All My Children
Why was OLTL sacrificed in the daytime line-up when its ratings were up & at creative high?
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Associated Television International’s, Jim Romanovich took to posting his latest thought-provoking blog at Baseline Intelligence. In it, Romanovich brings to light and for discussion, why One Life to Live was also canceled along with All My Children when clearly the show was higher in the ratings, creatively successful, and under budget. Was it perhaps that ABC was set to cancel it all along and not AMC, and then OLTL out performed AMC at every level thus causing the network a conundrum? Did ABC make OLTL a sacrificial lamb? Here are just a few excerpts from Jim, but we encourage you to read his entire post.
Romanovich: “So what’s with the urgency that both of these shows have to go… like yesterday? ABC spent millions of dollars on bringing All My Children to Los Angeles in what appeared to be the biggest show of support for the soaps since we took over the Daytime Emmys. At the time, I truly believed ABC felt that way too. I believed that this was the only way to save both this show and One Life To Live. Maybe on the surface that’s what they had hoped. But it seems apparent to me that deep down they knew then that One Life was down to its last life. This was just borrowed time until they could find the show to replace it. Essentially ABC was telling Frank Valentini to make bricks without straw. He made the Taj Mahal instead much to ABC’s shock. By being the lone soap in NY without any real support system the network felt that if they left it alone, it would die on its own. But it didn’t. It rose in the ratings! Creatively, it was by far the best storytelling soap around that utilized its whole canvas of talent equally. The whole cast and crew brought their A game every single time and the viewers…noticed! When I grow up, I want to be Frank Valentini because the man is simply amazing to me.”
“The following is my opinion of what I think must have occurred with the cancellation of both soaps as I can think of nothing else that makes sense. What the network was not prepared for was the diminishing ratings of All My Children. When ABC chose this show to be relocated to Los Angeles, they seemed to put great faith into its longevity while knowing that one of their soaps, the New York one, was going to be sacrificed eventually. When One Life started pulling ahead of All My Children, ABC had a little bit of a conundrum. How could they now seriously cancel One Life, which they were planning to do all along at some point, and spare All My Children? They felt the backlash would have been so monumental that it would have been a PR disaster. So they did something that they felt that would get some serious backlash, but one that was easier to explain. Cancel them both and place two other shows quickly in those slots and say that this new direction adheres to the current daytime audience that prefers shows with some take away value. This way, it doesn’t sound personal. If they tanked One Life which is doing well and kept AMC which is not doing quite so well, then that comes across as personal to the fans in the network’s thinking.”
“With regards to the cancellations of One Life To Live and All My Children, the network acted too hastily and was nowhere near prepared for the onslaught of criticism that was to follow. I had always believed that soaps on daytime television were living on borrowed time, but that didn’t mean the end of their time. It meant that these shows were ready to be placed elsewhere. I still think SoapNet could have been a success if Disney had planned on making it a success. I’d say forget Disney Jr., which is redundant anyway, and keep SoapNet or at least re-brand it and make it the place to find your daytime soaps twice a day and other shows that have that same flavor and style that appeal to that demo. Everybody loves soaps. Hell, the NBA finals are nothing more than soap opera! Build upon what Night Shift started and create other soaps. The new re-branded SoapNet could continue on in new ways. I like what they did for the web with the What If… series and could see that kind of forward thinking evolve into television or maybe even break the fourth wall more often like One Life did with their Glee episodes or The Bold and Beautiful did with their homeless story. But this is all just wishful thinking as the audience is there and those with the power don’t see it.”
All My Children
AMC Alum Sarah Michelle Gellar Reflecting on Her Time on Soaps: “Anything I Can Do to Continue the Legacy I’m Very Proud Of”
Daytime fans knew of Sarah Michelle Gellar her way before her Buffy the Vampire Slayer days, when she stepped on to the small screen as Erica’s (Susan Lucci) troubled daughter Kendall Hart on ABC’s All My Children.
Gellar played the role from 1993 to 1995, and made a brief return in 2011 as the show came to its conclusion on ABC. Additionally, Sarah won a Daytime Emmy for her performance in the Outstanding Younger Actress category in 1995.
Photo: NATAS
Sarah has partnered with Lysol for their brand’s Disinfecting Wipes “Buy One, Donate One” program. where now through September 26, whenever a pack of Lysol Disinfecting Wipes is purchased, another pack will automatically be donated to an under-resourced school through the Kids In Need Foundation.
The program is aimed to help curb the spread of illness-causing germs in schools this back-to-school season, a total of up to 16 million packs of Lysol Disinfecting Wipes will be donated to Title I schools across the country.
The program is the latest component of Lysol’s HERE for Healthy Schools initiative. Started in 2019 with the mission to help curb the spread of preventable illness and to help kids miss less school so they are able to learn, grow and thrive, HERE for Healthy Schools has provided educational materials for students and Lysol disinfecting supplies for educators and administrators to more than 49,000 schools across the country. This year, HERE for Healthy Schools is focused on helping to protect children, educators and parents as they make their big return to in-person learning in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking with TV Insider on the partnership, Gellar recalled her time on the soaps and how it changed her career and outlook, noting: “it was the training ground for the rest of my career.”
She went on to say: “I made incredible friends at that time and I learned incredible work habits, and soap operas are an intense amount of work, and I’m incredibly grateful for that time and the people that I met. We live in a world now where my kids don’t even really know what a soap opera is, so anything I can do to continue the legacy I’m very proud of.”
So, do you remember Sarah’s time on AMC? What do you think of her thoughts on her time on the soaps? Comment below.
All My Children
‘Dynasty’ and ‘All My Children’ Co-Stars React to the Death of Michael Nader
UPDATED: Yesterday, Michael Fairman TV broke the news of the passing of Michael Nader (Ex-Dex, Dynasty and Dimitri, All My Children). As reported, Michael died on Monday morning of an untreatable form of cancer at his home in Northern California with his wife, Jodi, and his beloved dog, Storm by his side.
Since then, several of Nader’s former Dynasty and All My Children co-stars have taken to social media with their reactions and remembrances after having learned that he has no longer with us.
From his leading ladies, Joan Collins and Susan Lucci, to Emma Samms and John James, Eva LaRue, Finola Hughes, Maxwell Caufield, Vincent Irizarry and more, so many are taking a moment to share their grief and outpouring of love for Michael.
Michael Fairman TV will continue to update this post throughout the day as more remembrances are posted.
Here are what several of Nader’s former co-stars and colleagues shared below:
Susan Lucci (Ex-Erica, All My Children):”MICHAEL NADER—so handsome, so talented—so wonderful and beloved as All My Children’s DIMITRI MARICK—and a great love of “Erica Kane”. I am so lucky to have played opposite Michael—playing some of the most romantic scenes ever—dancing in palaces in Budapest, our gorgeous Greek Orthodox wedding, complete with crowns. Michael was a doll to work with and to know. RIP, Michael💙💙💙🙏🙏🙏”
Joan Collins (Ex-Alexis, Dynasty): “Very sad to hear of the death of my onscreen husband and lover #michaelnader aka #dexdexter – I loved working with him and his character was a wonderful mixture of tough and tender. #alexis was crazy to keep on rejecting him! #rip #ripmichaelnader”
Photo: ABC/Getty
Emma Samms (Ex-Fallon, Dynasty): “Incredibly sad news about Michael Nader. What a blessing it was to have had his participation and support for our Dynasty Reunion fundraiser back in March. Thinking of his wife Jodi and sending condolences to all of his many fans.”
Photo: Amazon
John James (Ex-Jeff, Dynasty): “I’m so sad to hear, that my dear friend Michael Nader passed away. We shared some great laughs together and I will miss miss you buddy. Sending prayers to the family.”
Finola Hughes (Ex-Alex, All My Children): “Oh #michaelnader sweet man. I worked with him so briefly, but he cared about his craft and his fellow actors. Sending much love and condolences to his family ❤️”
Eva LaRue (Ex-Maria, All My Children): “So heartbreaking to hear about the passing of Michael Nader! The sweetest man, with the best stories and the funniest out takes! Thank you for the endless belly laughs around that Wildwind dining table at #AMC ! You will be remembered with so much Love!😢♥️ All my prayers and sympathy to his family🙏🏼♥️ Rest peacefully sweet man♥️”
Photo: Sue Coflin/MaxPhotos
Cady McClain (Ex-Dixie, All My Children): “Michael was always a joy to work with, and one of the funniest human beings I ever met. I feel so blessed to have crossed his path and been able to watch him work his magic. I know he felt the love and appreciation of his colleagues and I’m grateful our discussions were always deep or kind. #RIP #michaelnader Photo by @stevenbergman29 💕 (note his book and bookmark! Only Michael would carry it on the res carpet. 😂)”
Maxwell Caufield (Ex-Miles, Dynasty): “That #MichaelNader in the arena many seasons with both @Joancollinsdbe and #SusanLucci – quel hombre.”
Dondre T. Whitfield (Ex-Terrence, All My Children), who commented on Eva LaRue’s post: “Wow. Haven’t seen him in years. So sad to see the Brother. He was very mice to me during my “Pine Valley” time. RIP Nader.”
Vincent Irizarry (Ex-David, All My Children), who commented on Eva LaRue’s post: “OMG, my heart is breaking!!! Loved dear Michael, working opposite him in both “Pine Valley” and in Jackie Collins’ ‘Lucky Chances’. So so sad to hear of his passing. Yes @evalarue, the sweetest man, and ABSOLUTELY the funniest outtakes…”
Sean Kanan: (Ex-AJ, GH, Deacon, B&B) “I was so sorry to hear that Michael Nader passed away. He and I played father and son in Perry Mason: The Case of the Maligned Mobster. We spent some time together and he was a very authentic person. My sincerest condolences to his family. RIP Michael.”
Share your thoughts and remembrances of these wonderful co-stars with Michael throughout his years on Dynasty and All My Children via the comment section below.
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All My Children
‘Dynasty’ and ‘All My Children’ Star, Michael Nader Passes Away at 76
Heartbreaking news to report this Wednesday morning. Michael Fairman TV has learned exclusively that Michael Nader, best known for his role as “Dex” Dexter on ABC’s original version of Dynasty, and as Dimitri Marick on All My Children, has died at the age of 76.
Nader passed away on Monday, August 23rd at 11:30am from an untreatable form of cancer at his home in Northern California with his wife, Jodi by his side, and Michael’s rescue dog, Storm.
In an exclusive statement to MFTV, Michael’s wife, Jodi Lister expressed: “With heavy heart, I’m sharing the news of the passing of my beloved, Michael. We had 18 wonderful years together with the many dogs we fostered and adopted. Recently, Michael was so thrilled to reconnect with his friends from the cast of Dynasty during Emma Samms virtual event to help raise funds for Long-Covid research. Michael was working on a book about his life and addiction at the time of his death. He was a beautiful and fascinating man with many talents and skills. I will miss him forever.”
Michael’s acting career spanned several decades. His first soap role was that of Kevin Thompson on As the World Turns (1975-1978, then the primetime soap, Bare Essence (1983) as Alexi Theopolous, before landing on Dynasty later that year as Alexis Colby’s (Joan Collins) third husband, “Dex”. Nader remained with the series until its cancellation in 1989.
Photo:ABC
When All My Children came calling, Michael took on the role of Erica Kane’s (Susan Lucci) magnetic husband, Dimitri Marick, a role he played from 1991-1999, then again in 2000-2001. Michael returned to AMC during Prospect Park’s online revival of the series in 2013.
Photo: ABC
Throughout his TV and motion picture career Nader also appeared in: The Flash, Law and Order: SVU, Cold Case, Gidget, Beach Blanket Bingo, The Great Escape II: The Untold Story, Lady Mobster (with Susan Lucci) the miniseries, Lucky Charms, to name but a few.
Photo: MNaderFacebook
Michael is survived by his wife of 18-years, Jodi, stepmother Lillian, sister Stephanie, daughter Lindsay, ex-wife Robin, son-in-law Trevor, and granddaughter Juniper.
A Zoom memorial will be planned at a later date.
Share your thoughts and remembrances of Michael, and send condolences to his loved ones, in the comment section below.
TONIGHT: 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards on CBS
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Jamison Jones to Debut on Y&R as Jesse Gaines
Days of our Lives Revisits ‘The Possession Storyline’ This Fall
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Nina He Knows Exactly Who He Is; Jason & Carly’s Wedding Comes to an Explosive Conclusion
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Days of our Lives Kicks-Off Possession Storyline Revisted with ‘Doug’ Twist Cliffhanger, Followed by Fall Preview
Days of our Lives Revisits ‘The Possession Storyline’ This Fall
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Days Of Our LivesSeptember 18, 2021Days of our Lives Kicks-Off Possession Storyline Revisted with ‘Doug’ Twist Cliffhanger, Followed by Fall Preview
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General HospitalSeptember 14, 2021Briana Nicole Henry on Her Decision to Exit GH: “I Decided It Was Time to Move On”
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General HospitalSeptember 17, 2021GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Remembers Carly Just as She Is Marrying Jason
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NewsSeptember 10, 2021Jamison Jones to Debut on Y&R as Jesse Gaines
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Days Of Our LivesSeptember 13, 2021Days of our Lives Revisits ‘The Possession Storyline’ This Fall
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NewsSeptember 15, 2021Janice Lynde Making a Return to The Young and the Restless
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General HospitalSeptember 18, 2021GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Nina He Knows Exactly Who He Is; Jason & Carly’s Wedding Comes to an Explosive Conclusion
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General HospitalSeptember 11, 2021GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason asks Carly to Marry Him and She Responds “With All My Heart”
People grow up I said it before.. Frons was purposely sabotaging the soaps so they would fail… He thought He had harmed OLTL enough that it would fail all on its own.. but the show broke out running once frons left it for dead… When he quit meddling the soap took off… He Frons moved Amc to California so he could have it close to GH and work on killing them both at the same time.. He has really Fuck General Hospital up… and he did the same to all my children.. If you look at both shows and why… Read more »
Amen and Amen…..
In the final analysis – it doesn’t really matter how you slice it and dice it…….
Unless by some eleventh hour miracle – both shows will be gone within months.
Sad,sad,sad.
I personally would rather watch repeat episodes from the humble beginnings of both shows (though I do profess -I love OLTL more),than to watch the proposed shows that are going to air in AMC and OLTL’s time slot.
And frankly I won’t be watching.
Time will tell …..and I think ABC,Brian Frons,Disney et al – will rue the day they made their decision.
I think they may -nay THEY HAVE committed network suicide.
Tragic !!
Oops! Computer hiccuped !!
NO DOUBT THEY HAVE COMMITTED SUICIDE-TWO FAILED REPLACEMENTS FOR OUR SHOWS.THEY THINK WE WILL GET OVER IT NOOOOOOOOO! THE REST OF THE PEOPLE WATCH DAY TIME REPLACEMENT SHOWS FAT MARIO SWEATING OVER FOOD AND DR,OZ 20 SOMETHING DAUGHTER HOSTING BECAUSE SHE IS HIS DAUGHTER AND WROTE CAMPUS DIET.HOW HORRIBLE TV IS THAT.
Actually All My Children was doing poorly before the move and they thought it could be resurrected with more energy. One Life To Live has been placing higher for some time. The fact is that ABC/Disney barely did any advertising at all for OLTL and still it managed to climb higher and higher because of savvy writing dealing with social and civic issues and some of the best talent on daytime. It is further reported that it was Frons intention from the get-go to get these shows off the air which is further supported by the lack of advertising and… Read more »
As I too am saddened , A show Called INSTANT STAR wasnt allowed for be finished fulling ITS potential yet a petition as well as fans of the CTV TV Series still remain in hope for it. Just a COMPLETION of a SEASON 5 (NOT ASKING FOR THE WORLD )www.saveinstantstar.com
I am sorry to hear about the dual cancellation of AMC and OLTL. However, I was a regular watcher of As The World Turns and not of these serials. I was really bothered by the cancellation of ATWT, a show which had a far longer history than either of these shows and still was viable. Frankly, it irks me that the cancellation of ATWT received little attention while the cancellation of AMC and OLT appears to leave viewers irate (cancelled by their v. Both the producers, writers, actors, and fans should have realized that the warnings they were getting when… Read more »
I was a fan of Atwt turns also. It wasnt owned by cbs. It wasnt doing well ratings wise when cancelled. It was terrible that it had to go off when luke and reid were really gaining steam. Its cancellation didnt resonate because it wasnt 2 at once. This is a network getting out of the soap business. Oltl is the last ny soap and really signals the end of an era. I still will never watch the talk. Im am still mad.
Folks, you are delusional. CBS cancelled two soaps, and they are still the number one network the last time I checked. And being the second highest rated show out of six low-rated shows is NOT an accomplishment. There is no huge “outcry”, either. There was a protest at ABC a few weeks ago, and a whopping 30 people showed up!
Low-rated shows get cancelled all the time.