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Y&R's Melody Thomas Scott On Soaps Loyal Audience: "People like Meryl Streep Or The Biggest Stars In The World – They Don’t Enjoy The Fans We Have.”

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

Leave it to Y&R stalwart Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) to talk about her appreciation, and that of her colleagues for the dedicated soap fans in a new piece in the Washington Post from journalist Lonnae O’Neal.  The writers also cops to being a soap addict herself, like so many of us throughout our lives.

While detailing how she would watch soaps growing up and with her mother, and how daytime dramas have been multi-generational, O’Neal discusses General Hospital’s Luke (Tony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis) and Tony Geary’s major end of an era on-screen departure from the ABC soap opera this week.  However, the columnist reveals her favorite soap opera since college has been The Young and the Restless!

Lonnae spoke to Melody Thomas Scott about how soap operas have helped her through the birth of her babies, divorce, and making some of her hardest work less lonely.  Scott replied: “People feel like we’re their dearest friends or their closest cousins.  People like Meryl Streep or the biggest stars in the world — they don’t enjoy the fans we have.”  Ain’t that the truth, Mel! 

What do you think about Melody’s comment that soap fans are the most loyal and dedicated in the entertainment genre?  Have soap operas helped you through some of the toughest times in your life?  Share your comments below!

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Amen melody !!!! We luv u n r so very proud of u n other actors on y&r as well as gh !!!! Team Mel !!!

she’s right and the soap stars are the best stars!

I agree and have always been a champion of daytime actors and actresses and the special bond we have with them throughout our lives and theirs.

When you invite the same set of individuals, such as the residents of Genoa City, into your home five days of the week for 40+ years, they earn a special place in your heart. They become like family. It’s a very special relationship we have with those actors and their characters.

been watching soaps 49 years, they are the best ACTOR’S in the business

That was good artical..
We do become addicted..

All that was written is so true and yet the networks will not hesitate to make y’all soap homeless and cancel the soaps without one pang or an apology. As a matter of fact they wouldn’t even recognize the fans in any manner at all (shown to be factually true with every canceled soap) They pull the plug without a word of sorry for your loss..

SOAP STARS—ALL OF THEM—ARE BETTER RIGHT NOW THAN ANYTHING NIGHT TIME TV HAS TO OFFER!!!

Just love the acting and storylines you have brought into my life for years. I love you with Victor and I would not want it any other way. Seasoned veterans like yourself are the best in the acting world.

I thought about this not long ago and have over the years but she is right, soap fans are the best fans you could ever have. Even fans of boy bands eventually move on. But soap fans remember EVERYTHING and are very passionate to say the least! lol

My husband is a sports addict and he is always talking about what’s going on behind the scenes. I always tell him it’s exactly the same with soap fans. We listen to find out what actor is moving from one soap to another and who is dropping off contract. Too bad they don’t have 1000 soap radio shows like theu do about sports! We’re a pretty loyal bunch!

With all the talk of Luke and Laura and the (sad) end of an era, I will always remember Victor and Nikki as THE power couple because their love lives on in infamy in the 80s movie, MR. MOM.

I never grow tired of this movie and absolutely love when Michael Keaton’s “Jack” becomes a stay-at-home dad and asks how people actually “watch this stuff” only to become addicted to it himself.

Aside from the crappy storytelling on Y&R lately, it still remains my favorite soap. Sadly most days are watched out of habit instead of intrigue, although today with Harding actually siding with Kevin and Michael and Lauren about to find their way back to one another, I have renewed hope.

Agreed. As far fetched as the Jack/Marco/Victor storyline has been, I’ve loved that they have put EB and PB on my tv everyday. Hilary/Devon, Sharon/Dillon are soooooo boring.

I agree, Ashleigh.

It is nice that they gave Sharon a man … again, but she has the best chemistry with Nick … unfortunately. Sage and Nick are boring. Hilary and Devon are boring (liked him better with Roxie). Somehow Melissa Claire Egan always seems to be able to work with the lack of talent she is paired with (Burgess Jenkins), but she has potential with Hartley.

What happened to that cute girl, Gwen? She would be good for Neil albeit a bit young.

And if we could just get the Baldwins to be on more, especially Gloria. Judith Chapman can act circles around the likes of the actors playing Summer, Abby, Kyle, to name a few. 🙁

Oh great comment, Chrystie!
And while I know many hate Victor Newman, he is still the man you love to hate.
Victor behaves abhorrently time and time again, and yet his explanations for that insane behavior is all logical and rational.
The other person to whom he explains it to usually nods and says,”Oh yeah, Victor, that makes perfect sense. You kidnapped Jack, imprisoned him with Krazy and then replaced him with a psycho killer for the good of the family. Yep! Makes perfect sense to me.”
Victor really amuses the hell out of me.

Haha Harry, how about Victor telling Jack all the reasons not to come clean!? I was sitting there thinking “Wow! SO Victor and probably the only way he could make this work in his favor! Kudos, writers!!” Hahaha.

completely agree. daytime soaps have the most passionate fans. some people take their fans for granite,but not the actors of daytime. Y&R is my favorite soap,I grew up watching it. Daytime soaps feel like family,because you let them into your home everyday

robert I have to agree..and with all their loyal following a lot of Daytime actors will take the time to respond to a tweet or message that hits them and interact with a lot of their followers on a regular basis..and are quicker to graciously follow fans that hold similar opinions of there’s too..and then there are those who just want the adoration and fanbase following..lol

So very true, but I think soap stars are loyal to there fan’s also, they are reachable, they tweet you back when you tweet them, they talk to you, not in a I’m a big star sort of way, but a down to earth I’m just like you and I appreciate the fact that you took the time to say something to me. I love Melody, just did a sketch of her with the shorter hair and was amazed to see her sporting the same do on the show 2 weeks later.. Love you Mel.

I tweet the sketch to her, hope she saw it, I did it with love and appreciation of her wonderful work on Y&R

I have been going to Soap events the past few years and I definitely agree. The stars of the soaps do not act like they are STARS, they are personable and eager to talk with their fans. If you want proof just go to the Daytime Stars and Strikes event n NYC daytimestarsandstrikes.com . It is so cool just to talk like an acquaintance to actors you see on TV. Have met Gina Tognoni there several times and it is just cool to talk about other events and feel like your are not just a fan. I don’t think many famous people from other mediums do the same.

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing

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Stacy Keach and Cynthia Watros

General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.

In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.

Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”

Photo: ABC

In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.

STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING

Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”

She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”

Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”

Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)

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Ambyr Michelle

Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.

Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.

But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?

Ambyr Michelle

Photo: CBS

LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING

Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.

Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”

This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”

Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”

Photo: ABC

A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY

When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”

As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”

You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.

So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.

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Beyond the Gates

RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers

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Beyond the Gates and General Hospital

The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.

According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.

Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.

Photo: CBS

MORE BY THE NUMBERS

In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .

BEYOND THE GATES

Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:

Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).

Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.

Photo: ABC

GENERAL HOSPITAL

Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:

Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.

Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.

Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.

Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a  benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.

However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.

So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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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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