March 31 - April 4, 2008

[Roman]

The last time I checked, this poster has as much right to bash or praise ABCD as you do to praise or bash it.

Just because someone doesn't agree with your views does not mean you have to start off in this thread being dismissive.

Let's remember to be repsectful...........if you want others to respect your opinion.......respect theirs as well.

[CouchTomato]

That's right, it's not revolutionary. The Bell soaps have been broadcast worldwide for many years. As of last month (according to B&B's official website), B&B was seen in nearly 40 countries. I know from my own experience, it's hugely popular in Italy, Germany & Austria (German TV feed) altho the shows are quite far behind the current ones. It was like watching classic soap episodes. Macy was still alive but in the US, she'd been on AMC for quite awhile. I heard from EU-travelling Aussies it's extremely popular there too. Their fashion show usually goes to Italy where they get mobbed by fans. Frankly, it was a lifesaver for me, given the limited TV choices in the EU.

[emilyq]

I realize this is supposed to be a ratings thread so I don't want to get sidetracked but are any of the ABC soaps, non Bell CBS soaps, or DOOL broadcast outside of North America?

[electrorat]

Yes. I know for a fact that Days is broadcast in Australia, France, Sweden, South Africa and other places. Australia is a few months behind. At one point they had become 4 years behind due to pre-emptions, but caught up in 2004 by skipping ahead 4 years iirc. They're now 4 or 6 months behind again due to pre-emptions (they don't do special airings when they pre-empt, they just pick up where they left off, so every few years they'll have to catch up). In Sweden it's currently airing 4 years behind. They're in the middle of the SSK right now. France is 8 years behind because they air only a half hour of it per day. South Africa is 3 to 4 years behind.

[emilyq]

Thanks. I just wonder why Brian Frons made such a big deal about GH going to France then? Maybe that was all he could cheer about who knows. Just odd.

[electrorat]

I know. I rolled my eyes at it when I read it. I remember reading in SOD back in the 80's about all the places where soaps were airing. B&B's always been a big hit in Italy and I seem to recall that Capitol was a big hit in a non-North American country back then too. When Days had their 40th anniversary a couple of years ago they had a feature on their website (or Sony's, I can't recall which) thanking their many international fans. TV stations in a couple of the foreign countries even had contests to send viewers over for set tours lol.

[arcibaldo]

In italy, B&B, first soap abaut 4.400.000 peoples

[Cat]

I remember also catching GL in Italy two years ago. But it was called something Amore? Anyway, it looked like the Ellen Weston/John Conboy era to me: Cassie and Edmund were sexing it up and the sets looked gorgeous.

I suspect B&B is the most widely-viewed of the US soaps, though, mainly because of its half-hour format.

[Supersage]

B&B is the most watched soap in the world. I can't remember the actual numbers, but they far exceed any other soap in the world.

[emilyq]

Wow. That is nice to know. More than Y&R? Hmm I wonder why. I winder if it is because it is a half an hour show.

[Supersage]

I believe it was "explained" by Brad Bell once that it had an international flair to the show, perhaps the fashion industry? It might also be the half hour format? Or that the stories are quickly paced?

[Soapfan1]

Where are the rating

[wiccachick_1]

I would ask where's Ryan's usual foot tapping but I'm afraid he'll bring his scary avi out of the woodwork with him! LOL (just teasing you Ryan!)

[Supersage]

Good God no! Don't make Ryan's avi out! Plllllllllllllllease! LOL

[Lskreet]

Final Standings

HH

1 Y&R 3.8 (same)

2 B&B 2.7 (-.1)

3 DOOL 2.1 (same)

3 ATWT 2.1 (-.1)

3 GH 2.1 (same)

6 AMC 1.9 (same)

6 OLTL 1.9 (same)

8 GL 1.7 (-.1)

ABC

AMC

Monday 2.0

Tuesday 1.9

Wednesday 1.9

Thursday 1.7

Friday 1.8

GH

Monday 2.3

Tuesday 2.2

Wednesday 2.0

Thursday 2.0

Friday 2.1

OLTL

Monday 2.0

Tuesday 2.0

Wednesday 1.8

Thursday 1.7

Friday 1.9

CBS

ATWT

Monday 2.2

Tuesday 2.1

Wednesday 2.1

Thursday 2.0

Friday 2.0

B&B

Monday 2.8

Tuesday 2.7

Wednesday 2.6

Thursday 2.6

Friday 2.5

GL

Monday 1.8

Tuesday 1.7

Wednesday 1.7

Thursday 1.6

Friday 1.6

Y&R

Monday 4.0

Tuesday 3.8

Wednesday 3.7

Thursday 3.6

Friday 3.7

NBC

DOOL

Monday 2.2

Tuesday 2.0

Wednesday 2.1

Thursday 2.2

Friday 1.9