1996: Nathan Hastings died on The Young and the Restless.
1996: Frankie Frame was murdered on Another World.
1996: Gh's Jason and Robin arrived in Montauk on Stone's birthday.
2013: The series finale of One Life to Live aired online."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...
1929: NBC Blue network broadcast Amos 'n' Andy, starring Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, for the first time. The show ran as a nightly radio serial from 1928 (starting at local Wmaq) until 1943, then as a weekly situation comedy from 1943 to 1955.
1953: On Search for Tomorrow, Arthur Tate (Terry O'Sullivan) told Nathan Walsh...
1996: Frankie Frame was murdered on Another World.
1996: Gh's Jason and Robin arrived in Montauk on Stone's birthday.
2013: The series finale of One Life to Live aired online."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...
1929: NBC Blue network broadcast Amos 'n' Andy, starring Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, for the first time. The show ran as a nightly radio serial from 1928 (starting at local Wmaq) until 1943, then as a weekly situation comedy from 1943 to 1955.
1953: On Search for Tomorrow, Arthur Tate (Terry O'Sullivan) told Nathan Walsh...
- 8/26/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1966: Days of our Lives creator Ted Corday died.
1983: Edge of Night's Raven and Sky were thrown in jail.
1993: Salem mourned Carly, who wasn't actually dead, on Days of our Lives.
2009: Y&r's Victor gave Adam his acceptance."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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...
1966: Producer and director Ted Corday died at age 58. Corday moved from Broadway to radio dramas to television directing at The Guiding Light and As the World Turns. In 1965 NBC asked Corday to create three new daytime soap operas leading to the...
1983: Edge of Night's Raven and Sky were thrown in jail.
1993: Salem mourned Carly, who wasn't actually dead, on Days of our Lives.
2009: Y&r's Victor gave Adam his acceptance."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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...
1966: Producer and director Ted Corday died at age 58. Corday moved from Broadway to radio dramas to television directing at The Guiding Light and As the World Turns. In 1965 NBC asked Corday to create three new daytime soap operas leading to the...
- 7/23/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1986: Another World's Cass was determined to see Kathleen.
1991: Days of our Lives' Jack and Jennifer saw a familiar star.
2002: Passions' Theresa begged for help during her execution.
2003: All My Children's Bianca burned her clothes after the rape."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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...
1946: Mary-Ellis Bunim was born. She produced daytime soap operas Search for Tomorrow, As the World Turns, Santa Barbara and Loving before moving into reality television with The Real World. She died in 2004 at age 57.
1954: On Search for Tomorrow, Joanne Barron...
1991: Days of our Lives' Jack and Jennifer saw a familiar star.
2002: Passions' Theresa begged for help during her execution.
2003: All My Children's Bianca burned her clothes after the rape."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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...
1946: Mary-Ellis Bunim was born. She produced daytime soap operas Search for Tomorrow, As the World Turns, Santa Barbara and Loving before moving into reality television with The Real World. She died in 2004 at age 57.
1954: On Search for Tomorrow, Joanne Barron...
- 7/16/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1995: The exorcism of Days of our Lives' Marlena began.
1997: General Hospital's Monica wanted to shoot Pierce.
2001: All My Children's Anna heard her daughter's voice.
2006: Days of our Lives' Sami met Ej Dimera."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...
1938: Radio soap opera Joyce Jordan, M.D. debuted on the Mutual Network. Elspeth Eric was the original actress to play Joyce, who worked at Heights Hospital. Other cast members during the show's run included Bill Johnstone and Agnes Moorehead. Note: Three decades later...
1997: General Hospital's Monica wanted to shoot Pierce.
2001: All My Children's Anna heard her daughter's voice.
2006: Days of our Lives' Sami met Ej Dimera."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...
1938: Radio soap opera Joyce Jordan, M.D. debuted on the Mutual Network. Elspeth Eric was the original actress to play Joyce, who worked at Heights Hospital. Other cast members during the show's run included Bill Johnstone and Agnes Moorehead. Note: Three decades later...
- 5/30/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1984: Days of our Lives' Stefano was fooled by Roman's latest plan.
1984: General Hospital's Mike was upset about Lesley's death.
1992: Days' (new) Bo Brady unmasked himself to Carly.
2008: As the World Turns' Carly shot and killed Kit."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...
1967: CBS aired the first color broadcast of The Guiding Light. The show still ran for 15 minutes a day at that time.
1972: Australian soap Number 96 premiered. The show had a successful run, including spawning a feature film, and aired its...
1984: General Hospital's Mike was upset about Lesley's death.
1992: Days' (new) Bo Brady unmasked himself to Carly.
2008: As the World Turns' Carly shot and killed Kit."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...
1967: CBS aired the first color broadcast of The Guiding Light. The show still ran for 15 minutes a day at that time.
1972: Australian soap Number 96 premiered. The show had a successful run, including spawning a feature film, and aired its...
- 3/13/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1953: Guiding Light's Alice testified at Kathy's grand jury hearing.
1981: General Hospital's Anne prayed for guidance.
1994: All My Children's Kendall leaned more about her father.
2008: Days of our Lives' Daniel Jonas arrived in Salem."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...
1953: On The Guiding Light, the grand jury began hearing the case of California versus Kathy Lang Grant (Susan Douglas Rubes) with Alice Graham's testimony. This was 13 years before the setting of the show would move from Selby Flats (a suburb of Los Angeles) to Springfield.
1981: General Hospital's Anne prayed for guidance.
1994: All My Children's Kendall leaned more about her father.
2008: Days of our Lives' Daniel Jonas arrived in Salem."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...
1953: On The Guiding Light, the grand jury began hearing the case of California versus Kathy Lang Grant (Susan Douglas Rubes) with Alice Graham's testimony. This was 13 years before the setting of the show would move from Selby Flats (a suburb of Los Angeles) to Springfield.
- 3/5/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1973: The Doctors' Carolee received more bad news.
1976: Ryan's Hope's Faith taped a note to her captor's back.
1985: Santa Barbara's Carnation Killer murdered Veronica.
2008: Billy Magnussen debuted as Casey on As the World Turns."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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...
1945: Procter & Gamble bought Spic and Span for $1.9 million. It would later become one of the sponsors for P&G soaps for decades (most notably Search for Tomorrow).
1965: Actor John Larkin died at age 52. He starred as the original Mike Karr in The Edge of Night,...
1976: Ryan's Hope's Faith taped a note to her captor's back.
1985: Santa Barbara's Carnation Killer murdered Veronica.
2008: Billy Magnussen debuted as Casey on As the World Turns."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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...
1945: Procter & Gamble bought Spic and Span for $1.9 million. It would later become one of the sponsors for P&G soaps for decades (most notably Search for Tomorrow).
1965: Actor John Larkin died at age 52. He starred as the original Mike Karr in The Edge of Night,...
- 1/29/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1968: The Doctors' Steve and Carolee bantered before intern night.
1990: Gh's Frisco & Felicia were married for the second time.
2006: Days of our Lives' Tony was covered in blood.
2007: All My Children's Dixie ate poisoned pancakes."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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...
1967: Jordan Charney debuted on Another World as Sam Lucas, Ada's brother. Sam married Lahoma Vane (Ann Wedgeworth) in 1969 and the two of them moved to Another World spin-off Somerset in 1970.
1968: On The Doctors, Nurse Carolee Simpson (Carolee Campbell) and newly arrived Dr.
1990: Gh's Frisco & Felicia were married for the second time.
2006: Days of our Lives' Tony was covered in blood.
2007: All My Children's Dixie ate poisoned pancakes."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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...
1967: Jordan Charney debuted on Another World as Sam Lucas, Ada's brother. Sam married Lahoma Vane (Ann Wedgeworth) in 1969 and the two of them moved to Another World spin-off Somerset in 1970.
1968: On The Doctors, Nurse Carolee Simpson (Carolee Campbell) and newly arrived Dr.
- 1/28/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1967: Roger burned David's painting on Dark Shadows.
1981: Guiding Light's Alan showed up at Jennifer's trial.
2009: Gl's Olivia kissed Natalia.
2010: As the World Turns' Reid had no time for Luke."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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...
1956: Actor Charles Dingle died at age 68. He played Conrad Overton in Irna Phillips' daytime soap opera The Road of Life.
1967: On Dark Shadows, the ghost of Josette duPres materialized in David Collins' room and magically completed David's painting so that it now depicted him and...
1981: Guiding Light's Alan showed up at Jennifer's trial.
2009: Gl's Olivia kissed Natalia.
2010: As the World Turns' Reid had no time for Luke."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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...
1956: Actor Charles Dingle died at age 68. He played Conrad Overton in Irna Phillips' daytime soap opera The Road of Life.
1967: On Dark Shadows, the ghost of Josette duPres materialized in David Collins' room and magically completed David's painting so that it now depicted him and...
- 1/20/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1984: The final episode of Edge of Night aired on ABC."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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...
1964: Daytime soap opera A Flame in the Wind premiered on ABC. Producer Joseph Hardy, whose creative efforts helped turn Love of Life into one of the top-ranking daytime dramas, changed things up for the new series.
"With most new serials it takes months to build up audience awareness," Hardy explained at the time. "The story usually doesn’t begin unfolding until long after each of the characters has been introduced. I...
― 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...
1964: Daytime soap opera A Flame in the Wind premiered on ABC. Producer Joseph Hardy, whose creative efforts helped turn Love of Life into one of the top-ranking daytime dramas, changed things up for the new series.
"With most new serials it takes months to build up audience awareness," Hardy explained at the time. "The story usually doesn’t begin unfolding until long after each of the characters has been introduced. I...
- 12/28/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1979: The Edge of Night's Deborah continued to be poisoned.
1981: Milton Berle guest-starred on General Hospital.
1991: Days of our Lives' Carly and Bo exchanged vows in Mexico.
2001: One Life to Live's Blair was reunited with her baby."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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...
1957: On The Edge of Night, Willy (Edward Holmes) informed Mike (John Larkin) that Ed was the staff member who talked to Dalton.
1971: On The Doctors, Dr. Steve Aldrich (David O'Brien) recalled how happy he and Carolee Simpson (Carolee Campbell...
1981: Milton Berle guest-starred on General Hospital.
1991: Days of our Lives' Carly and Bo exchanged vows in Mexico.
2001: One Life to Live's Blair was reunited with her baby."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different 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...
1957: On The Edge of Night, Willy (Edward Holmes) informed Mike (John Larkin) that Ed was the staff member who talked to Dalton.
1971: On The Doctors, Dr. Steve Aldrich (David O'Brien) recalled how happy he and Carolee Simpson (Carolee Campbell...
- 12/15/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1976: Another World's Mac told Iris to leave Clarice alone.
1978: Dallas' Ray fell for country singer Garnet McGee.
1984: Days' Bo found Roman dead but the body disappeared.
1985: Ryan's Hope's Jillian couldn't remember Frank."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, Billy (Pud Flanagan) asked Mary (Anne Sargent) and Roger (Allan Nourse) Harper to legally adopt him.
1963: General Hospital introduced a new opening sequence.
1969: On The Doctors, Dr. Nick Bellini (Gerald Gordon) clashed with Dr. Steve Aldrich (David O'Brien) after Nick's wife, Althea, walked out on him. Meanwhile, the staff...
1978: Dallas' Ray fell for country singer Garnet McGee.
1984: Days' Bo found Roman dead but the body disappeared.
1985: Ryan's Hope's Jillian couldn't remember Frank."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, Billy (Pud Flanagan) asked Mary (Anne Sargent) and Roger (Allan Nourse) Harper to legally adopt him.
1963: General Hospital introduced a new opening sequence.
1969: On The Doctors, Dr. Nick Bellini (Gerald Gordon) clashed with Dr. Steve Aldrich (David O'Brien) after Nick's wife, Althea, walked out on him. Meanwhile, the staff...
- 11/27/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1968: It was Nick and Althea's wedding day on The Doctors.
1983: Guiding Light's Eli Sims wanted revenge.
1998: Paul Anthony Stewart debuted as Danny on Guiding Light.
2003: All My Children's Erica made an unwelcome discovery."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, Mike (John Larkin) realized Billy's blood type was not a match with Roger or Mary.
1964: Geoffrey Lumb made his first appearance in Another World as Mitchell Dru in a crossover from P&G's As the World Turns. He had previously played the character on The Brighter Day before joining Atwt and Aw.
1983: Guiding Light's Eli Sims wanted revenge.
1998: Paul Anthony Stewart debuted as Danny on Guiding Light.
2003: All My Children's Erica made an unwelcome discovery."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, Mike (John Larkin) realized Billy's blood type was not a match with Roger or Mary.
1964: Geoffrey Lumb made his first appearance in Another World as Mitchell Dru in a crossover from P&G's As the World Turns. He had previously played the character on The Brighter Day before joining Atwt and Aw.
- 11/15/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1979: Guiding Light's Rita found out she was pregnant.
1993: General Hospital's Luke and Laura visited Bill Eckert.
2004: Days of our Lives' Abby reunited with Jennifer.
2008: ABC aired the 10,000th episode of All My Children."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, Mike Karr (John Larkin) devised a plan to trick Irene into leading the police to Mary.
1965: On Days of our Lives, Julie Olson (Charla Doherty) paid a visit to her aunt, Marie Horton. Craig Merritt also visited Marie, his future daughter-in-law. Julie's father, Ben, had a fight with her lawyer and uncle,...
1993: General Hospital's Luke and Laura visited Bill Eckert.
2004: Days of our Lives' Abby reunited with Jennifer.
2008: ABC aired the 10,000th episode of All My Children."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, Mike Karr (John Larkin) devised a plan to trick Irene into leading the police to Mary.
1965: On Days of our Lives, Julie Olson (Charla Doherty) paid a visit to her aunt, Marie Horton. Craig Merritt also visited Marie, his future daughter-in-law. Julie's father, Ben, had a fight with her lawyer and uncle,...
- 11/15/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1930: Irna Phillips' soap opera Painted Dreams premiered.
1987: General Hospital's Duke and Anna were married.
1994: All My Children's Edmund faced the press.
1998: The Young and the Restless' Sharon was hit by a car."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...
1930: The soap opera was born! Irna Phillips’ radio soap Painted Dreams premiered on Wgn Radio in Chicago. The show is widely recognized by broadcast historians as the very first soap opera. The show ran on Wgn and later CBS Radio until July 1943.
Click here to read Rob Wargo's in-depth feature from the 80th anniversary of...
1987: General Hospital's Duke and Anna were married.
1994: All My Children's Edmund faced the press.
1998: The Young and the Restless' Sharon was hit by a car."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...
1930: The soap opera was born! Irna Phillips’ radio soap Painted Dreams premiered on Wgn Radio in Chicago. The show is widely recognized by broadcast historians as the very first soap opera. The show ran on Wgn and later CBS Radio until July 1943.
Click here to read Rob Wargo's in-depth feature from the 80th anniversary of...
- 10/20/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1940: Portia Faces Life premiered on CBS Radio.
1980: Edge of Night's Clown Puppet killer claimed its first victim.
1991: Y&R's David died in a trash compactor.
1997: One Life to Live's Tea fell out a window."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...
1940: Radio soap opera Portia Faces Life debuted on CBS, sponsored by General Foods during its entire run on radio. The series had premiered early in 1940 on radio station Wnac in Boston, then moved to Wls in Chicago, Krld in Dallas, Kgw in Portland and Kfi in Los Angeles before moving to the CBS network.
1980: Edge of Night's Clown Puppet killer claimed its first victim.
1991: Y&R's David died in a trash compactor.
1997: One Life to Live's Tea fell out a window."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...
1940: Radio soap opera Portia Faces Life debuted on CBS, sponsored by General Foods during its entire run on radio. The series had premiered early in 1940 on radio station Wnac in Boston, then moved to Wls in Chicago, Krld in Dallas, Kgw in Portland and Kfi in Los Angeles before moving to the CBS network.
- 10/10/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1969: Bright Promise premiered on NBC.
1978: The final episode of For Richer, For Poorer aired on NBC.
1986: Another World's Marley and Jake were married.
1989: Terry Lester debuted as Mason Capwell on Santa Barbara."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...
1947: Radio soap opera Claudia premiered. Due in large part to the success of the two Claudia movies, the D'Arcy advertising agency decided to bring the characters to radio in a five-a-week quarter-hour serial on behalf of its client, Coca-Cola. Kathryn Bard was cast as Claudia and Paul Crabtree as David, with Joe King announcing.
1969: Bright...
1978: The final episode of For Richer, For Poorer aired on NBC.
1986: Another World's Marley and Jake were married.
1989: Terry Lester debuted as Mason Capwell on Santa Barbara."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...
1947: Radio soap opera Claudia premiered. Due in large part to the success of the two Claudia movies, the D'Arcy advertising agency decided to bring the characters to radio in a five-a-week quarter-hour serial on behalf of its client, Coca-Cola. Kathryn Bard was cast as Claudia and Paul Crabtree as David, with Joe King announcing.
1969: Bright...
- 10/3/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1996: Nathan Hastings died on The Young and the Restless.
1996: Frankie Frame was murdered on Another World.
1996: Gh's Jason and Robin arrived in Montauk on Stone's birthday.
2013: The series finale of One Life to Live aired online."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...
1929: NBC Blue network broadcast Amos 'n' Andy, starring Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, for the first time. The show ran as a nightly radio serial from 1928 (starting at local Wmaq) until 1943, then as a weekly situation comedy from 1943 to 1955.
1953: On Search for Tomorrow, Arthur Tate (Terry O'Sullivan) told Nathan Walsh...
1996: Frankie Frame was murdered on Another World.
1996: Gh's Jason and Robin arrived in Montauk on Stone's birthday.
2013: The series finale of One Life to Live aired online."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...
1929: NBC Blue network broadcast Amos 'n' Andy, starring Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, for the first time. The show ran as a nightly radio serial from 1928 (starting at local Wmaq) until 1943, then as a weekly situation comedy from 1943 to 1955.
1953: On Search for Tomorrow, Arthur Tate (Terry O'Sullivan) told Nathan Walsh...
- 8/20/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1966: Days of our Lives creator Ted Corday died.
1983: Edge of Night's Raven and Sky were thrown in jail.
1993: Days' Salem mourned Carly, who wasn't actually dead.
2009: Y&R's Victor gave Adam his acceptance."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...
1966: Producer and director Ted Corday died at age 58. Corday moved from Broadway to radio dramas to television directing at The Guiding Light and As the World Turns. In 1965 NBC asked Corday to create three new daytime soap operas leading to the premieres of Days of our Lives, Paradise Bay and Morning Star. Days continues to...
1983: Edge of Night's Raven and Sky were thrown in jail.
1993: Days' Salem mourned Carly, who wasn't actually dead.
2009: Y&R's Victor gave Adam his acceptance."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...
1966: Producer and director Ted Corday died at age 58. Corday moved from Broadway to radio dramas to television directing at The Guiding Light and As the World Turns. In 1965 NBC asked Corday to create three new daytime soap operas leading to the premieres of Days of our Lives, Paradise Bay and Morning Star. Days continues to...
- 7/23/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1986: Another World's Cass was determined to see Kathleen.
1991: Days of our Lives' Jack and Jennifer saw a familiar star.
2002: Passions' Theresa begged for help during her execution.
2003: All My Children's Bianca burned her clothes after the rape."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...
1946: Mary-Ellis Bunim was born. She produced daytime soap operas Search for Tomorrow, As the World Turns, Santa Barbara and Loving...
1991: Days of our Lives' Jack and Jennifer saw a familiar star.
2002: Passions' Theresa begged for help during her execution.
2003: All My Children's Bianca burned her clothes after the rape."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...
1946: Mary-Ellis Bunim was born. She produced daytime soap operas Search for Tomorrow, As the World Turns, Santa Barbara and Loving...
- 7/9/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1995: The exorcism of Days of our Lives' Marlena began.
1997: General Hospital's Monica wanted to shoot Pierce.
2001: All My Children's Anna heard her daughter's voice.
2006: Days of our Lives' Sami met Ej Dimera."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...
1938: Radio soap opera Joyce Jordan, M.D. debuted on the Mutual Network. Elspeth Eric was the original actress to play Joyce, who worked at Heights Hospital.
1997: General Hospital's Monica wanted to shoot Pierce.
2001: All My Children's Anna heard her daughter's voice.
2006: Days of our Lives' Sami met Ej Dimera."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...
1938: Radio soap opera Joyce Jordan, M.D. debuted on the Mutual Network. Elspeth Eric was the original actress to play Joyce, who worked at Heights Hospital.
- 5/30/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1984: Days of our Lives' Stefano was fooled by Roman's latest plan.
1984: General Hospital's Mike was upset about Lesley's death.
1992: Days' (new) Bo Brady unmasked himself to Carly.
2008: As the World Turns' Carly shot and killed Kit."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli
"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...
1967: CBS aired the first color broadcast of The Guiding Light.
1984: General Hospital's Mike was upset about Lesley's death.
1992: Days' (new) Bo Brady unmasked himself to Carly.
2008: As the World Turns' Carly shot and killed Kit."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli
"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...
1967: CBS aired the first color broadcast of The Guiding Light.
- 3/13/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1953: Guiding Light's Alice testified at Kathy's grand jury hearing.
1981: General Hospital's Anne prayed for guidance.
1994: All My Children's Kendall leaned more about her father.
2008: Days of our Lives' Daniel Jonas arrived in Salem."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli
"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...
1953: On The Guiding Light, the grand jury began hearing the case of California versus...
1981: General Hospital's Anne prayed for guidance.
1994: All My Children's Kendall leaned more about her father.
2008: Days of our Lives' Daniel Jonas arrived in Salem."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli
"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...
1953: On The Guiding Light, the grand jury began hearing the case of California versus...
- 3/4/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1973: The Doctors' Carolee received more bad news.
1976: Ryan's Hope's Faith taped a note to her captor's back.
1985: Santa Barbara's Carnation Killer murdered Veronica.
2008: Billy Magnussen debuted as Casey on As the World Turns."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli
"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...
1945: Procter & Gamble bought Spic and Span for $1.9 million. It would later become one...
1976: Ryan's Hope's Faith taped a note to her captor's back.
1985: Santa Barbara's Carnation Killer murdered Veronica.
2008: Billy Magnussen debuted as Casey on As the World Turns."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli
"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...
1945: Procter & Gamble bought Spic and Span for $1.9 million. It would later become one...
- 1/30/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1968: The Doctors' Steve and Carolee bantered before intern night.
1990: Gh's Frisco & Felicia were married for the second time.
2006: Days of our Lives' Tony was covered in blood.
2007: All My Children's Dixie ate poisoned pancakes."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli
"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...
1967: Jordan Charney debuted on Another World as Sam Lucas, Ada's brother. Sam...
1990: Gh's Frisco & Felicia were married for the second time.
2006: Days of our Lives' Tony was covered in blood.
2007: All My Children's Dixie ate poisoned pancakes."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli
"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...
1967: Jordan Charney debuted on Another World as Sam Lucas, Ada's brother. Sam...
- 1/26/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1967: Roger burned David's painting on Dark Shadows.
1981: Guiding Light's Alan showed up at Jennifer's trial.
2009: Gl's Olivia kissed Natalia.
2010: As the World Turns' Reid had no time for Luke."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli
"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...
1956: Actor Charles Dingle died at age 68. He played Conrad Overton in Irna Phillips' daytime soap opera The Road of Life.
1981: Guiding Light's Alan showed up at Jennifer's trial.
2009: Gl's Olivia kissed Natalia.
2010: As the World Turns' Reid had no time for Luke."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli
"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...
1956: Actor Charles Dingle died at age 68. He played Conrad Overton in Irna Phillips' daytime soap opera The Road of Life.
- 1/19/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1984: The final episode of The Edge of Night aired on ABC."History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins
"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...
1964: Daytime soap opera A Flame in the Wind premiered on ABC. Producer Joseph Hardy, whose creative efforts helped turn Love of Life into one of the top-ranking daytime dramas, changed things up for the new series.
"With most new serials it takes months to build up audience awareness," Hardy explained at the time. "The story usually doesn’t begin unfolding until long after each of the characters has been introduced. I deliberately shortened this traditional build-up period with new serials by concentrating...
― Norman Cousins
"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...
1964: Daytime soap opera A Flame in the Wind premiered on ABC. Producer Joseph Hardy, whose creative efforts helped turn Love of Life into one of the top-ranking daytime dramas, changed things up for the new series.
"With most new serials it takes months to build up audience awareness," Hardy explained at the time. "The story usually doesn’t begin unfolding until long after each of the characters has been introduced. I deliberately shortened this traditional build-up period with new serials by concentrating...
- 12/29/2017
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1979: The Edge of Night's Deborah continued to be poisoned.
1981: Milton Berle guest-starred on General Hospital.
1991: Days of our Lives' Carly and Bo exchanged vows in Mexico.
2001: One Life to Live's Blair was reunited with her baby."History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins
"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, Willy (Edward Holmes) informed Mike (John Larkin) that Ed was the staff member who talked to Dalton.
1971: On The Doctors, Dr. Steve Aldrich (David O'Brien) recalled how happy he and Carolee Simpson (Carolee Campbell) were the day that he was arrested for Dan's murder. Later at the jail,...
1981: Milton Berle guest-starred on General Hospital.
1991: Days of our Lives' Carly and Bo exchanged vows in Mexico.
2001: One Life to Live's Blair was reunited with her baby."History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins
"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, Willy (Edward Holmes) informed Mike (John Larkin) that Ed was the staff member who talked to Dalton.
1971: On The Doctors, Dr. Steve Aldrich (David O'Brien) recalled how happy he and Carolee Simpson (Carolee Campbell) were the day that he was arrested for Dan's murder. Later at the jail,...
- 12/11/2017
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
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