If OLTL's numbers are considered terrible, then GH's must be too. After all, they essentially do the same HH numbers, and GH is just thismuch above OLTL in the demos. I really don't see how Frons can make the distinction of OLTL not being cost-effective to maintain and GH still "having legs," a term he used in an interview. I know GH gets lapsed viewers every now and then, but for the most part they're tied with OLTL.

I think by 2015 they'll be gone. GH will go in 2012, DAYS will not last beyond the fall of 2013 when its current deal ends.... and Y&R and B&B may get a year or two beyond their current production contracts, but no more. ABC has set precedent here. Up until a year ago, I don't think many really felt ABC was going to be so quick to get out of this business. They owned their shows, they were still making a relatively sound buck, and with SoapNet, the cross promotions, etc... they clearly were still invested. Something changed, and I think it goes well beyond Brian Frons. ABC Corporate wanted out.

Or were they forced to "want" out? Something to contemplate.

Couldn't you just imagine the backlash ABC would have gotten if they also canceled GH last week?

I mean all three soaps and SOAPnet, canceled in less than a year? That would have really stirred the pot.

I was in Washington, D.C. this weekend for a previously scheduled trip and only returned last night. Otherwise, I've been spending the day on story angles re: the cancellations of both the shows and digging into the real reasons behind the why's (and not the [!@#$%^&*] Frons is spewing) and I've come across some really interesting information. Should be able to shed a little light or not later this week. Depends on how far I get.

Interesting! The drama continues.....

I don't think GH has much longer either.

Couldn't you just imagine the backlash ABC would have gotten if they also canceled GH last week?

I mean all three soaps and SOAPnet, canceled in less than a year? That would have really stirred the pot.

It sounds as if Sweeney wanted exactly that to happen. My question is, how on earth could middle-man Frons stop what Sweeney and presumably ABC/Disney Corporate wanted? Maybe he locked down the ABC Daytime Offices and would only let people go if GH was given a reprieve.

Edited April 18, 201114 yr by Adam

I was in Washington, D.C. this weekend for a previously scheduled trip and only returned last night. Otherwise, I've been spending the day on story angles re: the cancellations of both the shows and digging into the real reasons behind the why's (and not the [!@#$%^&*] Frons is spewing) and I've come across some really interesting information. Should be able to shed a little light or not later this week. Depends on how far I get.

Or were they forced to "want" out? Something to contemplate.

I can't wait to hear what you have to say Errol.

I think probably a talk show would replace GH.... how is The View doing ratings wise? Could they be in trouble of not surviving this shift in priorities?

Usually The View does well over 3 million viewers and 1.2-1.3 in W18-49 demo.

Usually The View does well over 3 million viewers and 1.2-1.3 in W18-49 demo.

I guess considering the cheap production costs, they should be ok.... however, they will be ABC Daytime's lones NYC production. I assume The Chew and The Revolution will both be based in LA? Presumably one of them in AMC's current studio space?

Has there been even a peep from Cameron Mathison or Rebecca Budig?

Nope and I don't think there will be, cause both have it made, I doubt they want to piss anyone off

CM was interviewed by ABC-7 news' entertainment reporter, George Penacchio, for their Thursday evening newscasts... He didn't say anything informative beyond what we already know. He did comment that the announcement was like watching your family all losing their jobs at once - and that while AMC feels like it is going to wrap up quickly, that he has confidence in its writing team.

I had wondered if The View was dropping, because that stunt Frons pulled with trying to get Star Jones back was so humiliating, especially to Barbara Walters - you don't do that if your show is in good shape.

We were asked this question prior to the cancellation notices of AMC and OLTL becoming official and I can once again reiterate that without a doubt we will remain on the web for MANY years to come. Soaps may not normally come and go, but we will continue to report on the soap opera medium despite what others have tried to do to the remaining daytime shows. Of my 27 years, I've watched soaps for 20 of them and I do not see the genre ever leaving. Every program on television can credit this genre for giving them a purpose. No reality show star, producer or writer can say they think soap operas are crap because their show is a soap opera. Furthermore, we will not be covering Jersey Shore nor will we be covering the Real Housewives of 300 cities on Soap Opera Network. I can guarantee that.

I had wondered if The View was dropping, because that stunt Frons pulled with trying to get Star Jones back was so humiliating, especially to Barbara Walters - you don't do that if your show is in good shape.

Yeah.. I had that in my head too... imagine if The View was shelved too....

I agree with Max. It is disgusting. In the key demo last week, OLTL was third, with a 1.1 to GH's 1.2. It's been on the upswing lately. AMC was dead last with a 0.8. In women 18-34, OLTL was also third, with a 0.6 to GH's 0.7. AMC had half of OLTL's audience in that demo with a 0.3.

Improving ratings should be lauded by ABC. Instead, OLTL was "rewarded" with cancellation.

You'd think ONE LIFE was getting American Idol-sized numbers if you listened to some posters in this thread. The point is this: A 1.1 is a pathetic rating if you compare it to five years ago. Even if OLTL is showing some improvements in the ratings, their ratings are still amneic & terminal. And if OLTL was given an extra year or two on the air after AMC went off the air, their ratings would eventually sink lowers than AMC's ever did. OLTL continuing to score a few meager gains in the next months wouldn't have mattered in the end. ABC looked at the big picture when deciding to cancel OLTL and AMC: Soap ratings, on a whole, are on a gradual, steep decline that will only continue. They decided to make a drastic change instead of only delaying what would be inevitable anyway.

Edited April 18, 201114 yr by Kubla Khan

LOL The View is not going anywhere. Its cheap and according to Frons, we want more shows like The View.