Today in Soap Opera History (October 2)

1946: TV's first network soap opera premiered on DuMont.
1963: Hope Bauer was born on The Guiding Light.
1987: Chase Gioberti was presumed dead on Falcon Crest.
2009: Crystal Chappell returned to Days of our Lives as Carly.

"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...

1944: Procter & Gamble soap opera Rosemary premiered on NBC Radio. The show was created by Elaine Carrington and ran until July 1, 1955, switched from NBC to CBS on March 26, 1945.

1946: David P. Lewis' Faraway Hill premiered on the DuMont Network as the very first television soap opera broadcast on a network. The show lasted until December 18. The plot revolved around a widowed New Yorker, Karen St. John (played by Flora Campbell), who moved to a small town to be near relatives. NBC and DuMont were the only two networks in operation at that point.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 2)

1946: TV's first network soap opera premiered on DuMont.
1963: Hope Bauer was born on The Guiding Light.
1987: Chase Gioberti was presumed dead on Falcon Crest.
2009: Crystal Chappell returned to Days of our Lives as Carly.

"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...

1944: Procter & Gamble soap opera Rosemary premiered on NBC Radio. The show was created by Elaine Carrington and ran until July 1, 1955, switched from NBC to CBS on March 26, 1945.

1946: David P. Lewis' Faraway Hill premiered on the DuMont Network as the very first television soap opera broadcast on a network. The show lasted until December 18. The plot revolved around a widowed New Yorker, Karen St. John (played by Flora Campbell), who moved to a small town to be near relatives. NBC and DuMont were the only two networks in operation at that point.

Great American Roadtrip! Kickstarter for Season 3 of LGBT Series 'EastSiders' Underway

The great American road trip is about to get a lot gayer. EastSiders, the Indie Series Award-winning LGBT series from writer/director/actor Kit Williamson, has announced that their third season will follow the show’s central characters Thom (Van Hansis, five-time Daytime Emmy nominee for his work on As The World Turns and EastSiders) and Cal (Kit Williamson, Mad Men) as they hit the highway from New York City to Los Angeles. Will this be the trip of their lives, or the end of the road?

The producers have launched a Kickstarter campaign to complete the new season. The journey home to Silver Lake was shot on-location in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada and (of course) California over 35 days last fall. Now the production is seeking funding for additional shoot days, and post-production costs. The campaign is set to run until June 6th, by which time they must have raised their minimum goal of $60,000 or they will not receive any of the funds. The first two seasons of the series were also financed through crowdfunding, with two successful campaigns raising over $178,000.

Previous cast members Constance Wu (Fresh Off the Boat), Brianna Brown (Dynasty, Devious Maids, General Hospital), Stephen Guarino (Happy Endings), Willam Beli (RuPaul's Drag Race) Traci Lords (Crybaby), Matthew McKelligon (You're Killing Me), Jonathan Lisecki (Gayby) and John Halbach are all set to return. Additional cast members will be announced during the Kickstarter campaign.

Watch the Trailer for The CW's 'Dynasty' Reboot

The CW has released a trailer for its reboot of 1980s primetime soap opera, Dynasty. The series tells the story of two of America's wealthiest families, the Carringtons and the Colbys, as they feud for control over their fortune and their children.

The new Dynasty will be told primarily through the perspectives of two women at odds: Fallon Carrington (Elizabeth Gillies) — daughter of billionaire Blake Carrington (Grant Show, Melrose Place, Devious Maids, Ryan's Hope) — and her soon-to-be stepmother, Cristal Jennings (Nathalie Kelley), a Hispanic woman marrying into a WASP family and America’s most powerful class.

The cast includes Alan Dale as Joseph Anders, Brianna Brown (General Hospital, EastSiders) as Claudia Blaisdel, James Mackay as Steven Carrington, Robert Christopher Riley as Michael Culhane, Sam Adegoke as Jeff Colby and Rafael de la Fuente as Sam.

Watch the trailer below.

'Dynasty' Reboot Picked Up by The CW for 2017-2018 Season

Nathalie Kelly (left) will play Cristal in The CW's new Dynasty.
Linda Evans portrayed Krystle in the original ABC series.

A reboot of Esther Shapiro and Richard Shapiro's 1980s primetime soap opera, Dynasty, has been picked up by The CW for the 2017-2018 television season. The series is the story of two of America's wealthiest families, the Carringtons and the Colbys, as they feud for control over their fortune and their children. The series will be told primarily through the perspectives of two women at odds: Fallon Carrington (Elizabeth Gillies) — daughter of billionaire Blake Carrington (Grant Show, Melrose Place, Devious Maids, Ryan's Hope) — and her soon-to-be stepmother, Cristal Jennings (Nathalie Kelley), a Hispanic woman marrying into a WASP family and America’s most powerful class.

The cast includes Alan Dale as Joseph Anders, Brianna Brown (General Hospital, EastSiders) as Claudia Blaisdel, James Mackay as Steven Carrington, Robert Christopher Riley as Michael Culhane, Sam Adegoke as Jeff Colby and Rafael de la Fuente as Sam.

The remake is being produced by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, who spawned teens hits The O.C. and Gossip Girl, along with Richard and Esther Shapiro, co-creators of the original series.

On other CW news, the network has also picked up Black Lightning, the first African-American DC Super Hero to have his own stand-alone comic title. The show stars Nafessa Williams, who played Deanna Forbes on One Life to Live in 2011.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 2)

1946: TV's first network soap opera premiered on DuMont.
1963: Hope Bauer was born on The Guiding Light.
1987: Chase Gioberti was presumed dead on Falcon Crest.
2009: Crystal Chappell returned to Days of our Lives as Carly.

"More and more, I tend to read history. I often find it more up to date than the daily newspapers."
― Joe Murray

"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...

1944: Procter & Gamble soap opera Rosemary premiered on NBC Radio. The show was created by Elaine Carrington and ran until July 1, 1955, switched from NBC to CBS on March 26, 1945.

1946: David P. Lewis' Faraway Hill premiered on the DuMont Network as the very first television soap opera broadcast on a network. The show lasted until December 18. The plot revolved around a widowed New Yorker, Karen St. John (played by Flora Campbell), who moved to a small town to be near relatives. NBC and DuMont were the only two networks in operation at that point.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 2)

1946: TV's first network soap opera premiered on DuMont.
1963: Hope Bauer was born on The Guiding Light.
1987: Chase Gioberti was presumed dead on Falcon Crest.
2009: Crystal Chappell returned to Days of our Lives as Carly.

"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."
― Maya Angelou

"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...

1944: Procter & Gamble soap opera Rosemary premiered on NBC Radio. The show was created by Elaine Carrington and ran until July 1, 1955, switched from NBC to CBS on March 26, 1945.

1946: David P. Lewis' Faraway Hill premiered on the DuMont Network as the very first television soap opera broadcast on a network. The show lasted until December 18. The plot revolved around a widowed New Yorker, Karen St. John (played by Flora Campbell), who moved to a small town to be near relatives. NBC and DuMont were the only two networks in operation at that point.

'EastSiders' Is Back And The Relationships Are More Complicated Than Ever

EastSiders stars Van Hansis as Thom and Kit Williamson as Cal.

Indie Series Award-winning drama EastSiders is back! Season 1 ended on a bleak note for Cal (Mad Men's Kit Williamson) and Thom (As the World Turns' Van Hansis) with Cal moving out of their apartment when it seemed like they couldn't get past each other's infidelity. Season 2 begins with Cal and Thom waking up in bed with another guy, a threeway that Cal barely remembers. With their trust issues still unresolved and new boundaries being explored, will their relationship be able to survive?

The series, which was created by Williamson, also stars Fresh Off the Boat's Constance Wu, Matthew McKelligon, John Halbach and features guest appearances from Sean Maher, Stephen Guarino, Brea Grant, and Traci Lords. Brianna Brown, who was terrific this summer on Devious Maids, is a fascinating new addition for season 2 as Cal’s sister, Hillary.  Other newcomers include Satya Bhabha, Adam Bucci, Vera Miao, and Willam Belli.

With top-notch production values, a talented engaging cast and fascinating complicated relationships, EastSiders is must-see Web TV for fans of great character drama.

Watch the Season 2 trailer below:

'EastSiders' Season 2 Trailer Released

EastSiders stars Van Hansis and Kit Williamsone star as Thom and Cal.

Indie Series Award-winning EastSiders has released a trailer for the show's upcoming second season. Things didn't look good for Silverlake couple Cal (creator Kit Williamson) and Thom (As the World Turns Emmy nominee Van Hansis) when last we saw them.

Based on the new trailer, it looks like they are opening up their relationship to help keep it alive, but will that work?

If you're looking for a continuing story with drama, humor and heart, EastSiders might be the one for you.

EastSiders also stars Constance Wu, Matthew McKelligon, John Halbach and features guest turns from Sean Maher, Stephen Guarino, Brea Grant and Traci Lords. Brianna Brown (Devious Maids, General Hospital) joins the cast this season as Cal’s sister, Hillary, along with new additions Satya Bhabha, Adam Bucci, Vera Miao, and Willam Belli.

Season 2 is being released through Wolfe Video and Vimeo on September 15. You can pre-order the entire second season here.

Watch the trailer below:

NEWS: Anthony Geary, Wally Kurth, John Stamos, Hulk Hogan, Aubrey Peeples, Alicia Coppola, Brianna Brown

Anthony Geary on how General Hospital grew into a cultural phenomenon
"It’s amazing in retrospect. At the time we were working so hard, I don’t think we really realized the impact that the show was having, or that the marriage of Luke and Laura was having, on its audience. Genie Francis and I were working five days a week, sometimes as much as 70 pages of dialogue a day, so we would finish our work, go home, learn the next day’s work and come back and do it for months at a time. And it really took leaving the studio and going out of L.A. – either making a personal appearance or going to my parents’ home in Utah – for me to realize that the show and this character was having the impact it was having."

ABC buys family drama Black Heart from Prospect Park
In a competitive situation, with two networks interested, ABC has bought Black Heart, a sprawling family drama from playwright/screenwriter Kelly Masterson (Killing Kennedy) and Prospect Park. Prospect Park’s CEO Jeff Kwatinetz and TV partner Josh Barry executive produce with Masterson.

Alicia Coppola, Brianna Brown join ABC Family pilot Stay
Coppola (ex-Lorna, Another World), Brianna Brown (Taylor, Devious Maids) and Leonard Earl Howze have booked series regular roles in ABC Family drama pilot Stay. Described as an edge-of-your-seat thriller, Stay centers on a recently widowed police detective and his two daughters who are stranded at a foreboding hotel during a storm and must unravel the hotel’s mysteries to escape. Coppola plays Alison, Jake’s mother and the wife of the conservative, emotionally withdrawn Frank, whom she fears. A steady diet of antidepressants help block out her crumbling marriage and keeps her sane. Brown is Eva, another guest at the Grayfield Hotel, who’s seeking shelter from the storm. A con artist, Eva went down the wrong path in life, let her actions get out of control and is on a journey to right these wrongs.

Former General Hospital star John Stamos out of rehab
Stamos tweeted the update: "I'm back! Took a month to take care of things. Healthy. Feeling grateful for the love & support of family & friends."

Hulk Hogan apologizes for 'unacceptable' racist rant as he is scrubbed from WWE Hall of Fame
Hulk Hogan is speaking out about a just-released audio transcript that features him making racist slurs about his daughter Brooke's love life.

"Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it," Hogan said in a statement exclusively to PEOPLE. The transcript featuring that conversation was published online by the National Enquirer.

"This is not who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise," Hogan told People. "I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs."

How to Get Away with Murder to reveal Rebecca's killer sooner than expected
After waiting most of season 1 to discover who killed Sam (Tom Verica) and sorority girl Lila Stangard (Megan West) — the puppy Wes (Alfred Enoch) axed the former, the bulldog Frank (Charlie Weber) the latter — How to Get Away with Murder is preparing to buck expectations when it comes to the mystery surrounding the death of Rebecca (Katie Findlay). In the season finale, Wes’ angsty emo girlfriend was found dead in the basement by Frank and Annalise (Viola Davis), who both swore they played no part in her untimely demise. Viewers will find out who killed Rebecca in the season premiere on Thursday, September 24.

Nashville promotes Aubrey Peeples to series regular in Season 4
Peeples' Nashville promotion comes as Layla tests the waters as a Highway 65 artist and figures out her relationship with manager/kinda boyfriend Jeff (played by Oliver Hudson, whose status with the show has changed from series regular to recurring).

Questlove will serve as musical diretor for A+E's new version of Roots
Roots is an adaptation of late author Alex Haley’s 1976 novel about Kunta Kinte, an 18th century African-born man who was captured and sold into U.S. slavery. A TV adaptation aired in 1977 on ABC. This production will air in 2016 and be simulcast on A&E, Lifetime and History.

Baron Blitzkrieg joins Arrow as Baron Reiter, better known in DC Comics lore as Baron Blitzkrieg
Already for Season 4 (premiering October 7), Arrow has cast Neal McDonough (Agent Carter) as Damien Darhk, Echo Kellum (as tech whiz Mr. Terrific) and Alexander Calvert (as the villain Anarky).

Showbiz411 takes issue General Hospital star Michelle Stafford "sneaking" Scientology into Nickelodeon
Writes Roger Friedman: "Scientology may have been outed on HBO’s Going Clear but it’s going strong at Nickelodeon. The children network’s Nickmom.com website is currently featuring short films from Michelle Stafford, the extremely mannered actress who jumped from one soap opera, The Young and the Restless [as Phyllis], to another, General Hospital [as Nina], last year. Stafford is an avowed member of Scientology. So is her production: everyone involved with her Secret Mind of a Single Mom is from Scientology. Just about the entire credit list, from actors to crew, are members of the cult."

Kurth & Taylor release new music
Days of our Lives star Wally Kurth (Justin Kiriakis) and Christian Taylor have released their first new song in five years. “It’s about my home state of Montana,” Kurth tells Soap Opera Digest. The song, “Big Sky Country,” features the band’s trademark harmonies over a bed of electric and acoustic guitars. The tagline of the chorus, “The Last Best Place You Can Find,” is Montana’s state tourism slogan. The song is available as a digital download on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby.

The group has also posted a lyric video on youtube, featuring historical concert footage of the band’s more than 20 years of live performances as well as footage of Kurth shot in Montana. Watch it below:

Today in Soap Opera History (October 2)

1946: TV's first network soap opera premiered. 1981: GH's Robert
left the WSB. 1987: Chase Gioberti died on Falcon Crest.
2009: Crystal Chappell returned to Days of our Lives.

"History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future."
― Robert Penn Warren

"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...

1944: Procter & Gamble soap opera Rosemary premiered on NBC Radio. The show was created by Elaine Carrington and ran until July 1, 1955, switched from NBC to CBS on March 26, 1945.

1946: David P. Lewis' Faraway Hill premiered on the DuMont Network as the very first television soap opera broadcast on a network. The show lasted until December 18. The plot revolved around a widowed New Yorker, Karen St. John (played by Flora Campbell), who moved to a small town to be near relatives. NBC and DuMont were the only two networks in operation at that point.

Former 'General Hospital' Actress Brianna Brown Joins 'EastSiders'

Brianna Brown is currently shooting EastSiders, playing the role of Hillary.

Former General Hospital and Devious Maids actress Brianna Brown is joining the cast of the Indie Series Award-winning EastSiders. She will play as Cal's (Kit Williamson) sister, Hillary.

Today in Soap Opera History (October 2)

1946: TV's first network soap opera premiered. 1981: GH's Robert
left the WSB. 1987: Chase Gioberti died on FALCON CREST.
2009: Crystal Chappell returned to DAYS.

"We should always be aware that what now lies in the past once lay in the future."
― F.W. Maitland

"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...

1944: Procter & Gamble soap opera ROSEMARY premiered on NBC Radio. The show was created by Elaine Carrington and ran until July 1, 1955, switched from NBC to CBS on March 26, 1945.

1946: FARAWAY HILL, from David P. Lewis, premiered on the DuMont Network as the very first television soap opera broadcast on a network. The show lasted until December 18. The plot revolved around a widowed New Yorker, Karen St. John (played by Flora Campbell), who moved to a small town to be near relatives. NBC and DuMont were the only two networks in operation at that point.

DEVIOUS MAIDS Season Finale Preview

Marc Cherry's latest primetime soap opera DEVIOUS MAIDS wraps up its first season on Sunday, September 22nd at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.

In the season finale, "Totally Clean," the mystery surrounding Flora's death comes to light.

Check out a sneak peek below:

DEVIOUS MAIDS "Getting Out the Blood" Preview

Photo Credit: Lifetime

Marc Cherry's latest primetime soap opera DEVIOUS MAIDS continues its first season on Sunday, September 15th at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.

In this week's episode, "Getting Out the Blood," Marisol puts herself in harm’s way as she digs deeper into Flora’s murder. Peri goes through great lengths to get Rosie to forgive her. Carmen rekindles her relationship with Sam after seeing how lonely Alejandro is, despite his fame. Zoila continues to disapprove of Genevieve and Phillipe’s relationship. Remi makes a major decision, putting Valentina in a difficult position.

Check out a sneak peek below:

DEVIOUS MAIDS "Cleaning Out the Closet" Preview

Photo Credit: Lifetime

Marc Cherry's latest primetime soap opera DEVIOUS MAIDS continues its first season on Sunday, September 8th at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.

In this week's episode, "Cleaning Out the Closet," Alejandro and Carmen have different opinions about his new relationship. Marisol gets closer to the truth, as Taylor and Michael become suspicious of her true intentions. Rosie cleans up a serious mess for Peri. Philippe and Genevieve grow closer, but Zoila doesn’t buy that he’s changed his philandering ways.

Check out a sneak peek below:

DEVIOUS MAIDS "Hanging the Drapes" Preview

Photo Credit: Lifetime

Marc Cherry's latest primetime soap opera DEVIOUS MAIDS continues its first season on Sunday, August 25th at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.

In this week's episode, "Hanging the Drapes," Valentina worries Remi will hate her when he returns from rehab. Rosie wants Spence to defend her honor after Adrian propositions her. Marisol learns her son was caught up in nefarious activities. Carmen has trouble going through with a favor for Alejandro. Taylor and Michael have exciting news.

Check out a sneak peek below:

DEVIOUS MAIDS "Scrambling the Eggs" Preview

Photo Credit: Lifetime

Marc Cherry's latest primetime soap opera DEVIOUS MAIDS continues its first season on Sunday, August 18th at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.

In this week's episode, "Scrambling the Eggs," Evelyn (Rebecca Wisocky) uses what she discovers about Rosie (Dania Ramirez) and Spence (Grant Show) to vie for more time with Tucker. Genevieve (Susan Lucci) confides to Zoila (Judy Reyes) about Alfred's request regarding Valentina. Marisol (Ana Ortiz) is wary of Michael (Brett Cullen) after she discovers some new information about Flora. Alejandro's (Matt Cedeno) reaction to Odessa's (Melinda Page Hamilton) cancer doesn't sit well with Carmen.

Check out a sneak peek below:

DEVIOUS MAIDS "Missing The Baby" Preview

Photo Credit: Lifetime

Marc Cherry's latest primetime soap opera DEVIOUS MAIDS continues its first season on Sunday, August 11th at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.

In this week's episode, "Missing The Baby," Genevieve (Susan Lucci) keeps her real age a secret from her new boyfriend. Rosie is hired to work at the Powells. Carmen learns Odessa (Melinda Page Hamilton) has a secret. Taylor takes Marisol with her to a fertility clinic.

Check out a sneak peek below:

DEVIOUS MAIDS "Taking a Message" Preview

Photo Credit: Lifetime

Marc Cherry's latest primetime soap opera DEVIOUS MAIDS continues its first season on Sunday, August 4th at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.

In this week's episode, "Taking a Message," a former student recognizes Marisol, potentially blowing her cover.

Meanwhile, Valentina makes a discovery about Remi and reaches out to Zoila for help; and Carmen and Sam clash over their relationship.

Patrika Darbo guest stars.

Check out a sneak peek below: