It was hardly amusing to Guiding Light fans when CBS announced on April Fool's Day that it had opted not to renew the long-running soap. Now, nearly four months later, comes official word that the show will not continue on another network. Guiding Light will go dark for good in September.


Television's longest-running scripted program will go off the air for good in September. Though the news seemed more and more inevitable with each passing day, Guiding Light fans will undoubtedly still be devastated by the official announcement that the show will not find life on another network.


"We promised our fans we would do everything we could to find a new home for the show. In the ensuing months, we have engaged in serious discussions with many networks, leaving no stone unturned in our effort to place the show elsewhere," Brian T. Cahill, senior vice-president of TeleNext Media, said in a statement. "Unfortunately, despite the urgent and dedicated efforts of many people, we have not been able to secure an outlet to carry the show moving forward. We are extremely disappointed with this outcome, but we are confident we have exhausted every possible option."


The official announcement comes nearly four months after CBS announced that it was pulling the plug on the 72-year-old soap opera. CBS's decision to end Guiding Light reportedly blindsided many of the show's behind-the-scenes talent, who had been led to believe that the show would be renewed for another year.


The show underwent a dramatic transformation in February 2008 that completely reinvented the show's production model. Guiding Light began shooting roughly a third of its scenes outside of a television studio. New sets were constructed to give the fictional Springfield a more "real world" feel. Salaries were slashed and the budget was slashed across the board. In the end, however, the changes were not enough to make the show profitable to CBS.


TeleNext Media, the production arm of consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble, vowed to leave no stone unturned in its effort to find a new home for Guiding Light and, possibly, As the World Turns. Those talks reportedly included Lifetime, a cable channel that caters to women.


However, a report surfaced last month in a trade magazine that asserted that Guiding Light was intentionally run into the ground because Procter & Gamble wanted to get out of the television business and focus on its core money-making products like Tide, Mr. Clean, and Cover Girl cosmetics. There have also been other published reports that have questioned if TeleNext ever engaged in talks with other networks.


"While it's hard to imagine GL coming to an end, we're so very proud of the amazing feat the show has accomplished with an unprecedented 72 years on radio and television," Cahill continued. "The show has made an indelible mark on broadcast history that likely will never be repeated. We'd like to thank all the members of the cast and crew who have brought Springfield to life for the past seven decades."


During the time when Guiding Light was being shopped around, fans became personally invested in finding a way to keep the show on the air. Fans staged rallies outside of CBS and Lifetimes offices, flooding the networks with phone calls, and urged anyone who would listen to "Keep the Light Shining."


But even the most ardent supporters soon saw the light flicker. Last week, Guiding Light announced that it would be donating its entire wardrobe to a New York-based charity that helps economically disadvantaged women find employment. At least two of the show's top stars have announced that they'd found jobs on other daytime drama series and more are expected to make announcements at any time. The fans' efforts, however, were not unappreciated.


"We continue to appreciate our fans around the world and are grateful for their unwavering support of the show. We hope our viewers will continue to tune in to be entertained and touched by the drama, the love and the family that is GL."


Guiding Light will tape its final episodes during the week of August 3. The show, which aired its first episode on June 30, 1952, will air its final episode on September 18, 2009.

http://www.soapcentral.com/gl/news/2009/0724-cancelled.php

It would be nice if they brought back a lot of the old actors for the final episode and not end the show with a cliffhanger. R.I.P. Guiding Light. Thanks for all the memories.

Yet another nail in the coffin of the soap opera genre.

It would be nice if they brought back a lot of the old actors for the final episode and not end the show with a cliffhanger. R.I.P. Guiding Light. Thanks for all the memories.
:yeahthat Beautifully put, Sonny.

I've never watched a soap that actually came to an end, although I've read that Days might suffer the same fate someday. I watched GL a few times with my best friend when she was hooked and it's sad that the soap that started it all is now coming to an end. Lots of memories, though.

Andrea

It would be nice if they brought back a lot of the old actors for the final episode and not end the show with a cliffhanger. R.I.P. Guiding Light. Thanks for all the memories.
They're bringing back a few people, mostly people from the early 90s who still have ties with the current characters. The most exciting return that I've read about is Maureen Garrett's return as Holly, a character who has been around since 1970. Maureen's been playing her off and on since 1976.

I've never watched a soap that actually came to an end, although I've read that Days might suffer the same fate someday. I watched GL a few times with my best friend when she was hooked and it's sad that the soap that started it all is now coming to an end. Lots of memories, though.

Andrea
I predict Days will be the next to go. Mark my words. :(

Whats the most saddest is that the quality of this show is not improving at all. For the last two years its been almost unwatchable, considering that this was such a great great show.


I too would like to see some past cast members return, but they should go back further than the 90's.

I predict Days will be the next to go. Mark my words. :(



Sadly you may be right. With As The World Turns rising in the rating, Days has sanked almost to the bottom. GL is in last place right now.

They're bringing back a few people, mostly people from the early 90s who still have ties with the current characters. The most exciting return that I've read about is Maureen Garrett's return as Holly, a character who has been around since 1970. Maureen's been playing her off and on since 1976.
That's good to know. They should have Ed and some of the real old characters back too. It would be nice if they had some flashbacks as well. CBS probably won't even acknowledge the event.

Whats the most saddest is that the quality of this show is not improving at all. For the last two years its been almost unwatchable, considering that this was such a great great show.


I too would like to see some past cast members return, but they should go back further than the 90's.
I was a faithful watcher from about 1982-1998. I've only seen a few episodes since then so I can tell the quality has really fallen. It's a shame. It was such a great soap at one time. I started to watch the soap regularly with my mom when I was in HS. We'd watch it as soon as I got home from school. I know that she had watched it since the 1950's. I remember it being on when I was just a little kid. I remember seeing it on our small black and white TV along with Secret Storm and Search for Tomorrow...two other soaps that have long since died. The show actually premiered on Radio the year my Mom was born. It was like she grew up with the show. She died in 2002 and now Guilding Light is gone too. I guess that's life. Nothing last forever.

Whats the most saddest is that the quality of this show is not improving at all. For the last two years its been almost unwatchable, considering that this was such a great great show.


I too would like to see some past cast members return, but they should go back further than the 90's.
I really think the beginning of the end was the detestable firing of Michael Zaslow. They deserved every bit of the bad PR they got for it. He only won an Emmy and was the most popular villain they ever had. (My grandfather also died of ALS, so this issue is very close to my heart).

That's good to know. They should have Ed and some of the real old characters back too. It would be nice if they had some flashbacks as well. CBS probably won't even acknowledge the event.
I think I read that Ed (Peter Simon) IS coming back.

I think I read that Ed (Peter Simon) IS coming back.


I think he is already back.

I really think the beginning of the end was the detestable firing of Michael Zaslow. They deserved every bit of the bad PR they got for it. He only won an Emmy and was the most popular villain they ever had. (My grandfather also died of ALS, so this issue is very close to my heart).
That's when I stopped watching it. It disgusted me. They could have had Roger get the disease and used the show to raise public awareness for it. After all Michael Zaslow did for that show, they owed him a lot more then to fire him like that. They replaced him with that awful actor which the fans never accepted. All the producers thought about was keeping Roger alive. They didn't care about Michael at all. :ohno:

I really think the beginning of the end was the detestable firing of Michael Zaslow. They deserved every bit of the bad PR they got for it. He only won an Emmy and was the most popular villain they ever had. (My grandfather also died of ALS, so this issue is very close to my heart).



Totally. ROger Thorpe was one of their best characters.

I think I read that Ed (Peter Simon) IS coming back.
That's great. Ed should be there. They should have some sort of flashback with Bert too. The Bauers were the central characters on GL for decades.

I was a faithful watcher from about 1982-1998. I've only seen a few episodes since then so I can tell the quality has really fallen. It's a shame. It was such a great soap at one time. I started to watch the soap regularly with my mom when I was in HS. We'd watch it as soon as I got home from school. I know that she had watched it since the 1950's. I remember it being on when I was just a little kid. I remember seeing it on our small black and white TV along with Secret Storm and Search for Tomorrow...two other soaps that have long since died. The show actually premiered on Radio the year my Mom was born. It was like she grew up with the show. She died in 2002 and now Guilding Light is gone too. I guess that's life. Nothing last forever.



I remember when I was a kid coming home from school and my mother would be watching the Guiding Light and she was so into it. I was so good back then.


For returning characters I would like to see the Reardons come back and Fletcher Reade. Played by the original actors of course.

That's when I stopped watching it. It disgusted me. They could have had Roger get the disease and used the show to raise public awareness for it. After all Michael Zaslow did for that show, they owed him a lot more then to fire him like that. They replaced him with that awful actor which the fans never accepted. All the producers thought about was keeping Roger alive. They didn't care about Michael at all. :ohno:
BINGO!! Yes, it would've been great to write the illness into his character and educate the audience. To this day, ALS has never been incorporated into a soap storyline. They could've gotten awards for it and stuck by Zaz in the process. The public was outraged at his firing and rightfully so. They may as well have just stabbed him in the heart and twisted the knife. :mad: :mad: :mad:

I remember when I was a kid coming home from school and my mother would be watching the Guiding Light and she was so into it. I was so good back then.


For returning characters I would like to see the Reardons come back and Fletcher Reade. Played by the original actors of course.
Is Ross still on it? I think I heard that he left. He should definately be back.

Is Ross still on it? I think I heard that he left. He should definately be back.
Nope. They let Jerry ver Dorn go several years ago. He is now on One Life to Live (as Clint Buchanan, he replaced the late Clint Ritchie who had retired from acting).

BINGO!! Yes, it would've been great to write the illness into his character and educate the audience. To this day, ALS has never been incorporated into a soap storyline. They could've gotten awards for it and stuck by Zaz in the process. The public was outraged at his firing and rightfully so. They may as well have just stabbed him in the heart and twisted the knife. :mad: :mad: :mad:
I remember he did appear on One Life to Live as his old character on that show after he was fired by GL. I never watched that soap but I did check it out a few times just see him in it. He was in a wheelchair at the time. They were doing what GL should have done. He died soon after though. I remember watching him and his wife on Larry King one night. It was very sad what happened to him.

Nope. They let Jerry ver Dorn go several years ago. He is now on One Life to Live (as Clint Buchanan, he replaced the late Clint Ritchie who had retired from acting).
It would be nice if they let him appear in the last episode.

I don't even know all the characters from the old days that are still on. From the little I've seen I believe Reva, Josh, Billy. Frank, Buzz, Alan and Rick are still on. Am I missing anyone? lol

I remember he did appear on One Life to Live as his old character on that show after he was fired by GL. I never watched that soap but I did check it out a few times just see him in it. He was in a wheelchair at the time. They were doing what GL should have done. He died soon after though. I remember watching him and his wife on Larry King one night. It was very sad what happened to him.
It is sad - and his wife has since passed away, too (of cancer, back in 2006, I believe). Did you ever read their book, Not That Man Anymore? It is just stunning...very sad but well worth reading.

It is sad - and his wife has since passed away, too (of cancer, back in 2006, I believe). Did you ever read their book, Not That Man Anymore? It is just stunning...very sad but well worth reading.
No I didn't read the book. I can imagine how sad it was. I remember watching Larry King and Michael just broke down and cried. It was so sad. You're used to seeing Roger as this strong character and then you see Michael and he's talking about everything he's going through. It just breaks your heart.

So very sad to see an institution such as Guiding Light come to an end. There's an incredible amount of history left behind and lots of great memories. I only hope that this isn't the death knell for the entire soap opera genre in general, but sadly, I believe that it is... :(

No I didn't read the book. I can imagine how sad it was. I remember watching Larry King and Michael just broke down and cried. It was so sad. You're used to seeing Roger as this strong character and then you see Michael and he's talking about everything he's going through. It just breaks your heart.
I didn't see him on Larry King but it sounds so sad. I watched my grandfather die of the same disease (except my grandfather wasn't diagnosed until 2001, after Zaz had already passed on). Sonny, I would recommend his book. It is so touching!!

I really think the beginning of the end was the detestable firing of Michael Zaslow. They deserved every bit of the bad PR they got for it. He only won an Emmy and was the most popular villain they ever had. (My grandfather also died of ALS, so this issue is very close to my heart).

Zaslow was an incredible, textured and skilled actor who really brought life to every scene he was in. I agree, his firing was horrendous and insensitive, particularly when they recast the role and one considers he actually worked at the later stages of his disease on "OLTL". What a terrible way to treat both an actor and a character.

I haven't watched the show at all since Zaslow left; that's how angry I was and for about five years I truly treasured this show.

Btw, I'm sorry about your grandpa and I can see how this would tender your feelings in the matter.

Zaslow was an incredible, textured and skilled actor who really brought life to every scene he was in. I agree, his firing was horrendous and insensitive, particularly when they recast the role and one considers he actually worked at the later stages of his disease on "OLTL". What a terrible way to treat both an actor and a character.

I haven't watched the show at all since Zaslow left; that's how angry I was and for about five years I truly treasured this show.

Btw, I'm sorry about your grandpa and I can see how this would tender your feelings in the matter.
Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate them. :)

I didn't see him on Larry King but it sounds so sad. I watched my grandfather die of the same disease (except my grandfather wasn't diagnosed until 2001, after Zaz had already passed on). Sonny, I would recommend his book. It is so touching!!
I am very sorry about your Grandfather too Monika. It had to be very hard for your whole family. :( I'll see if I can find that book. It sounds like it would be very touching. Michael was very brave doing what he did and trying to bring this disease to the American public. I can't imagine going on TV, writing books and really being a crusader and doing all this while battling a deadly disease.

Zaslow was an incredible, textured and skilled actor who really brought life to every scene he was in. I agree, his firing was horrendous and insensitive, particularly when they recast the role and one considers he actually worked at the later stages of his disease on "OLTL". What a terrible way to treat both an actor and a character.

I haven't watched the show at all since Zaslow left; that's how angry I was and for about five years I truly treasured this show.

Btw, I'm sorry about your grandpa and I can see how this would tender your feelings in the matter.
and I remember when Michael died, GL actually aired a tribute to him which was introduced by Maureen Garrett. They acted like nothing had happened.

and I remember when Michael died, GL actually aired a tribute to him which was introduced by Maureen Garrett. They acted like nothing had happened.
Supposedly, Fiona Hutchison (Jenna) spoke out publicly protesting Michael Zaslow's firing. Then SHE got handed a pink slip - and they killed off her character. :mad:

Supposedly, Fiona Hutchison (Jenna) spoke out publicly protesting Michael Zaslow's firing. Then SHE got handed a pink slip - and they killed off her character. :mad:
I remember that and I liked her character too. I remember on that Larry King Show that Michael said that he still had many friends at GL but they were afraid to say anything. I guess that might have been why. :ohno:

Supposedly, Fiona Hutchison (Jenna) spoke out publicly protesting Michael Zaslow's firing. Then SHE got handed a pink slip - and they killed off her character. :mad:
Classy! (NOT!!!!!) :rolleyes: :mad:

I remember that and I liked her character too. I remember on that Larry King Show that Michael said that he still had many friends at GL but they were afraid to say anything. I guess that might have been why. :ohno:
Sickening, isn't it?? :mad:

I am very sorry about your Grandfather too Monika. It had to be very hard for your whole family. :( I'll see if I can find that book. It sounds like it would be very touching. Michael was very brave doing what he did and trying to bring this disease to the American public. I can't imagine going on TV, writing books and really being a crusader and doing all this while battling a deadly disease.
Thank you, Sonny. :D You're also right that he had many friends both at GL and OLTL - many of them played charity softball games and such for ALS research. :cool: Soap Opera Digest also posthumously honored him with their annual Editor's Award in 1999 and presented it to his family. It was very sweet.

Sickening, isn't it?? :mad:
They were disgusting. :ohno: I wonder how many fans they lost because of this? I know the stories were getting pretty bad by this point. They totally ruined how they brought Reva back to the show...remember we all thought she was a ghost at first. Afterwards they cloned her. Luckily I stpped watching by then.

It would be nice if they let him appear in the last episode.

I don't even know all the characters from the old days that are still on. From the little I've seen I believe Reva, Josh, Billy. Frank, Buzz, Alan and Rick are still on. Am I missing anyone? lol
Beth and Lillian are still around.

Supposedly, Fiona Hutchison (Jenna) spoke out publicly protesting Michael Zaslow's firing. Then SHE got handed a pink slip - and they killed off her character. :mad:
Jenna's returning for an episode or two before the end as well. She'll be in ghost form, of course, but it's better than nothing.

Some other returns, per Soap Opera Network...Lisa Brown as Nola Reardon (1980-1985, 1995-1998; also ATWT's Iva Snyder in between), Morgan Englund as Dylan Lewis (1989-1995, with guest appearances afterwards), Melissa Hayden as Bridget Reardon (1991-1997), Tom Pelphrey as Jonathan Randall (2004-2007), Peter Simon as Ed Bauer (1981-1984, 1986-1996, 2002-2004; returned in June), Fiona Hutchison as Jenna Bradshaw (1992-1994, 1996-1998), Michelle Ray Smith as Ava Peralta (2005-2008), and Maureen Garrett as Holly Norris Thorpe (1976-1981, 1988-2006).

There are some old school characters from the 60s and 70s that I'd love to see return, but I just don't think there would be a way for them to actually fit them into the show within the last few months (which, really, is the last few weeks -- the last taping is in the beginning of August). Frances Myers as Peggy Scott (1965-1979), Lenore Kasdorf as Rita Stapleton (1975-1981), Millette Alexander as Sara McIntyre (1969-1983), Lynne Adams as Leslie Jackson Bauer (1966-1971, 1973-1976), among some others. Alas, they would just be out of place thanks to GL shifting very far away from that era.

ATWT shouldn't have such excuses when it goes (which many think will be next year). The Hughes family isn't as dominant as they once were, but they're still pretty much in the thick of things, and the Stewarts are still around as well. The Snyders have eaten the show, so one would expect a family reunion of sorts for them.

The Guiding Light lasted nearly as long as my marriage to Josephine. It has overstayed its welcome and will be wished the best in all future endeavours on September.

I think I read where Phillip had already came back too. They should bring Alan-Michael, Mindy and Harley back. Is Alexandra still on?

Jenna's returning for an episode or two before the end as well. She'll be in ghost form, of course, but it's better than nothing.

Some other returns, per Soap Opera Network...Lisa Brown as Nola Reardon (1980-1985, 1995-1998; also ATWT's Iva Snyder in between), Morgan Englund as Dylan Lewis (1989-1995, with guest appearances afterwards), Melissa Hayden as Bridget Reardon (1991-1997), Tom Pelphrey as Jonathan Randall (2004-2007), Peter Simon as Ed Bauer (1981-1984, 1986-1996, 2002-2004; returned in June), Fiona Hutchison as Jenna Bradshaw (1992-1994, 1996-1998), Michelle Ray Smith as Ava Peralta (2005-2008), and Maureen Garrett as Holly Norris Thorpe (1976-1981, 1988-2006).

There are some old school characters from the 60s and 70s that I'd love to see return, but I just don't think there would be a way for them to actually fit them into the show within the last few months (which, really, is the last few weeks -- the last taping is in the beginning of August). Frances Myers as Peggy Scott (1965-1979), Lenore Kasdorf as Rita Stapleton (1975-1981), Millette Alexander as Sara McIntyre (1969-1983), Lynne Adams as Leslie Jackson Bauer (1966-1971, 1973-1976), among some others. Alas, they would just be out of place thanks to GL shifting very far away from that era.

ATWT shouldn't have such excuses when it goes (which many think will be next year). The Hughes family isn't as dominant as they once were, but they're still pretty much in the thick of things, and the Stewarts are still around as well. The Snyders have eaten the show, so one would expect a family reunion of sorts for them.



It would be nice if they did bring all of them back to GL before the show ends.

Also I would add Gregory Beecroct (Tony Reardon), Jay Hammer (Fletcher Reade), and Carl Evans (Alan Michael) to that list.

I think I read where Phillip had already came back too. They should bring Alan-Michael, Mindy and Harley back. Is Alexandra still on?
Yeah, Phillip came back earlier this year, before the cancellation announcement. Many thought that they were hoping his return would spike some ratings, but I personally hold the belief that Grant Aleksander only agreed to return because he knew the show would be canceled.

Mindy's made several returns this year. I think she may be on for now until the last episode, but she could have just came back for the BBQ. I so wanted Rick Hearst to come back as Alan-Michael, but for some ODD reason, he chose to go to B&B to reprise the character he played there. I guess it's a thing of job security, but still...what would have been just a few months at GL, to help tie the show and the Spaulding family up?

Alex is still around. Marj Dusay's been on recurring status for several years now, though, but she makes a somewhat decent amount of appearances.

Too bad Vincent whats his last name is back on All My Children. I would like to see him come back as Nick.

Too bad Vincent whats his last name is back on All My Children. I would like to see him come back as Nick.
Irizarry's his last name. Yes, he played Alex's twin sons. Speaking of Alex, it would be nice to see clips of the late, great Beverlee McKinsey. I don't know how they'd work that out with Marj Dusay still on the show, but...

Her incendiary marriage to Roger was one of the highlights of the show to me. Talk about "clash of the titans"! ;)

Her incendiary marriage to Roger was one of the highlights of the show to me. Talk about "clash of the titans"! ;)
It certainly was, from what I hear. It's just too bad they didn't get along in real life.

Here's a rare Beverlee McKinsey interview from 2000:

http://www.soapoperadigest.com/features/guiding-light/interviews/mckinsey/

If The Guiding Light ends its run, CBS should consider expanding The Bold and the Beautiful from 30 to 60 minutes. Last time a soap opera was expanded, The Young and the Restless did the same thing in 1980.

If The Guiding Light ends its run, CBS should consider expanding The Bold and the Beautiful from 30 to 60 minutes. Last time a soap opera was expanded, The Young and the Restless did the same thing in 1980.
I've heard that B&B has been considered expanding over the years, but neither the cast nor crew want to. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I don't think that B&B is ever gonna expand, and I hope they don't. Part of the reason why it's been such an international powerhouse is because it's so easy to schedule it across the world. And plus, 30 minutes vs. 60 minutes = 30 minutes wins everytime. Soaps just fell.APART after they expanded. And plus, they pushed game shows out of network daytime. I'd love it if all soaps went back to a half-hour, myself.

I don't think that B&B is ever gonna expand, and I hope they don't. Part of the reason why it's been such an international powerhouse is because it's so easy to schedule it across the world. And plus, 30 minutes vs. 60 minutes = 30 minutes wins everytime. Soaps just fell.APART after they expanded. And plus, they pushed game shows out of network daytime. I'd love it if all soaps went back to a half-hour, myself.
The year I was born, Another World expanded to 90 minutes for a year and a half. Couple that with the loss of Beverlee McKinsey (to the spinoff Texas) and the white-hot Luke/Laura story on time slot rival GH - AW's ratings really never did fully recover.

They should bring Harley back.

Beth Ehlers is on AMC, so I doubt she'll be coming back.

If The Guiding Light ends its run, CBS should consider expanding The Bold and the Beautiful from 30 to 60 minutes. Last time a soap opera was expanded, The Young and the Restless did the same thing in 1980.


Also with soaps on the decline and the rising production costs, B&B wont expand to an hour. Ten years ago if this happend they might have gone to 60 minutes.

I agree with others I think Days will probably end in a few years. The best years for the show were during the early 90's. The show has had too much bad writing and Days is known for keeping storylines running too long. I really wish Another World was never cancelled.

I agree with others I think Days will probably end in a few years. The best years for the show were during the early 90's. The show has had too much bad writing and Days is known for keeping storylines running too long. I really wish Another World was never cancelled.
Ditto. I LOVED Another World.

i used to be a big soap fan, namely y&r and b&b as i grew up watching them with my mom. but i stopped watching them about 3 years ago. y&r is still pretty decent compared to the other soaps on the air, the only thing i can't stand is they are constantly introducing new characters and then they write them off just as fast. i wish they'd retire victor too. most people will argue he is y&r, but really the guy can't act. he says everything in the same whispering/mumbling voice with about as much facial expression as a manequin and joshua morrow who plays his son apparently went to the same acting school as him - i swear the only emotion nick ever has is anger coupled with the permanent scowl on his face.

as for b&b, my gosh they've had the same storyline going since 1989 with the brooke/ridge/taylor triangle. give it a rest already! i hadn't watched that show in ages and happened to tune in for the eps that featured ridge and taylors 100th wedding - and all i could think of was "wow, i've seen this scenario play out 19 times already"

i'd hate for soaps to be extinct but the quality has really went downhill in the majority of them. it would take a major overhaul of daytime dramas to turn the tide and i don't think the networks want to invest that kind of effort. i can see them filling the time with low budget talk shows or even reality shows.

I've heard that Jeanne Cooper & Christian Le Blanc (Catharine and Michael from The Young & The Restless) will be making an appearance on one of the last episodes of Guiding Light. Could it be that they will be taking one or more characters from Springfield to Genoa City after the soap comes to an end? My bet would be Reva or Josh or one or more members of the Spaulding clan might end up on Y&R! That would be really wonderful!

as for b&b, my gosh they've had the same storyline going since 1989 with the brooke/ridge/taylor triangle. give it a rest already! i hadn't watched that show in ages and happened to tune in for the eps that featured ridge and taylors 100th wedding - and all i could think of was "wow, i've seen this scenario play out 19 times already"
.




Totally why cant the writers move on. If I were one of those actors I would be so complaining about this.

^ Same here. As my sister would say, "get over it!!" :rofl: Sort of off topic, but does SoapNet still carry the Ryan's Hope & AW reruns or did they drop those shows for more reality crap?

Totally why cant the writers move on. If I were one of those actors I would be so complaining about this.
b&b is like that movie 'Groundhog's Day' :lol:

b&b is like that movie 'Groundhog's Day' :lol:
Except that movie didn't run for over 20 years!! :crazy: :rofl:

b&b is like that movie 'Groundhog's Day' :lol:
it would be funny if 30 years from now brooke/ridge/taylor were in their 80's fighting over each other in a nursing home! i swear i've never seen a soap that failed to evolve like b&b

it would be funny if 30 years from now brooke/ridge/taylor were in their 80's fighting over each other in a nursing home! i swear i've never seen a soap that failed to evolve like b&b
What, are they going to put poison in each other's Polident? Hide each other's Preparation H? Oh, the storyline potential!! :cool: :rofl:

What, are they going to put poison in each other's Polident? Hide each other's Preparation H? Oh, the storyline potential!! :cool: :rofl:
:rotflmao: :rofl: ^^^^

i think that would be an improvement! :lol: funny thing is stephanie would still be on too, except her head would be in a jar or on a platter on the table like that ep of golden girls

:rotflmao: :rofl: ^^^^

i think it would be improvement! :lol: funny thing is stephanie would still be on too, except her head would be in a jar or on a platter on the table like that ep of golden girls
:brent I hope the Bell family is listening!

^ Same here. As my sister would say, "get over it!!" :rofl: Sort of off topic, but does SoapNet still carry the Ryan's Hope & AW reruns or did they drop those shows for more reality crap?



If they are like all the other networks then they are probably showing reality garbage. Or just as bad showing reruns of 90210 and Melrose Place, no offense to anyone but damn I hate those shows. Why wont they start showing Dallas again.

Has CBS Decided what they are going to do with The 2:00 pm Central Time Slot Until October 5, 2009

If they are like all the other networks then they are probably showing reality garbage. Or just as bad showing reruns of 90210 and Melrose Place, no offense to anyone but damn I hate those shows. Why wont they start showing Dallas again.
:yeahthat They should only show the VINTAGE soaps!!

like Classic Guiding Light

like Classic Guiding Light
Exactly!! :D

:rotflmao: :rofl: ^^^^

i think that would be an improvement! :lol: funny thing is stephanie would still be on too, except her head would be in a jar or on a platter on the table like that ep of golden girls
Plus Brooke and Taylor would be getting artificial hips instead of artificial breasts. :eek: :rofl:

Hard to believe the end of an era is coming up so quickly. As the venerable Guiding Light is extinguished, I can't help but think what long-running soap opera will be cancelled next...

Hard to believe the end of an era is coming up so quickly. As the venerable Guiding Light is extinguished, I can't help but think what long-running soap opera will be cancelled next...
My money's on DAYS or ATWT next. :(

If they are like all the other networks then they are probably showing reality garbage. Or just as bad showing reruns of 90210 and Melrose Place, no offense to anyone but damn I hate those shows. Why wont they start showing Dallas again.
They still air Ryan's Hope, but it's in a godawful timeslot in the middle of the night, and they don't even air promos for it or anything. You'd never know they still air it unless you actually watch it at 4am.

They dropped Melrose Place over a year ago, so now their daytime schedule consists of two episodes each of One Tree Hill, The OC, and Beverly Hills 90210 (the 90210 block is shown twice). IMO, those shows are perfectly fine to show, because they are just as soapy as Dallas and Dynasty and the others, but two episodes each for OTH and OC is too much. If I could throw ratings out the window, I'd just have the 80s nighttime soaps like Knots, Dallas, Dynasty, and Falcon Crest in the morning, and the 90s/00s teen soaps in the afternoons.

When does the last episode of GL air??


I want to make sure to catch it.

I was watching it the other day, and its like wow, after all of these years its almost over.:(

When does the last episode of GL air??


I want to make sure to catch it.

I was watching it the other day, and its like wow, after all of these years its almost over.:(
GL's last episode will air Friday, September 18.

They still air Ryan's Hope, but it's in a godawful timeslot in the middle of the night, and they don't even air promos for it or anything. You'd never know they still air it unless you actually watch it at 4am.

They dropped Melrose Place over a year ago, so now their daytime schedule consists of two episodes each of One Tree Hill, The OC, and Beverly Hills 90210 (the 90210 block is shown twice). IMO, those shows are perfectly fine to show, because they are just as soapy as Dallas and Dynasty and the others, but two episodes each for OTH and OC is too much. If I could throw ratings out the window, I'd just have the 80s nighttime soaps like Knots, Dallas, Dynasty, and Falcon Crest in the morning, and the 90s/00s teen soaps in the afternoons.
Even SoapNet treats soaps like crap. :mad: Did they ever run the post 1981 episodes of Ryan's Hope? I heard they were unable to because of music rights issues and only would run the eps from 1975-81. I don't have SoapNet, so I wouldn't know. :mad:

I guess SoapNet is going to turn out just like MTV and have absolutely no relation to its original mission statement. It'll more than likely devolve to nothing but lame reality shows 24/7, the same as MTV...

I guess SoapNet is going to turn out just like MTV and have absolutely no relation to its original mission statement. It'll more than likely devolve to nothing but lame reality shows 24/7, the same as MTV...
You mean the same as every other channel. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...:mad: :mad: :mad:

^
Yeah, it's depressing to think that when I was young we had about 13 channels to choose from and it seemed like there was ALWAYS something good on somewhere, and now many years later, I have about 150 (the minimum for my service) and I can almost NEVER find something to watch.

I just fround out that CBS Plans on Filling Guiding Light 2:00 pm Time Slot with The Price is Right

^
Yeah, it's depressing to think that when I was young we had about 13 channels to choose from and it seemed like there was ALWAYS something good on somewhere, and now many years later, I have about 150 (the minimum for my service) and I can almost NEVER find something to watch.
Remember Springsteen's song "57 Channels (And Nothin' On)"? I think we can multiply that by infinity. :mad:

Remember Springsteen's song "57 Channels (And Nothin' On)"? I think we can multiply that by infinity. :mad:

Sad but very true. And honestly...I can't see anything to make me optimistic that things will get better. As long as people keep watching crap, the studios will keep producing it, and dumbing it down further and further. :(

Sad but very true. And honestly...I can't see anything to make me optimistic that things will get better. As long as people keep watching crap, the studios will keep producing it, and dumbing it down further and further. :(
Once again, THANK GOODNESS for TV on DVD!! :D

Once again, THANK GOODNESS for TV on DVD!! :D

For sure.

I truly feel like I was spoiled by the amount of good TV I was exposed to growing up. And I feel very sorry for kids growing up today; this is what they think good television is!:eek:

Even SoapNet treats soaps like crap. :mad: Did they ever run the post 1981 episodes of Ryan's Hope? I heard they were unable to because of music rights issues and only would run the eps from 1975-81. I don't have SoapNet, so I wouldn't know. :mad:
No, the only times they've ever shown post-1981 episodes is for special marathons and stuff. They used to do a yearly St. Patrick's Day marathon and would show the holiday episodes from each year, but they stopped that a while back.

For sure.

I truly feel like I was spoiled by the amount of good TV I was exposed to growing up. And I feel very sorry for kids growing up today; this is what they think good television is!:eek:
Why feel sorry for them? They enjoy the shows they watch just as much as you enjoyed the shows you watched. Why does it matter if it's different?

I just fround out that CBS Plans on Filling Guiding Light 2:00 pm Time Slot with The Price is Right


Nationally, CBS plans to air a revival of "Let's Make a Deal" in the timeslot, Aaron. Now, your local affiliate may choose not to air it or switch TPIR to the later slot and LMAD to the earlier slot.

I also keep forgetting that in some areas GL was airing at 10am (eastern), so this will make a morning game show block. In my area, GL was aired at 2pm (central).

There are only 8 episodes left and I plan to put these final 8 on DVD.

Nationally, CBS plans to air a revival of "Let's Make a Deal" in the timeslot, Aaron. Now, your local affiliate may choose not to air it or switch TPIR to the later slot and LMAD to the earlier slot.

I also keep forgetting that in some areas GL was airing at 10am (eastern), so this will make a morning game show block. In my area, GL was aired at 2pm (central).

There are only 8 episodes left and I plan to put these final 8 on DVD.
Nah, he means that between GL's final airing and the new LMAD's debut, CBS will be doing repeats of TPIR in GL's timeslot. Am I too silly for hoping that they're Bob repeats? Fromany year of his run? I miss Bob sfm...

I would love to see Bob from the early years! I love the half hour shows :lol:

No, the only times they've ever shown post-1981 episodes is for special marathons and stuff. They used to do a yearly St. Patrick's Day marathon and would show the holiday episodes from each year, but they stopped that a while back.
I thought so, thanks for clearing that up. What year are they in right now?

I thought so, thanks for clearing that up. What year are they in right now?
Hmm...it's been a while since I've found myself up at that hour to watch, and I don't have a VCR or DVR on that TV, so this is a guess at best: around 1978-1979. When I first got SOAPnet a little over a year ago, I'd stay up every now and then and watch, and Ryan's baptism/christening was going on, and that was Spring/Summer 1977. So yeah, my best guess is early 1979 or so.

I really wonder how long the show has left...I'm guessing they'll run it up until the end of 1981, and it'll just magically disappear. Ugh. Looking at the big picture, SOAPnet is way too ambitious. I'd love (LOVE) a channel that jumped head-first into nothing but teen dramas and sitcoms, but please, don't try to mix it in with soaps and call it SOAPnet. It gets too messy.

^ Exactly. Same with the movies they air on SoapNet. Now I don't mind if they air films like Tootsie or Soapdish, as they are about soaps. Plus daytime stars like Susan Lucci and Deidre Hall made plenty of TV movies, so those would fit the bill as well. Isn't Brian Frons (ABC Daytime President) the big cheese at SoapNet as well? If so, that explains A LOT. ohno: :mad:

I have probably only watched Guiding Light ten times in my entire life, and that was only because my best friend was hooked on it. I may watch the last episode just to see how they end it. I watched the last episode of "Ryan's Hope" and it ended with the cast gathered together singing. Anyone know when the last airdate is?

I have probably only watched Guiding Light ten times in my entire life, and that was only because my best friend was hooked on it. I may watch the last episode just to see how they end it. I watched the last episode of "Ryan's Hope" and it ended with the cast gathered together singing. Anyone know when the last airdate is?
Next Friday, September 18th. The last ep of Ryan's Hope is on YouTube as well.

I have been watching soaps 25 years and havent seen this one....I am sorry to see it go though because it was a pioneer....hope it gets the send-off it deserves.

^ Exactly. Same with the movies they air on SoapNet. Now I don't mind if they air films like Tootsie or Soapdish, as they are about soaps. Plus daytime stars like Susan Lucci and Deidre Hall made plenty of TV movies, so those would fit the bill as well. Isn't Brian Frons (ABC Daytime President) the big cheese at SoapNet as well? If so, that explains A LOT. ohno: :mad:
Yep, Frons is the one in charge of SOAPnet now, and he has been for several years. Hmm...his time in charge correlates pretty well with the de-soaping of SOAPnet. I can't stand the man.

I totally agree with you on the movies. There have been way too many truly soapy TV movies, many starring soap actors and actresses, for them to try to pass on random romantic comedies as "SOAPnet movies." Lame. I think I once saw Troop Beverly Hills on there. WTF?

Yep, Frons is the one in charge of SOAPnet now, and he has been for several years. Hmm...his time in charge correlates pretty well with the de-soaping of SOAPnet. I can't stand the man.

I totally agree with you on the movies. There have been way too many truly soapy TV movies, many starring soap actors and actresses, for them to try to pass on random romantic comedies as "SOAPnet movies." Lame. I think I once saw Troop Beverly Hills on there. WTF?
I feel the same way about Frons - not to mention Phelps and Guza at GH. They completely ruined the show and I still blame them for letting Genie Francis walk in 2002, and then not letting her come back when both she and the fans wanted. :mad:

Next Friday, September 18th. The last ep of Ryan's Hope is on YouTube as well.

Thanks!

I have been watching soaps 25 years and havent seen this one....I am sorry to see it go though because it was a pioneer....hope it gets the send-off it deserves.

Welcome back, Veggie! I missed you even though we email each other pretty much every day!;)

Thanks!



Welcome back, Veggie! I missed you even though we email each other pretty much every day!;)
My pleasure!! :D

GL's last episode will air Friday, September 18.


One week away wow! The end of an era. :(

One week away wow! The end of an era. :(
I know - what a shame. :(

I've been putting these last set of shows on DVD to keep.......nothing else on TV for me has been this riveting. This show has been part of my life since I was born--heck, my mom listened to it on the radio with her mom! It's like it's going to be a death in my family..yes, it is just a TV show, but this has been part of me, always and now, after next week, it is gone....how will I deal with that?

I haven't really watched GL in a few years. I have a couple of friends that are really sad about it ending. I will watch next Friday to see how it ends.

I've been putting these last set of shows on DVD to keep.......nothing else on TV for me has been this riveting. This show has been part of my life since I was born--heck, my mom listened to it on the radio with her mom! It's like it's going to be a death in my family..yes, it is just a TV show, but this has been part of me, always and now, after next week, it is gone....how will I deal with that?



Even though in my opinion the last two years the show has been unwatchable to be. I still feel the sam way you do about the show.

I've been putting these last set of shows on DVD to keep.......nothing else on TV for me has been this riveting. This show has been part of my life since I was born--heck, my mom listened to it on the radio with her mom! It's like it's going to be a death in my family..yes, it is just a TV show, but this has been part of me, always and now, after next week, it is gone....how will I deal with that?
I do know how you feel. My Mom watched that show in the 1950's and beyond. It was always playing in our house when I was a kid. Then I got addicted to it in the 1980's. I started watching with my Mom and eventually watched by myself. I was a faithful watcher for about 15 years. I haven't watched it in about a decade although I tune into it once in awhile. I'll have to remember to set my DVR to it next Friday. It is definitely the end of an era.

I was really shocked about Allan Spaulding's death on today's episode... definitely didn't expect that. The double wedding was wonderful and it was nice to see all the old faces back at the last...

I'll have to remember to tape this on Friday. Funny since I've never watched it. I just want to see how it ends!