QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"Soap opera is a story. It should be a continuing story, rather than disoriented, meaningless adventures."
—Search For Tomorrow’s Larry Haines, a two-time Daytime Emmy winner for his 35-year role as Stu, who died this past week at 89. |
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INDUSTRY 411: Soaps are almost a billion-dollar industry
Wanna know how much cashola advertisers spend on soap operas? In 2007, they spent about $870.6 million, according to TNS Media Intelligence. How does that compare to previous years? In 2003, advertisers spent about $967.9 million on the same serials.
The report claims Y&R did not lose any money from 2006, but Days of Our Lives, Sony’s other soap property, dropped dramatically in revenue from $97.5 million in 2007 from nearly $130 million in 2003! Poor Deidre Hall (Marlena, Days)!
AWARD CENTRAL: The ALMAS
The 2008 NCLR ALMA Awards will air on Sept. 12 on ABC. The nominees for outstanding performance in a daytime serial are:
Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH)
Jessica Leccia (Natalia, GL)
Kamar de los Reyes (Antonio, OLTL)
David Fumero (Cristian, OLTL)
Galen Gering (Luis, Passions)
Eva Tamargo (Pilar, Passions)
Who Should Win: Benard is the only actor in the bunch; sorry, Kamar!
Who Will Win: Benard is a saint in the Latino community.
ABC CORNER: D-List Celebrities to sell soap!
Times must be tough! If you see Elizabeth Berkley, fashion designer Randolph Duke, country singer Billy Currington, Spice Girl Mel B., and Sopranos’ Vincent Pastore promoting the virtues of your alphabet serials, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. ABC and SOAPnet are mis-spending their money once again by having these has-beens “sell” their soaps. Couldn’t they have landed Beverly Hills, 90210 vixen Shannen Doherty instead? Actually, if I was an idiot in charge, I’d hire comedians Joan Rivers, Margaret Cho, Chelsea Handler and Joy Behar instead because these funny bitches would laugh new viewers into submission.
All My Children, A/ABC — This Just In: Ehlers and Goldin are Emmy winners according to ABC!
Come on, ABC! Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake) and Beth Ehlers (Taylor, who now has a new last name, Thompson) are not, I repeat not, Daytime Emmy winners as the network promos are erroneously heralding. The former GL superstars did win a silly couple prize during a CBS telecast but that does not make them Emmy winners! Here’s an idea: write them an Emmy-winning story.
Jacob Young (JR; ex-Lucky, GH) is a real Daytime Emmy Award winner, however. The singer-actor and his wife, Christen announced they will become first-time parents on Nov. 19. “It's a boy,” delivers Young, who adds his child’s name is not meant to pay homage to his former GH dad, Anthony Geary (Luke). Young goes on to add his next baby will be called Scotty or Laura. Or Helena. Teehee…
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One down: Colin Egglesfield (Josh) has been bumped to recurring status. Wouldn’t it be amazing if Chuck Pratt Jr. un-unaborted Erica’s baby? Hey, if Pratt could somehow rectify the biggest travesty in daytime storytelling history, I’ll offer to call him a Daytime Emmy winner! Perhaps, Erica could be electrocuted and travel back in time? |
As The World Turns, Global/CBS — ABC’s Lau jumps to CBS!
This just in: Another star has been fired from ATWT. Guess who? My lips are sealed!Laurence Lau (ex-Greg,
AMC; ex-Sam,
OLTL; ex-Jamie,
Another World) has been cast as Brian Wheatley, a possible love interest for Lucinda.
So, let me get this um, straight: Pubescent Parker and Liberty have already been sexually active, but young adults Noah and Luke are still drawing straws to determine who’s the top and bottom before they consummate their legendary romance? Someone needs to bring back Damian Grimaldi (imagine the chemistry between Paolo Seganti and Noelle Beck!), so he can order his son to be a man and get some action! “There are no virgins in the Grimaldi family, and Luke, don’t embarrass our family name. Do not bend over for anyone,” the former homophobe would order Luke.
Just when you thought ATWT was good again: Someone is poisoning Oakdalers with mysterious gifts. The victims? Chris, Alison, Emily and Meg will all begin acting strangely this week (I won’t even touch that one because it’s too easy). However, if Meg, Chris and Alison die thanks to this Machiavellian effort, I’ll name this plot twist ingenious.
The Bold and the Beautiful, CTV/CBS — Brad Bell’s worst decision ever!
B&B’s executive producer Bradley Bell will regret this: Kay Alden has been named co-head writer. There are no words.
Montreal native William deVry makes a hearty appearance on Aug. 5 and 6 when Katie summons Storm’s ghost. Just call deVry daytime’s latest imaginary bitch! Paging Andrew Miller….
This week, after Donna learns of Felicia and Owen’s betrayal, the blonde social climber fires the Forresters, with the exception of Rick and Brooke, from the family company while Eric lays in a coma. That sound you hear? Lesli Kay’s (Felicia) Emmy reel being created! It’s on, bitches!
Canuck starlet Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy) has class: she sent me a fruit basket to thank me for my recent rave on her. Fruit. Basket. The talented starlet has a sense of humour, too! Swoon…
Days of Our Lives, Global/NBC — Updated: Days’ coup d’etat
Grab a bottle of vodka before reading this updated news item on Days’ head writer Dena Higley reportedly vacating her duties because no one's going to like this one bit, so don’t shoot the messenger. That sound you hear is me about to jump off a cliff with an anvil tied around my waist!
Here are the facts: Higley has not been head-writing Days “for quite some time.” A source close to Higley tells me, “If the press/fans aren't happy with what they're seeing, they should turn their attention to [co-executive producer] Ed Scott. He’s been writing and rewriting story, dialogue and scenes for weeks and weeks. He’s also encouraged actors, including one overblown diva, to rewrite not just her own lines, but her scene partners. [This star] has taken to telling others that she and Ed are the head writers. The mess on the air is not the doing of the actual credited writers, but by amateurs. What leaves their offices bears little resemblance to what ends up on screen.” The Suds Report has also learned that two other Days actors have been encouraged to rewrite their storyline.
The Writers Guild of America is now involved in the matter. The irony in all of this is now the Guild, who have been investigating Higley for allegedly scabbing during the writers’ strike, now has to defend her. Thanks to Scott and company reportedly hijacking the series, Higley may have just been given the out of a lifetime. I am told the WGA have photographic proof of the “coup d'etat,” and will fine the series for allowing non-Guild members to pen the soap.
Executive producer Ken Corday is said to be trying to seize control of his series, and is hoping to position Higley back at the helm.
In a June 10 blog on NBC’s website, Higley hinted at the backstage upheaval: “I had a crappy week at work. I don't know how else to describe it. For anyone who thinks I just make stuff up for Days and it’s perfectly realized on the TV screen, I've got a flash for you… I strike out more than I hit. So many times I’ll work out a story only to have it axed. It's not that I think I’m always right. But sometimes the rejection and the sense of ‘fighting city hall’ is just exhausting emotionally, physically and [worst of all] mentally.”
As previously reported, Scott wanted to replace Higley with Y&R executive producer Josh Griffith or Emmy-winning head writer Jack Smith.
Another west coast soap opera is dealing with the same issue, but proof is an issue.
Days has no comment at press time.
Soap diva Deidre Hall (Marlena) tells Sara A. Bibel she’s recreating the role of Marlena's twin sister, Samantha on the soap. Hall said: "I'm going to play two parts coming up — my twin sister, Samantha returns and it will be fascinating and exciting. I've never played two parts before. My sister played Samantha last time. It has my heart pounding! It's not just playing two characters, but learning the dialogue for both characters." Deidre’s sister, Andrea Hall originated the role and also played Sam’s look-alike, Hattie. FYI: Hall replaced her sister as Hattie during the Salem Serial Killer storyline and during the Stella Lombard fiasco, when the beautiful star played Samantha in a hallucination.
In case anyone cares about these things: Alison Sweeney (Sami) is expecting a baby girl in January. She has a three-year-old named Ben. It’s safe to assume that Sweeney won’t be naming her XX-addition, Kate, Nicole or Carrie.
On July 30, viewers learn Paul isn’t dead when Linden Ashby pops back into Salem. And prepare yourself for Joe Mascolo’s umpteenth return as Stefano Marone on Aug. 5.
General Hospital, CTV/ABC — Are three GH leading men quitting? Herbst asks for a Liason break!
| Are you sitting down? Insiders reveal that three-time Emmy winner Rick Hearst (Ric) is telling people he’s more than likely leaving GH when his contract expires. Let’s pray GL lures him back to reprise Alan-Michael Spaulding. For now, Hearst is enjoying a vacation before he returns to work. In other contract news, Steve Burton (Jason) and Maurice Benard (Sonny) tell Soap Opera Digest they aren’t sure if they’ll sign on for another cycle as daytime’s most popular closeted lovers. Burton said, “Don’t ask me [if I’ll re-sign]; while Benard confessed: “If you asked me a month ago, I would have said no about re-signing.” ABC doesn’t comment on rumours. |
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Liason fans aren’t going to like this one bit: Rebecca Herbst (Liz) reportedly went to the writers and requested a Jason and Liz break-up because she feels they’ve “stalled.” Herbst is not a diva — this is the first time she has ever asked anything from the scribes, reports the spy.
Florian Klein debuts Aug. 6 as a new, mysterious member of Port Charles’ Russian drug mafia. "I don’t speak a word of Russian," says Klein. Hey, it’s OK — neither does Bob Guza.
Emmy winner Genie Francis’ first airdate is Aug. 26 when Lulu visits her mother, Laura at Shadybrook Hospital. ABC chief, Brian Frons tells Soap Opera Weekly to expect Francis back for two months. In the storyline, Lulu is fearful she’s inherited her mother’s bad luck until Laura comes out of her catatonic state to say, “’Don’t worry, Lulu. It will all be OK.’ That will send shivers down all our backs and help straighten that all out, which will be terrific,” previews Frons. Expect Tony Geary (Luke) to return from his summer vacation in time for Francis’ mini-comeback.
Don’t be surprised if you see Josh Duhon (ex-Logan) on another west coast soap soon, whispers Soap Opera Digest.
Is Tyler Christopher (Nikolas) the new Elizabeth Taylor? “Groomzilla” was once engaged to Vanessa Marcil (ex-Brenda); married and divorced Eva Longoria, dated his former co-star Natalie Livingston (ex-Emily) for eons, and now has popped the question to Indiana sports reporter, Brienne Pedigo. The couple will wed on Sept 27.
General Hospital: Night Shift, SOAPnet — Take that, ATWT!
Are soaps getting their gay on? Slowly, but queerly it looks that way: Adam Grimes plays Kyle, the gay doctor on the SOAPnet series. With buzz surrounding a Lucas recast, don’t be too surprised if Kyle jumps over to GH when NS wraps.
Billy Dee Williams is causing quite the stir on the NS set, report snitches. “He’s a big diva, and it’s not fun,” complains an insider. Um, he’s Billy Dee “Freaking” Williams, so deal with it! Yes, I’m being sarcastic.
Guiding Light, Global/CBS — Is the Boudreau family back on the front burner?
Emmy Award winner Montel Williams will be visiting New Jersey on Aug. 1 and 5 as Clayton Boudreau, a dean at the fictional Springfield University. Kim Brockington (Felicia) will also be back on Aug. 1.
Did hell freeze over? Reva chose Jeffrey! Wowza — don’t tell me the 456, 829 head writers are finally listening to the fans and the press! Check out this Monday’s Nelson Ratings for a rare master-class rave surrounding the Always film climax that culminated in Cassie and Josh’s separation, and Reva doing the right thing for the first time in her life! Monday and Tuesday’s episodes were the best GL has aired in years. Take that, OLTL! However, I’m sure GL will screw it all up sooner rather than later.
Kim Zimmer’s (Reva) new red hair: does it turn you on or off? I guess GL couldn’t afford to buy a red dress!
Imaginary Bitches, YouTube.com — Queen Bitch to guest star? Lucci and Riegel may be reunited!
They should just call this delicious online soap, Imaginary Children because Eden Riegel (ex-Bianca) and Liz Hendrickson (ex-Maggie; Chloe, Y&R) may not be the only AMC stars Imaginary Bitches is reuniting. Series creator Andrew Miller tells The Suds Report that fans have been clamouring for Emmy winner Susan Lucci (Erica, AMC) to make a bitching cameo! Riegel recently revealed to Daytime Confidential that the hit online series’ first season finale (don’t panic: there are four more episodes left) will boast a handful of "amazing guest stars". Hmmm… If La Lucci signs on the imaginary dotted line, Catherine and Heather better wear imaginary bulletproof vests. When Lucci filmed a multi-episode guest spot on my favourite prime-time soap, Dallas, Bobby Ewing's bride, April was gunned down on her Parisian honeymoon in a fetch rabbit fur coat, no less! Damn you, Sheila Foley!
—Reporting by daytimeconfidential.com’s Jamey Giddens
One Life to Live, A/ABC — Hickland out? She better not be…
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Don’t expect to see Soap Opera Spirit Award winner Catherine Hickland for a while. While a show rep maintains Hickland will continue to recur as the recently incarcerated Lindsay, Soap Opera Weekly is reporting the star will be “off the canvas for the foreseeable future because no final decision has been made regarding Lindsay’s fate.” That’s just great.
OLTL’s biggest super-couple ever? Nikki and Elvis.
Check out a cute Agnes Nixon (Soap God, OLTL) interview here. |
Passions, SuperChannel/DirecTV — End date changed!According to soapoperadigest.com, Susan Lucci (Erica,
AMC) confirms that daughter Liza Huber (Gwen) and her hubby, Alex Hesterberg, are expecting baby No. 2. Yeah, no one cares, I know…
There’s a God: Passions is ending a few days earlier; Aug. 7 instead of Aug. 11, announced DirecTV.
Scripts and Scruples, iTunes — New radio soap gets sudsier!
Next week on radio’s sudsiest soap opera, Scripts and Scruples, “Blake's younger lover, Henry schemes to keep him away from old flame, Matt,” previews creator Roger Newcomb. The welovesoaps.com administer also hints, “this story will continue to play out over the next few weeks with [a few soap favourites] joining the cast to shake things up!” Just don’t call them Emmy winners unless they’ve taken home a statue fair and square, OK, Roger?
Sordid Lives, Super Channel/LOGO — Solid reviews greet new cable soap!
Welovesoaps.com’s Roger Newcomb reviewed the quirky gay-ish soap, Sordid Lives, which earned Del Shores’ critically acclaimed play-turned-movie-turned series an A-. Feel the love here.
The Young and the Restless: Another prime-time vet cast!
On August 15, there will be a battle to steal the Baldwin family scenes when Family Ties’ Michael Gross takes on the role of Lowell Baldwin.
Are you a Brenda Dickson (ex-Jill) fan? Who isn’t is more like it, right? Yes, I mean you Michael Morrison! Nuttier than a fruitcake, Dickson proves she’s still camp-alicious as ever in her latest blog. Click here if you want to feel better about your life.
Some guy named Daniel Goddard (Cane) confirmed he and his beautiful wife, Rachel are expecting their second child! “She’s three months [pregnant],” he boasts to me exclusively. “Life is good. I love life. You [can] never understand how lucky I feel...” Um, yeah, I can. Click here to witness a recent honour Goddard received, which some in the industry claim is higher praise than an Emmy Award.
My good pal and colleague, The National Post’s Nathalie Atkinson wrote a brilliant editorial on all things Young and Fashionable: “I'm just sad about the rumours that contentious May-December marriage between Sabrina and Victor will come to an abrupt end, because the French temptress Sabrina has the best wardrobe on daytime TV right now (including her authentic Birkin bag, an inspired touch). Unlike sister soap The Bold and The Beautiful, which, while set in a luxury fashion house, has characters dressed as though they shopped at Giant Tiger.” I love her; here’s the rest of her funny story.
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Nelson Branco is a Toronto freelance entertainment journalist, who regularly contributes to Hello! Canada, The National Post, The Los Angeles Times' theenvelope.com, TV Guide USA, tvguide.com, Inside Entertainment, OUT, and fab magazine, along with spearheading the soap coverage for TVGuide.ca's popular daytime TV hub. After graduating from Ryerson University in 1997, he moved from Toronto to New York in 1998 to take on the roles as senior news editor at Soap Opera Update. Branco first freelanced for Soap Opera Weekly as an intern in 1994, and after leaving Soap Update to help create and launch Bauer Publishing's In Touch Weekly in 2003, Branco continued to freelance occasionally for its sister publication, Soaps In Depth. Most recently, he helped create and launch Canada's first celebrity magazine, Weekly Scoop in 2005 as its news and entertainment director. Branco is also a contributor to a new TV show titled Planet Soap to air in Canada and America.
