Today in Soap Opera History (January 27)

1971: The last appearance of Barnabas Collins on the original Dark
Shadows. 1984: Jack Wagner debuted as Frisco Jones on GH.
1998: One Life to Live's Téa tried to figure out Todd.
2006: Passions aired a Bollywood episode.

"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...

1931: Clara, Lu & Em shifted from WGN to the NBC Blue Network, one of the earliest radio soap operas. Listen to the episode here.

1953: On The Guiding Light, Meta Bauer White prepared for the worst.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 27)

1971: The last appearance of Barnabas Collins on the original Dark
Shadows. 1984: Jack Wagner debuted as Frisco Jones on GH.
1998: One Life to Live's Téa tried to figure out Todd.
2006: Passions aired a Bollywood episode.

"Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli

"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...

1931: Clara, Lu & Em shifted from WGN to the NBC Blue Network, one of the earliest radio soap operas. Listen to the episode here.

1953: On The Guiding Light, Meta Bauer White prepared for the worst.

'The Wedding March 2' Premieres Tonight, Stars Jack Wagner & Josie Bissett

Josie Bissett, Jack Wagner Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media
United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen

The Wedding March 2, a sequel reuniting Jack Wagner (ex-Frisco, General Hospital; ex-Nick, The Bold and the Beautiful; et al.) and Josie Bissett (ex-Jane, Melrose Place) in a fresh tale of unexpected romance, premieres Saturday, June 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel.

In the follow-up to last year's The Wedding March, Mick Turner (Wagner) and Olivia Parsons (Bissett) were college sweethearts until he left the relationship to go on tour with his band. Now, years later, Mick needs a silent partner to help him revive his failing Willow Lake Inn and, unbeknownst to him, Olivia is moving to New England for that purpose. But when Mick learns that Olivia is coming, he misinterprets her intentions. He thinks she wants to rekindle their romance, and she’s planning on not-so-silently revamping his simple Inn into a premiere wedding resort. Will a bridezilla and her reluctant beau, who book the Willow Lake Inn for their perfect wedding, drive Mick and Olivia apart or finally bring them to the altar?

Watch a sneak peek below.

'When Calls the Heart' Renewed for Fifth Season on Hallmark Channel

Hallmark Channel has ordered a fifth season of the network's original, primetime drama series "When Calls the Heart," it was announced today by Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. Having just concluded its fourth season, "When Calls the Heart" has thrived on a highly competitive Sunday night, with the sweeping, frontier drama series enjoying double digit gains in HHs and key demos, year over year.*

"Viewers have fallen in love with 'When Calls the Heart' and have embraced the themes of faith, family and community," began Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. "The talented writing staff and our amazing cast have created our best season yet and the record ratings reflect this. We're thrilled to be able to bring our viewers more drama, romance and adventure next year as we continue the saga of Hope Valley."

The series boasts a passionate fan base known as the #Hearties, who have become a social media phenomenon, making "When Calls the Heart" one of the network's most social series. The #Hearties' activity on social media has reached record levels, causing the show to trend consecutively during every new episode since season four premiered on Sunday, February 19. To date, "When Calls the Heart" has seen a 15% growth in social media impressions secured over season three.

Based on the book of the same name by Janette Oke, the series stars Erin Krakow ("Army Wives"), Lori Loughlin ("Fuller House," "90210"), Daniel Lissing ("The Last Resort"), Jack Wagner ("The Bold and the Beautiful"), Pascale Hutton ("Sanctuary") and Kavan Smith ("Supernatural").

Today in Soap Opera History (January 27)

1971: The last appearance of Barnabas Collins on the original Dark
Shadows. 1984: Jack Wagner debuted as Frisco Jones on GH.
1998: One Life to Live's Téa tried to figure out Todd.
2006: Passions aired a Bollywood episode.

"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...

1931: Clara, Lu & Em shifted from WGN to the NBC Blue Network, one of the earliest radio soap operas. Listen to the episode here.

1953: On The Guiding Light, Meta Bauer White prepared for the worst.

Jack Wagner and Josie Bissett Star in Hallmark Movie 'The Wedding March' on June 25

Josie Bissett, Jack Wagner

Melrose Place alums Jack Wagner and Josie Bissett star in The Wedding March, premiering Saturday, June 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel.

Olivia Parsons (Josie Bissett, The Secret Life of the American Teenager) is a fortysomething home stager and single mom to her 20-year old daughter, Grace. Though she favors work over romance, Olivia plans to marry Josh Johnson, a prominent - and career-obsessed - New York realtor. At Grace's suggestion, Olivia agrees to have her wedding at a picturesque New England inn. When Olivia arrives at the inn, she's shocked to find it is owned and operated by her college sweetheart, former pop star Mick Turner (Jack Wagner, When Calls the Heart, The Bold and The Beautiful, General Hospital).

Having separated on bad terms over two decades ago, Olivia's chance reunion with Mick becomes even more awkward when her wedding band cancels and Mick's college-bound daughter, Julie, arranges for him to perform in their place. As the wedding day approaches, Olivia and Mick initially lock horns but soon, feelings for each other begin to resurface. Meanwhile, Josh learns that Mick is considering selling the inn and jumps at the chance to become his realtor, focusing on breaking into the New England real estate market instead of his upcoming marriage. When Grace and Julie notice sparks reigniting between their respective mom and dad, they subtly - and not so subtly - encourage the former couple to reunite. Though Olivia and Josh make a perfect team as business partners, Olivia starts to question whether they're romantically compatible - and wonders if romance might be more important to her than she originally thought. When Mick makes his true feelings known at the rehearsal dinner, Olivia must decide if she's going to walk down the aisle as planned, or give her first love a second chance.

Bissett has played Jane Andrews on Melrose Place and Kathleen Bowman on The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Wagner's soap roles include Dr. Peter Burns in Melrose, Frisco Jones on General Hospital and Nick Marone on The Bold and the Beautiful.

'General Hospital' Alum Jack Wagner Visits 'Home & Family' To Talk 'When Calls the Heart' (Video)

Photo Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media Family Networks/Photographer:
Jeremy Lee

Jack Wagner visited Hallmark Channel's Home & Family on Friday and talked about this season of When Calls the Heart. He discussed whether his character, Bill Avery, will develop a possible courtship with a new character, Dottie. He also opened up about the beautiful setting of “Hope Valley” and described how authentic the buildings are. The audience was filled with show fans who call themselves the “Hearties,” and a few even got the chance to ask him questions.

Check out Wagner on Home & Family below.

'General Hospital' Star Kristina Wagner to Appear on 'Oprah: Where Are They Now?' March 5

Kristina Wagner

On the Saturday, March 5 episode of Oprah: Where Are They Now?, catch up with Laila Ali, the daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Then, find out how General Hospital star Kristina Wagner felt about reuniting on screen with her ex-husband (Jack Wagner) on When Calls the Heart, and get The Bachelor's Chris Soules thoughts on fame and reality TV. Plus, Oprah follows up with Liz Marks, a teenager who got into a devastating car accident while she was texting.

Watch a sneak peek of the episode below.

'When Calls the Heart' Season 3 Sneak Peek: Troubled Hearts

Lori Loughlin, Erin Krakow - Photo Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media
United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Sunday night is now a new destination for original series on Hallmark Channel, beginning with the season three premiere of When Calls the Heart on Sunday, February 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, followed by the return of Good Witch for a second season on Sunday, April 17 and the much anticipated series premiere of Chesapeake Shores in July 2016.

On When Calls the Heart’s season three debut, “Troubled Hearts,” Jack (Daniel Lissing) and Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) struggle to find time alone together even as both of them plot to make a more permanent home in Hope Valley. Meanwhile, Abigail (Lori Loughlin) is upset when Gowen (Martin Cummins) schemes to sell his share of her café to an even more demanding business partner before she receives some unexpected kindness from an old friend. And as Elizabeth excitedly surprises Jack with a row house of her very own she vows to fix it up without his help. Meanwhile, Cody (Carter Ryan Evancic) isn’t taking school seriously when he blows off an assignment and Elizabeth worries Abigail is being over-protective of him, causing some tension between them. Then, as the death of one of Hope Valley’s own becomes personal for Bill Avery (Jack Wagner), Frank (Mark Humphrey) nervously feels his past closing in when Jesse (Aren Buchholz) demands the pastor reunite with a dangerous gang of outlaws who threaten all of Hope Valley. Sensing Frank is in trouble, and realizing she cares about him more than ever before, Abigail confronts the pastor, only to discover an alarming revelation about the man she thought she knew.

Watch a sneak peek below.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 27)

1971: The last appearance of Barnabas Collins on the original Dark
Shadows. 1984: Jack Wagner debuted as Frisco Jones on GH.
1998: One Life to Live's Téa tried to figure out Todd.
2006: Passions aired a Bollywood episode.

"The present contains nothing more than the past, and what is found in the effect is already in the cause."
― Henri Louis Bergson

"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...

1931: Clara, Lu & Em shifted from WGN to the NBC Blue Network, one of the earliest radio soap operas. Listen to the episode here.

1953: On The Guiding Light, Meta Bauer White prepared for the worst.

Today in Soap Opera History (January 27)

1971: The last appearance of Barnabas Collins on the original Dark
Shadows. 1984: Jack Wagner debuted as Frisco Jones on GH.
1998: OLTL's Téa tried to figure out Todd, a year after her debut.
2006: Passions aired a Bollywood episode.

"A page of history is worth a pound of logic."
― Oliver Wendell Holmes

"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...

1931: Clara, Lu & Em shifted from WGN to the NBC Blue Network, one of the earliest radio soap operas. Listen to the episode here.

1971: Jonathan Frid made his final appearance as Barnabas Collins on the ABC daytime soap opera Dark Shadows. The episode was also the last time viewers saw Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, Flora Collins, Julia Hoffman, Timothy Eliot Stokes, Angelique, Leticia Faye, Desmond Collins and Lamar Trask in the original series.

WHEN CALLS THE HEART Preview: Final Adieu

Jack Wagner and Daniel Lissing.  Photo Credit: Copyright 2013
Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

The first season of Hallmark Channel's WHEN CALLS THE HEART concludes with the season finale episode ("Final Adieu") on Saturday, March 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Jack Wagner guest stars as Royal Canadian Mountie Jack Thornton. James Brolin guest stars as Judge Jedidiah Black.

Jack (Daniel Lissing) must make a choice between Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) and Rosemary, while Abigail (Lori Loughlin) faces harsh opposition from Gowen (Martin Cummins) surrounding the mine explosion, leading to shocking revelations for all of Coal Valley. A legendary Circuit Judge (Brolin) visits Coal Valley, and Elizabeth and Jack take an important step in their relationship.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

WHEN CALLS THE HEART Hits Series High

Lori Loughlin and Jack Wagner.  Photo Credit: Copyright 2013 Crown Media
United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Over 2.5 million unduplicated viewers tuned in to the latest installment of Hallmark Channel's original scripted series, WHEN CALLS THE HEART, on March 22. The Saturday night premiere, which featured Jack Wagner's first appearance as Royal Canadian Mountie Jack Thornton, scored a 1.8 household rating. In the 9-10 p.m. time period, "Rules of Enagement" episode ranked #2 among HH (1.8 rtg) as well as P2+ (.9 rtg). The episode also placed #2 in HH delivery (1,588,000) and #3 in P2+ delivery (2,012,000). "Rules of Enagement" has become the highest-rated episode of the series to-date and the most watched among HHs and P2+.

In the episode, Jack (Daniel Lissing) is hailed a hero after putting away the Tolliver outlaws, and has decided to come back to Coal Valley for good. But his return to town—and to Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) - is unexpectedly complicated by the arrival of gorgeous big-city actress, Rosemary LeVeaux (Pascale Hutton), Jack's ex-fiancée. Watching the two reunite, Elizabeth is devastated and furious with Jack as Rosemary wastes no time making Coal Valley her home. Meanwhile, Jack has asked Mountie forensic investigator and friend Bill Avery (Jack Wagner) to help Abigail (Lori Loughlin) make a case against Gowen (Martin Cummins) and the Pacific Northwest Mining Company regarding the mine explosion. As Bill and Abigail (Lori Loughlin) work together and ward off Gowen’s threats, Bill quickly becomes interested in Abigail and admits to Jack that he’d like to get to know her better, and Abigail may share the same feelings.

Source: The Nielsen Company, March 17 - 23, 2014, Live + SD coverage area ratings and impressions

WHEN CALLS THE HEART Preview: Jack Wagner Debuts as Royal Canadian Mountie Jack Thornton

Lori Loughlin and Jack Wagner.  Photo Credit: Copyright 2013 Crown Media
United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

The first season of Hallmark Channel's WHEN CALLS THE HEART continues with a new episode ("Rules of Engagement") on Saturday, March 22 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.  Jack Wagner makes his first appearance as Royal Canadian Mountie Jack Thornton.

Jack (Daniel Lissing) gets an unexpected visitor from his past who puts his relationship with Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) in jeopardy, while Abigail (Lori Loughlin) starts working with a charming new mountie (Wagner) on the mine investigation.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

Jack Wagner Returns to HOME & FAMILY on Friday

On Friday, Jack Wagner is one of the guests on HOME & FAMILY.
Copyright 2014 Crown Media Family Networks/Photographer: Jeremy Lee.

On the Friday, March 21 episode of Hallmark Channel's HOME & FAMILY, Mark Steines and Cristina Ferrare welcome back Jack Wagner as he shares behind-the-scenes stories from his Hallmark Channel Original Series WHEN CALLS THE HEART.

Also on the episode:
Actress Gina Torres talks about her hit USA show, SUITS. Ken Wingard makes a fun DIY growth chart that looks like a giant ruler to keep track of your growing child’s height. Fabio Viviani is in the kitchen making a delicious Seared Ribeye Steak. Dr. Jacqueline Del Rosario tells you how to give your relationship a reality check, to keep your relationships healthy. Cristina makes sweet and refreshing, Meyer Lemon Sponge Kisses. Camp Expert, Nancy Forman tells you how to find the best summer camp for your child. Plus, Laura Nativo has advice to help you protect your pets from poisonous items!

Today in Soap Opera History (January 27)

1971: The last appearance of Barnabas Collins on the original
DARK SHADOWS.  1984: Jack Wagner debuted as Frisco Jones.
1998: OLTL's Téa tried to figure out Todd, a year after her debut.
2006: PASSIONS aired its Bollywood episode.

"Maybe if people started to listen, history would stop repeating itself."
- Lily Tomlin

"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...

1931: CLARA, LU & EM shifted from WGN to the NBC Blue Network, one of the earliest radio soap operas. Listen to the episode here.

1971: Jonathan Frid made his final appearance as Barnabas Collins on the ABC daytime soap opera DARK SHADOWS. The episode was also the last time viewers saw Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, Flora Collins, Julia Hoffman, Timothy Eliot Stokes, Angelique, Leticia Faye, Desmond Collins and Lamar Trask in the original series.

Cameron Mathison, Jack Wagner & Rachel Blanchard Star In 'My Gal Sunday' Premiering January 18

Photo Credit: Hallmark Movie Channel

Romance and crime-solving combine when Rachel Blanchard (CLUELESS, 7TH HEAVEN) and Emmy nominee Cameron Mathison (ALL MY CHILDREN) star as an unstoppable husband-and-wife private eye team alongside Emmy nominee Jack Wagner (THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, GENERAL HOSPITAL, MELROSE PLACE) in MY GAL SUNDAY, a Hallmark Movie Channel Original World Premiere Saturday, January 18 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Based on the book of short stories "My Gal Sunday" by New York Times bestselling author Mary Higgins Clark, the film centers around Sandra “Sunday” O'Brien-Parker (Blanchard), renowned attorney and private investigator and her newlywed husband and sleuthing partner, Henry Parker (Mathison), whose deep political ties and endearing love story put them at the center of intrigue and scandal. “My Gal Sunday,” is also a family affair for the "Queen of Suspense" Mary Higgins Clark as her daughter Carol and granddaughter Elizabeth co-star in the film.

Jack Wagner: 'Very Disappointed' in The Powers That Be at GENERAL HOSPITAL

Jack Wagner has spoken out (well, tweeted out) about the way his GENERAL HOSPITAL character, Frisco Jones, was written out of the soap during the 50th anniversary celebration.

Very disappointed in the powers that b @ GH. The ratings momentum around the 50th was blown, BADLY, sorry GH fans we were misled.

Jack Wagner, Cameron Mathison & Rachel Blanchard Start Production on MY GAL SUNDAY

Hallmark Channel announces Rachel Blanchard (CLUELESS, 7TH HEAVEN) and Emmy® nominees Jack Wagner (GENERAL HOSPITAL, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, MELROSE PLACE) and Cameron Mathison (ALL MY CHILDREN) will star in MY GAL SUNDAY. The new two-hour backdoor pilot and potential primetime series in development for Hallmark Channel, begins production tomorrow, Wednesday, July 24 in Vancouver.

Based on the book of short stories "My Gal Sunday" by New York Times bestselling author Mary Higgins Clark, the backdoor pilot centers around an irresistible sleuthing duo, Sandra “Sunday” O’Brien-Parker (Blanchard), renowned attorney and private investigator and her newlywed husband and sleuthing partner, Henry Parker (Mathison), whose deep political ties and endearing romance put them at the center of intrigue and scandal.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Brad Maule Revisits His GENERAL HOSPITAL Past (Part 2 of 3)

With GENERAL HOSPITAL celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, We Love Soaps has been catching up with some of our favorite actors from over the years including Kin Shriner, Lynn Herring and Robin Mattson. The latest is actor and singer Brad Maule, who played Dr. Tony Jones on the show from 1984 to 2006. In Part 2 of our exclusive interview, Maule talks about his favorite writers over the years, working with Jack Wagner, and leaving the show for good in 2006. Check it out below.

Read Part 1 here.

WE LOVE SOAPS: During your long run, GH had quite a few different head writers and producers. Was there a writer you thought really got the character of Tony or that matched your take on the character the most?
Brad Maule: Michele Val Jean. She got me, and I loved her writing. And Karen Harris. Those two. They liked me and I liked them, and they wrote for me. They just understood. I don't think Bob Guza ever really liked my character that much.