FOX Announces Fall 2014 Schedule and New Portfolio of Content (Press Release)

FOX ANNOUNCES FALL 2014 SCHEDULE AND NEW PORTFOLIO OF CONTENT

FIVE NEW DRAMAS, TWO NEW EVENT SERIES, FOUR NEW COMEDIES AND ONE NEW UNSCRIPTED SERIES JOIN SCHEDULE

POWERFUL UNTOLD ORIGIN STORY "GOTHAM," YOUNG ENSEMBLE DRAMA "RED BAND SOCIETY," 10-PART MYSTERY EVENT SERIES "GRACEPOINT," MULTI-CAM COMEDY "MULANEY" AND BOLD SOCIAL EXPERIMENT "UTOPIA" TO DEBUT IN FALL 2014

NEW SERIES SET TO DEBUT IN 2015 INCLUDE MUSIC-INFUSED EPIC FAMILY DRAMA "EMPIRE," FANTASTICAL ADVENTURE "HIEROGLYPH" AND OFFBEAT COMEDIC CRIME DRAMA "BACKSTROM"; M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN'S MIND-BENDING 10-PART EVENT THRILLER "WAYWARD PINES"; WILL FORTE'S COMEDY "THE LAST MAN ON EARTH," SINGLES ENSEMBLE COMEDY "WEIRD LONERS" AND THE ANIMATED "BORDERTOWN"

Live Specials JUMP OF THE CENTURY (working title) to Make Grand Leap in Fall; PITBULL'S NEW YEAR'S REVOLUTION (working title) to Explode into the New Year; and GREASE LIVE (working title) to Electrify in 2015

NEW YORK — May 12, 2014 — Kevin Reilly, Chairman, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), today unveiled the FOX portfolio of content for the 2014-2015 television season to the national advertising community during its annual Programming Presentation at the Beacon Theatre.

"Our portfolio of content this year reflects the biggest investment in programming we've ever made," said Reilly. "FOX is redefining the network experience on our air and as a 24/7/365 platform, with distinctive series, addictive event dramas and can't-miss live specials that will deliver broadcast's most youthful audience at scale."

NEWS: Martha Byrne, Michael Saucedo, Susan Lucci, Freddie Smith, Most-Pirated TV of 2013

Martha Byrne appears on Bronxnet's OPEN to promote GOTHAM pilot
Byrne talked about GOTHAM and the new pilot edit that is available on Vimeo VOD.

GENERAL HOSPITAL's Michael Saucedo Turns Author
Thanks to the latest creative venture from her real-life husband, the flawless face of GENERAL HOSPITAL's Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth) now graces the cover of a serialized e-book, "Liberty Strong," the first installment of which, "Dead Extra," was just released. Inspired by his soap star wife, Michael Saucedo (ex-Juan) has co-written a series of episodes revolving around Liberty, a fictional daytime darling who remains unshakable even as chaos closes in on her daily life.

Susan Lucci on DEVIOUS MAIDS, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and Eva Longoria's directorial debut
So, how does Lucci compare her DEVIOUS MAIDS character Genevieve with Erica Kane - the iconic soapland character who has dominated much of her career? "She's different from Erica in that she's somewhat of an innocent in many ways and there's a naivety in some areas, although she has been married six times and is looking for husband number seven. That she has in common with Erica.

45 Minute GOTHAM Pilot Now Available on Vimeo VOD

GOTHAM premiered in 2009, aired 13 webisodes, and earned an Emmy nomination in 2011. The show, created by former AS THE WORLD TURNS stars Martha Byrne and Lisa Brown, featured an all-star cast headed by Byrne and Michael Park. Viewers now have a new way to watch GOTHAM, as the episodes have been edited together in a long format.

GOTHAM fans can now watch the entire 45 minute pilot episode for $0.99 on Vimeo.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 20)

On this date in...

1919: Actress K.T. Stevens was born. She died in 1994 at age 74, and is still fondly remembered by soap fans for her work as Peggy Mercer in the original cast of GENERAL HOSPITAL, and as Mother From Hell Vanessa Prentiss in THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS.

1966: On DARK SHADOWS, David (David Henesy) declared his hatred for Roger (Louis Edmonds).

Cruise Ship Luncheon with Martha Byrne & Colleen Zenk on August 24th in New York

Photo: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

Want to have lunch on a cruise ship with AS THE WORLD TURNS stars Martha Byrne and Colleen Zenk?

Soap Fan Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines are pleased to extend to you an invitation to learn what the "Fun Ship" experience is all about. On this ship tour and luncheon, you will see a cruise ship first hand, take in the venues and accommodations that you will enjoy on "Soap Reunion 2014," and enjoy a luncheon with Martha Byrne and Colleen Zenk in the dining room to sample the cuisine offered onboard a Carnival Fun Ship!

Carnival Cruise Lines recently launched a comprehensive fund raising initiative called "Care to Play: Carnival for St. Jude kids." Their goal is to raise $3 million over the next three years. St. Jude is one of the world's premier centers focusing on the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases. As part of our partnership with Carnival and their support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a $25 per person donation will be made with 100% of the proceeds going directly to this amazing charity.

Below is a summary of what you need to know.

WHO: Martha Byrne (AS THE WORLD TURNS, GOTHAM), Colleen Zenk (AS THE WORLD TURNS, THURSTON)

WHAT: Carnival Cruise Lines Luncheon

WHERE: New York

WHEN: August 24th (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

HOW: More information, including registration is available at: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/7319122693

INTERVIEW: Kin Shriner On His 'General Hospital Comeback, Liking His Co-Stars & Returning To 'Gotham'

Kin Shriner returned to General Hospital as Scott Baldwin for the show's 50th anniversary earlier this year. Shriner has come and gone from GH since he first debuted in 1977. We Love Soaps recently caught up with Shriner by phone to discuss Scott's return, the state of GH and resuming his role as Jon Prescott in Martha Byrne's Gotham. The day he called the office TV happened to be on an episode of THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR man he guest-starred in. Read our new interview below:

WE LOVE SOAPS: I was just watching you in an old episode of The Six Million Dollar Man. It was a Bionic Christmas.
KIN SHRINER: I was a contract player at Universal Studios and one of my jobs was on Six Million Dollar Man. I had to say something that he overheard with his bionic ear. The girl I did that scene with (Ann Dusenberry) became a movie star for a while, I think. That was like 1975!

WE LOVE SOAPS: Outside of soaps, what was the favorite thing that you ever did?

Robin Christopher Joins GOTHAM

Emmy winner Martha Byrne revealed on Thursday night's episode of the "Dayplayer Dish" radio show that the first new cast member of the returning GOTHAM will be actress Robin Christopher.

Christopher is known for her role as Skye in ALL MY CHILDREN, ONE LIFE TO LIVE and GENERAL HOSPITAL. She also played Lorna on ANOTHER WORLD. Details of her GOTHAM role are still under wraps.

She is married to Matthew Crane who played Perry Baxter in GOTHAM during its 13-episode run on the web. GOTHAM will be returning with 13 new half-hour episodes distributed by simplyMe.

Byrne teased that more GOTHAM casting news is on the way. Stay tuned1

Today in Soap Opera History (April 12)

On this date in...

ATWT's Bob & Kim were married in 1985.

1967: On DARK SHADOWS, McGuire (Dennis Patrick) implored Willie to wait on getting revenge on Devlin until after they get their money.

1976: On ANOTHER WORLD, Iris made Clarice (Gail Brown) cry when she lied about Mac's opinion of Clarice.

1985: On AS THE WORLD TURNS, Dr. Bob Hughes (Don Hastings) married his true love, Kim. This is the episode Kim (Kathryn Hays) finally met Penny (Rosemary Prinz).

Brand New Episodes Of Martha Byrne & Lisa Brown's GOTHAM To Be Distributed By simplyMe!

New original episodes of the Emmy-nominated web series GOTHAM are coming to television and all digital media.

GOTHAM is a serial drama based on characters originally created by two-time Emmy winner Martha Byrne and DGA/Emmy Award winner Alexandra Verner Roalsvig. The show is written by Byrne and Emmy-nominated actress/director Lisa Brown. Brown and Byrne have worked in the world of daytime television for over two decades and created GOTHAM for the web in 2009 to celebrate the classic storytelling of the serial drama and as a “thank you” to the fans for their continued support.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 13)

The final episode of RYAN'S HOPE aired in 1989

On this date in...

1958: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Capt. Bill Marceau (Mandel Kramer) took McGinnis and Lowrey in for questioning.

1969: Joel Crothers aired for the final time on DARK SHADOWS.  He played Joe Haskell and Nathan Forbes on the show.

1978: ONE LIFE TO LIVE and GENERAL HOSPITAL each aired their final 45 minute episodes before expanding from 45 to 60 minutes per day.

1988: On THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Cricket (Lauralee Bell) introduced Phillip (Thom Bierdz) to her mother, Jessica Blair.

Martha Byrne & Kin Shriner Check Out Michael Park In "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof"

Martha Byrne and Kin Shriner went to see their AS THE WORLD TURNS and GOTHAM co-star Michael Park perform in Tennessee Williams' "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" on Sunday, December 30. Park plays Gooper in the Broadway revival, which also stars Scarlett Johansson, Benjamin Walker, Ciaran Hinds, Debra Monk and Emily Bergl. We Love Soaps caught up with Park later that night and the busy actor shared his excitement about the show.

The limited-engagement production which began performances on December 18 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Opening night is set for January 17. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit catonahottinroofbroadway.com.

Photo: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

RELATED:
- Michael Park Joins Broadway Revival Of "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof"

Today in Soap Opera History (December 23)

On this date in...

1964: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Gerry McGrath (Millee Taggart) awaited trial for the murder of Dave Hansen.

1971: On DAYS OF OUR LIVES, the Hortons celebrated Christmas.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 20)

On this date in...

1919: Actress K.T. Stevens was born. She died in 1994 at age 74.  She is remembered fondly by soap fans for her role as Vanessa Prentiss on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS.

1966: On DARK SHADOWS, David declared his hatred for Roger.

1972: On ANOTHER WORLD, Alice told Jim, Russ, and Cindy that she and Steve would be taking a trip to St. Croix after he stopped off to see Jamie on his way to Washington. 

1979: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Paige was in danger from the Tobias gang.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 12)

On this date in...

1967: On DARK SHADOWS, McGuire implored Willie to wait on getting revenge on Devlin until after they get their money.

1976: On ANOTHER WORLD, Clarice dissolved into tears when Iris fed her lies about Mac's opinion of her.

1985: On AS THE WORLD TURNS, Bob Hughes married his true love, Kim, finally! You can purchase this episode on the SoapClassics "20 Classic Episodes" AS THE WORLD TURNS DVD.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 13)

On this date in...

1958: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Capt. Marceau took both a stunned McGinnis and Lowrey in for questioning.

1969: Joel Crothers aired for the final time on DARK SHADOWS.

1978: ONE LIFE TO LIVE and GENERAL HOSPITAL each expanded to 60-minutes per day.

1988: On THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Cricket introduced Phillip to her mother, Jessica Blair.

Today in Soap Opera History (December 23)

On this date in...

1964: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, while Gerry McGrath awaited trial for the murder of Dave Hansen, Malcolm (Ed Kemmer) lied to Cookie (Fran Sharon) to make time with Eve Morris.

1981: SEARCH FOR TOMORROW debuted a new opening title sequence (watch below). It ran until February 25, 1986.

What is Martha Byrne Doing in Anthony Anderson's ANACOSTIA? It's Another Indie Soap Awards Love Connection!

When we launched the Indie Soap Awards in 2010 our goals were to honor the best in serialized web series and, even more importantly to us, bring together a talented community of people that might not otherwise get to meet, socialize and network. This year's ceremony back in February was a fabulous evening hosted by Martha Byrne. A lot of connections were made between actors, writers and producers from various shows, including GOTHAM's Byrne and Lead Actor winner Anthony Anderson, who stars in, and is the creator of, ANACOSTIA.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Are We Looking At TV Ratings All Wrong? GLEE Goes Vogue, Freddie Smith

Are we looking at TV ratings all wrong? Nielsen is having a hard time keeping up with the changing landscape. With each development comes new questions about how best to monetize and measure the effect a show has on the viewer -- questions that keep Matt O'Grady, the EVP of Media Audience Measurement for Nielsen, "up all night." Freddie Smith promises “opportunities for clothes to come off” on DAYS OF OUR LIVES. GLEE's Chris Colfer says, "As Kurt, I get to wear all these amazing things, by people whose names I can’t even pronounce." Chuck Pratt says "The Lying Game" book was also lacking lots of hunky male characters necessary for a good teen soap. Martha Byrne gets Pretty. Kathy Brier and Chris Stack are returning to ONE LIFE TO LIVE.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 20)

On this date in...

1981: On AS THE WORLD TURNS, John Dixon threatened James Stenbeck at gunpoint.

2006: On GENERAL HOSPITAL, Robert and Anna were in Port Charles, and decided to help out Robin with Patrick.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 2.85 Martha Byrne & Colleen Zenk

On Episode 2.85, WE LOVE SOAPS TV travels to the Daytime Emmy Awards in Las Vegas to speak with two former AS THE WORLD TURNS actresses who were nominated this year - Martha Byrne as the GOTHAM producer in the Special Class Short Form category and Colleen Zenk who was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress.