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“The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards” are set to take place on Friday, June 7, LIVE from 8:00-10:00 p.m. ET/delayed PT on CBS, the network and The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced today. The awards show will also be available to stream Live and On Demand on Paramount+. Marking the 18th time that CBS has broadcast the Daytime Emmy Awards, more than any other network, the ceremony will once again take place at the historic Westin Bonaventure Los Angeles. The Lifetime Achievement honoree, nominations, host, and additional information will be announced in the coming weeks. “We eagerly anticipate our return in June as we once again partner with CBS to recognize the exceptional and talented individuals who make daytime television great,” said Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS. He added, “We’re thrilled to kick off our second half-century of the Daytime Emmys.” NATAS and Associated Television International (ATI), which produced Daytime Emmy Award ceremonies on The CW in 2009 and on CBS in 2010, 2011, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, will again produce this year’s awards show. Adam Sharp and Lisa Armstrong are executive producers from NATAS, while David McKenzie is executive producer from ATI. Since 1974, the Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts, honoring work in a variety of categories, including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary, and legal/courtroom programs. In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy jointly announced plans to realign the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards to be organized by content genre rather than program airtime. In February, the organization announced it had eliminated the Outstanding Younger Performer in a Daytime Drama Series category and the Outstanding Promotional Announcement category. The elimination of Younger Performer marked the first time since 1985 that the category will not be presented to a performer (actor or actress) under a certain age. Additional changes include the eligibility criteria for Daytime Program Host, including Daytime Personality (Daily) and Daytime Personality (Non-Daily). Note: The post ‘The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ to Air Friday, June 7 on CBS appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

This week on “The View,” hosts Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell and Sheryl Underwood welcome guests Marg Helgenberger, Chris Hardwick and Rita Moreno, among others. Check out our breakdown below to find out who else will appear on the daytime talk show during the week of March 11-15, 2024. TV LISTINGS FEATURED GUESTSEPISODEMarch 11, 2024 Actor Marg Helgenberger (CSI: VEGAS); television personality Erika JayneMondayMarch 12, 2024 Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff; chef David RoseTuesdayMarch 13, 2024 Television host and actor Chris Hardwick; reporter and television host Malika AndrewsWednesdayMarch 14, 2024 Actor Rita Moreno ThursdayMarch 15, 2024 Actor and director Chelsea Peretti; author and host Lewis HowesFriday Note: Guest attendance is subject to change. RECENT DISCUSSIONS Visit the show’s official website for information on tickets and where and how to watch. Broadcast from Studio City in Los Angeles, CA, “The Talk” is produced by CBS Television Studios and airs weekdays at 2:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT on CBS. The show is also available to stream Live and On Demand on Paramount+. Rob Crabbe serves as showrunner/executive producer with Ed Horwitz and Ianthe Jones as co-executive producers. Note: The post The Talk Guest Lineup for the Week of March 11-15, 2024 appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

This week on “The View,” hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro welcome guests Busy Phillips, Tamron Hall, Ice-T and Theresa Caputo, among others. Check out our breakdown below to find out who else will appear on the daytime talk show during the week of March 11-15, 2024. TV LISTINGS FEATURED GUESTSEPISODEMarch 11, 2024 Busy Philipps (“Girls5eva”)MondayMarch 12, 2024 Tamron Hall (host, “Tamron Hall,” and author, “Watch Where They Hide”); Patton Oswalt (“Manhunt”)TuesdayMarch 13, 2024 The Political View with Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.)WednesdayMarch 14, 2024 Ice-T (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”) ThursdayMarch 15, 2024 Theresa Caputo (“Theresa Caputo: Raising Spirits”)Friday Note: Guest attendance is subject to change. RECENT DISCUSSIONS Broadcast from New York City, “The View” is produced by ABC News and airs weekdays at 11:00 a.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT on ABC. The show is also available to stream Live and On Demand on Hulu. Brian Teta serves as showrunner/executive producer with Sarah de la O as director. Note: The post The View Guest Lineup for the Week of March 11-15, 2024 appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

This week on “General Hospital,” a thought to be dead Jason (Steve Burton) has returned to Port Charles and not everyone is pleased to see him, least of all Drew (Cameron Mathison) who decides its time to end things once and for all with Carly (Laura Wright). Elsewhere, a Spixie reunion is on track, as long as Maxie (Kirsten Storms) and Spinelli (Bradford Anderson) can resolve their issues. Meanwhile, Josslyn (Eden McCoy) once again tries to stop Dex (Evan Hofer) from leaving Port Charles. Separately, Natalia’s (Eva LaRue) surpirse for Blaze (Jacqueline Grace Lopez) doesn’t go over well, and Jordan (Tanisha Harper) contemplates her future. DVR ALERTS MUST SEE MOMENTSEPISODEMonday, March 11, 2024 – Carly reveals the news about Jason to Sonny. – John and Anna continue their pursuit. – Maxie and Spinelli try to resolve their issues. – Sasha offers her support to Cody. #15423Tuesday, March 12, 2024 – Drew confronts Carly. – Jason asks for a favor. – Sam is emotional. – Finn assesses Heather. – Natalia surprises Blaze.#15424Wednesday, March 13, 2024 – Sonny fears Jason has changed. – Michael is in shock. – Selina shares information with Curtis. – Drew blows off some steam. – Jordan has doubts about her career.#15425Thursday, March 14, 2024 – Jason explains where he has been. – Lois checks in on Sonny. – John asks Carly for help. – Sam has trouble hiding her suspicions. – Molly speaks to Anna about potential charges.#15426Friday, March 15, 2024 – Heather gets medical information. – Diane has a proposal for Alexis. – Kevin reveals something to Marshall about his diagnosis. – Josslyn tries to stop Dex from leaving. – Nina humiliates Gregory.#15427 PROMO Note: The post General Hospital PreVUE for the Week of March 11-15, 2024 appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

Adam Huss (“General Hospital”), Vincent Irizarry (“All My Children,” “Guiding Light”), and Jordi Vilasuso (“Guiding Light,” “The Young and the Restless”) have signed on to star in “The BLVD,” an all-new six-episode digital drama series set in the fast-paced world of a boutique public relations agency during awards season which is slated to premiere this spring. The Devanny Pinn-created series features an irresistible blend of intrigue, rivalry, and romance. Days of our Lives director Sonia Blangiardo will serve as a consulting producer, and “The Nanny” star Nicholle Tom will also appear among the show’s cast. Production began last week in Los Angeles. Devanny recently made her directorial debut with the film “The Black Mass,” a crime thriller about a group of college women who are stalked by a serial killer in 1970s Florida. An official logline for “The BLVD” highlights an insider’s perspective into the intricate world of red carpets, press junkets, and photo shoots that make up the exciting and demanding period that awards season, with scandalous clients, jobs on the line, and a firm with one goal in mind: win at all costs. “At its core, The BLVD is a story about ambition, self-discovery, and the lengths people will go to succeed in the competitive world of Hollywood,” said Pinn in a statement. Producer Michelle Romano (who also appears in the show) adds, “We are all so proud of this project and excited for audiences to see it.” Additional cast members announced for “The BLVD” include Chelsea Gilson (“Merry Single Christmas,” “The Black Mass”), Mariposa Miranda (The Black Mass”) and fashion designer Shekhar Rahate, among others. Soap Opera Digest first reported the news. Note: The post Adam Huss, Vincent Irizarry and Jordi Vilasuso to Star in Digital Drama Series ‘The BLVD’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

“Live with Kelly and Mark” will celebrate the Oscars with the annual “After the Oscars” episode, airing Monday, March 11. In celebration of the highly anticipated show, hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are seen parodying the AMC Theatres feature starring Nicole Kidman, which appears before the start of every movie shown at the movie chain. In the clip, Ripa can be seen dressed in similar attire to what is worn by Kidman, along with a near step-by-step replication of Kidman from the hair, the dialogue and the scenery. The only difference is that instead of the AMC logo, it is a “Live” interpretation, as shown throughout. “We come to this place for magic. We come to LIVE theaters to laugh, to cry, to care because we need that, all of us. That indescribable feeling that we get when the lights begin to dim,” says Ripa at the start of the clip, which shows her walking through a digital copy of a movie theater similar to the one shown by Kidnman. In the next scene, Ripa can be seen as Barbie from “Barbie” as she drives away from Barbieland. Like in the movie, Ken (Consuelos) pops out of the back seat and sings along with her. The following scene shows the two back in the theater, where Consuelos can also be seen on the big screen playing an iteration of Zorro, and picks up where Ripa left off with her dialogue when she adds, “And we go somewhere we have never been before. Not just entertainment, but somehow reborn, together.” A sendup of “There’s Something About Mary” is shown with Ripa as the Mary character played by Cameron Diaz in the film and Consuelos playing Ben Stiller’s role as Ted. Speaking of Consuelos, he takes over as narrator, noting, “Dazzling images, on a huge silver screen. Sound that I can view [Consuelos appears as Tom Cruise in ‘The Firm’]. Somehow, heartbreak feels good in a place like this.” Taking on the Sharon Stone persona from “Basic Instinct,” Ripa answers the question of whether she killed someone when she responds to the question posed to her, saying, “I’d have to be pretty stupid to write a book about killing and then kill someone the way I described it in my book. [pause for effect] I’m not stupid.” Following those words, Consuelos and Ripa can next be seen eating popcorn from a bucket adorning the “Live with Kelly and Mark” title in a font similar to AMC Theatres as Ripa does the iconic leg toss that was shown the “Basic Instinct” film. The final movie represented in the clip is the 1987 film “Dirty Dancing,” with Consuelos playing Patrick Swayze’s character, Johnny Castle and Ripa appearing as Jennifer Grey’s character, Baby Houseman, in a sendup of the final dance where Johnny catches Baby in the air as the song “(I’ve had) The Time Of My Life” plays them out. The clip ends with the hosts saying, “Live with Kelly and Mark: We make the Oscars better,” a play on Kidman’s words in the AMC commercial where she says, “AMC Theatres: We make movies better.” The “After the Oscars” episode of “Live with Kelly and Mark” airs Monday, March 11. Check local listings or visit the show’s official website for information on where and how to watch. To watch the clip for yourself, click on the play button below. Note: The post ‘Live with Kelly and Mark’ Parodies AMC Theatres in ‘After the Oscars’ Episode Promo appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

This week on “Live with Kelly and Mark,” hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos celebrate the Oscars with the annual “After the Oscars” show, LIVE from the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. The hosts also welcome guests Jesse Palmer (“The Bachelor”), Angela Bassett (“9-1-1”) and Mikey Day (“Saturday Night Live,” “Is It Cake?”), among others. Check out our breakdown below to find out who else will appear on the daytime talk show during the week of March 11-15, 2024. TV LISTINGS FEATURED GUESTSEPISODEMarch 11, 2024 It’s Live’s “After the Oscars” Show, LIVE from the Dolby Theater in Hollywood! Kelly and Mark will be joined by SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO! Plus, a special performance from ANDY GRAMMER! And JESSE PALMER arrives to share exclusive red carpet coverage from the big night! Also, ELAINE WELTEROTH arrives to chat about the fashion trends seen at this year’s Oscars!MONDAYMarch 12, 2024 The hosts are back in New York and CARRIE COON will join them to speak about the new film “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.” Also, BEAU BRIDGES arrives to share details about his film “The Neon Highway.” Plus, a special look behind the scenes of Live’s “After the Oscars” special!TUESDAYMarch 13, 2024 Kelly and Mark sit down with ANGELA BASSETT to discuss her role in ABC’s “9-1-1”! Plus, TIG NOTARO will speak about her upcoming comedy special, “Hello Again.”WEDNESDAYMarch 14, 2024 JENNY MCCARTHY WAHLBERG is in studio to discuss the newest season of “The Masked Singer.” Plus, MONICA MANGIN arrives to share some exclusive clever solution bargains! Also, MIKEY DAY stops by to chat about the new season of “Is It Cake?”! THURSDAYMarch 15, 2024 DAVID ALAN GRIER joins the hosts to chat about the upcoming film “The American Society of Magical Negroes.” Also, MONICA MANGIN helps the hosts celebrate National Crafting Month!FRIDAY Note: Guest attendance is subject to change. VIDEO Broadcast from New York City, “Live with Kelly and Mark” is distributed in national syndication by Disney Entertainment and airs weekdays. Check local listings. The show is produced by WABC-TV and executive produced by Michael Gelman and Kelly Ripa. Visit the show’s official website for information on tickets and where and how to watch. Note: The post Live with Kelly and Mark Guest Lineup for the Week of March 11-15, 2024 appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

It was announced during last night’s broadcast that comedian Ramy Youssef will host the Saturday, March 30 episode of “Saturday Night Live,” and Travis Scott will serve as musical guest. This marks Youssef’s first time hosting and Scott’s second time as musical guest, having made his debut in 2018. Youssef, who is the fourth standup comedian to host the show this season, is out promoting his new HBO comedy special, “Ramy Youssef: More Feelings,” which premieres Saturday, March 23 on Max, the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streaming service. In the special, Youssef discusses discrimination in America, amomg other topics. Youssef can also be seen in the Oscar-nominated film “Poor Things,” which stars Emma Stone and is currently up for 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. In a trailer for “More Feelings,” Youssef talks about being done apologizing and saying peaceful things, noting, “For 20 years, we’ve had to prove to people that we’re safe. Every time you turn on CNN, there’s some Arab dude talking about how ‘Islam’ means ‘peace.’ You know that guy? But he’s always shouting it. He’s always like, ‘We come in peace!’” Continuing, Youssef added, “You’re like, ‘Bro, that’s the slogan for aliens,’” while pointing out, “‘That’s what aliens say before they take over the f’ing planet, bro.’ I’m done. I’m done saying sorry.” In 2020, Youssef won a Golden Globe for his role in the Hulu original comedy series Ramy. The series followed the title character, who was caught between a religious Muslim community that believes life is a moral test and a millennial generation that doubts an afterlife exists. The show ended after a three season run in 2022. Travis Scott’s latest album, “Utopia,” was released last July, and in October, he kicked off the Circus Maximus Tour in support of the music. The ten-time Grammy-nominated rapper performed three songs off the album during last month’s Grammy Awards. Watch a trailer for “Ramy Youssef: More Feelings” below. Note: The post Ramy Youssef to Host ‘Saturday Night Live’ with Musical Guest Travis Scott on Saturday, March 30 appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

Prepare for the hunt when Lifetime premieres “Hunting Housewives” tonight, Saturday, March 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT. The movie stars Denise Richards (“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”), NeNe Leakes (“The Real Housewives of Atlanta”), Kym Johnson Herjavec (“Dancing With the Stars”) and Melyssa Ford (“The Joe Budden Podcast”) as four housewives who find themselves stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash. To survive and return home to their families, they must have their wits and determination in check. In the film, four friends, Karla Dodds (Richards), Rebel Carron-Whitman (Leakes), Joli Symons (Johnson Herjavec) and Sharell Bouvier (Ford), go on a much-needed spa retreat weekend away from their husbands, children and busy schedules when suddenly they find themselves downed in a plane crash. With no basic survival knowledge, the housewives must use their wits and whatever is in their designer bags to survive in the rugged wilds. When they realize they are not alone, even frenemies must align to outwit their hunters. Produced by Brain Power Studio in association with Nicely Entertainment for Lifetime, “Hunting Housewives” is executive produced by Beth Stevenson, Nancy Yeaman, Stan Hum and Vanessa Shapiro. Marco Deufemia directed the movie from a script written by Paula Tiberius. Watch a trailer for the movie below. If you miss the premiere, Lifetime will rebroadcast the movie on Sunday, March 10 at 12:01 a.m. ET and 5:00 p.m. ET. Note: The post OnTV: ‘Hunting Housewives’ Starring Denise Richards, NeNe Leakes, Kym Johnson Herjavec and Melyssa Ford appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

Not sure if this has already been brought up elsewhere, but The Hollywood Reporter recently did a story on Paramount cutting costs across films and shows. Not sure if this has anything to do with CBS' thinking when it came to The Gates, or anything else, but here you go: Paramount, Citing Experiment During Strikes, to Cut Costs Per Title For Films, Series Paramount CEO Bob Bakish and CFO Naveen Chopra explained their plan to reduce content costs on the company's earnings call. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-content-spending-cuts-2024-1235838881/

As previously reported, Christel Khalil is back taping at “The Young and the Restless” as Lily Winters, and now we finally know when she’ll officially be back in Genoa City! When we last saw Lily, she rushed out of town in December to be with her daughter Mattie, who had been among several (fictional) Standford University students trapped on campus by a wildfire that surrounded them. The storyline was written to explain Khalil’s absence as she had gone on maternity leave in real life after revealing in a June 2023 Instagram post that she was pregnant with her second child, her first with fiancé Sam Restagno — Khalil also has a son, Michael Caden, from a previous relationship. Although an exact date of birth for the couple’s child has not been shared, Khalil did indicate in a November 2023 Instagram post that they were expecting a boy. The post highlighted her baby bump and the bond between mother and father. In the caption, Khail said, “Getting closer to meeting our baby boy…” In an Instagram story posted last month, Khalil shared a short but receptive message, captioning a photo of herself standing in a group shot alongside co-stars Bryton James (Devon) and Eric Braeden (Victor), which said, “Back At It!” The Cheating Game Since Lily’s been out of town, a lot has been happening behind her back; namely, Daniel (Michael Graziadei) has been having a secret relationship with his ex, Heather (Vail Bloom), and things are about to get even messier when the two display public affection without considering where they are. So, when Lily returns during the week of March 11-15, 2024 (more specifically, pencil in Wednesday, March 13), does that mean she’ll catch the two in the act? Or will she have just missed some PDA? You’ll just have to tune in to find out! Michael Graziadei, Christel Khalil (“The Young and the Restless”) Howard Wise/JPI Studios “The Young and the Restless” airs weekdays at 12:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT on CBS. Stream Live and On Demand on Paramount+. Note: The post Christel Khalil’s Back as Lily in Genoa City, and That Spells Trouble for Daniel and Heather on ‘The Young and the Restless’ appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) recently announced that it will replace its longstanding Board of Trustees with a new Board of Directors. The news follows a multi-year restructuring of the Academy’s bylaws and governance to be more representative of the industry communities it serves. The first class of Board members will initially serve terms of one, two, or three years each. Adam Sharp remains President & CEO, and Terry O’Reilly remains Chair. The organization that oversees the Daytime Emmy Awards noted that a national membership model organized around peer groups will elect future Directors to full three-year terms. The initial Board includes (listed alphabetically): Eva Basler Phillip Bell Bob Boden Jared Bowen David Burt, First Vice Chair Joan Cartan-Hansen André Hepkins Jeremy Hubbard Martha Kattan Ronit Larone Julie Lucas, Secretary Theresa Maher Johnson, Treasurer Michelle McHugh Terry O’Reilly, Chair Amy Schmelzer Adam Sharp, President & CEO Jeremiah Slovarp David Solomon Barbara Williams Perry, Second Vice-Chair. NATAS recently announced the winners of “The 75th Annual Technology and Engineering Emmy Awards,” which will take place in partnership with the NAB New York media & technology convention in October. The organization is gearing up for “The 45th Annual Sports Emmy Awards” in New York in the spring, followed by “The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards” in Los Angeles. Details on the awards ceremony will be announced in the coming weeks. “The 45th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards” are open for submissions and will be presented in New York in September. More information about the NATAS executive committee, board members and NATAS itself can be found below. Note: The post The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Announces New Board of Directors, Replacing Board of Trustees appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

“The Bold and the Beautiful” CBS In March 2022, CBS announced it had renewed “The Bold and the Beautiful” for two additional seasons, keeping the series on the air through at least the 2023-2024 television season. What wasn’t known then was that built into that contract was an option to extend the deal to a third year. Last week, shortly after the network announced it was picking up “The Young and the Restless” for an additional four seasons, it was reported that CBS would be exercising its one-year option for “The Bold and the Beautiful” as well. TV Line, which first reported the news of the extension, noted the current season renewals for the two CBS soaps ran through May 2024. News of the “The Young and the Restless” renewal caused worry and confusion among fans of “The Bold and the Beautiful,” as they questioned why one show got a four-year pickup and the other only an extension. The matter was addressed at the top of the broadcast of “Bold Live” during the Friday, March 1 episode the popular YouTube series hosted by “The Bold and the Beautiful” supervising producer Casey Kasprzyk. “Well, the truth is, we are two different shows with two different contracts, two different deals. So it’s not my place to really comment on it other than to say that we’re on a three-year deal, and so the third year was picked up, [which is] the way it works,” commented Kasprzyk within the first three minutes of “Bold Live,” adding, “So next year will be when we negotiate for a brand new contract. So we are currently on a deal that gives us one more year. So we’re on through 2025.” In closing, Kasprzyk said, “Thank you, CBS, we love being on CBS, and we couldn’t be happier. So we’ll have more news next year, and hopefully, we’ll be here for a very, very long time. So, just wanted to clear that up.” Kasprzyk’s comments came before Wednesday’s announcement that CBS is developing a new daytime drama series called “The Gates.” Michele Val Jean, a former scriptwriter at “The Bold and the Beautiful” who departed the soap last month after a 12-year run, is spearheading the potential series as showrunner, executive producer and writer. That said, there is no reason to believe “The Gates” news has any bearing on the future of “The Bold and the Beautiful” on CBS. Additionally, the network has not stated when it hopes to launch “The Gates” should it order it to series. Unlike most primetime shows, a daytime soap opera can take as little as several months to several years before it evolves from an idea to becoming a reality on television screens. Traditionally, CBS has given two-year renewal orders for “The Bold and the Beautiful.” The most recent renewal in 2022 marked the first time CBS had an extension option built into the contract for an additional year that could be exercised when the time came. Launch March 23, 1987, “The Bold and the Beautiful” airs Weekdays at 1:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT on CBS, following all-new episodes of “The Young and the Restless.” The late William J. Bell and the late Lee Phillip Bell created both shows, which combined have taken home 14 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series Watch Kasprzyk on “Bold Live” below. The show also includes an extensive conversation with “The Bold and the Beautiful” star Tanner Novlan (Dr. John “Finn” Finnegan). Note: The post ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ One-Year Contract Extension to Be Exercised, Confirms Supervising Producer Casey Kasprzyk appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

On Wednesday, CBS Studios and NAACP Venture announced “The Gates,” an all-new daytime drama series currently being developed for CBS that follows the lives of a wealthy Black family in a posh, gated community. Veteran soap scribe Michele Val Jean (“The Bold and the Beautiful,” “General Hospital”) will be spearheading the potential series where she is set up as writer, showrunner and executive producer alongside executive producers Sheila Ducksworth, Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson and Kimberly Doebereiner. In her first official statement since the news was announced, Val Jean took to X (formerly Twitter) and said, “I’m so profoundly touched by the overwhelmingly positive response to #TheGates. What made this announcement especially poignant was it happened on @JackieZeman ‘s birthday. She would have loved this. #angelspirit.” Jacklyn Zeman (“General Hospital”) XJJohnson/JPI Studios Val Jean’s post referenced the late Jacklyn Zeman, who played Barbara Jean “Bobbie” Spencer on General Hospital for more than 45 years before she sadly passed away after a short battle with cancer last May. The two worked together during Val Jean’s time as a writer on the ABC daytime drama series, which netted her four Daytime Emmy Awards when the show took home the Emmy for Outstanding Writing Team for a Drama Series in 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2009. In a follow-up statement on X (formerly Twitter), Val Jean noted, “To everyone who reached out about #TheGates know that I appreciate you and I’ll get around to liking:responding to your comments so you know I see you But it’s gonna take a minute so be patient. In the meantime know I’m humbled and grateful for your support. Wow. Let’s do this.” Of course, with “The Gates” becoming the first daytime drama series in development in nearly 25 years, Val Jean was undoubtedly inundated with text messages, DMs, and phone calls congratulating her for not only her continued success but also for becoming the first Black person and first Black woman in the history of television to oversee a daytime soap opera as showrunner/executive producer. In fact, Val Jean remains the only Black person and Black woman to have ever held the position of head writer or co-head writer of a daily serial since the medium (including the radio era) was first introduced nearly 100 years ago! Note: Sheila Ducksworth, president of CBS/NAACP Production Venture, is also an executive producer for “The Gates” and is a Black woman. “General Hospital” Courtesy of ABC In late 2000, Val Jean and Elizabeth Korte were named co-head writers of “General Hospital” before an executive producer change at the ABC soap resulted in their tenure lasting just four months (January 2001 to April 2001). Nearly 20 years after she joined the writing team at “General Hospital,” Val Jean made the jump to “The Bold and the Beautiful” in 2012 as a scriptwriter, winning three additional Daytime Emmy Awards for her work (2015, 2016 and 2020). She remained with the show until last month when it was announced she would be exiting the series. “The Bold and the Beautiful” Courtesy of Bell-Phillip Television Productions In a post on Facebook, Val Jean said at the time of her exit, “I left Bold & Beautiful a couple of weeks ago. It was an amazing run and I loved being there, but it was time for a change. I’m forever grateful to Brad Bell [head writer/executive producer] for giving me a soft place to land when I needed one and to have been part of that writing team full of tremendous people. You guys are always in my heart.” Overall, Val Jean has received 17 Daytime Emmy Award nominations since she began her daytime career in 1989 as a writer for “Generations,” the first daytime drama series to feature a predominantly Black cast, and the series many have already compared “The Gates.” Just over 24 hours after the news first came out about “The Gates,” Val Jean took to X (formerly Twitter), to follow up on her previous statement, saying, “You know what? I lied. Way too many comments/likes to reply to individually. I thank you for every single one and now I have to get to work! #TheGates.” “The Gates” Among the many firsts for “The Gates,” despite the show only being in the development stage right now, include: First daytime soap opera with a Black person/Black woman as showrunner/executive producer. First daytime soap opera in development since the launch of “Passions” in 1999. First daytime soap opera in development to feature a predominantly Black cast since the launch of “Generations” in 1989. First daytime soap opera in development at CBS since the launch of “The Bold and the Beautiful” in 1987. First daytime soap opera in development to be produced by or in partnership with P&G Studios (Proctor & Gamble) since the launch of “Texas” in 1980. If picked up to series, “The Gates” would become the 15th daytime soap opera produced by or in partnership with P&G Studios (Proctor & Gamble). In addition to writing for “General Hospital,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “Santa Barbara,” and “Generations,” Val Jean wrote for “Port Charles,” the short-lived spinoff of “General Hospital.” She also served as a consulting producer on the short-lived OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) primetime soap “Ambitions,” created by Jamey Giddens (writer, “Days of our Lives”). “I could not be more proud and excited for my brilliant friend @MicheleValJean who may have also just saved the future of daytime dramas,” said Jon Lindstrom (Kevin Collins, “General Hospital”) on X (formerly Twitter) in response to the news of “The Gates” at CBS. Other daytime veterans sending congratulations include Eileen Davidson, Ian Buchanan, Nancy Lee Grahn and Ted King, among others. Sheila Ducksworth Courtesy/CBS/NAACP In announcing “The Gates,” fellow executive producer Sheila Ducksworth said in a statement, “‘The Gates’ will be everything we love about daytime drama, from a new and fresh perspective.” She added, “This series will salute an audience that has been traditionally underserved, with the potential to be a groundbreaking moment for broadcast television. With multi-dimensional characters, juicy storylines and Black culture front and center, ‘The Gates’ will have impactful representation, one of the key touchstones of the venture.” Speaking more on CBS/NAACP Venture and P&G’s involvement, Ducksworth shared, “I’m excited to develop this project with CBS and P&G, two of the longest and most passionate champions of broadcast and daytime television, and the NAACP, whose enduring commitment to Black voices and artists is both powerful and inspiring. I also want to thank CBS’ George Cheeks, NAACP’s Derrick Johnson and P&G’s Marc Pritchard for their personal involvement and support to take our next step forward with ‘The Gates.’” On X (formerly Twitter), Ducksworth shared news about the project, saying in a tweet, “Big Things Coming!!!” On the platform, “The Gates” (#TheGates) trended for much of Wednesday, peeking at no. 11 in the United States. The potential show also trended in multiple categories, including Movies & TV and Soap Operas. At press time, several questions remain unanswered, including whether it will be a half-hour or one-hour series, where the show will be taped, when it will premiere (i.e. this fall, next season or 2025-2026 season), who will star in the series, who else will be part of the writing team, and much more. Considering the show was just announced as being in development, this is no surprise. To reiterate Ducksworth and Val Jean’s comments, “Big Things Coming!” and “Let’s Do This!” Are you ready for “The Gates” to open? Stay tuned to Soap Opera Network for all the latest news and updates! Note: The post ‘The Gates’ Showrunner and Executive Producer Michele Val Jean Speaks Out appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website. Read More

To be clear, they noted it was the most-watched daytime program among African American viewers overall, even topping The Price is Right. Yes.

For what it's worth, it makes sense now why CBS made sure to note that Y&R was #1 in African American viewers when they announced its renewal last week. While it is no secret that is and has been the case for ages, this is the first time I believe the network made sure to note that in its renewal announcement.

Another P&G Studios production, this time a documentary which is a followup to another documentary released on Netflix last summer. Harder Than You Think and P&G Studios announce new film to coincide with Paris 2024 ● Harder Than You Think and P&G Studios announce the next chapter in the Rising Phoenix story – a documentary feature film due for global release in summer 2024 ● The film follows on from the success of the double Emmy Award winning film Rising Phoenix, released in 2020 ● The new film will be produced by a critically acclaimed team, including Academy Award nominee Jim Lebrecht and Academy Award winner John Battsek. The film will be directed by Sheridan O’Donnell, who identifies as having a disability. https://www.paralympic.org/news/harder-you-think-and-pg-studios-announce-new-film-coincide-paris-2024

https://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2024/03/cassandra-james-back-to-general-hospital For reference, my article isn't solely based on Cassandra's tweet. I was able to confirm she was taping on Wednesday.

I'm mostly joking, but at least we we might get NAACP Image Awards nominations again for the daytime soap actors, if not the soaps themselves. No way NAACP passes up up the chance of nominating a show it's involved in. Just saying.

I wouldn't worry about B&B. I don't doubt this is why CBS opted to just give the show an extension for another year instead of negotiating a new deal as it leaves the network to worry about other areas across its lineup while enabling it to put its focus on developing this show. B&B is not in danger despite those demos.

Right! And there was no SON. At best, there was SoapZone (forget it's name before it was called that, btw) and the AMC Pages (now called Soap Central). Soap Opera Network launched in October 2001, more than two years after "Passions." Theoretically, none of us were alive in the social media/message board instance in terms of our respective user names. Heck, I didn't even go by my real name back in those early days. How far we've come in the last 22-25 years.

Outside of episode count and differences in pay, five years isn't actually something I'd worry about. Primetime shows required seven season deals and even with shorter filming schedules, it gave actors limited chances of doing a movie and a series simultaneously. A soap could still manage this similar to how GH is now doing with NIcholas Chavez. The only problem is the actor should remember soaps ARE NOT a stepping stone for "bigger and better things." They are just as much a TV show as "9-1-1" or "This is Us."

One thing I can't wait to see, and I really enjoyed being part of during the AMC/OLTL reboots, is the casting releases! Finding out who is joining this show and what character they play as news trickles in will give me (and the Community) LIFE!!!!

Also, so with Sheila Ducksworth as co-EP from CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, Kimberly Doebereiner from P&G as VP of advertising, what part of CBS, NAACP and P&G are the other two from? Talking of Leon Russell and Derrick Johnson Yup. You not crazy. Just believe in THRIVING! Haha.

Pandemic taught them they can't sell soap to an audience at home by simply advertising in the supermarkets. They need to get their brand back in the minds of everyday consumers. Seriously though, this is great. Already reached out to a contact at the studios to see if I might get more info on this and what else is cooking up behind the scenes. As I said last summer, pandemic and strikes were eye openers to the industry. During both occasions, the only genre or daypart still chucking along was daytime and soaps in particular. It didn't go unnoticed. Now, that Net Code contract will be even more valuable when it's up for renewal soon. Hopefully, SAG-AFTRA pays attention and secures a good deal the AMPTP can live with. It'll only help spearhead more developments.