'Dark Shadows: Reincarnation' Receives CW Pilot Script Order

The CW has given a pilot script order to “Dark Shadows: Reincarnation,” a one-hour gothic horror drama based on the original Dark Shadows soap opera by Dan Curtis.

The reimagined show will be a modern-day continuation of the strange, terrifying, and sexy saga of the Collins family of Collinsport, Maine — a mysterious, influential, publicity-shy group hiding a ghastly secret: For the past 400 years, they’ve lived under a curse that bedevils their blueblood with every imaginable supernatural creature and horror.

Warner Bros. Television is the studio, and Mark B. Perry will write and executive produce. Michael Helfant, Bradley Gallo, Tracy Curtis and Cathy Curtis will also executive produce, with Tracy Mercer for Amasia Entertainment.

Reincarnation is a the third TV iteration of Dark Shadows — the original series aired on ABC from 1966 to 1971. Curtis was also behind a 1991 remake of the horror series which was canceled after one season.

The original series starred Jonathan Frid as the vampire Barnabas Collins, Grayson Hall as Dr. Julia Hoffman, Joan Bennett as Elizabeth Collins Stoddard and Alexandra Isles as Victoria Winters. Johnny Depp starred as Barnabas Collins in 2012 a film remake of Dark Shadows, alongside Michelle Pfeiffer as his wife Elizabeth and Helena Bonham Carter as Dr. Hoffman.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 30)

1968: The Doctors' Mike returned home.
1991: Wayne Northrop returned to Days of our Lives as Roman.
2004: General Hospital debuted a new opening.
2010: ATWT's Bob revealed Nancy Hughes had passed away.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1968: On The Doctors, Mike Powers (Peter Burnell in his debut) returned home, much to the delight of his father, Dr. Matt Powers (James Pritchett).

1968: On Dark Shadows, Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) and Willie Loomis (John Karlen) went to the crypt where Tom Jennings (Donald Briscoe) kept his coffin, but when Barnabas opened the coffin, it was empty. Jennings arrived and tried to bite him.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 14)

1945: As word spread about the end of World War II, listeners were glued to the radio for updates.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1945: President Harry S. Truman announced that Japan had surrendered to the Allies (World War II). Thousands thronged into the streets throughout the United States to celebrate V-J Day. The official ratification of the surrender didn’t take place until September 2, in Tokyo Bay aboard the USS Missouri.

1945: On Pepper Young's Family, Harry, Betty, Pepper (Mason Adams) and Mrs. Green discussed Harry and Betty's upcoming marriage. Since the kids didn't want to wait, they went off once they received Pepper and Mrs. Green's permission.

1945: On Ma Perkins, Mathilda Pendleton (Beverly Younger) dropped by Ma's (Virginia Payne) and wanted to know all about Jeff and Stella Carlon (Marilou Neumayer). Gary Curtis (Rye Pillsbury) confronted Stella, wanting to know what had been troubling her recently.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 11)

1986: Another World's Zane Lindquist died after being shot.
1998: Guiding Light's Dolly the clone after taking an aging formula.
1999: Sunset Beach's Ricardo vowed to get revenge.
2010: General Hospital's Brenda returned.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1967: ABC broadcast Dark Shadows in black and while for the final time. The episode was actually the first one taped in color but ABC aired it in black and white (a Friday episode). Having fainted at the sight of Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid), Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) began to remember what happened to her. Before she could reveal Barnabas' vampiric activity, she was placed under a hypnotic spell by Julia Hoffman (Grayson Hall).

Today in Soap Opera History (August 6)

1979:The Edge of Night's Louise attacked Paige.
1980: GH's Luke & Laura spent the night in Wyndham's.
1987: Bold and Beautiful's Thorne considered a career move.
1993: OLTL's Nora made closing arguments in Todd's case.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1928: Real Folks from Thompkins Corner, one of the earliest documented radio serials, premiered on NBC.

1968: On Another World, Liz Matthews (Audra Lindley) cried to Bill and Missy that they would have been happier if she had died of her heart attack.

1968: On Dark Shadows, Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) recognized Adam (Robert Rodan), who took her hostage as she was walking home from the Old House.

1971: On The Doctors, Dan told Carolee that he wanted to send Billy away to school.

Sy Tomashoff Dead at 96

Sy Tomashoff, the seven-time Daytime Emmy winner who created the gothic atmosphere for the ABC soap opera Dark Shadows and spent 13 years on CBS' The Bold and the Beautiful, died Sunday at his Los Feliz home in Los Angeles. He was 96.

Seymour Tomashoff was born on September 11, 1922, in New York City. He attended Curtis High School on Staten Island and New York's City College before being sent to the Engineering Officer Training Program at Carnegie Tech at the outset of World War II.

He eventually served as a rifleman under General George S. Patton and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge and a Bronze Star for valor.

Back home, Tomashoff received a bachelor's degree in architecture from Carnegie Tech in 1950, then landed a job as a scenic artist at ABC Studios in New York. In the '50s and '60s, he worked as an art director on such shows as The Edge of Night, Armstrong Circle Theater, East Side/West Side, For the People and The David Susskind Show.

Tomashoff joined series creator Dan Curtis at the beginning of Dark Shadows, which aired from June 1966 through April 1971. The daytime drama starred Jonathan Frid as vampire Barnabas Collins and — though filmed in a tiny New York studio — was set in a brooding mansion in the fictional town of Collinsport, Maine.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 27)

1981: Guiding Light's Kelly confronted Nola about her lies.
1983: All My Children's Angie wanted her parents to raise her baby.
1998: General Hospital's Mac and Felicia were married.
2011: Days of our Lives' T continued to have a problem with Sonny.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1950: On CBS radio soap opera The Guiding Light (still two years away from its television debut), Meta Bauer White (Jone Allison) called Dr. Ross Bolling and asked him to visit her. When Ross arrived, Meta revealed she wasn't ill and wanted to talk to him about Chuckie, and the issues she has with how Ted treats him.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 20)

1966: Dark Shadows' David was angry with his father.
1984: Guiding Light's Josh and Reva got heated in the hot tub.
1988: Days of our Lives' Salemites through Kayla a surprise shower.
2010: One Life to Live's Viki plotted to reunite David and Dorian.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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 General Hospital, Angie Weeks (Jana Taylor) asked Nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin) for advice.

1966: On Dark Shadows, David Collins (David Henesy) told Victoria Winters (Alexandra Moltke) that he hated his father, Roger (Louis Edmonds).

Today in Soap Opera History (July 3)

1967: The widows called Dark Shadows' Elizabeth.  1987: Guiding
Light's Lacey & Cam left the Bauer Barbecue via hot air balloon.
2008: Cyndi Lauper visited As the World Turns' Oakdale.
2013: Theresa returned to Days of our Lives' Salem.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1939: Radio soap opera The Man I Married premiered on NBC Radio. Van Heflin starred as Adam Waring.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) heard the voices of the widows calling to her.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 28)

1974: The Doctors' Toni learned she had a son.
1991: General Hospital's Anna and Robert were shocked by Faison.
1996: Stephen Nichols made his GH debut as Stefan.
2010: Salem said goodbye to Alice Horton on Days.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1963: On Ben Jerrod, as the trial was reaching the conclusion, Ben's (Michael Ryan) strategy was on the verge of collapse.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

1966: On the second episode of Dark Shadows, Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) watched as Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) collapsed, then went back back upstairs unseen.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 27)

1966: Dark Shadows premiered on ABC.
1984: Guiding Light's Bert stood after losing her leg.
1995: One Life to Live's "Tommy" was enraged.
2003: Passions paid homage to the musical "Chicago".

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1952: ABC Radio aired the final episode of Lone Journey after a 12 year run on multiple networks with multiple sponsors.

1955: On The Brighter Day, Lydia Hamilton (Murial Williams) struggled with her conscience after taking a silver clock.

1963: On Ben Jerrod, Agnes (Jeanne Baird) lost her temper for the second time.

Thanks to Jeff for sending in the item above.

1966: Dark Shadows premiered on ABC. The show opened with Victoria Winters on her way to Collinsport and the following voice over:

"My name is Victoria Winters. My journey is beginning - a journey that I hope will open the doors of life to me, and link my past with my future. A journey that will bring me to a strange and dark place - to the edge of the sea high atop Widow's Hill - a house called Collinwood. A world I've never known, with people I've never met. People who tonight are still only shadows in my mind, and who will soon fillthe days and nights of my tomorrows."

Six months into the Dan Curtis-created show's five year run, ghosts were introduced and then other supernatural elements which helped the afternoon soap opera become a favorite among younger viewers.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 19)

1967: Dark Shadows' Maggie saw Sarah outside the Old House.
1984: All My Children's Edna didn't want Dottie to see Tad.
1995: One Life to Live's Dorian was up to no good with Viki.
2009: EastEnders' Christian and Syed shared a kiss.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1964: On Another World, Missy Palmer (Carol Roux) had dinner with the Matthews family.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Willie (John Karlen) returned to the Old House to check on Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott), who would rather be dead of starvation than become Barnabas' vampire bride. Alone again, Maggie heard Sarah (Sharon Smyth) singing. She hurried to the door, and after several moments, Sarah finally spoke to her. She warned Maggie not to tell David she saw her.

Today in Soap Opera History (June 14)

1967: Dark Shadows' Maggie remained frustrated locked in a cell.
1983: General Hospital faced a hostage crisis.
1993: As the World Turns' Hal and Barbara were remarried.
1996: All My Children's Hayley and Brian wanted to relive their prom.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1967: On Dark Shadows, locked in a cell in the Old House basement, Maggie Evans (Kathryn Leigh Scott) opened the music box when she heard Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) coming, pretending that she had been listening to it. He didn't believe her and left Maggie frustrated in the cell.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 28)

1974: The first Daytime Emmys ceremony was held in New York.
1980: All My Children's Benny tried to get Estelle help.
1990: General Hospital's Shep Casey looked familiar to Anna.
2013: The Young and the Restless aired a special Jeanne Cooper tribute episode.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1968: On The Doctors, Liz (Pamela Toll) reassured Penny (Jami Fields) when they talked about feeling different.

1970: On Dark Shadows, Maggie Collins was trying to preserve her marriage to Quentin (David Selby) unaware his first wife, Angelique, had been brought back from the dead, murdered her twin, Alexis, and assumed her identity in Collinwood to get Quentin back. After he found Maggie reading love letters he wrote to Angelique, Quentin became angry and told the family to cancel the following night's masquerade ball. Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) remained suspicious of "Alexis" when she feigned sympathy over Maggie and Quentin's strained union. After Liz convinced Quentin to continue with the party, "Alexis" and her scheming servant, Hoffman, helped Maggie choose a period dress. Maggie didn't realize that it was Angelique's favorite gown until Quentin saw it on her at the gala and stormed off as "Alexis" savored her moment of triumph.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 22)

1967: Dark Shadows' Barnabas gave Maggie a music box.
1984: Guiding Light's Nola wanted help from The Wizard.
1985: Santa Barbara's Eden was unhappy after her interrupted wedding.
1996: Victor clashed with Jill in a primetime Y&R episode.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1952: On Young Widder Brown, after leaving the Tea Room in a black rage, Dr. Anthony Loring drove out to the farm of Uncle Josh for some comforting advice.

1953: On Love of Life, Vanessa Dale (Peggy McCay) attempted to help her nephew, Beanie (Dennis Parnell), but her efforts nearly backfired.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 20)

1969: Dark Shadows' Laura was stopped by Angelique.
1983: Ryan's Hope's Delia spotted a familiar face in a play.
1994: General Hospital's Bobbie was kicked out by Tony.
2008: All My Children's Greg visited Jenny's grave.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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 Another World, Bill (Joseph Gallison) joked about Missy (Carol Roux) being an heiress, but Missy wasn't interested in the money she inherited from her mother.

1969: On Dark Shadows, Angelique (Lara Parker) grabbed the hammer and stake away from Laura (Diana Millay), "My name is Angelique, perhaps you have heard of me." The two women clashed and Angelique became angry and threatened Laura: "I am going to destroy you!"

Today in Soap Opera History (May 14)

1968: Dark Shadows' Mrs. Johnson had a terrible dream.
1981: John Dixon took a tumble down the stairs on As the World Turns.
2002: All My Children's Bianca called her sister, Kendall, "evil".
2010: It was prom night for One Life to Live's Starr X'd Lovers.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Cassandra (Lara Parker) encouraged Mrs. Johnson (Clarice Blackburn) to get some sleep but Mrs. Johnson told her she was afraid of having a terrible dream. Once Mrs. Johnson fell asleep she had the dream, which involved David (David Henesy) and some scary bats.

1979: On Another World, Brian (Paul Stevens) shocked Mac (Douglass Watson) and Janice (Christine Jones) when he told them the extortion idea came from Iris. Note: This was first episode with Tom King credited as head writer. He replaced Harding Lemay, who departed after eight years.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 11)

1979: Ryan's Hope's Maeve reminisced.
1984: Guiding Light's Mindy was rushed to the hospital.
1989: The original Dynasty ended its run.
1990: Dallas' J.R. was double-crossed by James.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1964: On Another World, Jim (Leon Janney) questioned Pat (Susan Trustman) about her date with Tom Baxter (Nicholas Pryor).

1970: On Dark Shadows, William Loomis (John Karlen) continued to interview Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) for his book.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 8)

1967: Dark Shadows' Barnabas bared his fangs (upside down).
1981: The art auction began on General Hospital.
1987: Days of our Lives' Harper arrived in Salem.
2008: Noelle Beck debuted as the new Lily on As the World Turns.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1959: CBS aired the 2,000th episode of Search for Tomorrow. The network released a celebratory photo with the following caption: "Mary Stuart, who for nearly eight years has played the stellar role of Joanne Tate on the program, shows off a huge orange cake to makr the 2,000th telecast, May 8, of Search for Tomorrow, the oldest daytime serial in television. Search for Tomorrow is seen on the CBS Television Network Monday through Friday, 12:30-12:45 PM, EDT."

1964: On Another World, Alice (Jacqueline Courtney) told Granny Matthews (Vera Allen) that her parents and Russ drove to Oakdale. Another World was originally planned as a spin-off of CBS' As the World Turns before ending up on NBC.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) entered Maggie's (Kathryn Leigh Scott) bedroom through the french doors. He stalked over to her bed and bared his fangs. Jonathan Frid inserted his fangs upside down, appearing more frightening than originally intended.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 7)

1968: Dark Shadows' Professor Stokes explained the Dream Curse.
1987: ATWT's Craig and Sierra enjoyed their new baby.
1987: Knots Landing's Peter Hollister was murdered.
1992: Another World's Carl shocked Bay City with his return.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"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...

1968: On The Doctors, Karen (Laryssa Lauret) rushed to talk with Matt (James Pritchett) after Steve told her about the hostage situation with Ralph Anderson. Maggie (Bethel Leslie) wasn't phased when she walked in on Karen's conversation with Matt. "For once, I'm not concerned about Karen Werner's continental charms," Maggie told Matt.

1968: On Dark Shadows, Professor Stokes (Thayer David) and Julia (Grayson Hall) talked about the Dream Curse. He told her that the person who was object of the curse would die at the end of the dream.

1970: On Another World, Rachel (Robin Strasser) phoned Russ (Sam Groom) and lied that everything went wonderfully with her father.