Soap Operas - TV Fanatic

Kimberly McCullough to Check Out of General Hospital in 2012

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:57:33 EST

Kimberly McCullough is on her way out of General Hospital.

The longtime star, who premiered on the daytime drama in 1985 when she was only seven years old, will exit in early 2012 in a plot-dictated move, according to a statement made by a spokesperson to Soap Opera Digest.

“Expect a poignant and must-watch storyline for Robin and Patrick,” said the rep.

McCullough stuck with the series from her debut through 1996, taking a break for nearly a decade after that to focus on primetime fare that included stints on Once and Again and Joan of Arcadia. She then returned to General Hospital in the fall of 2005.

The two-time Emmy winner will now leave for good in order to pursue directing full-time.

All My Children and One Life to Live: Internet Bound!

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:59:52 EST

They're alive!

Two months after All My Children and One Life to Live were canceled by ABC, the network announced today that the soap opera would be revived via the Internet.

What will this mean as far as budget, casts and other details go? It's unclear at the moment. But ABC has entered into a multi-year licensing deal with media firm Prospect Park, whose reps - Rich Frank and Jeff Kwatinetz - released the following statement today:

“We are privileged to continue the legacy of two of the greatest programs to air on daytime television, and are committed to delivering the storylines, characters and quality that audiences have come to love for over 40 years. ‘All My Children’ and ‘One Life to Live’ are television icons, and we are looking forward to providing anytime, anywhere viewing to their loyal community of millions. Technology changes the way the public can and will view television shows.

Now that there are so many devices available in addition to television sets, viewers are taking advantage of watching shows wherever they are and on any number of devices. The driving force in making the switch and attracting new audiences is to have outstanding programs that people want to watch. We believe that by continuing to produce the shows in their current hour format and with the same quality, viewers will follow the show to our new, online network.”

Details will follow. But All My Children airs its final ABC broadcast on Friday, September 23, while One Life to Live will do so in January.

All My Children and One Life to Live: Cancelled!

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 22:12:41 EST

It's been a good, multi-decade run for the world of daytime dramas.

But it effectively came to an end today, as ABC announced the cancellation of both All My Children and One Life to Live. The soap operas have been around since 1970 and 1968, respectively. They will be replaced by two talks show: The Chew starring Mario Batali and The Revolution starring Tim Gunn.

Said Brian Frons, ABC's Daytime President: "We are taking this bold step to expand our business because viewers are looking for different types of programming these days. They are telling us there is room for informative, authentic and fun shows that are relatable, offer a wide variety of opinions and focus on ‘real life’ takeaways. A perfect example of this is The View, and that factored into our decision."

All My Children will go off the air in September, while One Life to Live will follow in January.

Soap Opera Spoilers: January 11-15

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 06:54:42 EST

Shocking confessions. Unexpected returns. A great deal of make-out sessions.

The week ahead promises five all-new episodes of all major daytime dramas. What's set to go down on you favorite soap opera?

Before you tune in, find out now. Click on the links below for a handful of sneak peeks...

Soap Opera Spoilers: January 4-8

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:56:13 EST

Happy new year, soap opera fans (and everyone else)!

After two weeks of fewer episodes than usual, due to Christmas and New Year's Day, all seven daytime dramas return this week with five new installment. What will go down on each one?

Click on each link below for a few hints and spoilers...

Soap Opera Spoilers for Week of December 28

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 07:54:28 EST

New Year's Eve is known for actual fireworks, but soap opera fans can expect some figurative explosions on their favorite daytime dramas this week.

How will various shows bid farewell to 2009 and usher in 2010? Click on the links below for a look ahead...

Soap Opera Spoilers for Christmas Week

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:36:16 EST

It's about to be Christmas week across the daytime dial.

With December 25 falling on a Friday this year, most soap operas will be limited to just three or four episodes next week.

But the big holiday won't limit the number of exciting, romantic and suspenseful storylines that take place leading up to it.

Follow the links below to see which developments will take place on your favorite daily dramas...

Soap Opera Spoilers: December 7-11

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:26:46 EST

For most of the month of December, primetime programs are on hiatus, as networks air reruns, reality shows and holiday specials.

But this isn't the case for the world of daytime drama.

All seven major soap opera air five new episodes next week. Want a sneak peek at what's to come? Follow the links below...

Soap Opera Spoilers: November 30 - December 4

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:03:53 EST

After a couple days off to celebrate Thanksgiving, all seven major soap operas return with five new episodes next week.

A major band performs on one of TV's top-rated dramas, while kisses and arguments galore fill up various other storylines.

TV Fanatic the world of soap operas covered. For an early look at what's to come on your favorite, click on the spoiler-filled links below...

Soap Opera Spoilers: November 16-20

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:07:59 EST

What lies ahead in the world of daytime drama?

From surprise kisses to big weddings to the debut of a major movie star, we've got a closer look at what soap opera fans can expect on the afternoons ahead.

TV Fanatic has fans of this genre covered. Click on the links check out what's ahead on your favorite soap opera: