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(VOTE) Which Soap Opera Was Best in 2023?

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: JPI and ABC

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.

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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!!

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‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

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The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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