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(VOTE) Which Soap Opera Was Best in 2023?
As 2023 is coming to a close, it’s time to reflect and look back at the year in soaps. While Michael Fairman TV’s annual Best and Worst of the Year won’t be unveiled for a few more days, we would like to hear your thoughts on which of the four major soap operas: DAYS, GH, B&B and Y&R you think gave you the most drama and was your favorite throughout the year.
After pondering some of the storypoints below, scroll to the bottom of the post to cast your vote and take our year-end poll.
The Young and the Restless brought us: the shocking Aunt Jordan and Claire storyline just in time and at the end of the year, the return of Cameron Kirsten at the beginning of the year, the Bicentennial Gala, Phyllis faking her death, Devon and Abby’s sex-filled romp as Amanda and Chance happened upon the scene, Sally losing her baby, Malcolm (Shemar Moore) returning to pay tribute to his late brother Neil, Jack and Diane’s wedding, and more.
Photo: JPI
General Hospital delivered some heart-tugging stories including: the sudden death of Britt Westbourne, Port Charles reeling from the passing of Nurse Epiphany Johnson (the late Sonya Eddy), Victor Cassadine’s plot (harkening back to the Ice Princess story of old) and the Greenland escapades which concluded with Trina leaping into Spencer’s arms, after believing he had perished. There was the “death” of Nikolas Cassadine, plus the end of Ryan Chamberlain’s reign of terror. Emma Samms returned to the soap as Holly, while Curtis learned that Trina is his biological daughter following his wedding to Portia and its aftermath, plus there was Esme’s machinations and amnesia, Heather Webber’s antics, Sonny and Nina’s wedding, the returns of Tracy Quartermaine and Lois Cerullo, Ned’s amensia and the return of “Eddie Maine”, and more.
Photo: ABC
Days of our Lives brought the camp and nods to its past throughout the year including: the return of Orpheus who ‘killed’ Marlena, Kate and Kayla who were sent to Heaven, which turned out to be hell. Then, the three ladies wound up in cryogenic chamber and being held hostage by Megan Hathaway. Bo was officially resurrected and was brainwashed by Megan. Later, as he was about to reunite with Hope, when he was shot by his son, Shawn and put into a coma. Shawn began downing booze and developed a drinking problem. Nicole and Eric had a sex romp while high on laced-filled biscuits. She became pregnant. Now, with Nicole married to EJ, and Eric being with Sloan, the baby turned out to be Eric’s but the DNA tests were switched. After a car crash with Dimitri and Leo, Nicole gave birth. The baby was taken supposedly to safety by Dimitri, but the baby wound up in the hands of Sloan and Melinda Trask, and they schemed to pass the baby off as Sloan’s adopted son. Dimitri wound up being sent off to a maximum security prison, leaving Leo to take down Sloan, by blackmailing her for money if she doesn’t return the baby back to Nicole.
Photo: JPI
The Bold and the Beautiful had plot twists and romance drama including: Bill Spencer all of a sudden blackmailing Steffy and Finn over Taylor shooting him years ago, if they testify that Sheila shot them both. It later was revealed Bill was working with Ridge to bring down Sheila, only it backfired and Sheila was set free. Then, there was Brooke and Taylor’s temporary BFF moments, Thomas choosing to live with Steffy, not Thomas or Hope and Liam, Sheila and Deacon falling in love, Hope lusting after Thomas and kissing him in Rome; only for Liam to see the whole thing and then turn around and kiss Steffy. Brooke and Ridge finally reunited in Rome, too. There was Finn acting a bit creepy where mother Sheila was concerned, and Eric’s failing health and his life-saving surgery.
Photo: JPI
Now below, cast your vote for the Best Soap Opera of 2023, and then let us know in the comment section which soap you voted for (if you so choose) and why. There is also an option to vote for none, if you think none of the soaps delivered the best of 2023.
GH gets top nods from me but Days isn’t really too far behind.
Totally agree that General Hospital is number 1
Honestly, not the best year for soaps at all. The CBS soaps don’t air down here, so I can’t even speak to those. GH had some interesting “retro” moments with Ice Princess 2.0, Holly’s return, and Tracy being back in town, but that ridiculous Tricky Dick Nixon Falls mess is still dragging the whole show down. And the recent massive “bait & switch” with the Pikeman storyline did not help matters at all. Lose Nina. Lose Hallmark Drew. Bring Jason Back. Flush the post 2012 toilet spiral already
As for Days… a Devil doesn’t want to appear biased, but they have really gone downhill since I left Salem, haven’t they? The return of Bo & Hope seemed promising, but it was a short lived bait & switch, and the two legendary characters had a whole two minutes in a scene together before poor Bo was literally shot in the back by his own son and sent off to veggieland in a coma. Victor Kiriaks’s death was used to create a new cartoon villain who is already past his pull date. Be gone, Konstipation… or whatever your name is. And don’t get a Devil started on GwenTheresa… or the ridiculousness of Eric raising his own baby, and being too dumb to figure it out.
So best soap of 2023? Hate to say it, but I have to vote for “None of the Above” this time.
B&B
Days is my favorite not just story but actors, sets, lighting. Y and R and B and B were ok but not spectacular and look sloppy. I dont watch GH.
What sets on Days of Our Lives? Most hilarious thing I’ve heard.
I know! Ask anyone who’s caught 5 minutes of any of the 4 shows and they’d all agree DAYS has inferior sets and lighting.
Days gives the most for the buck never boring always moving bold in second Yandr good one day abysmal the next Days gets the nod
None!
The bold and the beautiful get the top nod from me.it got the queen of bad.no young villain is no match for all time best one.the queen of bad aka shelia. My legend soaps villain. And the deacon men with her .they are a. Good couple.thanks for the deacon man get her out of prison.I know they was just temporarily have queen of bad in prison for temporarily.but not for ever.for the young viewers.the deacon men know the shelia women from they yr day.they was your outcast couple on they.whenever the queen of bad retirement.as Shelia is alive.they got keep her she make the show interesting.the other person are boring.they need an another young queen of bad.to be like the Shelia person.maybe one day Shelia come back yr where she first start.have an interesting backstory.yr would be behind the bold and the beautiful.
Please learn how to write the English language.
The bold and the beautiful get top nod for me.it got the queen of bad.Shelia.no young villain can beat the all time best one .the queen of bad .Shelia.my legend soaps villain.Her with the deacon men are an good couple.thank deacon for help my legend soaps villain.they was temporarily keeping her in prison.I know they wasn’t going keep Shelia in they for long.for the young viewers.the deacon men know the Shelia woman from they yr day.they was your outcast couple on they.they need keep Shelia the queen of bad on the bold and beautiful.she make the show interesting the other person boring.when Shelia retire.but hopefully it not for an long time.they need an another young woman to become like the Shelia character. An another queen of bad.maybe Shelia can go back to yr one day where the woman first started.have an interesting backstory.I watch the bold and the beautiful. And young and the restless.would get the second nod.me and my granny when I was little on my day off from school I would watch those two with her.I did not watch the other two soaps.two yr person tie to gunsmoke Eric Braden aka victor the mean old man.and Jess Walton aka Jill the gunsmoke woman.my legend soaps villain aka Shelia the queen of bad can go up against western bad guy.the women is similar to western bad guy.have three nickname crazy woman,evil witch,she devil.
Young & Restless!!!
GH remains the Best Soap for 2023 with B&B a close second. Great stories and some of the best acting! Looking forward to 2024.
I have one for the Worst of 2023. How about “The Ongoing Torture and Abuse of Sasha Corbin”. Seriously over the top and dragged out story arc that lasted the entire summer and didn’t conclude until October.
It’s not the actual story of Sasha being placed in the mental institution under Doctor Mental – it was how long GH took to resolve a story from a character who for 2 years had been knocked down again and again. Borderline abusive.
GH has great stories to tell – but the fans are getting tired of waiting an average of 2 years to see them resolved. A new story begins and we now know that it will be 2025 before the good guys come out on top or our favorite couple is happy. It’s too long.
With the regular writers now back, there’s a noticeable speed up in wrapping up storylines or plot points. Pikeman/Anna’s stalker took two episodes to tidy up. Seems like the long-running Nina turning in Carly & Drew story as well as the recent Finn’s malpractice suit may wrap or move to the aftermath. Felicia being on to Cody is another welcome advancement. With JJY out for some time, that’s probably going to simmer for a bit more.
Days of our Lives. Really glad it’s still available to watch on Peacock, although it should never have been taken off NBC!
DAYS has the best HOTTIES and twisted story lines. Like the PHOENIX, it keeps rising. But there are too many new characters taking up LEGACY characters air time. AND like several others way too much Baby Mama Trauma!
General Hospital bar no contest. But, realistically, both EastEnders and Neighbours topped ALL American soaps in every single category.
I only watch GH, and I think they had a good year overall. The show gets a lot of criticism on social media and various soap websites, with some people almost gleefully wishing to see it get canceled, which I never understand. Some people seem to get off on being miserable and negative.
It has its ups and downs in storylines just like any other year, just like any other show. I’ve been watching for 30 years, and there have been years where I would say they had a down year overall, the writing was a mess, whatever. But I wouldn’t say 2023 was one of those years. I’ve enjoyed far more than I’ve disliked this year. I use the fast forward button when I watch on Hulu a lot less than I have in the past, I’ll put it like that, lol.
When it comes down to it, GH still has the best cast from top to bottom, especially in the lead actress category. Maura West, Finola Hughes, Cynthia Watros, Laura Wright, Genie Francis, Nancy Lee Grahn, Rebecca Herbst, the list goes on. If they have one issue it’s that the cast is so large, it’s sometimes hard to find stories for all the main cast members.
They’ve done a much better job than they have in the past at using the beloved legacy characters. Rena Sofer returning as Lois after 26 years was a highlight as was the queen Jane Elliot returning as Tracy.
They brought some old school adventure this year with the blast from the past Victor Cassadine Ice Princess/weather machine story, and the return of Emma Samms, Holly faking her death etc. I’ve enjoyed the spy stuff with Anna and the WSB, her shooting Charlotte brought some good drama. Ryan and Heather working together as a team of super villains was a hoot, revealing Esme as their daughter was a cool twist.
They’ve told some good medical stories, which GH is known for. The word “Hospital” is in the show’s title after all. They’ve had romance, comedy, and family drama. Aiden coming out to Elizabeth and the under stated way they told the story, it was a part of an every day conversation, was one of the best and most important scenes for so many reasons they’ve done all year.
I think overall the show has a nice mix of what makes a good soap. GH was the best soap of 2023, in my opinion. Happy New Year to all!
General hospital is the 2023 best soap of the year!
I’ve watched Y&R since I was very young and it will always be a favorite, but, Days of Our Lives has been my favorite in 2023.
Sonny & Nina ruined GH. I now only watch Bold.
I’m just tired of the Adam bashing enough already it’s getting real real real old
Y&R, my all time favorite soap was disappointing for most of the year. But, it did redeem itself with the Jordan/Claire/Nikki etal “story”.
GH has reached a low blow for me with nuTrina, albeit Spencer, as hot as he is, is starting to get on my nerves—NuTrina à La Sorbonne? Didn’t realize the girl was a genius. Bonnie chance!!
That should read “bonne”. Not Bonnie—C’est français—autocorrect has no clue!!
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.
Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!
Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
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