Another Nail in Soap Opera's Coffin: 'As the World Turns' tapes final episode - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 06-23-2010, 10:26 PM

As the World Turns taped its 13,858th and final episode at its Brooklyn, N.Y. studios today, ending its storied run on CBS. Ever since the network announced last December that it would shutter the show, ATWT has attempted to reward its small but loyal fan base with a stream of familiar faces from the show’s 54-year run, including the return of Julianne Moore (who got her start on the show by playing half-sisters Frannie and Sabrina Hughes in the ’80s), Larry Bryggman (John Dixon), Jennifer Landon (Gwen Munson), Jesse Soffer (Will Munson), Cady McClain (Rosanna Cabot), and Mary Beth Evans (Sierra Drake).

Since daytime soaps tape several weeks in advance, the final episode of ATWT will air in September. TeleNext Media, the company that has produced the sudser, released this statement today to EW: “Last December, when CBS informed us that they were canceling As The World Turns, we immediately launched a far-reaching search to find a new outlet for the show,” said Brian T. Cahill, senior VP and managing director of TeleNext Media Inc. “We have aggressively pursued network and cable outlets as well as syndication options, and have explored many innovative formats and relationships that we hoped would ultimately enable the future success of As The World Turns. Regrettably, we have not found an outlet or platform that will carry the show forward. This is an extremely disappointing outcome to what was a tireless and exhaustive pursuit.

“While we are sad to see As The World Turns come to an end, we remain proud of the achievements the show has made over the last 54 years and are extremely grateful to the loyal fans who invited us into their homes every day. There is still much in store for the show’s well-loved characters throughout the summer, and although the show will go off the air in September, the remaining stories will honor the remarkable history of As The World Turns.”

With 2.51 million viewers, ATWT remains the least watched soap in daytime. The network will likely replace it with a game show, but no decision has been made.

http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2010/...final-episode/

Mr. Television · 06-23-2010, 10:34 PM

Nothing lasts forever.

Retro4Life · 06-23-2010, 11:36 PM

Wow, that is a serious lead time. Two and half months between a taped episode and the date it airs? I honestly thought it was more like two or three weeks!!

At any rate, bon voyage ATWT. I haven't followed you for many years (the "comebacks" all pretty much escaped me except for Bryggman and Moore), but when you were good, you were very, very good.

ATWT

catlover79 · 06-23-2010, 11:39 PM

As The World Turns! I hope and pray that all the cast and crew of ATWT finds work soon. Thank you for providing so many people with so many memories for the past 54 years. You will be missed.

MickeyMac · 06-24-2010, 02:48 PM

They could have worked to bring back a few more cast members from the past.

Hard to believe this is almost over. I have been watching this since I was 12.

80sTrivia · 06-24-2010, 05:14 PM

I can't believe that the World will stop Turning in September...

06-23-2010, 10:26 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,108	Another Nail in Soap Opera's Coffin: 'As the World Turns' tapes final episode As the World Turns taped its 13,858th and final episode at its Brooklyn, N.Y. studios today, ending its storied run on CBS. Ever since the network announced last December that it would shutter the show, ATWT has attempted to reward its small but loyal fan base with a stream of familiar faces from the show’s 54-year run, including the return of Julianne Moore (who got her start on the show by playing half-sisters Frannie and Sabrina Hughes in the ’80s), Larry Bryggman (John Dixon), Jennifer Landon (Gwen Munson), Jesse Soffer (Will Munson), Cady McClain (Rosanna Cabot), and Mary Beth Evans (Sierra Drake). Since daytime soaps tape several weeks in advance, the final episode of ATWT will air in September. TeleNext Media, the company that has produced the sudser, released this statement today to EW: “Last December, when CBS informed us that they were canceling As The World Turns, we immediately launched a far-reaching search to find a new outlet for the show,” said Brian T. Cahill, senior VP and managing director of TeleNext Media Inc. “We have aggressively pursued network and cable outlets as well as syndication options, and have explored many innovative formats and relationships that we hoped would ultimately enable the future success of As The World Turns. Regrettably, we have not found an outlet or platform that will carry the show forward. This is an extremely disappointing outcome to what was a tireless and exhaustive pursuit. “While we are sad to see As The World Turns come to an end, we remain proud of the achievements the show has made over the last 54 years and are extremely grateful to the loyal fans who invited us into their homes every day. There is still much in store for the show’s well-loved characters throughout the summer, and although the show will go off the air in September, the remaining stories will honor the remarkable history of As The World Turns.” With 2.51 million viewers, ATWT remains the least watched soap in daytime. The network will likely replace it with a game show, but no decision has been made. http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2010/...final-episode/
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

06-23-2010, 10:34 PM	#2
Mr. Television 22 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,125	Nothing lasts forever.
	__________________ Sonny

06-23-2010, 11:36 PM	#3
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,706	Wow, that is a serious lead time. Two and half months between a taped episode and the date it airs? I honestly thought it was more like two or three weeks!! At any rate, bon voyage ATWT. I haven't followed you for many years (the "comebacks" all pretty much escaped me except for Bryggman and Moore), but when you were good, you were very, very good. ATWT
	__________________ Alex Reiger :[Trying to convince Louie not to antagonize Bobby] "It's not hard to make people feel bad about their lives. What's hard is making people feel good about their lives."

06-23-2010, 11:39 PM	#4
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	As The World Turns! I hope and pray that all the cast and crew of ATWT finds work soon. Thank you for providing so many people with so many memories for the past 54 years. You will be missed.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

06-24-2010, 05:14 PM	#6
80sTrivia Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 23, 2002 Posts: 21,715	I can't believe that the World will stop Turning in September...
	__________________ Perfect Gift Books for Pop Culture Fanatics: Thank You for Being a Friend: A Golden Girls Trivia Book The Bouquet Residence: A Keeping Up Appearances Trivia Book Cooking With the Golden Girls: Fun & Delicious Recipes from a Hilarious Miami Kitchen Love in the Afternoon: The Ultimate Soap Opera Trivia Book The Last Great Decade: The Ultimate 90s Trivia Book Betty White: A Celebration

06-24-2010, 02:48 PM	#5
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,004	They could have worked to bring back a few more cast members from the past. Hard to believe this is almost over. I have been watching this since I was 12.