Soap fans are no doubt outraged today. ABC has canceled two legendary daytime dramas, 'All My Children' and 'One Life to Live.'
Rumors have swirled all winter that one of the soaps might be canceled, but I never thought the network would axe both of them.
The final episode of 'All My Children' will air in September and 'One Life to Live' will end January 2012. They are replacing the soaps with new shows: 'The Chew' and 'The Revolution.'
The statement from the Disney/ABC president of daytime programming reads: "While we are excited about our new shows and the shift in our business, I can't help but recognize how bittersweet the change is. We are taking this bold step to expand our business because viewers are looking for different types of programming these days.
The network says viewers want "informative, authentic, and fun shows that are relatable." In other words, they want talk shows -- which are much cheaper to produce than scripted dramas of any sort. 'The Chew' will be a show about food and 'The Revolution' is described as a show about health and lifestyle transformations (which is a fancy way of saying "makeovers and weight loss").
These cancelations leave 'General Hospital' as ABC's remaining soap.
'One Life to Live' debuted on July 15, 1968 and 'All My Children' has been on the air since January 5, 1970.
When these shows exit only four soaps will remain on the air: 'General Hospital' (ABC), 'Days of Our Lives' (NBC), 'The Bold and the Beautiful,' and 'The Young and the Restless' (both CBS).
Here's a statement from Susan Lucci, who plays Erica Kane on 'All My Children': "It's been a fantastic journey. I've loved playing Erica Kane and working with [series creator] Agnes Nixon and all the incredible people involved with All My Children. I'm looking forward to all kinds of new and exciting opportunities."
ABC already sent out promo art for their new shows. As you can see, they really blew the budget out on the 'Revolution' art.
We'd love to hear how you would end 'All My Children.' Check out our contest and you could win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Brooke Cain isn't always proud of the number of hours she logs in front of the TV, but her loss of brain cells can be your gain. From reality shows to sitcoms to the more serious stuff, Brooke keeps her DVR smoking so that she can help keep you in the know. Brooke also tweets for Happiness is a Warm TV (you can follow
Comments
The Tivoing Audience Doesn't Buy Soap
Fri, 04/15/2011 - 09:00 — slappy645But we watch them. This soap watcher isn't looking for anything more than escapism and AMC has provided that since I started watching it in January 1970. Missing school once a week (chronic asthma, ok?) enabled me to keep up, even before the advent of daily recording. On the other hand, I have never, ever watched any reality show, not even Idol, and never, ever will. Soaps are art.....not for everyone, but a set of folks who have a certain heart.
Secret ending
Thu, 04/14/2011 - 17:55 — mjrothBoth shows could have the finale on Celebrity Apprentice and let Trump tell them they're all fired. Not that anyone would watch or care.
The Dead Can't Live Forever
Thu, 04/14/2011 - 15:44 — MissVUnfortunately the storylines got stale. Each soap eventually tried to mimic another. Then an important cast member would 'die' when it was time to renew their contract, and be re-signed and resurrected with a different name after viewer protests. Or replaced by someone else. Or suddenly have a 'twin'.
Bring back substance, like Another World.