Which Soap Opera Do You Watch and Why?

There are four remaining soap operas on network television as any Soaper will tell you.  If you are a soap fan, which show do you watch and why?

I continue to watch General Hospital when I can because it is the last ABC soap holdout.  There are familiar faces in Port Charles, some of which are faces from beloved soap operas past.  I also began watching The Young and the Restless when Michael E. Knight (Tad Martin - All My Children) joined the cast as Dr Simon Neville.

There are only four left.  Which one is your story?

#soap #soapopera #generalhospital #GH #youngandrestless #YR #Y&R #boldandthebeautiful #BB #B&B #daysofourlives #DOOL #soaper #daytimetv #daytimetelevision  

Who do you watch your soap operas with?

I watched my stories for years with my family.  My husband, daughters, and I would watch together in the evenings after VCRs became popular.  Later, with the onset of DVRs, we were able to binge watch a week's worth of our story on the weekend when we set aside our together time.

Our family grew up and our favorite story, "All My Children" was cancelled.  Now days, it's just me and the cat.  Okay, admittedly the cat sleeps through most of the shows.  But he is right there next to me and once in a while he does look up and catch a few minutes.

Who do you watch your stories with?

Will you be watching 'The Young and the Restless' to see Michael E. Knight?

"The Young and the Restless" is the number one soap opera on network television.  To kick things up in Genoa City even further, Michael Logan reported this week on the TV Insider site that Daytime Emmy winning actor Michael E. Knight has joined the cast of the number one CBS daytime soap opera.

It has been a long time since fans have seen Michael E. Knight onscreen.  He appeared briefly in an episode of the number one CBS hit "NCIS" but has not been in a recurring role like that of "All My Children's" Tad Martin since the final television network episode four years ago this month.

Michael will be playing the role of mysterious Dr. Simon Neville and began shooting on September 9th.  Fans will be able to see Dr. Neville onscreen beginning October 15th.

Will you be tuning in to "The Young and the Restless" in mid-October to see Michael E. Knight?  Are you already a fan of the show?

What Do You Think a New Head Writing Team Means for ‘General Hospital'?

Source: ABC Television

"General Hospital" fans have got to love rollercoaster rides!  Of course most soap operas are daily rides on the amusement park rollercoaster but the ride “General Hospital” fans get is nothing less than front car material when it comes to behind-the-scenes drama!  From lawsuits to parting shots the ride is seldom less than E-ticket worthy.

The latest curve is a new head writing team to replace “General Hospital” and former “One Life to Live” head writer Ron Carlivati.  “General Hospital” will begin a new chapter in storytelling beginning in August when the new team takes over. 

What do you think this mean for “General Hospital”?

Why do you love soaps?

Remaining network daytime soap operas

If you are a soap opera fan you have likely had at least one conversation with someone who passionately thought soap operas were a complete waste of everyone’s time.  In fact, I would go so far as to say most people who do not watch soap operas or have them in their blood would think Soapers are crazy or worse.

It is always fun educating non-Soapers on the many merits, and sometimes life-altering benefits of soap operas.  Most do not realize, for example, that soap operas play an important role in such things as short-term memory rehabilitation; companionship for the ill, disabled, shut-ins, bedridden, and recently widowed; language skills tutors for stroke victims and second language students; and bringing socially-charged topics into discussion through storytelling.

I love soap operas for all those reasons and more.  They provide a place where you watch a story unfold that provides entertainment and comfort in a familiar setting across decades through good times and difficult ones.

Why do you love soap operas?

#soapopera #soap #soaps #soapoperas #soaper #soapers #soapoperafan #merits #benefits #SoapAssignments 

Would Michael E. Knight make a good addition to General Hospital

Recently there has been a rumor circulating around the Internet that Michael E. Knight AKA All My Children's (AMC) Tad the Cad Martin is being considered for a role on General Hospital (GH).  Although there has been no word from GH or Disney/ABC the rumor continues to have its flames fanned.

The rumor has ignited Michael E. Knight fans and AMC fans to speculate whether he might be considered for an existing GH role, new role, or as Tad Martin of Pine Valley coming to Port Charles (the Tad Martin character is currently part of the Prospect Park bankruptcy case and would likely not be available for use).  While Soapers speculate whether the rumor is true or whether Michael E. Knight would be a good fit for GH he has not weighed in publicly whether he would be interested or not.  One thing is clear, his fans are and if they weren't already watching GH, they would be with him on board.

After how poorly Michael E. Knight was treated by Disney/ABC previously it is unknown whether he would be interested in working for the same company again.  His fans hope that one way or another he joins some show so they can enjoy his work once again.  Hey!  Maybe he's holding out for his own show! ;-)  Wouldn't that be awesome!!!

Would you like to see Michael E. Knight join the General Hospital cast?  Who would you like to see him play?

Will fans ever see All My Children and One Life To Live again?

All My Children (AMC) and One Life To Live (OLTL) fans have suffered losing their beloved shows not once but twice after decades of dedicated viewing.  First, the network canceled the shows.  Then, the production company that acquired their rights re-canceled them when they halted production.

Now, the production company that leased the rights to the shows is in bankruptcy.  In addition, their is a multi-million dollar lawsuit in the courts between the show owners (Disney/ABC) and the license holders (Prospect Park) regarding one of the shows.  The result has been a long, drawn out legal battle that may continue for years while rights to the two shows remains in limbo.

In the meantime, AMC and OLTL fans continue to miss their shows and remain vigilant in letting everyone know they want and would support their return.  When the shows restarted online, they turned out to be very different flavors of Pine Valley and Llanview than fans were used to, even with some familiar settings and characters.  If someday the shows are released from the current legal quagmire they are in the actors from the original shows will have aged and many have moved on leaving little likelihood the shows would ever again look and feel like the beloved originals.

Right now chances of seeing these shows again seems very slim.  But die-hard fans of AMC and OLTL will never give up hope.

Do you think we will ever see AMC and OLTL again?

How Does AMC and OLTL Going Back Into Production Today Make You Feel?

There are so many feelings today – joy, happiness, amazement, victory, and a feeling of returning home. Knowing our beloved Pine Valley and Llanview are bustling with activity, stories, and characters once again is heartwarming for millions of fans.

How does the return to production of these two iconic shows make you feel?

After Opening Credits What Would You Like to See on the First Relaunched Episodes of AMC and OLTL?

First, after opening credits, I would love to see a message from Agnes Nixon introducing the new era of each show.

There has been much debate on the Internet over whether the shows should pick up where they left off on Disney/ABC, whether they should begin anew, and what story lines should or should not be included in the relaunched shows. For me, I am completely thrilled that soap fans can have these discussions, debates, and banter – Viva AMC! Viva OLTL!

I am so thrilled about these shows coming back that it really doesn't matter to me what story lines they pursue as long as they are thoughtful, well-written, and stay true to Pine Valley, Llanview, and the original citizens in both towns. Of course ultimately the story lines will be very dependent on what actors Prospect Park secures for the relaunches, and some recasting will likely occur. I am hoping that Prospect Park recognizes that some of the characters in Pine Valley and Llanview are sacred and hope they do not try to recast these roles. Just because some actors many not be available or interested in joining these projects initially does not preclude them from being available or having interest as the shows have time to evolve and prove themselves to be the quality programming they once were.

What would you like to see after the open credits air in April?

What Is the Most Important Factor To the Successful Relaunch of AMC and OLTL?

The most important factor in the successful relaunch of All My Children and One Life to Live is their loyal fans.  Without them, there would be no relaunch.  It is their devotion to these beloved shows that kept the fires burning.  The fans' vigilance never let these stories die, even when it seemed impossible that they could be resurrected.

There are many elements that will ultimately factor into their continued success but two that stand out.  One is that the shows be available without fee and subscriptions.  While many fans will be happy to pay to see the shows, there are many more who simply cannot afford it and would be left behind by a pay-per-view model.  The other is the availability of the shows on television, either network or cable.  Although the future of the genre is online, on-demand viewing, there is a gap for many fans right now in making that transition.  Re-airing the shows on television, even with a time-delay, would only increase revenue and recapture that segment of the audience, further strengthening their chances of success.

What do you think?

Which Soap Stars Are Critical to a Prospect Park AMC and OLTL Reboot Success?

All My Children

Susan Lucci (Erica Kane) is a MUST have for a successful reboot of AMC.  She is so identified with the soap and the soap with her that her being a part of AMC in the future is very important to me as a fan of the show.  While Walt Willey (Jackson Montgomery) would be great to see in Pine Valley again, I would like to see Erica in a fresh new exciting relationship.

Eden Riegel (Bianca Montgomery) would be a huge addition to the cast, especially in a meaningful, juicy, believable and loving relationship with someone.

Michael E Knight (Tad Martin) is also someone that would definitely raise my interest in the show.  He has always been a personal favorite, even when he was given little to work with.

Vincent Irizarry (Dr David Hayworth) the dastardly villain is someone that would help transition viewers from the old AMC to the new (kudos to Prospect Park for having the foresight to sign Vincent!) and is always a treat to see.  Lindsay Hartley (Dr Cara Castillo) and Jordi Vilasuso (Dr Griffin Castillo), would be great additions.  Their storylines, while relatively new to AMC, had potential for making them beloved long-term residents in Pine Valley, especially the pairing of Tad and Cara.

I would love to see Jill Larsen (Opal Cortland) return and would love to see her in a zany romantic relationship.  It would be a dream-come-true for David Canary (Adam/Stewart Chandler) to return as both Adam and Stewart.

Alicia Minshew (Kendall Hart Slater) and Thorsten Kaye (Zach Slater) would get my vote for the couple I would love to see reunited in Pine Valley again.  They had such chemistry!

It would be great to see Cady McClain (Dixie Martin) and Julia Barr (Brooke English) back in Pine Valley.  Their presence alone would take the show to new heights.

To be able to see all these familiar faces back in  Pine Valley again would be Heaven on Earth!

One Life to Live

Erika Slezak (Vicki Buchanan) is a MUST for a return to Llanview along with Jerry verDorn (Clint Buchanan).  Robin Strasser (Dorian Lord Vickers) needs to come back to her Llanview roots because she is just so delicious along with Tuc Watkins (David Vickers Buchanan) (again Kudos to Prospect Park for the rumored signing of this brilliant actor).

Shenell Edmonds (Destiny Evans) is the glue that holds Llanview together and according to rumors Prospect Park has had the foresight to snag this brilliant actress up for the relaunch.

Robert S Woods (Bo Buchanan) and Hillary B Smith (Nora Buchanan) are part of the meat and potatoes of Llanview.  Roger Howarth (Todd Manning), Florencia Lozano (Tea Delgado) (kudos again to Prospect Park), and Kassia DePaiva (Blair Cramer) are the special sauce that makes the brew delicious.

Tina Lord Roberts (Andrea Evans) would be a dream come true to see her back as a regular in Llanview getting into the kind of trouble only Tina can get into.  It would be great to see John Loprieno (Cord Roberts) back in Llanview doing what he does best - trying to keep up with Tina's escapades.

I watched OLTL back in the day of Tina and Cord and didn't watch again until the announcement of its cancellation so I missed out on some of the story arcs and brilliant performances along the way.  That being said, I would LOVE to see Catherine Hickland (Lindsay Rappaport) reprise her role as Lindsay and have a long-term home in Llanview where we could see her beautiful face regularly and watch her brew up havoc as only Lindsay can.  I also look forward to seeing Josh Kelly (Cutter Wentworth) and learning more about his history in Llanview.

I am sure I missed many characters who would only add more excitement and interest to these two iconic shows.  Who do you want to see back in Pine Valley and Llanview?

Which Cancelled Soap Opera Should Return to Production?

Anyone who knows me knows that of course my answer is All My Children.  I miss Pine Valley and all the characters in it.  However, I think my answer would have to be ALL cancelled soaps should return to production.  Soap operas are a form of entertainment that steps over the traditional boundaries of entertainment and into the realm of social education.  Soap operas educate viewers on social issues.  So many of us have learned social lessons from our stories that we carry into our real lives.  But, if we cannot have all the cancelled soaps returned to us, I would love to see All My Children again.

Which Soap Character Would You Like to See Return from the Dead?

Josh Duhamel as Leo du Pres

Soap:   All My Children

Character:  Leo du Pres

After All My Children's Leo du Pres (played by Josh Duhamel) went over the waterfall, we waited years for him to show back up on the show somehow.  I always thought he would be resurrected.  Now, it would be wonderful if All My Children were resurrected!

Which Soap Opera Couple Should Have Never Divorced?

Susan Lucci and David Canary as Erica Kane and Adam Chandler

Soap:  All My Children

Couple:  Adam and Erica

There have been many couples that have come together and then later divorced in Soapland.  The couple I felt should never have divorced was All My Children's Adam Chandler and Erica Kane.  They may have both had better mates, like Brooke English and Jackson Montgomery, but when Adam and Erica were together it was constant fireworks as they plotted and schemed and then made up with each other.

What Lesson Did A Soap Opera Teach You?

Pine Valley

All My Children taught me the lesson of community.  In this fast-paced, disposable world, we often have no idea who our neighbors are, let alone the head of the local hospital.  But in Pine Valley, albeit a fictional town, as with most other soap locales, there is a sense of community.  When tragedy strikes, as it most certainly will in a soap town, all the inhabitants bond together to get through it.  Holidays are certainly always family events but in Pine Valley they were also community events with everyone coming together in celebration.

Who Is the Sexiest Soap Opera Actor/Actress?

Thorsten Kaye as Zach Slater

Vincent Irizarry as Dr David Hayward

Susan Lucci as Erica Kane

Roger Howarth as Todd Manning

Sexiest Soap Opera Actors:  Thorsten Kaye, Vincent Irizarry, Susan Lucci, Roger Howarth

I actually could go on and on with this one because almost all the players on daytime soap operas are sexy.  My pick for sexiest goes to several people: Thorsten Kaye AKA Zach Slater on All My Children; Vincent Irizarry AKA Dr David Hayward on All My Children; Susan Lucci AKA Erica Kane on All My Children; and Roger Howarth as Todd Manning on One Life to Live/General Hospital.  I could go on and on - there are just so many hot, sexy actors in soap operas!  These are but a few!

Who Is Your Favorite Soap Opera Family?

Soap Opera:  All My Children

Family:  The Martins

All My Children's Martin family is my favorite soap family.  Kate Martin was the best Grandma, and Joe and Ruth were the perfect family elders.  Tad and Jake were maturing into the next generation of family leaders.  

I loved Martin family gatherings.  They were always so warm and family-feeling, but there was always some kind of craziness going on in the middle of them.

What Is Your Favorite Soap Opera Theme Song

This was actually a question I saw on one of the Facebook walls, so thank you to whoever it was that came up with this question!  For me, there was a version of the All My Children theme song for a while that ended with a ding at the end of the song.  My younger daughter was little at the time and would always "ding" when the song ended.   After they changed the theme, for years, we would all "ding" at the end of the theme song at the beginning of the show.

Another memorable theme song was from Days of Our Lives - Like sands through the hourglass...

Where Do/Did You Usually Watch Your Favorite Soap Opera?

Our family would gather in the early evening and watch All My Children in the living room.  It was a time when we could all relax together after our respective days.  We really miss that time we shared in Pine Valley.

Now, I watch General Hospital.  Although I usually watch the DVR recording on the bedroom TV, most often I watch it on an iPad via the ABC Player.

Which Soap Opera Character Would You Change Places With?

Kelly Ripa as Hayley Vaughn Santos

Show:  All My Children

Character:  Hayley Vaughn Santos

I know, if you are going to be an All My Children fan, the most likely candidate for this assignment would be Erica Kane.  However, I chose Hayley Vaughn Santos.  Hayley is one of the very few soap opera characters who got out of Soapland alive and well.  She and her sexy, gorgeous husband Matteo, and their family literally ride off into the sunset to California to live happily ever after.  I just love the fact that Hayley not only survived the soap world in Pine Valley but against all odds wasn't killed, murdered, institutionalized, heartbroken, abandoned, or left in a coma doing it.  I want Hayley's life - happily ever after!