Today in Soap Opera History (September 9)

1968: Search for Tomorrow and The Guiding Light each
expanded to a half hour.
1985: GH's Robert tried to figure out who Robin was.
2009: Andrea died at the carnival on General Hospital.

"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 day in...

1965: On Peyton Place, Stella Chernak (Lee Grant) broke down at Ada Jacks' (Evelyn Scott) bar. Adam made an emergency call to Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson), who suddenly left the dinner party thrown by David (William Smithers) and Doris (Gail Kobe) Schuster.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 9)

1968: Search for Tomorrow and The Guiding Light each
expanded to a half hour.  1985: GH's Robert tried to figure out who
Robin was.  2009: Andrea died at the carnival on General Hospital.

"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...

1965: On Peyton Place, Stella Chernak (Lee Grant) broke down at Ada Jacks' (Evelyn Scott) bar. Adam made an emergency call to Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson), who suddenly left the dinner party thrown by David (William Smithers) and Doris (Gail Kobe) Schuster.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 9)

1968: Search for Tomorrow and The Guiding Light each
expanded to a half hour.  1985: GH's Robert tried to figure out who
Robin was.  2009: Andrea died at the carnival on General Hospital.

"If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree."
― Michael Crichton

"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...

1965: On Peyton Place, Stella Chernak (Lee Grant) broke down at Ada Jacks' (Evelyn Scott) bar. Adam made an emergency call to Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson), who suddenly left the dinner party thrown by David (William Smithers) and Doris (Gail Kobe) Schuster.

'Switched at Birth' Renewed for Fifth Season on ABC Family

The cast of Switched at Birth. Photo Credit: ABC Family/Todd Wawrychuk

Switched at Birth has been renewed for a fifth season! ABC Family announced the renewal today, meaning the series will reach a milestone 100 episodes in the upcoming run. The fourth season finale of the Peabody Award-winning drama airs Monday, October 26, 2015 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. ABC Family is becoming Freeform in January 2016.

"Every season Switched at Birth continues to deliver fresh, relatable storylines that tackle important social issues, reflecting what our audience experiences daily," said Karey Burke, Executive Vice President, Programming and Development. "We're excited to see where Lizzy [Weiss, executive producer] will take these characters next."

The critically acclaimed Switched at Birth is a family drama exploring early adulthood, blended families and deaf culture, and includes scenes shot entirely in American Sign Language.

Switched at Birth has been honored with a Peabody Award as well as a Television Critics Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming and an Imagen Award for Best Primetime Program. The series stars Katie Leclerc as Daphne Vasquez, Vanessa Marano as Bay Kennish, Constance Marie as Regina Vasquez, D.W. Moffett as John Kennish, Lea Thompson as Kathryn Kennish; Lucas Grabeel as Toby Kennish, Sean Berdy as Emmett Bledsoe with guest star Marlee Matlin as Melody Bledsoe.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 9)

1968: Search for Tomorrow and The Guiding Light each
expanded to a half hour.  1985: GH's Robert tried to figure out who
Robin was.  2009: Andrea died at the carnival on General Hospital.

"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...

1965: On Peyton Place, Stella Chernak (Lee Grant) broke down at Ada Jacks' (Evelyn Scott) bar. Adam made an emergency call to Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson), who suddenly left the dinner party thrown by David (William Smithers) and Doris (Gail Kobe) Schuster.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 9)

1968: Search for Tomorrow and The Guiding Light each
expanded to a half hour.  1985: GH's Robert tried to figure out who
Robin was.  2009: Andrea died at the carnival on GH.

"To believe what has not occurred in history will not occur at all, is to argue disbelief in the dignity of man."
- Mahatma Gandhi

"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...

1965: On Peyton Place, Stella Chernak (Lee Grant) broke down at Ada Jacks' (Evelyn Scott) bar. Adam made an emergency call to Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson), who suddenly left the dinner party thrown by David (William Smithers) and Doris (Gail Kobe) Schuster.

'Switched at Birth' Summer Finale Preview: Graduation Day

Bay and Daphne graduate from Carlton on tonight's Switched at Birth.
Photo Credit: ABC Family

The Kennishes and the Vasquezes celebrate high-school graduation on an all-new episode of Switched at Birth, airing Monday, August 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family.

Everyone is looking forward to commencement until shocking news about Carlton threatens to overshadow their special day. Daphne fears her future is in jeopardy when her past catches up with her. John and Kathryn are not happy when they learn about Bay’s non-traditional post-graduation plans.

Meanwhile, Mary Beth is pleased when Travis’s wish comes true. le, Tank helps Toby grow his deejay business, but their bromance is tested when Toby is offered a gig at Omega Psi.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

Constance Marie of SWITCHED AT BIRTH and Guest Star Garrett Clayton of THE FOSTERS to Chat Live Via Twitter Tonight During the East Coast Feeds of Their Series

Photo Credit: ABC Family

SWITCHED AT BIRTH star Constance Marie (Regina Vasquez) and Garrett Clayton, who guest stars on THE FOSTERS as Mariana's crush Chase Dillon, will live tweet with fans during the East Coast broadcasts of the original drama series on ABC Family, Monday, January 27, 2014.

Constance Marie will chat live during the East Coast feed of SWITCHED AT BIRTH, airing on Monday, January 27th, 8-9 p.m. ET/5-6 p.m. PT. Fans should tweet to Marie at @GoConstance to ask their questions and should include the hashtag #SwitchedAtBirthChat in their tweets. In the episode titled "Fountain," Daphne's attempt at building a friendship with her field hockey teammate, Sharee, has been met with lukewarm reception at best, and it takes a turn for the worse when Sharee gets in trouble at school. Bay agrees to help her art teacher Teresa set up a showing at a Minneapolis gallery, in an effort to get a letter of recommendation for her art school application. Meanwhile, a business opportunity puts Regina in a conflicted position.

SWITCHED AT BIRTH Returns January 13 (2014 Spoilers)

Photo Credit: ABC Family

SWITCHED AT BIRTH returns with all new episodes on Monday, January 13th at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family. Guest stars in upcoming episodes include Sandra Bernhard, RJ Mitte, Alec Mapa and Max Adler.

Below are previews for the next four episodes:

[SPOILER ALERT]

January 13, 2014
Senior year means big changes for Bay and Daphne, as the Carlton School for the Deaf receives an influx of hearing students who are not happy to be there. Daphne begins working at a free clinic as part of her probation from the Senator Coto blackmail scandal, and bonds with a pre-med student (guest star RJ Mitte, BREAKING BAD) with a spinal injury. Bay is inspired by her art teacher (guest star Sandra Bernhard, ROSEANNE) and surprised by her jock classmate (guest star Max Adler, GLEE), when she takes an art class at a local college. Toby tries to unite a divided Carlton by coaching girls' field hockey, and Kathryn dips her toes into new territory when she makes friends with a gregarious tap dancer (guest star Alec Mapa, UGLY BETTY).

Constance Marie, Teri Polo & Sherri Saum on WE LOVE SOAPS TV at the "25 Days of Christmas" Winter Wonderland Event

THE FOSTERS' Teri Polo and Sherri Saum,  and Constance Marie
from SWITCHED AT BIRTH.

On the latest episode of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Roger Newcomb traveled to Cucina & Co. in Rockefeller Center to speak with the stars of ABC Family on the red carpet of the network's "25 Days of Christmas" Winter Wonderland event.

Constance Marie previewed the upcoming season of SWITCHED AT BIRTH, shared lessons learned during her 26 year career, and even discussed Nikki's explosive death on the old NBC daytime soap opera SANTA BARBARA. Meanwhile, THE FOSTERS stars Teri Polo and Sherri Saum talked about taking on the roles of Stef and Lena, what's ahead in 2014, and things they love about the holidays.

Watch out our latest episode featuring Constance Marie, Teri Polo and Sherri Saum below:

Today in Soap Opera History (September 9)

1968: SEARCH FOR TOMORROW and THE GUIDING LIGHT
expanded to a half hour.  1985: GH's Robert tried to figure out who
Robin was.  2009: Andrea died at the carnival on GH.

"That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons that history has to teach."
― Aldous Huxley

"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...

1966: On DARK SHADOWS, Sam (David Ford) thought Bill Malloy was the one man who could help him until the sheriff (Dana Elcar) told him Malloy's body had been found.

SWITCHED AT BIRTH Summer Finale Preview; Twitter Chat With D.W. Moffett

Cassi Thomson & Lucas Grabeel - Photo: ABC Family

D.W. Moffett, who plays John Kennish on ABC Family’s award-winning drama SWITCHED AT BIRTH, will participate in a live Twitter chat with fans during the show’s East Coast broadcast of the summer finale on Monday, August 19 from 8-9 p.m. ET/6-7 p.m. PT.

Fans should tweet at his Twitter handle - @DWMoffett - and include the hashtag #SwitchedAtBirthChat in their tweets to ask questions.

In the episode, "Departure of Summer," John and Kathryn contemplate telling Toby their true feelings about his decision to marry.

SWITCHED AT BIRTH "The Merrymakers" Preview; Twitter Chat With Gilles Marini & Executive Producer Lizzy Weiss

Constance Marie & Gilles Marini - Photo: ABC Family

Gilles Marini, who stars as Angelo Sorrento, and executive producer Lizzy Weiss of ABC Family's award-winning drama SWITCHED AT BIRTH will participate in a live Twitter chat with fans during the show's East Coast broadcast on Monday, August 12, from 8-9 p.m. ET/6-7 p.m. PT.

Fans should tweet at their Twitter handles - @GillesMarini and @LizzyWeissSAB - and include the hashtag #SwitchedAtBirthChat in their tweets to ask questions. In the August 12 episode of SWITCHED AT BIRTH, Toby and Nikki end up in unexpected places when their pre-wedding parties go awry.

SWITCHED AT BIRTH "What Goes Up Must Come Down" Preview; Twitter Chat With Blair Redford

Photo: ABC Family

Blair Redford, who plays Ty Mendoza on ABC Family's award-winning drama SWITCHED AT BIRTH will participate in a live Twitter chat with fans during the show's East Coast broadcast on Monday, August 5 from 8-9 p.m. ET/PT.

Fans should tweet at his Twitter handle - @Blair_Redford - and include the hashtag #SwitchedAtBirthChat in their tweets to ask questions.

In the August 5 episode, titled "What Goes Up Must Come Down," Daphne worries that Senator Coto is on to her.

SWITCHED AT BIRTH Preview: "As the Shadows Deepen"; Live-Tweet With Matt Kane

Photo: ABC Family

Matt Kane from SWITCHED AT BIRTH will participate in a live Twitter chat with fans during the East Coast broadcast of the show on Monday, July 29th, starting at 8 p.m. ET.

Kane, who guest stars as Jace on SWITCHED AT BIRTH, will be tweeting with fans live via his handle @MattKaneUK from 8-9 p.m. ET/5-6 p.m. PT. Fans should tweet at Matt's handle and include the hashtag #SwitchedAtBirthChat in their tweets to ask their questions.

In the new episode, titled "As the Shadows Deepen," when business at Maui, Kansas starts to slow, Bay coordinates a Deaf Day and works with Emmett to organize a special screening of Deafenstein.

Stars Ryan Lane of SWITCHED AT BIRTH and Danny Nucci & Madisen of THE FOSTERS Will Live-Twitter Chat During Tonight's New Episodes

Photo: ABC Family

On Monday, July 22nd, fans can participate in live chats via Twitter with actors from ABC Family original drama series SWITCHED AT BIRTH and THE FOSTERS during the East Coast broadcasts of the series starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Ryan Lane, who guest stars as Travis on SWITCHED AT BIRTH, will be tweeting live during the East Coast broadcast of the series from 8-9 p.m. ET/5-6 p.m. PT. Fans should tweet at Ryan's handle @RyanLane1123 and include the hashtag #SwitchedAtBirthChat in their tweets to ask their questions.

In the new episode of SWITCHED AT BIRTH, titled "Prudence, Avarice, Lust, Justice, Anger," Angelo invites Bay to join him at a pivotal meeting concerning the custody of his infant daughter. When Daphne and Jace uncover a potential scandal regarding Senator Coto, they must decide what to do with the confidential information. Meanwhile, Nikki discovers that Toby and Simone have been in touch, and Emmett and Travis try to set Melody up on a blind date.

SWITCHED AT BIRTH's Vanessa Marano & Creators of THE FOSTERS' Will Live-Twitter Chat During Tonight's New Episodes

Photo: ABC Family

Vanessa Marano, who stars as Bay Kennish on SWITCHED AT BIRTH, and Peter Paige and Bradley Bredeweg, Creators and Executive Producers of THE FOSTERS, will participate in live chats via Twitter during the East Coast broadcasts of their series Monday, July 15th, starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Vanessa Marano will be tweeting live during the East Coast broadcast of SWITCHED AT BIRTH from 8-9 p.m. ET/5-6 p.m. PT. Fans can ask Vanessa their questions by tweeting her at the ABC Family official SWITCHED AT BIRTH handle @ABCFsab. They should include the hashtag #SwitchedAtBirthChat in their tweets.

SWITCHED AT BIRTH's Lea Thompson & THE FOSTERS' Bianca Santos Will Live-Twitter Chat During Tonight's New Episodes

Photo: ABC Family

Lea Thompson, who stars on SWITCHED AT BIRTH as Kathryn Kennish, and Bianca Santos, who guest stars as Jesus' girlfriend Lexi Rivera on THE FOSTERS, will participate in live Twitter chats with fans during the East Coast broadcasts of their series Monday, July 8th, starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Lea Thompson will be tweeting live during the East Coast broadcast of SWITCHED AT BIRTH from 8-9 p.m. ET/5-6 p.m. PT. Fans should tweet at Lea's handle @LeaKThompson and include the hashtag #SwitchedAtBirthChat in their tweets to ask their questions.

SWITCHED AT BIRTH's Constace Marie & THE FOSTERS' Maia Mitchell Will Live-Twitter Chat During Tonight's New Episodes

Photo: ABC Family

SWITCHED AT BIRTH star Constance Marie and Maia Mitchell of THE FOSTERS will participate in live chats via Twitter during the East Coast feeds of their series' all-new episodes airing on Monday, July 1st on ABC Family.

Constance Marie will chat live during the East Coast feed of an all-new episode of SWITCHED AT BIRTH, airing on Monday, July 1st, 8-9 p.m. ET/5-6 p.m. PT. Fans should tweet to Constance at @goconstance to ask their questions and should include the hashtag #SwitchedAtBirthChat in their tweets.

Q&A: Constance Marie Previews Summer Season Of SWITCHED AT BIRTH

Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Constance Marie stars as Regina Vasquez, Daphne's hard-working single mom, in ABC Family's SWITCHED AT BIRTH. When the summer season begins on Monday, June 10 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, Regina returns home from rehab and finds some things have changed. We Love Soaps spoke to the talented actress last week as part of a press Q&A. Check out the transcript below:

Could you talk about how your relationship with Bay (Vanessa Marano) will develop in the second half of the season?
CONSTANCE MARIE: That’s one of the great things that happens right when the show premieres is Regina comes out rehab and realizes that how things were before are not going to work for somebody who is in rehab. She ends up living -- or residing for a short while anyway-- at Angelo’s house, and somehow the way that [Executive Producer ]Lizzy Weiss wonderfully works it out, they end up living there also; and so the entire Vasquez/Kennish family, but the Kennish being Bay this time, get to know each other and live together in the Vasquez house.