All My Children
USA Today – Daytime TV Takes Stock, retrenches in a changing world!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
The topic of course, that is on so many broadcasters, networks, production companies, actors and soap fans and pundits, is the harsh reality of what is happening to the shrinking daytime genre. With Oprah Winfrey bowing out after next season due to moving on with her next career move after 25 years of outstanding talk television, and Tyra Banks bailing on the talk format, and ATWT and GL already cancelled by the end of 2009, Bill Keveneny of USA today had this to say in his report out this week, in regards to the latest dilemmas facing soaps. Keveney had spoken with ABC head honcho Brian Frons and Soap Opera Digest’s Lynn Leahey.
“The cancellation of the lower-rated As the World Turns and Guiding Light does not mean the demise of the soap, says Lynn Leahey, editorial director of Soap Opera Digest and Soap Opera Weekly. “There remains an avid following, if you tell the right story, people will follow it. Networks are cutting costs on their own shows (As the World Turns and Guiding Light are not network-owned) to make them financially viable, meaning lower salaries for stars and fewer lavish shoots,” Leahey says. ” ABC, for example, is moving production of All My Children from New York to Los Angeles to save money. Lots of times you can’t see (the cuts) on the screen,” she says.
Technology is bringing new competition and ways to reach women who aren’t at home, says Leahey. TV soap actresses Crystal Chappell and Martha Byrne have launched online soaps Venice and Gotham, respectively.
Networks and syndicators are embracing technology, too. All My Children, like General Hospital will be shot in high-definition, and greater use of CGI will allow “spectacular stunts,” ABC Daytime president Brian Frons says.
“Soaps aren’t all on the bubble. In the end, the strong shows will remain, Frons says. “Some (soaps) have been on many years, so people feel the need to make sage-like statements about the future of the genre. Nobody makes those statements when a sitcom or long-running drama dies. It’s the end of that program, and that’s the way we should look at it as well.”
So as we ring in a new decade and a new year in 2010, can soaps last another decade? The jury is out. To read the entire USA piece, click here!
All My Children
TONIGHT: All My Children’s Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams Together Again on All-New Episode of ‘Our Kind of People’
The Fox drama, Our Kind of People (9 pm ET/8pm CT), will feature a reunion, of sorts, on tonight’s January 18th episode when Debbi Morgan (Ex-Angie, All My Children) once again shares screen-time with her former on-screen soap opera love, Darnell Williams (Ex-Jesse, All My Children).
While mum’s the word as to Williams role, we know that Debbi plays Angela’s Aunt Piggy on the series, and in last week’s installment, Piggy went to the police station to turn herself in for the murder of her ex-boyfriend years ago. However, Darnell’s character could hold the key as to what really went down in the murder.
Photo: JPI
Debbi spoke to TV Line about acting again with Darnell: “We were shooting the scene when Darnell’s character walks through the door for the first time. And it was the first time we see this character on the show, and I looked at him and shouted, ‘Jesse!’ The director had to yell cut and everyone fell out laughing. It was hilarious. I knew that wasn’t his name on Our Kind of People but I couldn’t help myself. We worked together for so many years as Angie and Jesse and that’s the first thing that came to my mind.”
Photo: FOX
For those who have not checked out Our Kind of People, it takes place in the aspirational world of Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, a historical stronghold where the rich and powerful Black elite have come to play for over 50 years.
In story, strong-willed single mom Angela Vaughn (Ex-AMC star, Yaya Decosta) sets out to reclaim her family’s name and make an impact with her revolutionary hair care line that highlights the innate, natural beauty of Black women, but she soon discovers a dark secret about her own mother’s past that will turn her world upside-down and shake up this community forever. The show is a soapy, thrilling exploration of race and class in America and an unapologetic celebration of Black resilience and achievement.
The series is from writer and executive producer Karin Gist (Star, Grey’s Anatomy) and executive producer Lee Daniels (Empire, The United States Vs. Billie Holiday).
So, will you be watching Debbi and Darnell together on tonight’s Our Kind of People? Comment below.
All My Children
Three-Time Daytime Emmy Winner, Cady McClain, Reveals She’s ‘Back On Set’ But On Which Show?
All My Children
‘Selling Sunset’ and Soap Alum, Chrishell Stause and Jason Oppenheim Split
THIS IS US: Milo Ventimiglia Delivers Heartbreaking Performance As Jack Grieves His Mother’s Death
Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Brooke Reels When Hope Says Douglas Saw Grandma Kissing ‘Santa Claus’
FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
Lisa Brown to be Honored In Virtual Interview With ’42nd Street’ Co-Star Lee Roy Reams
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: What Did You Think of the Life-Sized Duke and Ava Scene?
FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
TONIGHT: All My Children’s Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams Together Again on All-New Episode of ‘Our Kind of People’
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: What Did You Think of the Life-Sized Duke and Ava Scene?
ESPN Sports Personality and ‘General Hospital’ Guest Star, Stephen A. Smith Reveals COVID-19 Nearly Took His Life
All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
GH’s Kristina Wagner On Felicia’s Concern Over Maxie’s Emotional State
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Brooke Reels When Hope Says Douglas Saw Grandma Kissing ‘Santa Claus’
Remembering One Life to Live on the 10th Anniversary of its Final Episode on ABC
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Michael at a Crossroads; What Did You Think of Christian LeBlanc’s 30th Anniversary Episode?
‘Soapdish’ Series Adaptation in the Works for Paramount +; Whoopi Goldberg to Reprise Her Role
Y&R’s Christian LeBlanc and Michelle Stafford Talk On Their Enduring Friendship, Sharing Scenes & Preview Special Episode
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: A Shocked Brooke Exclaims: “Oh, My God! I Was Drinking Last Night!”
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General HospitalJanuary 19, 2022FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 24, 2022Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
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All My ChildrenJanuary 18, 2022TONIGHT: All My Children’s Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams Together Again on All-New Episode of ‘Our Kind of People’
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General HospitalJanuary 21, 2022(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 19, 2022DAYS OF OUR LIVES: What Did You Think of the Life-Sized Duke and Ava Scene?
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General HospitalJanuary 18, 2022ESPN Sports Personality and ‘General Hospital’ Guest Star, Stephen A. Smith Reveals COVID-19 Nearly Took His Life
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 22, 2022All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
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NewsJanuary 24, 2022B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
Mr Frons is a “JOKE” he does not listen to the viewers “The Loyal Ones” and continues to act as if GH was in the top of the ratings, Wake Up Frons you and Mr Guza have destroyed the once top GH, it has become unbearable to watch, the mob s/l has gone it’s distance bringing James Franco has put another nail in the coffin. Unless Mr Frons is fired ABC will lose all their soaps, AMC & OLTL “ARE TRYING” to return, GH lost it’s way two years ago, braking up Sonny & Kate, Jason & Elizabeth and returning… Read more »
I can’t help but think that Brian Frons is a bit out of touch with the ABC Daytime audience. I am not a network exec but I know for a fact that many long-time fans of soaps are unable to watch the episodes when they air because they are at work. Many have told me they will not watch daytime at all if it is full of game shows and talk shows. Again, I’m not a daytime exec but would sponsors rather advertise to long-time, loyal, faithful viewers or the people who leave the tv on while they’re in the… Read more »