Today in Soap Opera History (November 23)

1963: The original Doctor Who premiered.
1970: Dark Shadows' Daphne and Quentin held a seance on.
1984: Days' Stefano shot Roman, who fell off a cliff.
1988: General Hospital's Cheryl was delirious.

"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...

1963: The original Doctor Who series premiered on the BBC. The show depicts the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord—a time-travelling humanoid alien. He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a sentient time-travelling space ship.

1964: On Another World, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) sent a letter to the Baxter family which said she did not kill Tom.

1966: On Dark Shadows, while holding Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) captive in his cottage, Matthew (Thayer David) confessed to the murder of Bill Malloy.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 21)

1979: Dallas' Sue Ellen neglected baby John Ross Ewing III
1979: Dan Stewart was mourned on As the World Turns.
1981: General Hospital's Luke Spencer saved the world!
2011: All My Children's Martin family reflected on the past.

"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...

1939: Radio station WJSV in Washington, D.C. recorded their entire broadcast day. From 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. the following day a "time capsule" was created for posterity. Of important note is Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech to Congress encouraging repeal of the U.S. Neutrality Law. Below are recaps for the daytime soap operas that aired on WJSV that day. All totaled, 18 daytime dramas were heard during the course of this broadcast day. The high number of soaps presented on the schedule underscored what an important, dominate genre this was on radio at the time and what a sought-after audience women must have been.

8:45 a.m. Bachelor's Children - Sam explained to his wife, Janet, how bills were brought before the legislature.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 23)

1963: The original Doctor Who premiered.
1970: Dark Shadows' Daphne and Quentin held a seance on.
1984: Days' Stefano shot Roman, who fell off a cliff.
1988: General Hospital's Cheryl was delirious.

"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...

1963: The original Doctor Who series premiered on the BBC. The show depicts the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord—a time-travelling humanoid alien. He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a sentient time-travelling space ship.

1964: On Another World, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) sent a letter to the Baxter family which said she did not kill Tom.

1966: On Dark Shadows, while holding Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) captive in his cottage, Matthew (Thayer David) confessed to the murder of Bill Malloy.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 21)

1979: Dallas' Sue Ellen neglected baby John Ross Ewing III
1979: Dan Stewart was mourned on As the World Turns.
1981: General Hospital's Luke Spencer saved the world!
2011: All My Children's Martin family reflected on the past.

"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...

1939: Radio station WJSV in Washington, D.C. recorded their entire broadcast day. From 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. the following day a "time capsule" was created for posterity. Of important note is Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech to Congress encouraging repeal of the U.S. Neutrality Law. Below are recaps for the daytime soap operas that aired on WJSV that day. All totaled, 18 daytime dramas were heard during the course of this broadcast day. The high number of soaps presented on the schedule underscored what an important, dominate genre this was on radio at the time and what a sought-after audience women must have been.

8:45 a.m. Bachelor's Children - Sam explained to his wife, Janet, how bills were brought before the legislature.

9:00 a.m. Pretty Kitty Kelly - Michael and Martin worked to proved Kitty was innocent of Madmoiselle Dupin's murder.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 23)

1963: The original Doctor Who premiered.
1970: Dark Shadows' Daphne and Quentin held a seance on.
1984: Days' Stefano shot Roman, who fell off a cliff.
1988: General Hospital's Cheryl was delirious.

"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...

1963: The original Doctor Who series premiered on the BBC. The show depicts the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord—a time-travelling humanoid alien. He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a sentient time-travelling space ship.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 21)

1979: Dallas' Sue Ellen neglected baby John Ross Ewing III
1979: Dan Stewart was mourned on As the World Turns.
1981: General Hospital's Luke Spencer saved the world!
2011: All My Children's Martin family reflected on the past.

"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...

1939: Radio station WJSV in Washington, D.C. recorded their entire broadcast day. From 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. the following day a "time capsule" was created for posterity. Of important note is Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech to Congress encouraging repeal of the U.S. Neutrality Law. Here are synopsis for the daytime soap operas that aired that day:

Bachelor's Children - Sam explained to his wife, Janet, how bills were brought before the legislature.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 23)

1963: The original Doctor Who premiered.
1970: Dark Shadows' Daphne and Quentin held a seance on.
1984: Days' Stefano shot Roman, who fell off a cliff.
1988: General Hospital's Cheryl was delirious.

"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...

1963: The original Doctor Who series premiered on the BBC. The show depicts the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord—a time-travelling humanoid alien. He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a sentient time-travelling space ship.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 21)

1979: Dallas' Sue Ellen neglected baby John Ross Ewing III
1979: Dan Stewart was mourned on As the World Turns.
1981: General Hospital's Luke Spencer saved the world!
2011: All My Children's Martin family reflected on the past.

"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...

1939: Radio station WJSV in Washington, D.C. recorded their entire broadcast day. From 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. the following day a "time capsule" was created for posterity. Of important note is Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech to Congress encouraging repeal of the U.S. Neutrality Law. Here are synopsis for the daytime soap operas that aired that day:

Bachelor's Children - Sam explained to his wife, Janet, how bills were brought before the legislature.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 23)

1963: Doctor Who premiered. 1970: Daphne and Quentin
had a seance on Dark Shadows. 1984: Days' Stefano
shot Roman, who fell off a cliff. 1988: GH's Cheryl was delirious.

"Most of us spend too much time on the last twenty-four hours and too little on the last six thousand years."
― Will Durant

"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: The original Doctor Who series premiered on the BBC. The show depicts the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord—a time-travelling humanoid alien. He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a sentient time-travelling space ship.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 23)

1963: DOCTOR WHO premiered. 1970: Daphne and Quentin
had a seance on DARK SHADOWS. 1984: DAYS' Stefano
shot Roman, who fell off a cliff. 1988: GH's Cheryl was delirious.

"History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future. To try to hold fast is to be swept aside."
- John F. Kennedy

"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: The original DOCTOR WHO series premiered on the BBC.  Global broadcasters have agreed to simulcast a 3D special honoring DOCTOR WHO's 50th anniversary to avoid plot leaks or spoilers. The special will air on Saturday, November 23 at 7 p.m. on BBC1, 2 p.m. ET, 11 a.m. PT.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 21)

1979: Baby John Ross Ewing III made his first appearance in
DALLAS. 1979: Dan Stewart's funeral was held on ATWT.
1981: GH's Luke Spencer saved the world! 2011: AMC's Martin
family got together and reflected on the past.

"In history, a great volume is unrolled for our instruction, drawing the materials of future wisdom from the past errors and infirmities of mankind."
― Edmund Burke

"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 station WJSV in Washington, D.C. recorded their entire broadcast day. From 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. the following day a "time capsule" was created for posterity. Of important note is Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech to Congress encouraging repeal of the U.S. Neutrality Law. Here are synopsis for the daytime soap operas that aired that day:

BACHELOR'S CHILDREN - Sam explained to his wife, Janet, how bills were brought before the legislature.

Who Killed J.R.? The Suspects

Before Monday night's second season finale of DALLAS is over, viewers will find out who killed J.R. Ewing. Below is a list of possible suspects.

PREVIEW: DALLAS ("Guilt and Innocence") With Guest Star Audrey Landers

Audrey Landers & Julie Gonzalo - Photo: TNT

TNT's DALLAS continues its second season on Monday, March 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Audrey Landers guest stars as Afton Cooper.

In "Guilt and Innocence," peace among the Ewings is threatened when catastrophe strikes and Christopher's (Jesse Metcalfe) technology is believed to be the cause. As Bobby (Patrick Duffy) struggles to keep the family together, Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) reaches out to an old friend for help. Meanwhile, Pamela's mother, Afton Cooper, returns to Dallas to take care of her daughter.

Meanwhile, Emma (Emma Bell) is put in the middle of her father and grandmother's relationship, pushing her closer to Drew (Kuno Becker), who's wrestling with a dark secret.

Watch the explosive ending of the last episode and a preview for next week below:

PREVIEW: "Ewings Unite!" On DALLAS

Charlene Tilton, Joan Van Ark & Patrick Duffy - Photo: TNT

TNT's DALLAS continues its second season on Monday, March 18 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Joan Van Ark, Charlene Tilton and Ted Shackelford guest star.

In "Ewings Unite!," as Bobby, Christopher and John Ross get to work on J.R.'s masterpiece, J.R.'s will has lasting ramifications for the family legacy and Southfork. Pamela proves her loyalty to John Ross by giving him information against her father, and Christopher's relationship with Elena is tested when Christopher resorts to a tactic worthy of J.R.

Goodbye J.R.: Thoughts On DALLAS

Photo: Zade Rosenthal / TNT

The Ewing family, friends, a few enemies, and fans old and new said goodbye to J.R. last night in a poignant episode of DALLAS on TNT. The script, written by Cynthia Cidre, was excellent and you could feel the history without any flashbacks being used. I will probably watch the entire episode again at some point and notice many things I didn't pick up on at first viewing, but here are some things I really enjoyed most.

The special opening sequence created for Larry Hagman was perfect.

Ken Kercheval (Cliff), Steve Kanaly (Ray), Deborah Shelton (Mandy), Cathy Podewell (Cally), Charlene Tilton (Lucy) and Ted Shackelford (Gary) guest-starred and each one had some type of "moment" in the show, a big improvement over the blink-and-you-miss-it cameos by Ray and Lucy in Season 1. Gary and Ray were naturally conflicted over how to feel about their brother's death. Lucy was reflective and seemed to have at least some appreciation for her Uncle J.R.'s dirty dealings at this point in her live. Mandy and Cally reminded us of what a playboy J.R. was and that he was hard to get over. Surprisingly, the least satisfying of all these appearances was Cliff barging in. For some reason, Cliff had continued to be written as a one-note villain on the new DALLAS.

PREVIEW: J.R.'s Funeral On DALLAS

Photo: Skip Bolen / TNT

In a heartrending farewell episode on March 11 at 9 p.m. ET, TNT's DALLAS says goodbye to the legendary J.R. Ewing, who, after a lifetime of scheming and dealing, has finally met his end.

Ken Kercheval, Steve Kanaly, Deborah Shelton, Cathy Podewell, Charlene Tilton and Ted Shackelford guest star.  Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban also make appearances.

In "J.R.'s Masterpiece," the Ewing family reels at hearing the news about J.R.'s death and is even more shocked to learn the cause. Striving to set aside their differences, J.R.'s family comes together to mourn his passing, accompanied by many characters from his past. But their tears are soon overpowered by a shocking revelation worthy of one of televisions most iconic characters. In life – and now in death – nothing is ever as it seems when it comes to J.R. Ewing.

DALLAS will air a special opening sequence in the episode as a tribute to Larry Hagman.

Check out more photos and watch a sneak peek video below:

DALLAS: Who Shot J.R.?

In the final scene of last night's episode of DALLAS, a phone call between J.R. and John Ross ended with gunshots.

“Don’t worry, son,” J.R. comforted his son, and in a masterful piece of editing, we actually saw J.R. in this conversation. Producers have said they had unused footage of Hagman, who died in November, that they crafted together for J.R.’s final scenes, and it worked beautifully. “I’ve got a plan,” J.R. continued. J.R.’s last words: “This is gonna be my masterpiece. You shouldn’t have to pay for my sins. Just remember, I’m proud of you. You’re my son, tip to tail.”

Apparently J.R. Ewing has been shot again, and this time he's dead. But who shot J.R.?



Check out a preview of next week's DALLAS below (which will feature J.R.'s funeral) where Bobby confronts John Ross.

PREVIEW: "The Furious and The Fast" On DALLAS

Photo: Zade Rosenthal/TNT

The second season of TNT's DALLAS continues on Monday, March 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

In "The Furious and The Fast," in the aftermath of John Ross and Sue Ellen's coup to take over Ewing Energies, Bobby retaliates with his brother's help, Gary (guest star Ted Shackelford), leaving the family in a Mexican standoff. Meanwhile, Pamela is caught between Christopher and John Ross, as the cousins clash, with it all culminating in a winner-take-all car race.

Watch a sneak peek below:

PREVIEW: "Blame Game" On DALLAS

Josh Henderson, Linda Gray, Jordana Brewster and Patrick Duffy
in DALLAS - Photo: Skip Bolen/TNT

The second season of TNT's DALLAS continues on Monday, February 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

In "Blame Game," John Ross continues to persuade Sue Ellen to help him take control of Ewing Energies. Christopher and Pamela Rebecca work with their lawyers to settle their divorce. With Drew’s help, Christopher makes a startling revelation that could change the fate of Ewing Energies. And the whole family comes together when an outsider tries to undermine them all.

Watch a sneak peek below:

PREVIEW: "False Confessions" On DALLAS

Jesse Metcalfe, Brenda Strong and Patrick Duffy in DALLAS
- Photo: Skip Bolen/TNT

The second season of TNT's DALLAS continues on Monday, February 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

In "False Confessions," with the future of Ewing Energies in jeopardy, Christopher does everything possible to keep a key deal alive. J.R. works to undermine Pamela, forcing John Ross to choose between a Ewing and a Barnes. Cliff Barnes (guest star Ken Kercheval) returns to meet with an unlikely visitor.

Watch a sneak peek below: