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Soap Central, the long-running U.S.-based website that helped launch a new era of soap opera coverage and fan interactions in 1995, has been acquired by Absolute Sports, one of the world’s leading tech-led sports and gaming media companies. The India-based company is a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies. The acquisition, valued at $1.4 million, was first announced in early June and includes the Soap Central brand and all related assets, including the domain SoapCentral.com. The deal closed in early July and comes after Absolute Sports acquired a 73.27% stake in U.S.-based Pro Football Network LLC (ProFootballNetwork.com) earlier this year. “The entertainment publishing industry is more than twice the size of sports publishing and allows us a great canvas for expansion into multiple content categories,” said Ajay Pratap Singh, CEO of Absolute Sports, in a statement announcing the acquisition. “Having tested our content publishing and hyper-growth playbook with the acquisition of Pro Football Network last year, we are confident of scaling Soap Central in a very short time,” Singh continued. According to a review of the new Soap Central layout, which is not yet live and remains in active development, the website will expand its coverage beyond the four remaining U.S.-based daytime soaps by also including daily recaps, spoilers and more for British soaps “Coronation Street,” “EastEnders,” “Emmerdale” and “Hollyoaks,” along with coverage of mainstream fare such as “House of the Dragon,” “The Boys” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), among other broad appealing entertainment content. At press time, it was unknown if the website would continue to house its popular actor, character and birthday databases, which have become some of its most important core assets. However, in reviewing the new site layout, the core assets appear to have been removed. Further, the new website now resembles that of its new sister site, Sportskeeda.com. Founded as the AMC Pages before rebranding to Soap Opera Central and later settling on its current name, Soap Central, the acquisition by Absolute Sports will reportedly see the exit of Dan Kroll, the website’s founder. Note: The post Soap Central Acquired By India-Based Absolute Sports For $1.4 Million, Founder Dan Kroll to Exit appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

Although it has been reported that veteran writer Robert Guza Jr. (“General Hospital”) and producer Julie Hanan Carruthers (“All My Children,” “Port Charles”) have joined “The Gates” as executive producers, creator and showrunner Michele Val Jean, who is also an executive producer on the series, has only officially confirmed one new hire since the news of the show’s development was first announced earlier this year. On X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday morning, Val Jean shared that writer Skyy Sandifer had joined the new daytime drama series, which is set to debut on CBS in January 2025. Michele Val Jean Sonja Flemming/CBS “Welcome to #TheGates @SincerelySkyy. So happy to be working with you again,” said Val Jean in her X post, referring to their time working on “Ambitions,” the short-lived OWN original series created by “Days of our Lives” writer Jamey Giddens. In response to Val Jean’s post, Sandifer said, “Thank you so much! I’m so excited to be part of your baby!” Since kicking off her professional writing career at “Ambitions” in 2019, where she also served as a script coordinator, Sandifer has gone on to work as a script coordinator for such series as “Blindspotting,” “House of Payne,” “Young Dylan” and most recently “Sistas.” Previously, Sandifer worked as a production assistant on such series as “Survivor’s Remorse” and “Sunday Best,” and the Marvel film “Ant-Man.” Telling the story of a wealthy Black family in a posh, gated community, “The Gates” marks the first brand new soap opera in development for a broadcast network since the 1999 launch of NBC’s “Passions.” Note: The post ‘Ambitions’ Writer Skyy Sandifer Joins ‘The Gates’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

Former “General Hospital” head writer Robert Guza, Jr. and former “All My Children” executive producer Julie Hanan Carruthers have signed on as executive producers of “The Gates,” reports Soap Hub. Created by veteran soap writer Michele Val Jean (“The Bold and the Beautiful,” “General Hospital”), who will also serve as showrunner and executive producer, “The Gates,” daytime’s newest daily drama series, is set to premiere in January 2025 on CBS. It tells the story of a wealthy Black family in a posh, gated community. Additional executive producers for “The Gates” include Sheila Duckworth, Kimberly Doebereiner, Leon T. Russell and Derrick Johnson. Thus, the show is one of only two daytime dramas with more than one executive producer (“Days of our Lives” being the other) and the only daytime series with seven executive producers overall. Bob Guza In 2011, Guza left “General Hospital” as the show’s long-time head writer, a position he held alone or with a co-head writer over the span of 15 years. Guza was first named co-head writer in March 1996, working alongside Karen Harris before taking over sole head writing duties from December 1997 to December 2000, when he exited. He returned to the series in June 2002 to work alongside his Charles Pratt Jr. The two oversaw the show’s writing until March 2006, when Guza retained sole head writing duties again. By February 2007, Guza’s real-life wife, the late Meg Bennett, would become his co-head writer, a position she held until October 2007. By then, Guza once again became the show’s sole head writer until January 2008, when his name disappeared from the credits due to the 2007 WGA writer’s strike. Guza would return to the position of sole head writer again in March 2008 following the strike’s conclusion, and he remained at the show until his name disappeared from the credits again in July 2011. Julie Hanan Carruthers As for Carruthers, she also began her daytime career working in numerous roles as a production assistant, associate director, editor and producer on NBC’s “Santa Barbara” from 1984-1990. By 1994, she would land at “General Hospital,” working as a producer, supervising producer and a senior supervising producer until she exited the soap in 2000 to become executive producer of “Port Charles.” Following the cancellation of the half-hour soap in 2003, Carruthers was named executive producer of “All My Children.” She remained in her position until the show was canceled in 2011. The series concluded in September 2011. From 2015-2016, Carruthers worked as an executive producer at Mar Vista Entertainment, working on projects such as “Jessica Darlings It List.” Since 2017, Carruthers has been a successful real estate agent working for Compass, a Los Angeles-based residential real estate firm. In addition to Guza and Carruthers, Soap Hub also reported casting calls for characters set to appear in the series, among other newly revealed information about the series. Note: The post REPORT: Bob Guza and Julie Carruthers Named Executive Producers of ‘The Gates’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

The problem is that most viewers still watching traditional daytime soaps are in the 55+ range, whereas Hulu itself has a large 18-34 and 18-49 demographic, more on the younger side of both demos. Peacock can be satisfied with 200-500,000 viewers of DAYS, whereas NBC would cancel it in a heartbeat. We don't know what GH does on Hulu because they don't release any info on the show.

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Cameron Mathison, who currently stars as Drew Cain on “General Hospital,” and his wife, Vanessa Mathison, have announced that they are separating after 22 years of marriage. In a joint statement released to “Entertainment Tonight,” the couple says, “After 22 years of marriage, we have made the difficult decision to part ways. We enter this new chapter with deep love, kindness, and respect for each other. We hold gratitude in our hearts for the wonderful years we shared together.” “Our children have been and will continue to be our highest priority, and we will forever share in our devotion and love for them,” the couple continued in their statement, referring to their two children — son Lucas, 21, and daughter Leila, 18. The couple first met in 1998 while working as models in New York City. The following year, they began dating and later tied the knot on July 27, 2002. “We remain friends, and both wish the best for one another,” the couple’s statement concludes. “We sincerely appreciate your respect for our family’s privacy during this transition.” Frank Micelotta/ABC In April 2022, Vanessa made her acting debut on “General Hospital” when she appeared as Mia, an executive coach who has an encounter with Drew and Carly (Laura Wright). “This was an absolute dream come true,” Vanessa told “Entertainment Tonight” of her appearance at the time, while admitting she was “terrified” of the idea of acting on the series. Prior to joining the cast of “General Hospital” in 2021, Cameron Mathison was probably best known for his role as Ryan Lavery on “All My Children.” He exited the series in 2002, only to return in 2003. The actor remained part of the cast until the show concluded its run on ABC in 2011. Later, Mathison went on to star in several Hallmark movies, primarily opposite Alison Sweeney (“Days of our Lives”) in the “Hannah Swensen Mystery”/“Murder She Baked” series. In November 2023, it was announced that the actor had signed a multi-year, multi-picture deal with Hallmark rival Great American Media. Mathison recently began hosting the Game Show Network original series, “Beat the Bridge.” The couple also posted the full statement of their separation on their Instagram pages. Note: The post Cameron Mathison and Wife Vanessa Announce Separation After 22 Years of Marriage appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

Emma Samms is set to reprise her role as Holly Sutton on ABC’s General Hospital. According to Variety, which first reported the news, Holly will return to Port Charles in early September, and her re-appearance may be related to Lucky Spencer’s (Jonathan Jackson) return. When viewers last saw Holly in 2023, the character had worked alongside Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) and Scott Baldwin (Kin Shriner) in trying to take down Victor Cassadine (Charles Shaughnessy), who had plans for world domination. Introduced in July 1982, during the height of the Luke and Laura era, Holly became the woman Luke (Anthony Geary) got romantically involved with when he thought Laura (Genia Francis) had died. Holly remained part of the canvas until 1993. Since 2006, Samms has been making appearances on the daytime drama series as Holly, including from 2006-2009, 2012-2014, and from 2020 to present. No additional details on Samms’ latest return have been revealed, particularly how long fans can expect her back this time. Note: The post Emma Samms Back to ‘General Hospital’ as Holly Sutton appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

This week on “General Hospital,” Carly (Laura Wright) gets her day in court while Jason (Steve Burton) seeks answers at the Port Charles Police Department. The Davis sisters get some motherly advice when Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) sits them down to discuss their latest squabble. Later, TJ (Tajh Bellow) gets a shocking surprise, and Molly (Kristen Vaganos) seeks advice from her other sister, Sam (Kelly Monaco), after previously sharing a moment of consciousness with Dante (Dominic Zamprogna). TUNE-IN ALERT Anna (Finola Hughes) makes a shocking discovery on Tuesday, July 30, and shares her theory with Jason on Wednesday, July 31. Meanwhile, Kristina (Kate Mansi) is ready to take on the world on Thursday, August 1, and Sonny (Maurice Benard) clashes with a long-time friend on Friday, August 2. ABC DVR Alerts MUST-SEE MOMENTSEpisode Monday, July 29, 2024 Dante pleads with Sonny. Carly receives an offer. Jason visits the PCPD. TJ is flummoxed. Alexis addresses an important matter with Kristina.New #15517Tuesday, July 30, 2024 Carly has her day in court. Things get heated between Sonny and John. Anna makes a shocking discovery. Nina is grateful to Willow. Alexis counsels Molly. New #15518Wednesday, July 31, 2024 Sonny won’t listen to reason. Anna shares a theory with Jason. Ava gets bad news. Kristina and Molly hash things out. John makes an offer. New #15519Thursday, August 1, 2024 Alexis is put on the spot. Molly confides in Sam. Brook Lynn makes a pitch to Blaze. Sonny lashes out. Kristina is on the warpath. Trina gets an eyeful. New #15520Friday, August 2, 2024 Josslyn leaps to action. Dante makes an arrest. TJ gets alarming news. Sonny alienates a friend. A medical crisis devastates a family. New #15521 Note: The post General Hospital PreVUE for the Week of July 29-August 2, 2024 appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

The Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 26 averaged 28.6 million viewers across NBC and Peacock on Friday, becoming the most-watched opening ceremony for a Summer Olympics since London 2012, according to fast national data from Nielsen and Adobe Analytics. An additional 666,000 viewers watched this year’s Opening Ceremony on Telemundo. “Last night’s Opening Ceremony, one of the most ambitious and complex in Olympic history, was a spectacle for those in attendance in Paris, delivered a huge audience across our NBCU platforms, and set records for Peacock,” said NBC Sports President Rick Cordella in a statement released on Saturday. “Thanks to the tireless effort of our production and engineering teams, and extensive promotion, we are off to a strong start that is in line with the expectations of our NBC stations, and distribution and advertising partners. We are in great position as we look forward to the next two weeks of competition.” The Total Audience Delivery (TAD) for the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony was up +60% or 10 million viewers higher than the Tokyo Opening Ceremony (17.9 million) in 2021 (the delayed 2020 Ceremony) and +8% higher than the Rio Opening Ceremony (26.5 million) in 2016. Overall, the Paris Opening Ceremony has emerged as the most streamed ever (more than 2.5 million viewers) and ranks as the No. 1 entertainment event in Peacock history. Across all NBCUniversal-owned platforms, and led by Peacock, the Opening Ceremony’s streaming consumption exceeded one billion minutes through Friday which is six times greater than the Tokyo Olympics during the comparable time frame. NBCUniversal says this year’s Opening Ceremony generated +320% greater search volume for brands advertising during the ceremony than the Tokyo Opening Ceremony. The company holds U.S. media rights to the Olympic Games through 2032, including Paris (2024), Milan Cortina (2026), Los Angeles (2028) and Brisbane (2032). The 2030 Olympic Winter Games host city has yet to be chosen. Final viewership figures for the Paris Opening Ceremony will be published on Monday. Note: The post Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony Becomes Most-Watched Since London 2012 With 28.6 Million Viewers appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

Ahead of next month’s expected start of production, Paramount+ announced on Saturday during the “Star Trek” universe panel at San Diego Comic-Con that veteran “Star Trek” cast members Tig Notaro (Star Trek: Discovery”), Oded Fehr (Star Trek: Discovery”), Mary Wiseman (Star Trek: Discovery”) and Robert Picardo (Star Trek: Voyager”) will be joining the newest iteration in the series, “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” in various roles and for special guest appearances. Paramount+ The “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” panel featured an exclusive conversation with executive producers and co-showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau. A cast reaction video was also shown. It featured previously announced cast members Kerrice Brooks, Bella Shepard, George Hawkins, Karim Diané and Zoë Steiner who will play cadets. Notaro and Picardo are set as series regulars, reprising their roles as Jett Reno and The Doctor, respectively. At the same time, Fehr and Wiseman appear as guest stars, reprising their roles as Admiral Vance and Sylvia Tilly, respectively. Additional previously announced cast members include Holly Hunter and recurring guest stars Gina Yashere and Paul Giamatti. Produced by CBS Studios, “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” will follow the adventures of a new class of Starfleet cadets as they come of age in one of the most legendary places in the galaxy. The series will introduce viewers to this young group of cadets as they come together to pursue a shared dream of hope and optimism. Under their instructors’ watchful and demanding eyes, they will discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves, and a new enemy that threatens the Academy and the Federation. Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau serve as co-showrunners and executive producers of the series alongside executive producers Gaia Violo, Aaron Baiers, Olatunde Osunsanmi, Jenny Lumet, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth, Frank Siracusa and John Weber. Gaia Violo wrote the series’ premiere episode. “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” is produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution. Watch the aforementioned reaction video below. Note: The post Legacy Cast Announced for ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’: Tig Notaro, Oded Fehr, Mary Wiseman & ​​Robert Picardo appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

On Saturday, Paramount+ released a teaser trailer for the original movie “Star Trek: Section 31” starring Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh. Slated to premiere in early 2025 on the streaming service, “Section 31” sees Yeoh reprising her fan-favorite role as Emperor Philippa Georgiou, who joins a secret division of Starfleet. Tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets, she also must face the sins of her past. Yeoh first portrayed the character during season one of “Star Trek: Discovery.” The teaser was released during the “Star Trek” universe panel at San Diego Comic-Con and sees “Star Trek” fans gettings their first look at a young Philippa Georgiou, played by Miku Martineau (“Kate”). Omari Hardwick (“Power”), Kacey Rohl (“Hannibal”), Sam Richardson (“Ted Lasso”), Sven Ruygrok (“One Piece”), Robert Kazinsky (“Pacific Rim”), Humberly Gonzalez (“Ginny & Georgia”) and James Hiroyuki Liao (“Barry”) also star in the movie. Cast members Omari Hardwick, Sam Richardson and Kacey Rohl, along with executive producer Alex Kurtzman and director Olatunde Osunsanmi, appeared in Hall H to introduce the movie. The panel featured a surprise video “interruption” from Yeoh, who introduced the teaser. Written by Craig Sweeny and directed by Osunsanmi, additional executive producers include Sweeny, Aaron Baiers, Frank Siracusa, John Weber, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth and Michelle Yeoh, and is produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. STAR TREK: SECTION 31 will be available to stream exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and in all international markets where the service is available. Paramount Global Content Distribution is distributing. Check out the teaser trailer below. Note: The post Paramount+ Releases Teaser Trailer for ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ at San Diego Comic-Con appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

The annual General Hospital Fan Club Weekend, returning for what promises to be a fun-filled weekend, is scheduled to take place at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Los Angeles Glendale in Glendale, CA, from Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 4, 2024. This year’s festivities include a multitude of events featuring cast members from the popular ABC daytime drama series as they meet and greet some of their biggest fans. The event lineup is expected to be the best ever, with stars such as Maurice Benard, Bradford Anderson, Kirsten Storms, Donnell Turner, Tajh Bellow, Maura West, Tabyana Ali, Evan Hofer, Cynthia Watros, Jon Lindstrom, Michael Easton, Josh Swickard and Dominic Zamaprogna, among others, hosting events. At the same time, the main cast luncheon will see additional members from the show’s current cast appearing, while the past cast event marks the return of several familiar faces. Speaking of the past cast event, fan club weekend hostess Debbie Morris, who has overseen the fan club for more than 45 years, recently announced that this year’s gathering of actors who’ve previously appeared in Port Charles will mark the final time organizers will host the event. “I have given this a lot of thought and have decided this will be the last time the GHFC will ever host this event due to many circumstances,” Morris said on Instagram earlier this week. “All I can say is get your ticket to this one soon, as tickets are limited.” Traditionally, the past cast event has occurred every five years, with this year’s event being a rare exception, as last year’s actor strike impacted cast attendance. Friday, August 2 “A Stroll Down Memory Lane” (Past Cast Event) will take place on Friday, August 2 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. PT with the likes of Cari Shayne (ex-Karen Wexler), Lesli Kay (ex-Lois Cerullo), Michael Sutton (ex-Stone Cates) and Chad Brannon (Zander Smith) currently scheduled to attend, along with numerous surprise guests set to appear. Tickets can be purchased at the door if available. You can also email [email protected] for the most up-to-date ticket information. In addition to the past cast event, at least four other events will take place on Friday, August 2, both in the morning and mid-to-late afternoon. Current cast members Bradford Anderson and Lisa LoCicero will host an event from 8:00-10:00 a.m. PT, followed by Tabyana Ali and Evan Hofer from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT. Later, Tajh Bellow and Donnell Turner will host a joint event from 1:00-3:00 p.m. PT, followed by an event featuring Jon Lindstrom, Alley Mills and Jeff Kober from 3:30-6:00 p.m. PT. Tickets to each event can be purchased at the door if available. You can also email [email protected] for the most up-to-date ticket information. Saturday, August 3 The General Hospital Main Cast Luncheon will take place on Saturday, August 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT. Sadly, platinum and gold tickets are sold out, but there’s still room for those who want to attend. You can also email [email protected] for the most up-to-date ticket information. Cynthia Watros and Maura West will host a joint event from 3:30-5:30 p.m. PT. Then, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. PT, Maurice Benard will feature a conversation with Bryan Craig during a live edition of his popular YouTube series, “State of Mind with Maurice Benard.” Joshua Benard, Maurice’s real-life son, is also set to appear. Two separate events will close out the night, one hosted by Michael Easton and Josh Swickard from 8:30-10:30 p.m. PT and the other hosted by Dominic Zamprogna from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. PT. Tickets can be purchased at the door if available. Email [email protected] for the most up-to-date ticket information for Benard and Zamprogna’s event, and contact [email protected] for the most up-to-date ticket information for the Watros/West and Easton/Swickard events. Sunday, August 4 After having to reschedule an event appearance due to a scheduling conflict, Josh Kelly will be joining Kirsten Storms for an early morning event on Sunday, August 4, which will take place from 8:00-10:00 a.m. PT. Kin Shriner and Carolyn Hennesy will host a joint event from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PT. This will be followed by an event hosted by Rena Sofer and Amanda Setton, scheduled from 1:00-3:00 p.m. PT. Things get a little tricky starting at 3:30 p.m. PT as there are two events currently scheduled on top of each other, one with Kelly Monaco and the other with Nancy Lee Grahn. The latter is being hosted off-site at the Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina down the street from the Embassy Suites Hotel, while the former will take place within the hotel. Additionally, while Monaco’s event is set to run until 6:30 p.m. PT, Grahn’s event ends at 5:30 p.m. PT. Closing out the weekend will be an event featuring former “General Hospital” cast member Greg Vaughan (ex-Lucky Spencer; now on “Days of our Lives”) friends, including former cast members Ignacio Serriccho (ex-) and Ted King (ex-Luis/Lorenzo Alcachar). Their event will take place from 7:00-9:00 p.m. PT. Tickets can be purchased at the door if available. Email [email protected] for the most up-to-date Kelly/Storms event ticket information. You can contact [email protected] for the most up-to-date ticket information for the Sofer/Setton and Monaco events and Greg Vaughan and Friends. Meanwhile, NancyLeeGrahn.com features the most current information on her event. You can also email [email protected]. Similarly, for ticketing information for the Shriner/Hennesy event, email [email protected]. For more up-to-date event information, follow OfficialGHFC on Instagram or OfficialGHFC on Facebook. Note: The post General Hospital Fan Club Weekend 2024 Event Schedule appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

The always booked and busy Dermot Mulroney (“My Best Friends’s Wedding”) has joined the cast of NBC’s “Chicago Fire,” the network announced on Thursday. Mulroney will portray Chief Dom Pascal during the upcoming 13th season of the popular drama series. Although storyline details were not released at press time, Deadline reports through sources that the character is described as an active member of the Chicago Fire Department who previously spent the last decade as a fire chief in Miami, Florida. Now, as the new leader of 51 following the exit of Battalion Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), the generally cheerful Pascal, who works well under pressure and whose leadership style differs from Boden’s, finds himself not only dealing with a new job but the realities of being estranged from his wife. Mulroney most recently co-starred in the romantic comedy “Anyone But You” and the horror mystery “Blackwater Lane.” Previous film credits include “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” “August: Osage County” and the “Scream” franchise. On the TV side, he’s set to co-star in Starz’s upcoming “Hunting Wives.” His other noteworthy credits include “The Righteous Gemstones,” “Arrested Development,” and “Station 19.” Produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Wolf Entertainment, “Chicago Fire” stars Taylor Kinney, David Eigenberg, Miranda Rae Mayo, Joe Miñoso, Christian Stolte, Daniel Kyri, Hanako Greensmith and Jocelyn Hudon. Dick Wolf, Andrea Newman, Matt Whitney, Reza Tabrizi and Peter Jankowski are executive producers. “Chicago Fire” returns with an all-new season of episodes on Wednesday, September 25 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Note: The post Dermot Mulroney Joins ‘Chicago Fire’ As Fire Chief Dom Pascal For Season 13 appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

As the series prepares to launch its ninth season later this year, “The Bay” will honor the life of the late actress Jacklyn Zeman with a special standalone tribute episode. Zeman, who portrayed psychic medium Sofia Grace Madison on the series from 2012 until her untimely passing in May 2023 following a short battle with cancer, is most famously known for portraying Barbara Jean “Bobbie” Spencer on “General Hospital.” While there is no set airdate, the episode aptly titled “Sofia” will celebrate the character and Zeman and features several guest stars that “meant something to Jackie’s legacy,” shares series creator, executive producer and head writer Gregori J. Martin. As previously reported, Dee Wallace (“E.T.,” “General Hospital”), who played opposite Zeman on “General Hospital” during a brief story arc in 2015 where she appeared as Pat Spencer, older sister of Luke (Anthony Geary) and Bobbie, will play Charlotte Grace, Sofia’s sister who moves to Bay City from New Orleans to help launch a Romantica fragrance line in Sofia’s honor called Mystic during a special gala. Another “General Hospital” connection set to appear on “The Bay” includes Tamara Braun (currently starring on “Days of our Lives”), who played Zeman’s on-screen daughter Carly Corinthos on the ABC soap. Braun is set to play Rita “Elise” Kennedy, a blind woman given the gift of sight after receiving Sofia’s donated corneas. As a result, Elise begins having visions like Sofia. She helps Pete Garrett (Kristos Andrews) solve a mystery through her miraculous visions. “Knowing how special Tamara was to Jackie, I created the role of Elise specifically for her,” Martin said of Braun’s casting while adding it was veteran daytime scribe Michele Val Jean (“General Hospital,” “The Bold and the Beautiful”) who helped in naming the character after Zeman’s mother, Rita, and her two granddaughters. “I knew whatever name we gave this character had to be something extra special to Jackie,” said Gregori of the decision. Leigh McCloskey (“Dallas”), who played opposite Zeman as Damian Smith in the early to mid-1990s on “General Hospital,” is set to appear on “The Bay” as Hank Henderson, Sofia’s much-discussed but never-before-seen first husband, who is also the father of her two daughters, Riley and Tandi Jo Henderson. “I needed a distinguished actor and the right one to play Sofia’s first husband,” said Martin of casting McCloskey. “I heard wonderful things about Leigh and how his spirit and energy were, in many ways, similar to Jackie’s. It was an absolute pleasure working with Leigh and seeing him bring the character of Hank to life. It simply made this episode all the more special.” Speaking of Tandi Jo, actress Emmie Romanovich, who originated the role in 2012, will return as Sofia and Hank’s youngest daughter. “Emmie was only twelve when she appeared in the early episodes of ‘The Bay,'” says Martin, adding, “I remember how fond Jackie was of working with Emmie. While Emmie, now an adult, has not been in front of the camera since then, I knew having her reprise the role of Tandi Jo was exactly what Jackie would have wanted. She was phenomenal as she slipped right back into it!” Fans of “The Bay” can look forward to seeing McCloskey and Romanovich’s characters interact with words written by Cassidy and Lacey Rose, Zeman’s real-life daughters. The episode will also include a collage of never-before-seen images and home video clips courtesy of Zeman’s family. Note: The post ‘The Bay’ to Honor the Late Jacklyn Zeman with Special Standalone Tribute Episode appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

In response to a recently resurfaced 2021 video of Republican Vice Presidential nominee and current United States senator from Ohio JD Vance saying on the since canceled FOX News show “Tucker Carlson Tonight” that women who haven’t given birth were “childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives” and have “no direct stake” in the future of the United States, actress Jennifer Aniston (“Friends”) has called out Vance in a post published via her Instagram story. In a conversation with Tucker Carlson, Vance said, “We are effectively run in this country via the Democrats via our corporate oligarchs, by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices they’ve made, and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too. And it’s just the basic fact.” He added, “They are obsessed with their jobs, they’re obsessed with their wealth and their fortunes, and they look at middle America, people who are actually pretty happy with their lives and the choices they’ve made, and they hate normal Americans for choosing family over these ridiculous D.C. and New York status games.” During last week’s Republican National Convention, Vance accepted his nomination for Vice President of the United States alongside former president Donald J. Trump, who received the nomination for President. In November, Trump is expected to run against current Vice President Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race. At press time, a Vice Presidential candidate to run alongside Harris had not been announced. “If you are a miserable cat lady, you should not force your misery on the rest of the country,” continued Vance in his comments to Carlson while specifically citing Harris, New York Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and then South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg (now Secretary of Transportation) as examples of politicians within the Democrat party who are childless, saying, “The entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children.” It should be noted that Vance’s comments pre-dated the August 2021 announcement by Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten Glezman, that they were set to become parents to two fraternal twins, who were later born on September 4, 2021. “I truly can’t believe this is coming from a potential VP of the United States,” said the traditionally non-politicalAniston, who is the daughter of the late John Anison. “All I can say is… Mr. Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day,” continued Aniston in her Instagram post. “I hope she will not need to turn to IVF as a second option. Because you are trying to take that away from her, too.” Aniston, who has not yet become a mother herself, once said in an undated “Good Morning America” interview, “What family means to me is the family I’ve chosen. And my friends and my partner are truly my family.” You can watch a portion of Vance’s interview with former FOX News host Carlson below. Note: The post Jennifer Aniston Calls Out Republican Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance Over “Childless Cat Ladies” Statements appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

After an eight-year absence, actor Rick Hearst is set to reprise his role as Ric Lansing on ABC’s “General Hospital,” TV Insider reported on Thursday. According to the outlet, Hearst will begin taping at the Prospect Studios set in Hollywood next week, with his first scenes scheduled to air during the week of August 19-23, 2024. Speaking with Stephanie Sloane, Hearst noted that the show had “been very much on my periphery and not in my consciousness for eight years,” so it was surprising when he started getting calls and messages from the show’s casting director, Mark Teschner, telling him to call him. “I’m like, ‘You know, as much as I love Mark and I love that he would reach out to me, that’s awfully intense. Something’s up,” Heast pointed out to Sloane about his road back to the show, noting that after connecting with Teschner, their conversation went like this: “‘What’s the story, what’s happening?’ So then he told me and I kind of look at it as, ‘Daddy’s home and here to take care of his daughter and anything that entails.'” Viewers will recall that Ric is the father of Molly Lansing-Davis (now played by Kristen Vaganos, previously played by Haley Pullos) through his relationship with Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn). In story, Molly is preparing for the birth of her and TJ’s (Tajh Bellow) child, who is being carried by Molly’s sister, Kristina Corinthos-Davis (Kate Mansi), via surrogacy. Upon his return to the studio, Hearst shares that he is looking forward to reconnecting with some of his former castmates, including Grahn, Rebecca Herbst, Maurice Benard, Steve Burton and Laura Wright, all of whom he worked alongside during his previous stint on the show. He’s also looking forward to meeting Vaganos, who took over the role of Molly last year following the abrupt departure of Haley Pullos. “I’ve heard wonderful things about her and I’m looking forward to meeting her and just being an open book for her so that it helps drive whatever story that we’re going to be in,” an enthused Hearst told TV Insider. Hearst’s return to “General Hospital” coincides with previous reports of the show looking to bring back past characters with their familiar portrayers. Earlier this month, it was announced that Jonathan Jackson would be reprising his role as Lucky Spencer on the series after last appearing on the show for a brief run in 2015. Note: The post Rick Hearst Back to ‘General Hospital’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

14 consecutive weeks at under two million for GH and 20 weeks overall this season, which is week 43 of the 2023-2024 broadcast television season. That said, all daytime shows are experiencing some of the worst demos among Women 18-49 and Women 25-54, which are all mostly lumped together for the most part. Sad times.

Lifetime has acquired the independent film “Forever” starring and executive produced by Taye Diggs (“Guiding Light,” “All American”) and Meagan Good (“Divorce in the Black,” “Think Like a Man”), which will premiere Saturday, August 24 at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT on the network under its “Terry MicMillan Presents” movie banner. In “Terry McMillan Presents: Forever,” Johnnie (Diggs) returns home after a tour of military service, where he’s unexpectedly met with divorce papers. With his life at a crossroads, the last thing he expected was to fall for local policewoman Carlie (Good), who pulled him over for speeding. Determined to win her heart, his first hurdle is winning over her three daughters. However, to be the man Carlie needs him to be, Johnnie must let go of old fears and regrets to find love and learn the true meaning of family. Directed by Charles Murray (“Outer Range,” “Luke Cage,” “Things Never Said”), who will also serve as an executive producer, “Terry McMillan Presents: Forever” reunites Diggs with novelist Terry McMillan (“How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” “Waiting to Exhale”) from their work together on the popular film “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” which also starred Angela Bassett (“9-1-1”). “Terry McMillan Presents” is a series of movies set to focus on the love and lives of African American women. “Terry McMillan Presents: Forever” is the second film under the branding following the premiere of “Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted By Love,” starring and executive produced by Garcelle Beauvais. That movie will premiere on Saturday, August 17, on Lifetime. “Terry McMillan Presents: Forever” is produced by The Ninth House in association with GroupM Motion Entertainment. Diggs, Good and McMillan executive produce. Murray executive produces and directs from a script written by Bart Baker. Richard Foster and Chet Fenster are executive producers for GroupM Motion Entertainment. Producers Shelby Stone, Autumn Federici and Jake Helgren serve as producers for The Ninth House. Note: The post Taye Diggs & Meagan Good to Star in ‘Terry McMillan Presents: Forever’ For Lifetime appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

After first striking a partnership deal with CBS Media Ventures in March 2021 to help the preeminent company in television syndication connect advertisers with African American consumers, NuTime Media is furthering its relationship with CBS to help the network sell advertising for new daytime drama series “The Gates.” As part of its agreement, Black-owned NuTime Media will act as a sales rep to sell national advertising opportunities for “The Gates.” “We are thrilled to add ‘The Gates’ to our portfolio of products,” said Morris McWilliams, NuTime Media’s president and CEO, in a statement. “A daytime drama of this kind has not been on broadcast television in over 35 years, and we are certain it will fill that void and have positive appeal with African American audiences.” Michele Val Jean Sonja Flemming/CBS Launching in January 2025 on CBS, “The Gates” is the first all-new daytime soap opera to launch on broadcast television since the 1999 debut of “Passions.” The series also marks the first time since the 1989 launch of “Generations” that a daily serial will feature a predominately Black cast and the first time since the 1987 launch of “The Bold and the Beautiful” that CBS will have premiere a new soap opera on the network. Created by Michele Val Jean (“The Bold and the Beautiful,” “General Hospital”), who also serves as showrunner and executive producer, “The Gates” tells the story of a wealthy Black family in a posh, gated community. Casting and behind-the-scenes crew announcements have yet to be announced. However, last month, Val Jean posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying “You guys! The team for #TheGates is coming together and it’s [three fire emojis]. I couldn’t be happier. Exciting announcements coming soon. Stay tuned!” The deal with CBS Media Ventures saw NuTime Media expand opportunities for the advertising community to engage with the African American consumer through premium programming, specifically CMV’s highly rated first-run series such as “Entertainment Tonight,” “Inside Edition,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “Jeopardy” and “Family Feud,” among others. Initiatives included soliciting third parties to represent their African-American-focused programming and partnering with like-minded content creators to develop advertiser-friendly programming in syndication. Note: The post CBS Expands Partnership With NuTime Media To Sell National Advertising Opportunities for ‘The Gates’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

I'm basing what I know on what I know, independent of online chatter. There's more at play. That's, again, all I'll say.

I'm partly disappointed but thoroughly excited to see where things are heading. That's as much as I can say.

My understanding is it'll be PM/EK until early to mid-August. Around then, we'll find out what the new team will officially look like. I can't speak more on it right now, but it is interesting what's going on behind the scenes.

Following news of his exit as head writer from “Days of our Lives,” Ron Carlivati has formally issued a statement, thanking the show’s executives for the seven-and-a-half-year opportunity while reiterating that his work will air through at least April 2025. “It has honestly been one of the great joys of my life to be the head writer of Days of Our Lives for the past seven-and-a-half years,” Carlivati said in a statement published by TV Insider’s Stephanie Sloane. “I want to thank [executive producer] Ken Corday, [co-executive producer] Janet Drucker and the entire cast and crew at ‘DAYS’ for an amazing run. Thanks also to [Peacock executives] Michael Sluchan, Cherise Masukawa and everyone at Peacock for their unfailing support. To the fans, thank you for your passion.” “My material will continue to air through April of 2025, so I really hope you enjoy what’s coming!” continued Carlivati, who took over as the show’s head writer in January 2017. His first scripts began airing on July 19, 2017, which today officially marks seven years since his material began on the series. Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie have been named the show’s new head writers, effective immediately. During his tenure as head writer, “Days of our Lives” won the Writers Guild Award for Daytime Drama for four consecutive years, including 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, and the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing Team in 2018 and 2022, respectively. Carlivati previously served as head writer at “General Hospital” and “One Life to Live,” the latter of which won him his first-ever Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing Team in 2008. During his “General Hospital” run (2012-2015), the show won the Writers Guild Award for Daytime Drama for two consecutive years, winning in 2014 and 2015. Note: The post Ron Carlivati Thanks Fans For Their “Passion” Following News of Exit from ‘Days of our Lives’ As Head Writer appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

It looks to me like Carlivati fulfilled the requirements of his contract (i.e. it wasn't renewed) when you consider how long the strike lasted and how much time past since his material started airing again following the strike to his being let go today, and how long we have to wait for his material to stop airing.