CBS has a brand new hit on its hands with the broadcast run this fall of Paramount Network drama “Yellowstone.” Nearly 22 million viewers tuned in to at least one episode of the Taylor Sheridan drama. Paired with Paramount Global’s cross-network promotions, the show’s ratings success could be a blueprint for legacy media companies looking to leverage hit shows across both linear and streaming platforms.
It wasn’t some genius strategy. The broadcast network’s decision to air the series — which first premiered on the cable channel Paramount Network in 2018 — was prompted by this summer’s Hollywood double strikes, which halted production of scripted shows and left broadcasters scrambling to fill their fall schedules. While the Kevin Costner-led drama might not have made it to CBS without the work stoppage, its inclusion in the network’s Sunday lineup exposed new audiences to what was already a hit series...
It wasn’t some genius strategy. The broadcast network’s decision to air the series — which first premiered on the cable channel Paramount Network in 2018 — was prompted by this summer’s Hollywood double strikes, which halted production of scripted shows and left broadcasters scrambling to fill their fall schedules. While the Kevin Costner-led drama might not have made it to CBS without the work stoppage, its inclusion in the network’s Sunday lineup exposed new audiences to what was already a hit series...
- 10/30/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
As Hollywood’s historic double strike rages on, major TV broadcasters are entering the fall with adjusted schedules, leaning on everything from international acquisitions to unscripted and sports as the labor dispute takes traditional scripted programming off the table.
When the onset of the writers’ strike in May coincided with the 2023-2024 upfronts season, networks cautiously began unveiling their fall slates, with the exception of Fox’s delayed schedule. Many changes followed over the summer months as the dispute continued and SAG-AFTRA joined the WGA on the picket lines in July.
Given that reality TV was the saving grace of the 2007-2008 WGA strike, many broadcasters previewed unscripted and sports galore for their next season’s lineup. ABC announced franchise spin-off “The Golden Bachelor,” CBS expanded “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race” to 90-minute-episode seasons. Meanwhile, NBC showed off new scripted shows stockpiled before the strike. Since then, the networks have...
When the onset of the writers’ strike in May coincided with the 2023-2024 upfronts season, networks cautiously began unveiling their fall slates, with the exception of Fox’s delayed schedule. Many changes followed over the summer months as the dispute continued and SAG-AFTRA joined the WGA on the picket lines in July.
Given that reality TV was the saving grace of the 2007-2008 WGA strike, many broadcasters previewed unscripted and sports galore for their next season’s lineup. ABC announced franchise spin-off “The Golden Bachelor,” CBS expanded “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race” to 90-minute-episode seasons. Meanwhile, NBC showed off new scripted shows stockpiled before the strike. Since then, the networks have...
- 9/12/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
As “GMA3” heads into its third week without co-anchors Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, questions swirl about their future and that of the show. Will they be fired? Will ABC bring the scandal-ridden co-hosts back after the revelation of their romantic relationship while both are still married to others? Have the reports of Holmes’ previous two affairs with “GMA” colleagues made him too toxic for a Disney-owned company?
TV veterans say that ABC executives have no easy answers in a situation like this. “Are you going to tell them to break up? Or are you saying they can come back on the air together?” former ABC Daytime exec Brian Frons told TheWrap. “Or do you separate them and have them sit in the corner for a year while they burn off their contracts? It’s just a mess.”
Robach has been the visible face of “GMA3” since March 2020, when it...
TV veterans say that ABC executives have no easy answers in a situation like this. “Are you going to tell them to break up? Or are you saying they can come back on the air together?” former ABC Daytime exec Brian Frons told TheWrap. “Or do you separate them and have them sit in the corner for a year while they burn off their contracts? It’s just a mess.”
Robach has been the visible face of “GMA3” since March 2020, when it...
- 12/20/2022
- by Sharon Knolle and Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
While consumers may revolt over HBO Max yanking shows like “Westworld” and “The Nevers” to license them to third-party free, ad-supported streaming television (Fast) services, industry insiders say Warner Bros. Discovery’s latest cost-cutting measures actually plays well to investors.
The move signals that CEO David Zaslav and his team believe “siloing certain assets is no longer the best way to maximize value,” Monroe Capital’s head of media finance Matthew Rosenberg told TheWrap.
“The question has been how do we build enterprise value in HBO Max? Up until now, it’s been let’s just send all of our stuff there,” Rosenberg said. “Maybe the anchor stuff belongs to be siloed, like the DC movies… but for less critical properties, maximizing value to that company could mean licensing it into the market rather than siloing it from within.”
While Zaslav’s content trimming in recent months has sparked criticism...
The move signals that CEO David Zaslav and his team believe “siloing certain assets is no longer the best way to maximize value,” Monroe Capital’s head of media finance Matthew Rosenberg told TheWrap.
“The question has been how do we build enterprise value in HBO Max? Up until now, it’s been let’s just send all of our stuff there,” Rosenberg said. “Maybe the anchor stuff belongs to be siloed, like the DC movies… but for less critical properties, maximizing value to that company could mean licensing it into the market rather than siloing it from within.”
While Zaslav’s content trimming in recent months has sparked criticism...
- 12/16/2022
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
The news that NBC is considering canning its 10 p.m. programming slot and handing it over to local stations may have farther-reaching implications beyond the 2023-24 season. Looking ahead, digital analyst and former ABC Daytime president Brian Frons sees that decision as a potential death knell for broadcast TV’s scripted drama programming.
“Maybe we wake up five years from now and NBC is only news and sports,” Frons told TheWrap. “If Disney+, Hulu, Netflix and Amazon are making bigger, better dramas for five times the money, maybe you shouldn’t be in the drama business.”
The cost-saving plan would see NBC give up its 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. programming to its 200-plus affiliate stations in an unprecedented, but perhaps inevitable, move. According to reports, the idea is still in the discussion stage. The 2022 season would be safe, but the proposed plan could be implemented as early as fall...
“Maybe we wake up five years from now and NBC is only news and sports,” Frons told TheWrap. “If Disney+, Hulu, Netflix and Amazon are making bigger, better dramas for five times the money, maybe you shouldn’t be in the drama business.”
The cost-saving plan would see NBC give up its 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. programming to its 200-plus affiliate stations in an unprecedented, but perhaps inevitable, move. According to reports, the idea is still in the discussion stage. The 2022 season would be safe, but the proposed plan could be implemented as early as fall...
- 9/2/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
If NBC follows through on a proposal to ax its primetime programming at 10 p.m., an idea first floated last week, the move would be a dramatic concession to market realities that could reshape the broadcast industry amid the hard reality of streaming’s growing dominance.
“By taking out 10 o’clock, you’re starting to put a very big wave in the middle of your ecosystem,” Brian Frons, digital analyst and former president of ABC Daytime, told TheWrap.
Despite successful scripted series such as “New Amsterdam” and prolific producer Dick Wolf’s roster of reliable “Law & Order” and “Chicago” franchise series currently stationed in the 10 p.m. spot on two different nights, NBC executives have been mulling the possibility of handing that hour back to local stations to air programming of their choosing (and collect all the ad revenue from that hour).
Though reports stress that nothing is official...
“By taking out 10 o’clock, you’re starting to put a very big wave in the middle of your ecosystem,” Brian Frons, digital analyst and former president of ABC Daytime, told TheWrap.
Despite successful scripted series such as “New Amsterdam” and prolific producer Dick Wolf’s roster of reliable “Law & Order” and “Chicago” franchise series currently stationed in the 10 p.m. spot on two different nights, NBC executives have been mulling the possibility of handing that hour back to local stations to air programming of their choosing (and collect all the ad revenue from that hour).
Though reports stress that nothing is official...
- 9/1/2022
- by Brandon Katz and Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
The decision to move ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” to Disney+ was “bold” and “genius,” several analysts told TheWrap. Some initial reactions to Friday’s news described the show’s move to streaming as a demotion for the series and ABC — a reflection of shrinking ratings over the course of 16 years and 30 seasons. But a majority of the analysts told TheWrap that the shift was logical in light of changing linear TV viewing habits and Disney’s goals for its streaming service. “This is a clear signal that confirms what everybody has known: The most important platform at Disney is Disney+,” Brian Frons, former president of daytime for ABC TV Group, told TheWrap. Frons, who now teaches entertainment at UCLA, interprets the move as “genius,” but also a sign that ABC “ain’t what it used to be.” Paul Hardart, director of the entertainment, media and technology program at NYU,...
- 4/13/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Netflix’s earnings days are never boring — at least in comparison to most other companies. And that was especially true on Thursday, with Netflix appointing Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos as co-ceo, elevating him to the same level as current chief Reed Hastings. Analysts responded to the big news by saying it was a rare but appropriate move by entertainment standards that could signal Hastings’ eventual departure from the company he co-founded 23 years ago. Brian Frons, the former longtime president of ABC Daytime, said Hastings’ willingness to share power and acclaim made this a striking maneuver. “In the context of Hollywood history, appreciating your number 2 and elevating him to a level where he’s more your partner than your employee is rather unique,” Frons said. “It seems Netflix is not only rewriting the rules of content and content distribution, but also the mores of executive treatment.” Jukin Media made the...
- 7/17/2020
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
The days of comparing ratings are nearly extinct, now verging on becoming a bygone relic of when “Seinfeld” versus “Home Improvement” was measured.
As more customers ditch traditional TV for streaming, services are coming up with their own ways to measure success — and this data is only rarely shared with the public.
This became especially clear this week after Netflix changed how it calculates views. The streaming heavyweight had been counting a “view” after 70% of a show or movie was watched; now, Netflix counts a view after 2 minutes of content are streamed. Netflix admitted the new metric “is about 35% higher on average than the prior metric,” helping to inflate the already-guarded viewer data it seldom reveals.
Netflix didn’t waste time using the new measurement to trumpet some of its recent successes: In its letter to shareholders on Tuesday, Netflix boasted “The Witcher,” the Henry Cavill-led fantasy show, was...
As more customers ditch traditional TV for streaming, services are coming up with their own ways to measure success — and this data is only rarely shared with the public.
This became especially clear this week after Netflix changed how it calculates views. The streaming heavyweight had been counting a “view” after 70% of a show or movie was watched; now, Netflix counts a view after 2 minutes of content are streamed. Netflix admitted the new metric “is about 35% higher on average than the prior metric,” helping to inflate the already-guarded viewer data it seldom reveals.
Netflix didn’t waste time using the new measurement to trumpet some of its recent successes: In its letter to shareholders on Tuesday, Netflix boasted “The Witcher,” the Henry Cavill-led fantasy show, was...
- 1/23/2020
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
Apple chief Tim Cook grabbed everyone’s attention inside the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, on Tuesday when he revealed the company’s upcoming streaming service, Apple TV+, will cost $4.99 per month. You could almost see the math calculating in everyone’s head, a la Alan in “The Hangover”: That’s cheaper than Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, Amazon Prime Video and the soon-to-be-launched Disney+. And Apple, always looking for ways to interconnect its products, will offer customers a one-year free trial of the service when they purchase one of several Apple devices. Also Read: Apple's TV, iPhone and Arcade Announcements Do Little to Move the Needle on Wall Street But is Apple TV+ a good deal or merely relatively affordable compared to its competitors? Early returns are mixed. “It feels like a niche service when you compare the opening offer to Disney, WarnerMedia or even Hulu,” former ABC...
- 9/11/2019
- by Sean Burch and Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Netflix and ads have long functioned like oil and water: They don’t mix.
But as Netflix inches toward domestic saturation as it continues to grow globally, experts believe it’s only a matter of time before the streaming giant reconsiders its stance as a way to boost revenue and attract more subscribers.
What are the chances of an ad-supported subscription option?
As Netflix gets set to report its second-quarter performance Wednesday afternoon, the company has 60.2 million domestic subscriptions. With about 2.5 people watching per account, according to eMarketer analyst Eric Haggstrom, that comes out to more than 150 million people in the U.S. who watch Netflix.
“Netflix needs a way to grow its U.S. revenue in ways beyond just raising the subscription price,” Brian Frons, former president of ABC Daytime and current UCLA lecturer, said. “One wonders why they would not add an ad-supported model.”
Also Read: How Netflix's...
But as Netflix inches toward domestic saturation as it continues to grow globally, experts believe it’s only a matter of time before the streaming giant reconsiders its stance as a way to boost revenue and attract more subscribers.
What are the chances of an ad-supported subscription option?
As Netflix gets set to report its second-quarter performance Wednesday afternoon, the company has 60.2 million domestic subscriptions. With about 2.5 people watching per account, according to eMarketer analyst Eric Haggstrom, that comes out to more than 150 million people in the U.S. who watch Netflix.
“Netflix needs a way to grow its U.S. revenue in ways beyond just raising the subscription price,” Brian Frons, former president of ABC Daytime and current UCLA lecturer, said. “One wonders why they would not add an ad-supported model.”
Also Read: How Netflix's...
- 7/17/2019
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
Now that Disney has inked a major deal with Comcast to take full operational control of the Hulu streaming service, analysts see upsides for both companies.
“Comcast can smoothly transition to its own streaming service, while retaining the upside in Hulu for the next five years,” Brian Frons, longtime president of ABC Daytime and current UCLA professor, told TheWrap, calling the deal a “smart” move for both sides. “Disney takes control of Hulu now, which allows them to have a unified execution of their digital vision without having to write another acquisition check this year.”
The deal, called a “put/call” agreement, effectively gives Disney the 33% stake in Hulu now owned by Comcast in a transaction that values the streamer at $27.5 billion. As early as January 2024, Comcast can require Disney to buy NBCUniversal’s interest in Hulu and Disney can require NBCUniversal to sell that interest to Disney for its...
“Comcast can smoothly transition to its own streaming service, while retaining the upside in Hulu for the next five years,” Brian Frons, longtime president of ABC Daytime and current UCLA professor, told TheWrap, calling the deal a “smart” move for both sides. “Disney takes control of Hulu now, which allows them to have a unified execution of their digital vision without having to write another acquisition check this year.”
The deal, called a “put/call” agreement, effectively gives Disney the 33% stake in Hulu now owned by Comcast in a transaction that values the streamer at $27.5 billion. As early as January 2024, Comcast can require Disney to buy NBCUniversal’s interest in Hulu and Disney can require NBCUniversal to sell that interest to Disney for its...
- 5/15/2019
- by Trey Williams and Sean Burch
- The Wrap
>1969: Dark Shadows' Quentin was shocked to see Laura.
1983: Kristian Alfonso debuted as Hope on Days of our Lives.
2009: Guiding Light's Olivia poured her heart out at Gus's grave.
2011: ABC canceled All My Children and One Life to Live."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1939: On Backstage Wife, Mary went to a portrait sitting at Ken Page's studio. Ken's sister Sandra arrived while Mary was in the dressing room very upset with Ken because he did not want her to see Mary's friend,...
1983: Kristian Alfonso debuted as Hope on Days of our Lives.
2009: Guiding Light's Olivia poured her heart out at Gus's grave.
2011: ABC canceled All My Children and One Life to Live."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1939: On Backstage Wife, Mary went to a portrait sitting at Ken Page's studio. Ken's sister Sandra arrived while Mary was in the dressing room very upset with Ken because he did not want her to see Mary's friend,...
- 4/14/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
Investors are not an easy crowd to shock, but Disney CEO Bob Iger managed to induce at least two audible gasps when unveiling his company’s long-awaited Disney+ streaming service on Thursday afternoon. The first was the news that “The Simpsons” would move all of its 30 seasons over to Disney+ — a sign of just how extensive the company’s library is since its $71 billion Fox acquisition — and the second came with the $6.99 monthly subscription price.
The whole event amounted to Iger firing a warning shot: This is what a true Netflix competitor looks like. But is it a Netflix killer?
Not likely, according to several media and business experts. Instead, once Disney+ launches on November 12, a new streaming landscape is expected to emerge: Netflix atop the hill, followed by Disney+, with a wide chasm separating the two services and the rest of their competitors.
“The question is, will anybody drop...
The whole event amounted to Iger firing a warning shot: This is what a true Netflix competitor looks like. But is it a Netflix killer?
Not likely, according to several media and business experts. Instead, once Disney+ launches on November 12, a new streaming landscape is expected to emerge: Netflix atop the hill, followed by Disney+, with a wide chasm separating the two services and the rest of their competitors.
“The question is, will anybody drop...
- 4/12/2019
- by Sean Burch, Trey Williams and Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
“I’ll never forget this,” Apple chief Tim Cook gushed, leaning over to thank Oprah Winfrey for closing out the company’s long-awaited unveiling of its new streaming service, Apple TV+.
To some viewers, the soundbite dripped with irony. The ceremony at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters Monday was almost entirely forgettable. Sure, there was plenty of star power, with appearances from Jason Momoa, Steven Spielberg, Winfrey, and even Big Bird, among others.
But Apple’s presentation left more questions than answers. When will its shows arrive? We received only a vague fall release date. Why were Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carell and Reese Witherspoon brought onstage to discuss their upcoming series — on the drama of a morning news show — without a trailer to promote it? (Though Apple did release a two-minute sizzle reel of all its shows on Monday.)
Most importantly: How much will the streaming service cost? That remains unanswered.
To some viewers, the soundbite dripped with irony. The ceremony at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters Monday was almost entirely forgettable. Sure, there was plenty of star power, with appearances from Jason Momoa, Steven Spielberg, Winfrey, and even Big Bird, among others.
But Apple’s presentation left more questions than answers. When will its shows arrive? We received only a vague fall release date. Why were Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carell and Reese Witherspoon brought onstage to discuss their upcoming series — on the drama of a morning news show — without a trailer to promote it? (Though Apple did release a two-minute sizzle reel of all its shows on Monday.)
Most importantly: How much will the streaming service cost? That remains unanswered.
- 3/25/2019
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
Beloved daytime soap opera Search for Tomorrow ended its 35-year run on December 26, 1986. After more than three decades on CBS, the Procter & Gamble-produced drama moved in NBC in 1982 but failed to draw in viewers on peacock network.
In "A Complete, Concise Yearly History of TV Soap Operas" in 1978 for The Soap Box, John Genovese described attempts by CBS to launch a successful TV soap opera in 1951.
Then on September 3 of that year, CBS jumped on the bandwagon again with two new offerings. The first, The Egg and I, featured Pat Kirkland and Frank Craven in a serial adaptation of Betty's McDonald's book. Egg went rotten on August 1, 1952.
The other serial to make its appearance that day was a Procter & Gamble Production called Search for Tomorrow, created by Roy Winsor and headlining a B-movie starlet named Mary Stuart in the central role of beleaguered housewife Joanne Barron. Need we...
In "A Complete, Concise Yearly History of TV Soap Operas" in 1978 for The Soap Box, John Genovese described attempts by CBS to launch a successful TV soap opera in 1951.
Then on September 3 of that year, CBS jumped on the bandwagon again with two new offerings. The first, The Egg and I, featured Pat Kirkland and Frank Craven in a serial adaptation of Betty's McDonald's book. Egg went rotten on August 1, 1952.
The other serial to make its appearance that day was a Procter & Gamble Production called Search for Tomorrow, created by Roy Winsor and headlining a B-movie starlet named Mary Stuart in the central role of beleaguered housewife Joanne Barron. Need we...
- 12/26/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1981: Another World's Steve revealed himself to Alice.
1988: Melissa set fire to Falcon Crest.
2005: Nicole Forester debuted as Guiding Light's new Cassie.
2005: Laura Wright debuted as General Hospital's new Carly."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1957: On The Edge of Night, Mary (Anne Sargent) begged Clayton (Leon Janney) to tell her where to find Billy.
1971: On The Doctors, Toni Ferra (Anna Stuart) told a visiting Carolee Allison (Carolee Campbell) that she made her mother out to be a warm, caring person, but it backfired because now Billy (Robert Hennessey) wanted to find her.
1988: Melissa set fire to Falcon Crest.
2005: Nicole Forester debuted as Guiding Light's new Cassie.
2005: Laura Wright debuted as General Hospital's new Carly."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1957: On The Edge of Night, Mary (Anne Sargent) begged Clayton (Leon Janney) to tell her where to find Billy.
1971: On The Doctors, Toni Ferra (Anna Stuart) told a visiting Carolee Allison (Carolee Campbell) that she made her mother out to be a warm, caring person, but it backfired because now Billy (Robert Hennessey) wanted to find her.
- 11/4/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
Now that Comcast has thrown its $65 billion hat in the ring to acquire the key film and TV assets of 21st Century Fox, the bidding war against Disney many expected has now started.
But which company needs Fox more? Analysts and M&A experts suggest that Disney has the most to gain from the acquisition.
“While both companies would benefit enormously from the deal, I would lean towards Disney having the greater need,” Brian Frons, former president of ABC Daytime and current lecturer at UCLA Anderson School of Management, told TheWrap.
Disney CEO “Bob Iger has reconfigured his organizational structure for the digital age: the Fox deal gives Disney the scale they lack for their run for media supremacy,” he said.
Also Read: Doj Won't Seek Stay in $85 Billion At&T-Time Warner Merger
As At&T’s acquisition of Time Warner showed, media companies are looking for scale to compete...
But which company needs Fox more? Analysts and M&A experts suggest that Disney has the most to gain from the acquisition.
“While both companies would benefit enormously from the deal, I would lean towards Disney having the greater need,” Brian Frons, former president of ABC Daytime and current lecturer at UCLA Anderson School of Management, told TheWrap.
Disney CEO “Bob Iger has reconfigured his organizational structure for the digital age: the Fox deal gives Disney the scale they lack for their run for media supremacy,” he said.
Also Read: Doj Won't Seek Stay in $85 Billion At&T-Time Warner Merger
As At&T’s acquisition of Time Warner showed, media companies are looking for scale to compete...
- 6/15/2018
- by Tim Baysinger, Trey Williams and Sean Burch
- The Wrap
>1969: Dark Shadows' Quentin was shocked to see Laura.
1983: Kristian Alfonso debuted as Hope on Days of our Lives.
2009: Guiding Light's Olivia poured her heart out at Gus's grave.
2011: ABC canceled All My Children and One Life to Live."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1939: On Backstage Wife, Mary went to a portrait sitting at Ken Page's studio. Ken's sister Sandra arrived...
1983: Kristian Alfonso debuted as Hope on Days of our Lives.
2009: Guiding Light's Olivia poured her heart out at Gus's grave.
2011: ABC canceled All My Children and One Life to Live."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1939: On Backstage Wife, Mary went to a portrait sitting at Ken Page's studio. Ken's sister Sandra arrived...
- 4/15/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
Soap fans have some good news -- and a measure of revenge. ABC is keeping "General Hospital" on the air and eliminating "The Revolution," one of two replacements for two canceled soaps, ABC confirmed. The network will also expand "Good Morning America" to afternoons for nine weeks in the summer to replace "The Revolution." Also read: ABC Shake-Up: Vicki Dummer Replaces Brian Frons The tentatively titled "Gma in the Afternoon" will fill the former "Revolution" time slot until it is taken over full time by Katie Couric's new daytime talk show, "Katie," in...
- 4/11/2012
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
Langfords Picks And Pans
EastEnders
I’m glad Amira has finally gotten the message, given up on Syed and left town. Given that Syed cheated on her for over a year with Christian, ended their marriage to be with Christian and wanted nothing more than to be with Christian after Christian dumped him late last year, it’s pretty clear that he’s just not that into her. I just hope she doesn’t give him a hard time about finally getting a divorce and lets him see his daughter regularly without a hassle. Her character has worn out her welcome, and it’s time to move on. I will miss scenes of Christian and Amira being bitchy to each other though. That was always fun to watch.
As for Zainab finally confessing that she purposefully sent Yusef to his death, which led to Tamwar being seriously burned, it was a moment long in coming.
EastEnders
I’m glad Amira has finally gotten the message, given up on Syed and left town. Given that Syed cheated on her for over a year with Christian, ended their marriage to be with Christian and wanted nothing more than to be with Christian after Christian dumped him late last year, it’s pretty clear that he’s just not that into her. I just hope she doesn’t give him a hard time about finally getting a divorce and lets him see his daughter regularly without a hassle. Her character has worn out her welcome, and it’s time to move on. I will miss scenes of Christian and Amira being bitchy to each other though. That was always fun to watch.
As for Zainab finally confessing that she purposefully sent Yusef to his death, which led to Tamwar being seriously burned, it was a moment long in coming.
- 3/14/2012
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
The end of an era is upon us: ABC's "One Life to Live" signs off on Fri., Jan. 13. The show joins sister soap "All My Children" in canceled TV heaven, but the stars aren't saying goodbye without speaking their mind.
"What really annoyed me about our cancellation was the reason we were given," series star Erika Slezak told TV Guide Magazine. "We were told the daytime audience doesn't want entertainment anymore and that they just want information. Well, that's the biggest load of bull---t. People always want entertainment."
After more than 11,000 episodes, the show is signing off for good. A deal to bring "One Life to Live" and "All My Children" to life online following their ABC cancellation fell through in a highly publicized manner.
"All My Children" ended in September and was replaced by food and living show "The Chew." Healthy lifestyle series "The Revolution" is taking over the...
"What really annoyed me about our cancellation was the reason we were given," series star Erika Slezak told TV Guide Magazine. "We were told the daytime audience doesn't want entertainment anymore and that they just want information. Well, that's the biggest load of bull---t. People always want entertainment."
After more than 11,000 episodes, the show is signing off for good. A deal to bring "One Life to Live" and "All My Children" to life online following their ABC cancellation fell through in a highly publicized manner.
"All My Children" ended in September and was replaced by food and living show "The Chew." Healthy lifestyle series "The Revolution" is taking over the...
- 1/5/2012
- by Chris Harnick
- Huffington Post
The end of an era is upon us: ABC's "One Life to Live" signs off on Fri., Jan. 13. The show joins sister soap "All My Children" in canceled TV heaven, but the stars aren't saying goodbye without speaking their mind.
"What really annoyed me about our cancellation was the reason we were given," series star Erika Slezak told TV Guide Magazine. "We were told the daytime audience doesn't want entertainment anymore and that they just want information. Well, that's the biggest load of bull---t. People always want entertainment."
After more than 11,000 episodes, the show is signing off for good. A deal to bring "One Life to Live" and "All My Children" to life online following their ABC cancellation fell through in a highly publicized manner.
"All My Children" ended in September and was replaced by food and living show "The Chew." Healthy lifestyle series "The Revolution" is taking over the...
"What really annoyed me about our cancellation was the reason we were given," series star Erika Slezak told TV Guide Magazine. "We were told the daytime audience doesn't want entertainment anymore and that they just want information. Well, that's the biggest load of bull---t. People always want entertainment."
After more than 11,000 episodes, the show is signing off for good. A deal to bring "One Life to Live" and "All My Children" to life online following their ABC cancellation fell through in a highly publicized manner.
"All My Children" ended in September and was replaced by food and living show "The Chew." Healthy lifestyle series "The Revolution" is taking over the...
- 1/5/2012
- by Chris Harnick
- Aol TV.
Langford's Picks And Pans
Days of Our Lives
The highlight of this past week were the breakup scenes with between Gabi and Will. Both Chandler Massey and Camila Banus delivered excellent performances and the writing was about as realistic as this show is able to muster. I loved that Gabi stood up for herself and let Will know she couldn’t be in a relationship devoid of intimacy and that Will’s excuses that he wanted to show her 'respect' were weak at best. And I liked that she told Will in no uncertain terms that he had issues he needed to deal with, and she wasn’t going to let him hide behind her anymore.
Will was very upset at losing his beard.
But, there is no way that no one in this storyline wouldn't at least suggest that Will might be gay. It’s simply implausible. Gabi said...
Days of Our Lives
The highlight of this past week were the breakup scenes with between Gabi and Will. Both Chandler Massey and Camila Banus delivered excellent performances and the writing was about as realistic as this show is able to muster. I loved that Gabi stood up for herself and let Will know she couldn’t be in a relationship devoid of intimacy and that Will’s excuses that he wanted to show her 'respect' were weak at best. And I liked that she told Will in no uncertain terms that he had issues he needed to deal with, and she wasn’t going to let him hide behind her anymore.
Will was very upset at losing his beard.
But, there is no way that no one in this storyline wouldn't at least suggest that Will might be gay. It’s simply implausible. Gabi said...
- 12/7/2011
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Brian Frons, the head of ABC daytime, is leaving the network. During his tenure, he played a key role in cancelling both All My Children and One Life to Live, ABC's venerable soap operas.
Frons has been with the network as the head of daytime since 2002 and his contract ends in January. ABC has decided to merge its daytime and syndicated units into one division. Vicki Dummer, who oversees current series and specials for the network, will head the new Time Square Studio.
Of his leaving the network, Frons said that he's pleased with what ABC daytime was able to accomplish under his tenure, including the launch of The Chew and the development of The Revolution, the two programs that are replacing the soaps.
The Chew is reportedly averaging half a million fewer viewers than All My Children but is...
Frons has been with the network as the head of daytime since 2002 and his contract ends in January. ABC has decided to merge its daytime and syndicated units into one division. Vicki Dummer, who oversees current series and specials for the network, will head the new Time Square Studio.
Of his leaving the network, Frons said that he's pleased with what ABC daytime was able to accomplish under his tenure, including the launch of The Chew and the development of The Revolution, the two programs that are replacing the soaps.
The Chew is reportedly averaging half a million fewer viewers than All My Children but is...
- 12/6/2011
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Brian Frons, longtime president of ABC Daytime, will leave the company when his contract ends in January, and his departure will usher in a shakeup in the way that ABC's daytime roster will be handled, the network announced on Friday. Going forward, the newly formed Times Square Studios -- headed by Vicki Dummer -- will oversee current entertainment programming and the development of new programming for ABC Daytime and Syndication. Also read: ABC Daytime President on Soaps: "The Strongest Will Survive" Dummer is currently the network's Senior Vice President, Current Series & Specials.
- 12/2/2011
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Brian Frons, the president of ABC Daytime that oversaw the cancellation of All My Children and One Life to Life, is stepping down, the network announced on Friday.
"While my decision to try something new was not arrived at easily, nine years is a long time in television terms," Frons said in a statement. "I'm proud of the performance of ABC Daytime over that time, and of all of the accomplishments that our team achieved along the way."
Read More >...
"While my decision to try something new was not arrived at easily, nine years is a long time in television terms," Frons said in a statement. "I'm proud of the performance of ABC Daytime over that time, and of all of the accomplishments that our team achieved along the way."
Read More >...
- 12/2/2011
- by Robyn Ross
- TVGuide - Breaking News
Mama Bartowski is coming back!
Linda Hamilton is set to reprise her maternal role in Chuck‘s two-hour series finale, TV Guide Magazine reports. The NBC spy dramedy’s swan song airs Jan. 27.
Ready for more of today’s TV dish? Well…
• Brian Frons — aka the man responsible for axing both All My Children and One Life to Live — will vacate the role of ABC Daytime president at the end of January. (Too little, too late, no?) Replacing Frons will be Vicki Dummer, who is presently senior vice president of ABC’s Current Series and Specials division, which is being...
Linda Hamilton is set to reprise her maternal role in Chuck‘s two-hour series finale, TV Guide Magazine reports. The NBC spy dramedy’s swan song airs Jan. 27.
Ready for more of today’s TV dish? Well…
• Brian Frons — aka the man responsible for axing both All My Children and One Life to Live — will vacate the role of ABC Daytime president at the end of January. (Too little, too late, no?) Replacing Frons will be Vicki Dummer, who is presently senior vice president of ABC’s Current Series and Specials division, which is being...
- 12/2/2011
- by Megan Masters
- TVLine.com
The ABC executive who played a key role in canceling All My Children and One Life to Live is leaving the network. The departure of Brian Frons, who will leave in January, comes at a time when ABC has decided to merge its daytime and syndicated units into one division called Time Square Studio.
ABC exec Vicki Dummer, who oversees current series and specials for the net, will head the new division encompassing The View, General Hospital, The Chew, The Revolution, Katie, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
Frons has served as the daytime’s head since 2002 and his contract ends in January.
ABC exec Vicki Dummer, who oversees current series and specials for the net, will head the new division encompassing The View, General Hospital, The Chew, The Revolution, Katie, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
Frons has served as the daytime’s head since 2002 and his contract ends in January.
- 12/2/2011
- by Lynette Rice
- EW - Inside TV
After steering ABC through the cancellation of long running soap operas All My Children and One Life to Live, ABC daytime president Brian Frons is leaving the company. He’ll be replaced by Vicki Dummer, senior vp of current series and specials. Dummer will preside over a new integrated current entertainment and programming division called Times Square Studios that will consolidate daytime and syndicated programming and development. The View, General Hospital, The Chew, The Revolution, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and Katie Couric’s upcoming talk show will come under that umbrella. Live! with Kelly will remain part of the ABC Owned
read more...
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- 12/2/2011
- by Marisa Guthrie
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
ABC Daytime president Brian Frons, a primary target of soap fans angry over the cancellation of the network’s veteran daytime dramas All My Children and One Life To Live, will depart ABC after the end of his contract in January, which coincides with the end of Oltl. The Disney/ABC Television Group will consolidate the development and current programming for daytime and syndication with the formation of Times Square Studios, a new division that will be added to the portfolio of ABC Entertainment Group president Paul Lee. It will be run by Vicki Dummer, Svp Current Series & Specials at ABC Entertainment Group, who will be promoted to Evp Times Square Studios, Current Series & Specials. She will also keep her existing responsibilities of head of current for ABC and will continue to report to Lee. (Frons used to report to Disney-abc TV Group president Anne Sweeney.) With her background as...
- 12/2/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Filed under: TV News
Brian Frons is leaving his post as president of ABC Daytime.
Frons will be replaced by Vicki Dummer, currently the senior vice president of current series and specials.
Frons, who became a reviled figure to many viewers after canceling 'All My Children' and 'One Life to Live,' will exit when his contract ends in January. His departure comes as ABC restructures under the new division Times Square Studios. Times Square will handle all daytime and syndicated productions.
"While my decision to try something new was not arrived at easily, nine years is a long time in television terms," Frons said in a statement. "I'm proud of the performance of ABC Daytime over that time, and of all of the accomplishments that our team achieved along the way. I'm especially pleased by the early results for 'The Chew' and excited for the launch of 'The Revolution,...
Brian Frons is leaving his post as president of ABC Daytime.
Frons will be replaced by Vicki Dummer, currently the senior vice president of current series and specials.
Frons, who became a reviled figure to many viewers after canceling 'All My Children' and 'One Life to Live,' will exit when his contract ends in January. His departure comes as ABC restructures under the new division Times Square Studios. Times Square will handle all daytime and syndicated productions.
"While my decision to try something new was not arrived at easily, nine years is a long time in television terms," Frons said in a statement. "I'm proud of the performance of ABC Daytime over that time, and of all of the accomplishments that our team achieved along the way. I'm especially pleased by the early results for 'The Chew' and excited for the launch of 'The Revolution,...
- 12/2/2011
- by Chris Harnick
- Aol TV.
While it is ending veteran soap opera One Life To Live, ABC is keeping 2 of the series’ key players, executive producer Frank Valentini and head writer Ron Carlivati, who will assume the same positions on ABC’s only remaining daytime drama General Hospital, effective January 9. They replace executive producer Jill Farren Phelps, who had been at the helm of Gh for the past decade, and Garin Wolf, who joined the soap this past summer. The move comes a week after Prospect Park announced that it was abandoning its plans to continue the canceled All My Children and One Life To Live online. The company had signed both Valentini and Carlivati to continue on Oltl, with Valentini also getting a top executive position. “Frank and Ron’s creativity, passion and outstanding leadership will be a welcome addition to the cast and crew, as well as viewers and longtime fans,” said ABC Daytime president Brian Frons.
- 12/1/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Filed under: TV News
It's been a rough couple of months for soap fans. First 'One Life to Live' and 'All My Children' saw their plans to move online collapse, and now, according to a report from Vulture, Jill Farren Phelps, the longtime showrunner for 'General Hospital,' is leaving the series. Phelps is being replaced by 'One Life to Live' veteran Frank Valenti.
ABC confirmed the news. Valenti will be joined on the soap by Ron Carlivati as head writer, both appointments are effective Jan. 9, 2012.
"Frank and Ron's creativity, passion and outstanding leadership will be a welcome addition to the cast and crew, as well as viewers and longtime fans," Brian Frons, president of ABC Daytime, said in a statement. "As creative leaders in the industry, I am very excited for their arrival to 'General Hospital,' and their dedication to the genre will certainly...
It's been a rough couple of months for soap fans. First 'One Life to Live' and 'All My Children' saw their plans to move online collapse, and now, according to a report from Vulture, Jill Farren Phelps, the longtime showrunner for 'General Hospital,' is leaving the series. Phelps is being replaced by 'One Life to Live' veteran Frank Valenti.
ABC confirmed the news. Valenti will be joined on the soap by Ron Carlivati as head writer, both appointments are effective Jan. 9, 2012.
"Frank and Ron's creativity, passion and outstanding leadership will be a welcome addition to the cast and crew, as well as viewers and longtime fans," Brian Frons, president of ABC Daytime, said in a statement. "As creative leaders in the industry, I am very excited for their arrival to 'General Hospital,' and their dedication to the genre will certainly...
- 12/1/2011
- by Chris Harnick
- Aol TV.
She was the queen of mean and melodrama for 41 years, but don't blame Susan Lucci for this ultimate soap opera tragedy.
Following ABC's cancellation of "All My Children," earlier in the year, it was announced that a new web distributor run by Prospect Park would pick up production and continue to air the iconic show. Then, last week, Prospect Park did an about face and announced that it was dropping "AMC," as well, opting only to continue another canceled soap, "One Life To Live." Speculation was that Lucci's unwillingness to cooperate was one of the reasons behind the axing, but the former Erica Kane insists that she had nothing to do with it.
"This is simply untrue and not the case," she wrote on her Facebook page. "We have been in discussions since Prospect Park first expressed interest in moving the series online, and in correspondence dated September 8th, I...
Following ABC's cancellation of "All My Children," earlier in the year, it was announced that a new web distributor run by Prospect Park would pick up production and continue to air the iconic show. Then, last week, Prospect Park did an about face and announced that it was dropping "AMC," as well, opting only to continue another canceled soap, "One Life To Live." Speculation was that Lucci's unwillingness to cooperate was one of the reasons behind the axing, but the former Erica Kane insists that she had nothing to do with it.
"This is simply untrue and not the case," she wrote on her Facebook page. "We have been in discussions since Prospect Park first expressed interest in moving the series online, and in correspondence dated September 8th, I...
- 11/17/2011
- by Jordan Zakarin
- Huffington Post
Disney/ABC Television Group has appointed Mirian Arias VP Daytime Communications, where she will work closely with Daytime president Brian Frons. Arias, most recently VP Communications at NBCUniversal’s iVillage, will be responsible for all communication efforts for Datg Daytime, SoapNet and ABC Media Productions, including corporate, consumer, marketing and affiliate-related publicity. She also will oversee all talent relation efforts for the division. She reports to Datg Evp Global Communications Kevin Brockman.
- 10/26/2011
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Ty Pennington has signed on to join The Revolution, an ABC daytime talk show about health and lifestyle transformations from the team behind The Biggest Loser and Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.
Pennington is joining previously named hosts Tim Gunn of Project Runway fame and fitness guru Harley Pasternak. “Ty’s passionate and deep connection to everyone he helps makes him the perfect choice to join The Revolution,” said Brian Frons, Daytime president for the Disney/ABC Television Group, in a statement. “Our goal is to include inspiring and informative motivators as we build The Revolution team and continue to...
Pennington is joining previously named hosts Tim Gunn of Project Runway fame and fitness guru Harley Pasternak. “Ty’s passionate and deep connection to everyone he helps makes him the perfect choice to join The Revolution,” said Brian Frons, Daytime president for the Disney/ABC Television Group, in a statement. “Our goal is to include inspiring and informative motivators as we build The Revolution team and continue to...
- 10/3/2011
- by Lanford Beard
- EW - Inside TV
Filed under: TV News
'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' host Ty Pennington has joined the panel for ABC's new lifestyle series 'The Revolution.' The series will take the timeslot previously occupied by 'One Life to Live' in Jaunary 2012.
"Ty's passionate and deep connection to everyone he helps makes him the perfect choice to join 'The Revolution,'" ABC daytime president Brian Frons said in a statement. "The energy he brings with him is an excellent complement to our previously named hosts, Tim Gunn and Harley Pasternak. Our goal is to include inspiring and informative motivators as we build 'The Revolution' team and continue to evolve our lineup with the type of lifestyle programming that daytime viewers are interested in seeing."
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'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' host Ty Pennington has joined the panel for ABC's new lifestyle series 'The Revolution.' The series will take the timeslot previously occupied by 'One Life to Live' in Jaunary 2012.
"Ty's passionate and deep connection to everyone he helps makes him the perfect choice to join 'The Revolution,'" ABC daytime president Brian Frons said in a statement. "The energy he brings with him is an excellent complement to our previously named hosts, Tim Gunn and Harley Pasternak. Our goal is to include inspiring and informative motivators as we build 'The Revolution' team and continue to evolve our lineup with the type of lifestyle programming that daytime viewers are interested in seeing."
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- 10/3/2011
- by Chris Harnick
- Aol TV.
1) As fans of scripted shows in general and soaps in particular, we refuse to encourage the decimation of an entire genre by execs like Brian Frons, whom Susan Lucci (Erica, All My Children), beautifully described as having “that fatal combination of ignorance and arrogance.”
2) If we want cooking shows, we’ll go to the experts at The Food Network.
3) This week, time-slot competitor Days Of Our Lives kicks off a reboot that will bring fan-favorites John, Marlena, Carrie and Austin back to Salem.
4) You know how shows always put the good stuff in the promos? If having Top Chef’s Carla tell us that small shrimp are cheaper and still awesome in her gumbo is “the good stuff”, we’ll pass.
5) We hate those ugly orange crocs that Mario Batali wears.
2) If we want cooking shows, we’ll go to the experts at The Food Network.
3) This week, time-slot competitor Days Of Our Lives kicks off a reboot that will bring fan-favorites John, Marlena, Carrie and Austin back to Salem.
4) You know how shows always put the good stuff in the promos? If having Top Chef’s Carla tell us that small shrimp are cheaper and still awesome in her gumbo is “the good stuff”, we’ll pass.
5) We hate those ugly orange crocs that Mario Batali wears.
- 9/26/2011
- by CT
- The TV Addict
We’ve got some good and not-so-good news, soap fans: Victoria Lord will continue to reign supreme in Llanview, but Pine Valley quite possibly will say so long to Erica Kane.
The View to Honor All My Children With Guest Host Susan Lucci
Prospect Park announced on Tuesday the first wave of One Life to Live cast members who have signed to stick with the sudser when it moves to the Internet in January, and the names attached do not disappoint. Among those joining the pioneer online production are daytime vets Michael Easton (aka John McBain), Kassie DePaiva (Blair), Ted King...
The View to Honor All My Children With Guest Host Susan Lucci
Prospect Park announced on Tuesday the first wave of One Life to Live cast members who have signed to stick with the sudser when it moves to the Internet in January, and the names attached do not disappoint. Among those joining the pioneer online production are daytime vets Michael Easton (aka John McBain), Kassie DePaiva (Blair), Ted King...
- 9/6/2011
- by Megan Masters
- TVLine.com
Filed under: TV News, Celebrities and Gossip
Susan Lucci has added a juicy new chapter to her memoir, slamming ABC daytime executive Brian Frons for canceling 'All My Children.' "I watched Brian Frons' decisions destroy the production of our show and the lives of people on both sides of the country," she wrote.
But why did the Emmy-winning actress do it? Her publisher, HarperCollins, asked her to.
"The book had gone to print well before the cancellation and they felt my story wasn't complete without my response to the show going off the air," Lucci told TV Guide Magazine. "They wanted my honest and raw reaction to it. At first I didn't know what to say or even think. I was so upset and angry and stunned that my eyeballs were spinning in my head. But I sat down with my co-writer, Laura Morton, and we talked it through.
Susan Lucci has added a juicy new chapter to her memoir, slamming ABC daytime executive Brian Frons for canceling 'All My Children.' "I watched Brian Frons' decisions destroy the production of our show and the lives of people on both sides of the country," she wrote.
But why did the Emmy-winning actress do it? Her publisher, HarperCollins, asked her to.
"The book had gone to print well before the cancellation and they felt my story wasn't complete without my response to the show going off the air," Lucci told TV Guide Magazine. "They wanted my honest and raw reaction to it. At first I didn't know what to say or even think. I was so upset and angry and stunned that my eyeballs were spinning in my head. But I sat down with my co-writer, Laura Morton, and we talked it through.
- 9/6/2011
- by Chris Harnick
- Aol TV.
Even though soap operas “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” are still going to have a life on the internet, AOL TV via the New York Post is reporting that “Children” star Susan Lucci has written a piece against ABC daytime exec Brian Frons in the epilogue of her book, “All My Life: A Memoir.” The claims Lucci puts against Frons include his decisions to hire a new head writer in 2008 who oversaw writing Lucci wrote was “subpar,” to move the show to New York from Los Angeles and pushed the shows creator, Agnes Nixon, out. Lucci also writes that Frons said to her in April that...
- 9/6/2011
- by monique
- ShockYa
.All My Children. star Susan Lucci talked truth to power in her memoir, addending her book to reveal how she felt about ABC decimating their daytime serials. Lucci starred as Erica Kane in the long-running ABC soap, and her memoir .All My Life: A Memoir.- just released to paperback and has an updated epilogue. The NYPost.com reported that Lucci blames ABC Daytime head Brian Frons and says, .I think our being in this position is the result of some very bad decisions by you.. It was the removal of showrunner/creator Agnes Nixon that was the nail in the coffin, and the moving of the show from Los Angeles to New York, adding "sub-par" writers too that Lucci blamed Frons...
- 9/5/2011
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
After 41 years of playing Erica Kane, Susan Lucci has no problem bringing some harsh words herself.
With ABC having canceled soap opera "All My Children," which she has been on since the show's inception in 1970, Lucci rips the network's daytime chief Brian Frons for both the decisions he made that led to the show's demise and his seeming glee in delivering the news, in a new epilogue to the paperback edition of her memoir, "All My Life."
Her rage is captured in excerpts published by the NY Post on Saturday.
"An iconic show was losing out to greed ... If Brian Frons could show his bosses that he could save the network 40 percent ... he could keep his job even if the rest of us lost ours," she writes, referencing the decision to go with a cheaper show -- food talk show "The Chew -- in the place of the classic soap.
With ABC having canceled soap opera "All My Children," which she has been on since the show's inception in 1970, Lucci rips the network's daytime chief Brian Frons for both the decisions he made that led to the show's demise and his seeming glee in delivering the news, in a new epilogue to the paperback edition of her memoir, "All My Life."
Her rage is captured in excerpts published by the NY Post on Saturday.
"An iconic show was losing out to greed ... If Brian Frons could show his bosses that he could save the network 40 percent ... he could keep his job even if the rest of us lost ours," she writes, referencing the decision to go with a cheaper show -- food talk show "The Chew -- in the place of the classic soap.
- 9/5/2011
- by Jordan Zakarin
- Huffington Post
Up until this point, Susan Lucci has been quite the team player when it comes to "All My Children's" rough journey over the past couple of years.
Well, no more. According to the New York Post, the actress who has starred on the ABC soap opera for over 40 years has had enough. She's reportedly adding an epilogue for the paperback edition of her book, "All My Life: A Memoir," and in it she's naming names.
At the top of her list? ABC Daytime head Brian Frons, who she claims made decisions that ultimately killed the soap opera and cost the cast and crew their livelihood in order to keep his own job.
While she writes that she considered calling the network and telling them "F.U. -- and your little dog, too," she settled for telling Frons, "I think our being in this position is the result of some very bad decisions by you.
Well, no more. According to the New York Post, the actress who has starred on the ABC soap opera for over 40 years has had enough. She's reportedly adding an epilogue for the paperback edition of her book, "All My Life: A Memoir," and in it she's naming names.
At the top of her list? ABC Daytime head Brian Frons, who she claims made decisions that ultimately killed the soap opera and cost the cast and crew their livelihood in order to keep his own job.
While she writes that she considered calling the network and telling them "F.U. -- and your little dog, too," she settled for telling Frons, "I think our being in this position is the result of some very bad decisions by you.
- 9/5/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Veteran actress Susan Lucci has taken aim at ABC chief Brian Frons in her new autobiography for axing U.S. soap opera All My Children.
TV bosses announced earlier this year that the longrunning beloved show would come to an end later this month as part of a cost-cutting initiative.
And now Lucci, who has played Erica Kane in the series since it launched in 1970, has blasted executives for ruining the programme.
In the epilogue to her new tome, All My Life: A Memoir, the actress slams Frons and his colleagues for moving the show from New York to Los Angeles and replacing writers to produce "subpar" material.
She writes, "I watched Brian Frons' decisions destroy the production of our show and the lives of people on both sides of the country... An iconic show was losing out to greed... If Brian Frons could show his bosses that he could save the network 40 per cent... he could keep his job even if the rest of us lost ours."
And she claims she told Frons: "I think our being in this position is the result of some very bad decisions by you."...
TV bosses announced earlier this year that the longrunning beloved show would come to an end later this month as part of a cost-cutting initiative.
And now Lucci, who has played Erica Kane in the series since it launched in 1970, has blasted executives for ruining the programme.
In the epilogue to her new tome, All My Life: A Memoir, the actress slams Frons and his colleagues for moving the show from New York to Los Angeles and replacing writers to produce "subpar" material.
She writes, "I watched Brian Frons' decisions destroy the production of our show and the lives of people on both sides of the country... An iconic show was losing out to greed... If Brian Frons could show his bosses that he could save the network 40 per cent... he could keep his job even if the rest of us lost ours."
And she claims she told Frons: "I think our being in this position is the result of some very bad decisions by you."...
- 9/5/2011
- WENN
HollywoodNews.com: Susan Lucci doesn’t get a lot of respect because people don’t know her. But Susan is fun and tough. She’s soldiered through 41 years of “All My Children” with ABC Daytime. She’s finally speaking out against them now that the show has finished taping. On Saturday morning in Page Six, Lucci released the chapter she’s added to her memoir, “All My Life.” being republished ten days before the show goes off the air.
Lucci socks it to Brian Frons, the miserable exec who destroyed ABC’s line up of soap operas to be replaced by junk talk and reality programming. Lucci finally blames Frons for moving the show to Los Angeles, getting rid of creator Agnes Nixon, and conspiring to kill AMC and Oltl. She told him: “I think our being in this position is the result of some very bad decisions by you.
Lucci socks it to Brian Frons, the miserable exec who destroyed ABC’s line up of soap operas to be replaced by junk talk and reality programming. Lucci finally blames Frons for moving the show to Los Angeles, getting rid of creator Agnes Nixon, and conspiring to kill AMC and Oltl. She told him: “I think our being in this position is the result of some very bad decisions by you.
- 9/4/2011
- by Roger Friedman
- Hollywoodnews.com
Susan Lucci is not letting "All My Children" go without a fight -- or at least a few choice words for ABC Daytime president Brian Frons. Lucci, who has played Erica Kane on the soap opera for four decades, tears into Frons in a new epilogue that's being added to the paperback version of her autobiography, "All My Life: A Memoir," and has been obtained by the New York Post. Also read: Kelly Ripa: "All My Children" Cancellation Like "Losing a Family Member" In the epilogue, Lucci slams Frons for "some very bad...
- 9/4/2011
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
First off, huge congratulations to Cheyenne Jackson and his boyfriend husband Monte Lapka, who just got married in a beach ceremony in the Hamptons. As Cheyenne tweeted, "It's official, after 11 years together, Zora's no longer a bastard. Just married the best man I've ever known."
The Vatican is so upset that the Irish government called them out publicly for being uncooperative in the pedophile priest problem in that country that they've recalled their official envoy. Seriously, with scandal after scandal, each one finding the church covered up the abuse for decades, they have the balls to play the outraged victim again?
If this article that is about registering the poor to vote being un-American isn't enough to give you an aneurysm, then head on into the comments where it gets so much worse. It seems that for these commenters, you should have to be a wealthy landowner in order to have the right to suffrage.
The Vatican is so upset that the Irish government called them out publicly for being uncooperative in the pedophile priest problem in that country that they've recalled their official envoy. Seriously, with scandal after scandal, each one finding the church covered up the abuse for decades, they have the balls to play the outraged victim again?
If this article that is about registering the poor to vote being un-American isn't enough to give you an aneurysm, then head on into the comments where it gets so much worse. It seems that for these commenters, you should have to be a wealthy landowner in order to have the right to suffrage.
- 9/4/2011
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
Hell hath no fury like Susan Lucci scorned! The upcoming paperback edition of her autobiography, All My Life: A Memoir, will include a bonus epilogue in which the daytime star lashes out at ABC execs for the death of All My Children. The soap, which was canceled in April, filmed its last episode on Tuesday and will air its final broadcast episode on Friday, Sept. 23.
"I think our being in this position is the result of some very bad decisions by you," she wrote, addressing ABC head of daytime Brian Frons. The excerpts were run in the New York Post Saturday. Specifically, she says Frons
Read More >...
"I think our being in this position is the result of some very bad decisions by you," she wrote, addressing ABC head of daytime Brian Frons. The excerpts were run in the New York Post Saturday. Specifically, she says Frons
Read More >...
- 9/3/2011
- by Denise Martin
- TVGuide - Breaking News
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