True, but ATWT has just as many "heavy hitters": Roger Howarth, Martha Byrne, Cady McClain, Maura West, Michael Park, John Hensley....and a lot more actors who have been around longer than the average GL actor. We will never really know what the talent budget is for each show, but if one assumes they are comparable, then why does GL look like an old dish rag?

They aren't comparable at all, P&G always imposed more severe budget cuts on GL, than ATWT. However, GL has gone over budget several time, which hasn't happened on ATWT. I know Rauch and Conboy were accused of spending GL's money like water. I know Conboy spent over a million dollars on a baseball set, which was only used ONCE. Those two are perhaps single-handedly responsible for why GL is in the predicament it's in now. Also, you have to keep in mind that ATWT has traditionally done better than GL in terms of overall viewers, which does factor in some way or another.

I know Conboy spent over a million dollars on a baseball set, which was only used ONCE.

Oh I remember that. Wasn't it for Shayne's last baseball game or something like that?

Since I watch AMC all of the time and the rest of the soaps very minimally, I will just go with AMC

They aren't comparable at all, P&G always imposed more severe budget cuts on GL, than ATWT. However, GL has gone over budget several time, which hasn't happened on ATWT. I know Rauch and Conboy were accused of spending GL's money like water. I know Conboy spent over a million dollars on a baseball set, which was only used ONCE. Those two are perhaps single-handedly responsible for why GL is in the predicament it's in now. Also, you have to keep in mind that ATWT has traditionally done better than GL in terms of overall viewers, which does factor in some way or another.

Exactly. It doesn't help that GL has been slaughtered by GH in the ratings race for years.

Oh, there's no way ATWT got as bad a budget slash as GL received. The difference in production values for those two shows is like day and night, respectively.

Oh, GL had great sets when Rauch was EP! Springfield actually looked real, and not like an elementary school production the way it does today.

However, the lighting on GL during the Rauch era was so bright that it looked like the entire cast jumped into a vat of Crisco. I remember seeing the changes Conboy first made and I was very pleased. Of course, that was when Millee Taggart and Carolyn Culliton were writing the show.

If ATWT continues with it's craptastic ratings, they might be down to using two sets like GL soon. LOL!

However, the lighting on GL during the Rauch era was so bright that it looked like the entire cast jumped into a vat of Crisco. I remember seeing the changes Conboy first made and I was very pleased. Of course, that was when Millee Taggart and Carolyn Culliton were writing the show.

I agree with that. The lighting was a complete 180 of what it is today, far too bright instead of way too dark. And it always looked like the camera lens was covered in vaseline which really annoyed me.

If ATWT continues with it's craptastic ratings, they might be down to using two sets like GL soon. LOL!

At the rate JP's going, I wouldn't be surprised.

ATWT, B&B and Y&R have the best sets

Worst:

GH, Passions

I agree with other posters that the lighting plays an important part,especially on videotape,which can look very harsh,with shadows falling on actors' faces.It puzzles me how the lok of a show can change for the worse when a new producer comes in.Perhaps it is a budget thing and less time is taken lighting the sets.

I remember an article from years ago,when Mary Ellis-Bunim took over ATWT and talked about key lighting -where special lights were placed depending on where actors were placed on the set to present them in the most attractive and flattering light.I imagine this would take extra time and expense.

In terms of sets,I agree that the Newman Ranch needs a makeover.I recall it was redecorated in the late 80's by Cassandra Rawlins.Surely millionaires would indulge in a spot of renovation in almost 20 years!

Occasionally the set was extended to show the dining room and it looked a little more convincing.

The Abbott set always annoyed me because the floorplan makes no sense... and that tiny staircase!The same applies to Katherine's house.

When soaps started making the rich people in town multi millionaires the budget couldn't depict their lifestyles an the sets were not up to scratch.

I did like the Williams house on Y&R.

Also,the Horton house on DOOL looked realistic.On old clips,a dining room,a terrace and study were shown.I wonder when and why they were phased out.Hopefullythat set will be seen again.

I really don't get the love for B&B's sets, particularly the Forrester mansion.

Setting aside the faux mansion-foyer=dining room aspect of it which is laughable, it's so dated. I mean has it ever been changed in the whole time its existed? In 1987 it was relatively glamorous and represented contemporary, modern Californian chic with the decor. But it's not 1987 anymore and I refuse to believe billionaire fashion moguls would be living in a house that looks like a latter day playhouse for Jackie Collins.

And so small and cheap, the mansion.

Plus, I forgot to add that I hate the beach house! All that horrible furniture, it looks cluttered, and that fake flowers and plants outside... A total flop!

Sunset Beach sets wasn't bad.

Ben's house was beautiful.

The best set was of course the beach, the pier.

GL has some really cheap, terrible sets...but so does GH. The hospital is looking mighty tacky as of late and the lighting on that show doesn't look so hot which is funny because Jill Farren Phelps is renowned for her good taste in sets and production values.

You're equating GL's sets to the ones on GH?

If ATWT continues with it's craptastic ratings, they might be down to using two sets like GL soon. LOL!

Each time, I think, the show's are up for renewal, the budget for both ATWT & GL decreases. Next renewal date: July 2008.

ATWT, B&B and Y&R have the best sets

Worst:

GH, Passions

You're equating the Passions sets to the ones on GH?

First Rate

GH, Y&R, B&B

Second Rate

OLTL (the most overrated sets), ATWT, Another World, Loving, Ryan's Hope, Santa Barbara, DOOL, AMC

Third Rate

GL, Passions, Port Charles, Sunset Beach

Rauch & Conboy did mismanage GL's finances. I wonder how they are with their own money/assets?

You're equating GL's sets to the ones on GH?

Each time, I think, the show's are up for renewal, the budget for both ATWT & GL decreases. Next renewal date: July 2008.

You're equating the Passions sets to the ones on GH?

First Rate

GH, Y&R, B&B

Second Rate

OLTL (the most overrated sets), ATWT, Another World, Loving, Ryan's Hope, Santa Barbara, DOOL, AMC

Third Rate

GL, Passions, Port Charles, Sunset Beach

Rauch & Conboy did mismanage GL's finances. I wonder how they are with their own money/assets?

Overrated sets????? Look, I dont know what the hell you have against OLTL, but I have a problem with it! Did OLTL refuse you a job or something??