Spend 30 Minutes in Pine Valley or Llanview
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Fans Support for AMC and OLTL
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Watch OLTL Each Tues and Thurs
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Watch AMC each Monday and Wednesday
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Supporting the Change
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Stand Behind the shows
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We Will Watch
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General Hospital
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Days of Our Lives
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Y&R
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BB
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OK, it has now been a few days since we were all absolutely shocked to learn that Prospect Park was reducing the number of weekly episodes of each show from 4 to 2, plus the Friday More episodes. Although, I am still baffled by the rationale, as stated by PP, I do believe that other statements, that have since been made by the cast, do make sense. It is obvious that they had to rush things given the time between the announcement, stating they would be back, and the time they went back to production. I do believe they are doing an incredible job, especially seeing how little time they had to write the scripts and get the sets prepared. Hopefully this decision will result in an overall better product. 

I do not believe that anyone would have had an issue with them stating we need to step back and reevaluate to ensure that we are able to continually delivery these shows, for the long haul.  The problem was that the message we got from this was that the viewers were to blame because of the way many were watching. It would have also been helpful if they had stated, more directly, that part of the issue is that not all viewers were watching both shows. They alluded to this, by stating “Yet, the majority of our viewers are watching one show or the other, not both, and they aren’t viewing the shows when they did before.” If they had simply stated that these shows are a package deal and we need equal views, this would also have been well received and many would have been willing to watch both knowing the dependency that each show had.

I have been very impressed with the viewers as for the most part, although they are saddened and concerned about the long-term viability of the shows, and understandably so, they continue to state they will still be tuning in to see what happens in Pine Valley and Llanview. This, my friends is what matters most. We can vent our frustrations, and we should, after all that is why we have all come together; to allow our voices to be heard.

Many have begun sending letters and emails to TOLN. This is a great idea. We need to let them know what our thoughts are. However, we need to do so in a positive, professional manner, if we want to be heard. Negativity and threats will be tossed out. We need to do as we have for the last 2 years, let them know how much we love the shows. Let them know how much we want them to succeed. Let them know that we can handle honesty. Most of all let them know we stand behind All My Children and One Life to Live.

Don’t get me wrong, I am still very disappointed in the latest turn of events, as well as the manner in which it was presented. However, the reality is there is little we can do to change it, without continuing to support the shows. At the end of the day we need to do everything in our power to show that these, as well as every other soap are relevant and in demand.

At this point there is still an open, unanswered question as to what this change will mean for Canadian viewers. The rumor mill is stating that FX Canada is no longer showing the shows in their lineup and that ITunes Canada has picked up the shows. Again, this is rumor, but it would make sense seeing as television requires a set schedule and a change this quickly may not be well received.  Hopefully, soon there will be confirmation, one way or the other regarding continued viewing in Canada.

Feel free to leave a comment. Your thoughts matter.

Mail letters to :

The OnLine Network

1840 Century Park East

18th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Email, Fax, Phone

soapsalive@prospectpk.com

Phone: 310-746-4900

Fax: 310-746-4890

Well as many know today Prospect Park announced that they would be reducing the shows from 4 per week to 2. A few people asked me my thoughts. We have long since supported all soaps and will continue to do so. However, this turn of events is beyond disappointing.  Although I am sure I missed something, here are some of my initial thoughts or ramblings as the case may be. This is very disappointing considering all the hype that surrounded the launch.  

-          What happened to the ANYWHERE ANYTIME slogan which was touted as a major plus for viewers?

-          Why does it matter when people watch so long as they watch? (ads exist regardless and unlike DVR recordings viewers have to watch)

-          If the shows are consistently ranking in the top 10 watched, this should be considered a major plus, not a negative, considering the vast amount of content available through Hulu

-          The press release indicates this decision was based on 2 weeks of data. If the intent is to grow the shows, the best chance of this happening is to allow time for the shows to build up their storylines. Make people want to tune in each day, not drive them away.

-          If the intent was to have viewers watch daily, why allow 10 days to view via Hulu

-          The press release indicates that with 2 shows 4 days per week there is not enough time for people to watch both.  Perhaps they neglected to consider not all viewers watched both shows, and by stating such, it can be viewed as viewer blackmail.

-          I have a particular problem with the cast not being informed of the change, before the press release………..reminiscent of ABC/Disney

-          It is a bit suspect that this release was timed with the reintroduction of the 3 actors who previously played Star, John, and Todd on One Life to Live debuting as new characters on GH. Clearly this action was not something that was a thought of this morning. Such actions would take time to put in place and release.

-          I would think this action would not only anger fans, and actors, but also investors.

-          Why the comparison to typical viewing habits of soap opera when the whole idea behind this concept was to differentiate itself from network television. It was supposed to be the wave of the future.

-          How will this impact Canadian viewers? FX Canada has a schedule to maintain. What are the ratings on FX Canada comparatively speaking?

-          I seriously doubt that any fan has requested fewer shows, yet this comment from the release appears like this is what viewers want. “This is a new medium, a new time and we have always planned to make changes quickly by listening to you, our fans and customers”

-          I am not sure why they believe the current schedule is too challenging. “This leads us to believe we are posting too many episodes and making it far too challenging for viewers to keep up.” I think we are quite capable of keeping up and should be able to do so on our own time.

-          I believe they are grasping at straws to rationalize a way to reduce the number of shows.  Such actions will not be an enticement to viewers or other actors to commit to returning. It is possible that this action may cause existing cast to rethink continuing with the show.

-          I believe this will ultimately be a disaster. They have not allowed nearly enough time for these shows to find their stride.

-          They are making it very difficult for viewers to remain vested in these shows. The fact they acted so quickly with no indicators that they are not doing well, is unnerving. Will it next be 1 show per week? The reality is had they started with just 2 days per week, the viewers would have been pleased, just to have them back. However, to make such a drastic change 2 weeks in will be concerning to viewers.

-          If the shows are not performing as expected, the better option would have been to state it honestly. There seems to be a big hole in the rationale here. All we have ever asked all along is for honesty. That we can accept. However, when it appears we may be being played, in some way, it is not as easy to believe.

-          What are your thoughts? We would love to hear from you. 

Our soaps are back and I couldn’t be happier. For the last 3 days, I wake up, get my coffee, and turn to Hulu to watch the reboots of All My Children and One Life to Live. So far both shows have more than met my expectations.  If I am to be honest, they are significantly better than I had anticipated.

They are different than they were, but not so different as to make me not want to watch, nor are they as different as I anticipated. As a matter of fact the differences are what make me want to tune in. It has only been 3 days, but the new actors/characters are quickly finding their way. I know for some the change is difficult, but what has really changed that is any different than what we have come to accept in soap land?

They have aged some of the characters on both shows. This happens all the time. They have brought on new characters, again standard operating procedure for soaps.  As far as the dress, think back to a time when you were going out to clubs. How did you dress? Were you all buttoned up or did you deliberately dress to show off certain “assets”? I know I did. On One Life to Live, they were at a club. This is the only place we have seen them. I am sure they will dress differently when they are seen in a different environment.

I also do not find the occasional curse word to be offensive; to me it makes it more real. When people are upset they have a tendency to use these words.

The shows are off to a great start. I can see it attracting a new, younger audience; something that is needed for them to survive. We were all young once and because the characters were close in age to what many of us were at the time, we were able to relate to them. The internet allows for a lot more flexibility in storylines. They can now show sides to relevant issues that were not allowed on network television.  These shows are still teaching a lesson and providing a means to open lines of communication between generations.

I am grateful to Prospect Park for bringing these shows back to us. We must support them in every way. This is the future, and we are the pioneers. We need the views to be high on Hulu, Hulu Plus, and ITunes. If the numbers are not there, the shows will not be there. The ads that are shown are supporting these shows. The ads are so short that they are barely noticeable. I know some dislike that they cannot fast forward through the commercials. They are needed, and I believe this is a great way for businesses to advertise their products.

Please continue to support the genre by watching each day, commenting on articles, especially those that are national like TVGuide, Hollywood Reporter, New York Times Etc.  We need to keep the hype up. In the future this could be the way we watch our soaps. I for one will welcome such a change. Not only will I be able to watch when I want, they will be more true to life.

 As a final note please give the shows a chance and support the actors, especially the new additions. Let them know how loyal and supportive the soap fan base is. For those that watch General Hospital, think of Jen Lilly and how much the support meant to her when she was new and replacing a much beloved character. It is hard being new and working to be accepted. Show them the love I have seen you all give these actors for the last 2 years.

           Here are some tweets that we can use to get #AMC and #OLTL trending in honor of their triumphant return! 

Welcome Back Llanview!

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Welcome Back Pine Valley!

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It’s been a long 2 years

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ABC’s loss is Prospect Park’s gain

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The wait is over 

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History is Made
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Washington Post Article
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Old Soap Operas Bubble up Online
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One Life To Live-Live Chat and View with Fellow Viewers
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All My Children Chat and View with Fellow Viewers
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Miscellaneous Soap Related Tweets 

PAOS Revolution Fund Raiser
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How to watch on Hulu
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Dr. Dan’s Striptease on Days
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Please join us in thanking the actors, past and present for their contributions to General Hospital.

Kody Kitchen, Emma Caufield, Steve Nichols

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Ronnie Marmo,Stephen Macht, Adrianna Leon, Minae Noji/Kent King

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Stuart Damon, Lexi Ainsworth, Amber Tamblyn

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Kin Shriner, Carly Schroeder,Natalia Livingston
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Julie Marie Berman, Sebastian Roche,Robin Mattson

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Sean Kanan, Rick Springfield, Jack Wagner

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Nancy Lee Grahn, Kelly Sullivan,Dom Zamprogna

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Laura Wright, Ian Buchanan, Lindsey Morgan, Kristen Alderson

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Ingo Rademacher, Kassie DePaiva, Carolyn Hennesy

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Vanessa Marcil, Lisa Locicero, Maurice Benard

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Kirsten Storms,Haley Alexis Pullos, Jonathan Jackson

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Wally Kurth, Tamara Braun, Brandon Barash, Tyler Christopher

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Rebecca Herbst, Kimberly McCullough, Jason Thompson,Greg Vaughan,

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Scott Reeves, Chad Duell,Kelly Monaco, Steve Burton

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Erik Valdez, Genie Francis,Bradford Anderson, Billy Warlock,Sonya Eddy ‏

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John J York, Jen Lilley, Leslie Charleson, Jackie Zeman, Michael Saucedo

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Frank Valentini, Ron Carlivati, Jon Lindstrom, Réal Andrews
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Finola Hughes, Tristan Rogers,Emma Samms, Nathan Parsons, Rena Sofer

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Jason Cook, Nathin Butler, Mark Hamill, James Franco

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Chad Brannon, Khary Payton,Andrea Bogart,Justin Whalin, @kikoellsworth

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Rebeka Montoya, Alyshia Ochse, Tava Smiley, Erin Chambers, Jimmy Deshler ‏

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Sarah Amy Johnson, Brianna Brown, John Stamos, Emily Wilson, Marc Anthony Samuel

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Tequan Richmond, Emme Rylan, Kelly Thiebaud, Drew Cheetwood,Teresa Castillo, Grant Aleksander

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Marcia Cross and Tonja Walker

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General Hospital Items

We have collected the videos that are currently uploaded to YouTube that were shown during the Marathon. We have posted them here in air date order versus Soapnet air order. As more become available we will post those links as well. A huge thank you to LoriHGGH for uploading all of these. Please subscribe to her channel.