On Tuesday, April 22nd as exclusively first revealed by Michael Fairman TV, the audio soap opera, Montecito launched with its first two episodes.

Each 20-minute episode immerses listeners into a world designed for today’s soap opera, podcast and audiobook audiences. The audio-first series comes from creator and Emmy-nominated podcast executive producer, Grant Rutter, with Andrew Pemberton-Fowler serving as Executive Story Editor and Trae Budde as Supervising Sound Editor.

The cast includes: Crystal Chappell (Venice the Series, ex-DAYS, OLTL, GL and B&B), Peter Porte (ex-DAYS and Y&R), Mike Manning (Beyond the Gates, The Bay and ex-DAYS), Marc Anthony Samuel (ex-GH), Emme Rylan (ex-GL, Y&R and GH), Vincent Irizarry (ex-GL DAYS, AMC, B&B et al), Chelsea Rendon as Mina Rast-Granville, Jake Getman as Diego Granvillle and Kelly Thiebaud (ex-GH) as Dr. Layla Carreri, with the narrator of the series being  the voiGeneral Hospital favorite, Rick Hearst.

Photo: GRutter

In Episode 1, “The Pleasant View Resort and Beach Club throws open its doors with fanfare and secrets just beneath the surface. As Helena (Crystal Chappell) proudly ushers in a new chapter of her family’s legacy, her son Deacon (Peter Porte) plays the part of devoted husband alongside the ambitious Mina (Chelsea Rendon). But behind the smiles, an affair burns hot with JJ (Mike Manning), grudges simmer, and a surprise guest (Marc Anthony Samuel) threatens to unravel it all.”

In Episode 2, “The fallout from the fire alarm rings louder than the sirens. Helena (Crystal Chappell) and Mina (Chelsea Rendon) face off in a brutal confrontation. Meanwhile, Deacon (Peter Porte) and Gio (Marc Anthony Samuel) seek quiet refuge by the fire, where old wounds resurface and buried truths come to light. As they explore the path not taken, secrets smolder—about fatherhood, identity, and the cost of staying silent. Elsewhere, Mina spirals, JJ (Mike Manning) snaps, and a long-missing sister (Emme Rylan) returns with a shocking entrance—just as the sound of whirring blades cuts through the night.”

Photo: JPI

As to the hopes and future for Montecito, Rutter previously shared with MFTV, “These 10 episodes are treated like that pilot, and while it’s well over three hours worth of content, it is a full arc. I’m kind of viewing this as cycle one with the perspective and the goal of continuing onto the next cycle. I’m very much looking to take the temperature in the market, get some data, see where this lands and hopefully it lands in a place where it makes sense to continue.”

Soap fans can be on the lookout for episodes 3-10 (dropping one per week) every Tuesday through the middle of June. You can listen to episodes of the series via Apple Podcasts as well as all major podcast streaming platforms, and on the Montecito YouTube Channel

Now below, take a listen to episode 1 and 2 of Montecito, then let us know what you thought of it via the comment section below.

On this Valentine’s Day, former Days of our Lives stars and soap veterans, Crystal Chappell (ex-Carly Manning) and Michael Sabatino (ex-Lawrence Alamain) have done what so many Hollywood couples have failed to do, stick together! Crystal and Michael have been married now for 28 years.

Taking to her Instagram, Chappell shared her love for Michael with a photo of the two in front of the Eiffel Tower in France with the caption, “Happy Love Day to this Dude.”

In recent months, Sabatino has been dealing with life after learning of his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. It was his wife, who broke the news on social media back in October of 2024, in an effort to be transparent. Now, in an interview with Swoon, Chappell says Sabatino is ,”Doing well.”

Photo: JPI

Meanwhile, Michael shared his own update, “I feel pretty good. I have a really good doctor at Stanford (Medicine). He’s given me meds that kind of control any type of tremors. I’m lucky because I’m in really good shape. I’m pretty strong. A lot of people are challenged with balance, so I do a lot of balance exercises. Also, I do a lot of yoga with Crystal.”

Parkinson’s has also affected many celebrities such as Michael J. Fox, and Grammy-Award singing icon, Linda Ronstadt. Sabatino had nothing but high praise for Fox, expressing his importance for the cause, “He’s the guy, the lead, in terms of research and raising funds.”

Photo: JPI

Crystal is keeping very busy these days with the upcoming launch of season 7 of her digital series Venice, which really was the forerunner to all the online series you see today. Chappell created Venice after seeing the popularity of same-sex couple, Olivia and Natalia (Jessica Lecchia) and their love story on Guiding Light. Once the show was canceled, she continued to cultivate an under-represented audience, while telling important stories of our time.

The new season of Venice features a cast that includes: Nadia Bjorlin (ex-Chloe, DAYS as Lara), Harrison White (Jaime), Gregory Zarian (Nate) plus Marem Hassler and Mandahla Rose. You can check out all the latest on Venice season 7 here.

So, glad to hear this update on the condition of Michael Sabatino as he navigates Parkinson’s? Wish a Happy Valentine’s Day to Crystal and Michael via the comment section below.

Look for former Guiding Light, Days of our Lives and One Life to Live star, Crystal Chappell (Ex-Olivia, Carly, Maggie)  along with former As the World Turns and One Life to Live mainstay, Hillary B. Smith (Ex-Margo, Nora), who are both good friends and business partners on several projects, to make an appearance next week on The Locher Room with host and former soap publicist, Alan Locher.

As daytime and digital drama fans know, both women have won Daytime Emmys, and both are in Venice the Series, Beacon Hill and more.

Chappell was at the forefront of the web series and digital drama boom, while later both Smith and Chappell produced and directed these series and more.

Circle next week on Wednesday, September 23rd for the virtual conversation.  You can watch the livestream here. 

It all begins at 3 p,m. EST/Noon PST.  So have your questions ready for these gals!

Now, let us know below, which of Chappell’s and Smith’s daytime soap  or digital roles rate among your favorites? Comment below.