friendship with Kris and Kathy. Amazing women and loyal friends!”

What do you think about Kristen and Robin’s enduring friendship and recalling their time on One Life to Live? Comment below.

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Nancy Lee Grahn’s Star-Studded ALS Fundraiser Reveals “I’ll Be There” Video Featuring Soap Opera Notables

Talk about your impressive line-up! It’s a soap fans dream and for a great cause. General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) is prepping her one-night only ALS fundraiser which will feature many of her friends and co-stars.

The benefit is set for May 4th in Glendale, California. Slated to participate are Genie Francis, Jane Elliot, Peter Bergman, Maurice Benard, Eileen Davidson, Thorsten Kaye, Michelle Stafford, Stephen Nichols, Rena Sofer, Jason Thompson, Kelly Monaco, Melissa Claire Egan, Maura West, Kristina Wagner, Gregory Harrison, Trevor St. John, Kate Mansi, Kirsten Storms, Cynthia Watros, and many others.

On Wednesday, Grahn took to her social media and released an “I’ll be there” video shout-out featuring, Monaco, Elliot, Bergman, Bernard, West, Harrison, St. John and more. In a touching and important moment in the new video, Michelle Strogny, who is battling ALS, is featured.

Photo: ABC

Previously, in speaking with Soap Opera Digest on the impetus of the event, Grahn recalled, “I was actually doing Zoom events during Covid and I met this woman that I just fell in love with, Michelle Strojny. At the time, Michelle had been living with ALS for four years. Now, it’s five years. She is a mom of a teenage son, she has the most wonderful husband, and she has been dealing with this [disease] for quite a while. And obviously, there isn’t a cure yet. It’s not survivable yet. But as she says, it’s not incurable. Nothing is; it’s underfunded. But anyway, I just really dug this woman. She is so grounded and filled with grace, and she spends all of her time working to raise money for the cause. We did a fundraiser for her last year and then I thought, ‘You know what? The soaps don’t ever get together to do something for charity.’ Collectively, we have this amazing community and we don’t collectively use it for a good cause, and I think it’s such an easy thing for us to do and we could potentially really make a difference.”

As GH viewers know, Gregory Harrison is playing the character of Gregory Chase, who is also battling ALS in a touching storyline that is currently playing out shedding a light on this disease.

For information on Nancy’s event, including the stars who are s scheduled to participate click here. To purchase tickets to the event click here.

Check out the video featuring Nancy’s friends and co-stars below.  Now let us know, your thought son the line-up for the benefit and helping raise awareness and funds for ALS research via the comment section.

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‘General Hospital’ Writer Shannon Peace Let Go, and Shares on Sprina: “One of My Only Regrets is to Not Have the Opportunity to Develop That ‘Ship’ Further”

As General Hospital’s new head writing team of Elizabeth Korte and Patrick Mulcahy gets off the ground and running, there are still changes a foot on the writing team.

Now comes word via breakdown writer Shannon Peace that she is no longer on contract with the long-running ABC soap heading into its 61st season. Peace shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram, thanking the fans, and the show for the opportunity and the importance of diversity in the writers room.

Peace began, “After almost 3 years on staff and 106 episodes penned, I am no longer on contract with General Hospital. Writing for this country’s longest running television serial drama has been an education of epic proportions; I will forever be grateful that I earned my WGA card on a daytime fixture that holds memories for so many.” (Peace pictured below with GH EP Frank Valentini and script writer, Charlotte Gibson from about ten months ago).

Photo: SPeaceIG

Shannon added “Even more importantly, as the sole Black breakdown writer (and only POC in the writers room) during my tenure, I pushed for vital interactions and discussions that prioritized inclusion, visibility, and representation”

The writer pointed to the example of vital interaction when in story, “Stella and Portia’s frank July 2022 conversation about the role race played in Esme’s framing of Trina is just one example of the impact I’m gratified to have had.”

Acknowledging former GH co-head writers was also part of Peace’s farewell expressing, “Appreciation to my former bosses, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor – not only taking a chance on me, but for valuing my opinion and championing my voice.”

Courtesy/ABC

Many GH fans know that Peace was key to the development of the love story between Trina Robinson and Spencer Cassadine as played by Tabyana Ali and Nicholas Chavez. Shannon gave a special shout-out to ‘Sprina’ fans, “I also want to thank fans who were supportive of my work, especially the recognition of my love for ‘Sprina’. One of my only regrets is not having to develop that ‘ship’ further.”

She concludes her statement with,”In the aftermath of a historic writer’s strike that shed new light on the troubling ways writers are regarded in daytime, my sincere hope is that General Hospital recommits to valuing staff writer efforts and input, with a more intentional focus on diverse viewpoints — and thrives for another 60 years.”

Accompanying her post, Shannon added, “Thank you all for the love and support these last few years. I hope GH fans get all they hope for and more!”

So, what do you think about GH not renewing Shannon’s contract? Will there be more continued changes afoot? What do you think is the future of ‘Sprina’ anyway at this point as viewers wait to see if Nicholas Chavez officially returns to the show?  Comment below.

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