GLATWT88

In 1969, there were 19 soaps that accounted for 9.5 hours of daytime programming. In 1976, those 15 soaps still accounted for 9.5 hours of programming because several soaps increased their runtime. In fact, the 12 soaps in 1989 were probably the most soap opera programming in daytime ever (based on time) as all 3 networks had 3.5 hours of soap programming each day, a total of 10.5 hours of soap opera programming in daytime. From 1991-1999, soaps made up 10 hours of programming each day (as NBC never returned to 3.5 hrs after Generations was cancelled and ABC continued it's half hour with Loving, The City, and PC). In 2005, there were 8.5 hours of soaps each day and just 2 years earlier in 2003 there was 9 hours. We all know what ends up happening between 2007 - 2011. I think the shift in soap programming began in the 1999 with AW's cancelation and NBC opting for only two hours of programming. Then ABC getting rid of its half hour block in 2003. With Passions gone in 2007 and NBC holding on to a single hour, the other networks soon followed the trend. But it wasn't all necessarily the networks fault, viewership has continued to free fall. I honestly think storytelling sucks in daytime right now. Since COVID i have tried to get back into soaps and not a single one has enticed me to continue watching beyond a day or two. Even in the 2000s soaps had more excitement and allure. I honestly watch GH, DAYS, YR, and BB and I can't get into any of it. It's like nothing is happening and nothing about any of it reads soap. The odd thing is that many of these soaps have tried to evolve to feel less like soap operas (imo) but are telling stories that are formulaic and played out. So you lose the soap feel, and get tired storylines on top of that.

Such a great standalone episode and so well done.

GL at #2. Looked up what was happening that week and found the following summary if anyone else is curious: Holly left with Christina for Switzerland and told Ed she was getting out of his way for the sake of his and Rita’s happiness. Tim was arrested for drunk driving and later jumped on Kelly for blabbing to Sara. Elizabeth took Phillip from Justin and Jackie for Thanksgiving. Andy urged Barbara to go into the restaurant business to get over the shock of Adam and Sara’s planned wedding. Rita accused Ed of blaming her for Holly’s departure. Chet drew a sketch of Jane Marie to aid in the search for her. Ben decided to be a witness for Jennifer’s defense, but couldn’t face telling Amanda. Diane got fed up with Joe when he insisted that the tapes are missing. Alan told Rita he will surprise Hope with a Christmas vacation to their deserted island.

Incredible weeks for YR and SFT.

Yikes, NBC at the bottom. Only Days beat out Edge, and just barely on that second week. GL staying strong against massive GH.

🤣 Tracy, Martin, and Diane in full business attire at the pool. I feel like it would work if it was an outdoor beach club vibe with tables and a bar/cafe. People could be out and about or stepped away from the office, but otherwise it does look a bit silly with Martin lounging on a chair by a pool in a button down and pants.

Do we have any idea what the budget is like at GH these days? GH is currently pulling in GL Peapack numbers in terms of total viewers and less than half of the 18-49 numbers GL was pulling at the end. Obviously, 2023 is a completely different TV landscape and producing a soap in LA vs NYC has different expenses, but GH is still looking decent as far as sets and production. They also have quite a large cast. Any figures out there?

Wow, it just all seems like a blur now. Might have to revisit some of these, especially the Mothers Day episode. I caught a bit of the one titled The Law and A.C. is on some reality type show being followed by a camera on a sting operation. I'm honestly surprised they even had a police precinct set at this time. In my mind things looked more bleek, but I guess even compared to a few years earlier it probably did at the time. I may also been thinking about how bad things got in '07. My memory has gotten a bit hazy.

Didn't know what to watch when I got home today and ended up down a GL rabbit hole on YouTube. I was all over the place, but I noticed there were a few 2006 episodes that have episode titles at the beginning of the episodes and almost serve as standalone episodes. I don't remember this at all even though I was watching at the time. Was this something new GL was trying at the time?

I know Dack passed less than a decade after leaving the series, but have any other details surfaced? Do you remember where Dack shared this information? Did Larry ever respond to these claims? Did Jamie die twice in the dream season?

I know! I always think that they tried to get rid of her once but she was saved simply because the whole season was a dream and then she's killed off again.

With all the departures in season 10, I don't understand why they didn't hold on to Jamie and Jack. They were Ewings and being torn between Ewing and Barnes lines. Jamie had a romantic connection with Cliff which blurred the line of loyalty she had to either side. Jack had a stake in Ewing which was compromised by April coming into the picture. It would have kept the feud going with both Ewings and Barnes in several directions.

Awww! This is sweet.

Do we have any info or stats regarding how Days is doing over on Peacock?

Omg, what?! One of the nephews she took in and was caring for passed? I've had a rough time getting into RHOA these past two seasons. It used to be one of my can't miss franchises, but I'm not feeling these new girls.

Thanks, seems like it was a gradual build. I wonder how I would feel revisiting those episodes. If it at all feels rushed.

Didn't realize that Beauty and the Beast was on the same night as Dallas and Falcon Crest. And those Cosby ratings are insane. I can't even imagine a TV show on broadcast pulling in half those viewers on a weekly basis anymore.

I believe Joe and Melissa are lying about Gia. That left side was just throwing anything hoping it would stick and for all the receipts they brought, they produced nothing credible. Louie is weird. I am not team Louie and my lord do I want to smack him when he does his little handshake at the end of these reunions. You all just talked smack to each other for hours, cut the bullshit and forget about shaking anyone's hand who just accused you of the most vile [!@#$%^&*]. It doesn't make you look like the better person. That said, I don't believe he contacted Fuda's ex. John wanted a moment and he had it. Plain and simple. Joe and Melissa claim to be done with Teresa all season to the point they skip her wedding. Soon as Teresa says she's done and wants nothing to do with them, they're on WWHL saying it's not done, it's never done and on the reunion they say they love her and care about her. As if it wasn't already obvious they need Teresa for a paycheck. The cast needs a refresh. I honestly can't tell you what Melissa, Margaret, or Dolores' storylines were this season. Danielle and Jen's storylines were also weak. We had one therapy session with the Aydins and Danielle crying about her relationship with her brother but giving us some bs reason as to why they stopped talking. I know this may be unpopular, but I think Caroline should come back. I would have never said this before as I am not a fan. However, Teresa opened the door when she "apologized" to Caroline at the reunion. Also, there is so much unresolved issues between Teresa and Caroline that could be hashed out. Similarly, Caroline has a connection to Dolores and Danielle. It's a shame Jacqueline and Dina live so far. Not that Dina would return anyway, but to have those four back to do some healing would be great.

I remember when Joan Van Ark joined YR, my first reaction was that she hadn't aged as gently as some of the other primetime soap ladies. I think because she's quite thin, it does tend to age her a bit more on top of some of the work she's had done. I do think Linda is looking great as well.

When did Dallas officially switch over to multi-episode arcs? I've watched the earlier seasons but can't really place when it officially happened. I just watched it recently and my first thought was well that wouldn't fly on TV today.

I agree. I don't know if Morgan Fairchild's interpretation of Jenna would have meshed with the other characters as well as Presley's. Presley's came across as likeable whereas Fairchild's had a more self-serving and manipulative edge. I personally loved the direction of Jenna and Jack. Even if Bobby returned for season 10 (awaking from a coma) it would have been interesting to see him struggle with wanting to be with Pam, but not being able to see Jenna with someone else. Would have been an interesting dynamic to explore since Jack also had a stake in Ewing Oil.

I personally didn't mind Presley in the role. I actually thought she did a good job - season 9 and 10 were rough tho.

Honestly, Jenna and Ray just gives me the ick. I would have preferred Bobby awakens from a coma and learns that Jenna and Jack have gotten closer. Amazing! Will give it a watch.

Personally, I felt like season 9 was a good direction for most of the characters' stories. Season 10 was a hard reset for a lot of great stuff that was going on, such as the adoption storyline for Ray and Donna, the progress of JR and Sue Ellen's relationship, Jamie and Jack integrating into the canvas, Jenna and Jack. There were a few misses as well, but overall it was a solid season and I think the stories helped keep Dallas in the top 10 considering all the other soaps were out. Also, the real audience erosion came during season 9, not in season 10. If I remember correctly from the ratings thread, the premiere for season 9 did quite well. I am assuming most people were interested in the aftermath of Bobby's death, but with his departure, they didn't care to continue watching. Season 10 was a bit of a bandaid, but it wouldn't help when a bunch of familiar faces exited at the end of the season. Then with season 11 onward you have a very steady and significant decline.

Omg, yes!!!! I was wondering why she wasn't in an episode in Colombia, and my initial thought when she next appeared was that her face looked different, but I couldn't quite pinpoint what was different. Thank you for sharing. Wow, Victoria looks completely different here.