http://www.nypost.com/seven/08032009/tv/as_the_world_turns_may_stop_spinning__cb_182808.htm

August 3, 2009

Another of TV's longest running programs could be on shaky ground.

Now that CBS has swapped out veteran soap "Guiding Light" for a revival of the 1970s game show "Lets Make A Deal," the eye network will be closely monitoring another daytime drama, "As The World Turns."


"It is also having ratings challenges," CBS president Nina Tassler tells The Post. "It is hard to say (if it is safe)."

"ATWT" debuted in April 1956 - four years after "Guiding Light." As of today, it has broadcast 13,573 episodes.

Tassler says she "doesn't know when" the fate of the program will be determined. "It is one of those things where you watch and you talk. All of daytimeais a challenged daypart."

The move to bring back one of its most popular game shows came about last year. After testing three different titles, "Deal" was chosen to return with new host Wayne Brady. Original host Monty Hall will serve as a creative consultant.

"It is very reminiscent of the original show," Tassler says. "There are zonks, the big deal at the end. It is very respectful of the original."

I hope not. While ATWT is not as good as it once was, it still has some good moments and it enjoyable. This show didnt sink nearly as bad in the quality department as GL, and besides ATWT's ratings have gone up a bit, but I guess that dosent mean much anymore.

So very, very sad... I think it's safe to say that all soaps will be gone by the next decade... :(

Once it was official that Guiding Light was canceled, I had a feeling As The World Turns would be next. I've been a fan of the show for a couple of years now. This sucks. I'm keeping my fingers crossed though.

so if As The World Turns get's Cancelled The only Soap Opera's could be The Young and The Restless and The Bold and Beautiful.

Sad but not surprising.

I remember watching Guiding LIght and the Young & The Restless with my grandmother when I was a child. I never watch them anymore, but it is kind of hard to believe that these soaps are all going to be a thing of the past. Kind of sad too, but then again, wasn't watching them kind of sad too?

I myself wouldn't expect the cancellation of ATWT until Helen Wagner's death. NBC has been reduced to one soap opera (Days of our Lives), CBS may eventually be reduced to one (The Bold and the Beautiful), and I don't think any of ABC's soaps are in any danger of cancellation.