Are Soap Opera’s dead? Oh, say it ain’t so!
Late last week, ABC announced that it will cancel 2 of its longest running and most popular daytime dramas in “All My Children” and “One Life to Live.”
ABC Daytime President Brian Frons stuck a dagger in the hearts of soap fans, saying the loss of the popular soaps will be “bittersweet,” acknowledging that many people in America have grown up with and religiously followed these shows, so they will obviously be saddened by their loss. But he believes America is more interested in lifestyle type entertainment versus the older concept of soap operas.
The official statement from Frons and ABC said “Guided by extensive research into what today’s daytime viewers want and the changing viewing patterns of the audience, ABC is evolving the face of daytime television with the launch of two new shows.”
The 2 new replacement shows will focus on health and food. “The Chew” will be all about the world of food and beyond, while “The Revolution” (from executive producer of “The Biggest Loser”) will be all about healthy lifestyles and transformations.
“All My Children” has been on the air since 1970, and viewers will say goodbye to Erika Kaine and Pine Valley in September of this year. “One Life to Live” debuted in 1968, as viewers will bid farewell to Viki Lord and the gang in January of 2012. These Emmy winning and beloved classics of daytime TV will sorely be missed.
By this time next year, the only remaining soap on ABC will be “General Hospital.”
