soap Opera
Will Olivia and Steve's Ski Trip Turn Deadly on 'General Hospital?'
Ski trip chaperones Olivia Falconeri and Steve Hardy have a blossoming romance on 'General Hospital.' However, it's about to truly hit the skids when a bus they're on goes over an ice patch and steers into trouble. Big trouble.Olivia, Steve, Maxie and Matt will have to step up to save the children (including Michael and Kristina), but who will live and who (if anyone) will die? And just who will end saving whom?
The trip begins on Weds. Dec. 29, but the action will carry into 2011 thanks to ABC re-airing some classic 'GH' episodes on Dec. 30 and 31.
Read on for preview of the literal cliffhanger that's in store for some of your favorite 'GH' characters, straight from the actors themselves!
Kim Zimmer Returns to 'One Life to Live' as Echo DiSavoy
Here she is folks! Reva Shayne Lewis! Echo DiSavoy!
Four-time Daytime Emmy winner Kim Zimmer, best known to soap opera viewers as fan favorite Reva on 'Guiding Light,' is returning to the soap world. She will reprise the role she portrayed 27 years ago, pre-Reva -- Echo DiSavoy on the ABC soap 'One Life to Live.' Her first air date is Fri., Oct. 1.
The mysterious and passionate Echo, who first hit the scene in 1983, was a brief, but memorable romantic obstacle for super-couple Viki (Erika Slezak) and Clint (then Clint Ritchie, now played by Zimmer's former 'GL' cast mate Jerry verDorn, ex-Ross.) The role ended abruptly and Zimmer was soon scooped up by 'GL' where she won viewers' hearts and devotion with her portrayal of Reva.
Zimmer's got the answers to some burning questions: Why play Echo again? Did the 'So Long Springfield' tour achieve its goal? What's up with her upcoming memoir? The actress dished with TV Squad on all this and more. Read on for scoop from 'OLTL's' newest cast member!
'As the World Turns' Finale Tribute: The Soap Opera's Top 20 Moments
Narrowing down the thousands of memorable moments to a mere 20 from 54 years of 'As the World Turns' is no easy feat. It's especially tough to do since actors on the show are still turning in powerhouse performances. (Note to Kathryn Hays: Your performance as Kim dealing with her son Chris' heart condition on Sept. 2 was Emmy-worthy. Consider submitting yourself next year.)
There were many shocking moments and storylines that didn't make the list: Hal and Barbara's love story, Jack accidentally killing Brad, Bob and Kim finding Sabrina, John and Lucinda in the hot tub, Shannon's "shrunken head," Tom and Margo battling Mr. Big, Tad Channing's murder ... well, you get the idea.
Read on for a list of 20 memorable favorite moments from the beloved CBS soap opera, which will exit the airwaves on Fri, Sept. 17.
'Degrassi' Goes Telenovela This Summer on TeenNick
For years -- nay decades -- U.S. fans of the Canadian-produced 'Degrassi' series of television shows have only been able to grab new episodes when available on their local public television stations and, most recently, TeenNick. Despite this piecemeal distribution, the show has gained quite the following. That being said, the most recent announcement on the upcoming season will be music to their ears.
Variety is reporting the 10th season of 'Degrassi,' which will premiere on July 19 in the U.S. on TeenNick, will shift to a Monday to Thursday telenovela-style format. After the two-hour TV movie titled 'The Heat is On,' the series will air nightly at 9PM ET for six weeks. On Fridays, TeenNick will present a two-hour encore of the week's shows from 9 to 11PM.
Bruce Davison, Larry Bryggman Join Daytime Soaps
There are some big-name actors headed to the world of soaps this summer -- Bruce Davison on 'General Hospital' and Larry Bryggman on 'As the World Turns,' according to the latest reports.Davison is a familiar face to movie lovers, having previously appeared in 'X Men' and 'Longtime Companion,' for which he received a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination in 1990. Now, he'll be appearing on 'General Hospital' for a three-episode arc, which will coincide with James Franco's highly anticipated return. In it, he will play Wilhelm Van Schlagel, Franco's art dealer from Europe. (Is it just me or does that sound like one of Luke's con-artist guises? That might be a great twist in the Davison bit if it's somehow connected to Luke's grifter games.)
Franco's return kicks off on Jun. 30, so watch for Davison shortly thereafter.
'Bold and the Beautiful' Adds Two Major Stars
Adrienne Frantz and Scott Clifton have been added to the cast of last year's Emmy winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, 'The Bold and the Beautiful,' according to Soap Central.Frantz will reprise her role as Amber Moore, a role she originated in 1997. Frantz played the same role on 'The Young and the Restless' until about two weeks ago, when her character decided to return to Los Angeles to take care of her son, Eric.
Amber's return should spice things up a bit, considering her juicy past on the show. Two of her previous love interests -- Rick and Thomas Forrester -- are currently unattached, so here's hoping that she stirs things up with one (or both) of them.
Three Cases of 'General Hospital's' Mixed Up Daddy Issues
For as long as most of us can remember, the mob has played an integral part in the 'General Hospital' storylines. Characters involved with syndicated crime like Sonny Corinthos and Jason Morgan are veritable anti-heroes, the bad guys we love despite their wayward ways. Hell, even Luke Spencer has been a shady character and look at his enduring popularity.Despite the criminal side of these characters, there have always been the traditional values espoused as well. Love and marriage, children and parenting ... there's no way to be a soap hero without facing the problems and conflicts of being a father. We've been getting a lot of mixed messages from 'GH' about fathering. Take a look at these three perplexing examples:
Soap Round-Up: Erica's Scandal on 'AMC' ... and More
Welcome to the Soap Round-Up, a weekly recap of all the soap action this past week. Remember, we'll sum up all the best stories from each and every soap, from 'All My Children' to 'The Young and the Restless.' If you don't want to know what aired already, consider this a SPOILER ALERT. Oh, one last thing, please comment and join the conversation. We love hearing from you!'All My Children'
David and Greenlee framed Erica to make it look like she embezzled funds from the Miranda Center. Damon and Colby came close to making love. Marissa softened toward JR giving him hope for their marriage. Liza comforted Tad when he learned that Damon wasn't Stuart's father. Jake proposed to Amanda and she said yes. Without waiting for her plane to be safety checked, Erica took off for Pidgeon Hollow.
Soap Round-Up: 'B&B's' Steffy Punks Hope ... and More
Welcome to the Soap Round-Up, a weekly recap from all the soap action this past week. To make the column even more timely, check it out every Friday evening! Remember, we'll recap each and every soap, from 'All My Children' to 'The Young and the Restless,' so if you don't want to know what aired already, consider this a SPOILER ALERT. Oh, one last thing, please comment and join the conversation. We love hearing from you!'The Bold and the Beautiful'
At the "Hope for the Future" press conference, Steffy punked Hope, prompting Ridge to fire Steffy from the campaign. Ridge worried about how traumatized Steffy's been by Phoebe's death. Stephen wanted revenge on the Forresters for Beth's death. Hope turned down a scholarship to stay close to Oliver. Steffy tried to seduce Oliver, thinking that was the way to drive Hope out of Forrester. Bridget and Jackie agreed that they would tell Owen and Nick the truth about the baby's paternity if Bridget carried the baby full term.
Helen Wagner, 'As the World Turns' Legend, Dies at 91
One of the legendary actors of daytime television, 'As the World Turns' star Helen Wagner, passed away Saturday, May 1, 2010. She was 91 years old and still an active member of the CBS soap opera. In fact, Helen Wagner was daytime marvel. She was on 'As the World Turns' when it premiered on April 2, 1956, and continued in the role of Nancy Hughes ever since. She's in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest run by an actor in a television show.
Short-Lived Shows: 'Central Park West'

I'll admit it, I like soap operas. I don't watch a lot of them, unless you count 'Lost' as a soap opera. It has a continuing storyline over many years with many characters, it just happens to include time travel and monsters.
Wait...daytime soaps have had those too.... But I did watch 'Guiding Light' for 30 years and 'Knots Landing' for whatever number of years that show was on -- it was better than 'Dallas' -- and now I've found myself hooked on 'The Young & The Restless' because one day I was too lazy to reach for the remote control after my local noon news was over. That's how addiction happens sometimes.
There was another soap I liked too, back in the 1995. It was called 'Central Park West,' and considering the ratings the show got, I think I'm one of the very few people in the country who can say I watched it and liked it.
'The Young and the Restless' Brings Andrea Evans Back to Soaps
Andrea Evans has grown up on daytime television, but for most of us she'll forever be the vexing, adorable Tina Lord on 'One Life to Live.' Despite the shake up at 'One Life to Live,' Andrea's not returning to daytime on that ABC show, but she is coming back to the genre. Watch for Andrea Evans on 'The Young and the Restless.' That's right, she's returning to a show in which she starred from 1983-84, marking a return after 26 years.According to TV Guide, Evans' visit to 'The Young and the Restless' is a one-day only affair, and that date is May 12, but wouldn't it be great if it could be more than that? There is a connection there. She's going to be playing Tawny Moore, Amber's mom. It's a role that she actually played on 'The Bold and the Beautiful,' 'The Young and the Restless'' sister show. Frankly, Amber could use her mom around. Amber needs supporting characters, even an mother with whom she squabbles.
'One Life to Live' Dumps the Gay Love Story
In January, things weren't looking good for ABC's 'One Life to Live.' It wasn't just that 'All My Children' was getting the move to Los Angeles, leaving 'OLTL' the lone ABC soap in New York. It wasn't just the delay in going to HD, nor the flagging ratings. It was the stagnant story telling. The emphasis on gay marriage in Dorian's mayoral campaign was over the top, as was the romance of closeted cop Oliver Fish and ex-lab tech Kyle. The Kyle-Fish relationship developed a fan base. The proponents of 'Kish' were all for the twosome become like Cam and Mitchell on 'Modern Family,' a gay married couple with broad-based appeal.
That's not to be. This past week, 'One Life to Live' dumped the duo. Actors Brett Claywell and Scott Evans were let go because their characters are being written off the show, according to the New York Post.
'Mad Men's' Sal To Guest on 'Ugly Betty'
The men from 'Mad Men' are very busy these days. You have Jon Hamm all over the place, with beard and without, not to mention he and John Slattery being immortalized by Mattel as action figures. Action figures sound more manly than dolls, but you get the picture. The other night Rich Sommer was on 'Ugly Betty' as loutish firefighter. And now the news that Bryan Batt will be on 'Ugly Betty,' too. TVGuide.com confirms that Bryan -- who was so good on 'Mad Men' as Salvatore Romano -- will be playing a soap opera star who Amanda decides would be Mr. Right for Marc. She plays Yenta, the Matchmaker, and hopefully, the two guys will hit it off. Batt's set for the April 7 episode, and may be in the series finale as well.
Will Julianne Moore Return to 'As the World Turns'?
Once upon a time, long before 'Boogie Nights' and 'Far From Heaven' and '30 Rock' and a zillion other projects, Julianne Moore was a soap opera sensation. She was riveting in 1988 when she won a Daytime Emmy for playing Frannie Hughes and her look-alike sister, whom she had never known growing up, Sabrina Fullerton, on 'As the World Turns.' With the end of the soap coming in September 2010, reportedly CBS has asked Julianne Moore to make a brief return to 'As the World Turns' ... for old time's sake.
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