Today in Soap Opera History (August 31)

1960: Grace was still bitter on The Secret Storm. 1989: Josie
moved in with the Matthews family on Another World.
1994: Erica was in a neckbrace on All My Children.
2010: Oakdale said goodbye to Nancy Hughes on ATWT.

"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...

1948: Radio soap opera The Guiding Light, still almost four years away from making its way to television, introduced the character of Friedrich "Papa" Bauer. Theodore von Eltz originated the role and was replaced by Theo Goetz a year later. Goetz would remain with the show until his death in 1972.

1960: On The Secret Storm, Myra Lake Ames (June Graham) visited Grace Harris Tyrell (Marjorie Gateson), who had something to say about everyone.

1966: On Days of our Lives, Susan (Denise Alexander) already regretted her month-old marriage to David Martin (Clive Clerk), who was still in love with Julie (Charla Doherty). Julie turned to her grandfather Tom Horton (Macdonald Carey) and asked him to help her stay in Salem rather than live with her parents, Ben and Addie, in Europe.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 31)

1960: Grace was still bitter on The Secret Storm. 1989: Josie
moved in with the Matthews family on Another World.
1994: Erica was in a neckbrace on All My Children.
2010: Oakdale said goodbye to Nancy Hughes on ATWT.

"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...

1948: Radio soap opera The Guiding Light, still almost four years away from making its way to television, introduced the character of Friedrich "Papa" Bauer. Theodore von Eltz originated the role and was replaced by Theo Goetz a year later. Goetz would remain with the show until his death in 1972.

1960: On The Secret Storm, Myra Lake Ames (June Graham) visited Grace Harris Tyrell (Marjorie Gateson), who had something to say about everyone.

1966: On Days of our Lives, Susan (Denise Alexander) already regretted her month-old marriage to David Martin (Clive Clerk), who was still in love with Julie (Charla Doherty). Julie turned to her grandfather Tom Horton (Macdonald Carey) and asked him to help her stay in Salem rather than live with her parents, Ben and Addie, in Europe.

Sara Ramirez Joins the Cast of 'Madam Secretary'

Sara Ramirez has joined the cast of Madam Secretary as a series regular. She will be introduced in the episode to air Sunday, November 19 at 10:30 p.m. on CBS.

Ramirez will play Kat Sandoval, a brilliant political strategist, legendary in D.C. for her talent and for abruptly dropping out of politics until Elizabeth manages to coax her back into the State Department.

"We're very excited that Sara is joining the cast," said Barbara Hall, Executive Producer and Series Creator. "She brings a fresh perspective and a fun, energetic quality to the State Department staff."

"We are thrilled to have Sara join the MADAM SECRETARY State Department team," said Lori McCreary, Executive Producer. "From the moment she walked on set with her talent, intellect and spirit, she became part of the family!"

Tony Award winner Sara Ramirez appeared for over a decade as Dr. Callie Torres on primetime soap opera Grey's Anatomy, after memorably portraying Hannah on daytime drama As the World Turns. She is also the voice of Queen Miranda on the animated series Sofia the First and the voice of Mama Calaca in Vampirina. Prior to "Grey's Anatomy," Ramirez performed on Broadway in Monty Python's "Spamalot" as Lady of the Lake, for which she earned both a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical and an Outer Critics Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical. Recently, Ramirez co-hosted Ted Talks Live NYC on PBS. She has executive produced three films: Loserville, Out of Exile: Daniel's Story, the virtual reality film experience, and The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, a documentary by David France about transgender LGBTQ civil rights pioneers Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson that recently premiered on Netflix. Ramirez was honored in May 2017 by the city of Los Angeles as an activist and artist working to advance equality as part of Los Angeles Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Heritage Month. In 2015 Ramirez was awarded the Ally for Equality Award by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. In November 2017, she will be awarded the Trailblazer award by the LGBT Center of New York City.

Madam Secretary stars Téa Leoni, Tim Daly, Zeljko Ivanek, Keith Carradine, Sebastian Arcelus, Patina Miller, Geoffrey Arend, Erich Bergen, Kathrine Herzer, Wallis Currie-Wood and Evan Roe.

Barbara Hall, Lori McCreary, David Grae, Eric Stoltz and Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman (ex-Roy, Another World) are executive producers for CBS Television Studios in association with Revelations Entertainment.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 31)

1960: Grace was still bitter on The Secret Storm. 1989: Josie
moved in with the Matthews family on Another World.
1994: Erica was in a neckbrace on All My Children.
2010: Oakdale said goodbye to Nancy Hughes on ATWT.

"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...

1948: Radio soap opera The Guiding Light, still almost four years away from making its way to television, introduced the character of Friedrich "Papa" Bauer. Theodore von Eltz originated the role and was replaced by Theo Goetz a year later. Goetz would remain with the show until his death in 1972.

1960: On The Secret Storm, Myra Lake Ames (June Graham) visited Grace Harris Tyrell (Marjorie Gateson), who had something to say about everyone.

1966: On Days of our Lives, Susan (Denise Alexander) already regretted her month-old marriage to David Martin (Clive Clerk), who was still in love with Julie (Charla Doherty). Julie turned to her grandfather Tom Horton (Macdonald Carey) and asked him to help her stay in Salem rather than live with her parents, Ben and Addie, in Europe.

'Elena and the Secret of Avalor' Set to Premiere November 20, Cast Includes Sara Ramirez, Ana Ortiz, Darcy Rose Byrnes

Elena and the Secret of Avalor premieres November 20.

Elena and the Secret of Avalor, a special television movie event, premieres as a special simulcast Sunday, November 20 at 7 p.m. ET, on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. The TV movie tells the backstory of how Elena was imprisoned in her magical amulet by the evil sorceress Shuriki, voiced by legendary actress Jane Fonda, and eventually set free by Princess Sofia of Enchancia. Elena's anthem "My Time," performed by Aimee Carrero (voice of Princess Elena), makes its debut in the special TV movie. Elena and the Secret of Avalor will also be available on the Disney Channel and Disney Junior apps and Disney Channel VOD beginning Sunday, November 20.

On October 18, Disney Publishing will release a hardcover picture book titled "Elena of Avalor: Elena and the Secret of Avalor."

In addition to Carrero and Fonda, the voice cast includes: Ariel Winter as Sofia; Sara Ramirez as Queen Miranda; Chris Parnell, Yvette Nicole Brown and Carlos Alazraqui as the jaquins Migs, Luna and Skylar, respectively; Jenna Ortega as Princess Isabel; Ana Ortiz as Rafa; Darcy Rose Byrnes as Princess Amber; Tyler Merna as Prince James; Travis Willingham as King Roland; Barbara Dirickson as Flora; Emiliano Díez as Francisco; Julia Vera as Luisa; Christian Lanz as Chancellor Esteban; Jillian Rose Reed as Naomi; Joseph Haro as Mateo; Jorge Diaz as Gabe; Keith Ferguson as Zuzo; and Joe Nunez as Armando.

Elena and the Secret of Avalor combines the creative teams from Sofia the First and Elena of Avalor. The TV movie was written by Craig Gerber and directed by Jamie Mitchell, both of whom serve as executive producers. John Kavanaugh serves as songwriter/music director and Kevin Kliesch is the composer. "Elena and the Secret of Avalor" is a production of Disney Television Animation and carries a TV-Y parental guideline.

For 2016 to date, Elena of Avalor and Sofia the First have reached 75 million Total Viewers, generated 51 million consumer engagements on the Disney Channel/Disney Junior apps, and rank among the Top 5 animated cable TV series in Kids 2-11 and across kids cable networks in Total Viewers. Furthermore, "Sofia the First" is the No. 1 cable TV series among Girls 2-5.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 31)

1960: Grace was still bitter on The Secret Storm. 1989: Josie
moved in with the Matthews family on Another World.
1994: Erica was in a neckbrace on All My Children.
2010: Oakdale said goodbye to Nancy Hughes on ATWT.

"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...

1948: Radio soap opera The Guiding Light, still almost four years away from making its way to television, introduced the character of Friedrich "Papa" Bauer. Theodore von Eltz originated the role and was replaced by Theo Goetz a year later. Goetz would remain with the show until his death in 1972.

1960: On The Secret Storm, Myra Lake Ames (June Graham) visited Grace Harris Tyrell (Marjorie Gateson), who had something to say about everyone.

1966: On Days of our Lives, Susan (Denise Alexander) already regretted her month-old marriage to David Martin (Clive Clerk), who was still in love with Julie (Charla Doherty). Julie turned to her grandfather Tom Horton (Macdonald Carey) and asked him to help her stay in Salem rather than live with her parents, Ben and Addie, in Europe.

'Grey's Anatomy' Winter Finale Sneak Peek: Is Meredith Alex's First Priority?

Jo and Alex have it out about Meredith.

Owen is force to acknowledge hsi past on his week's episode of Grey's Anatomy, airing Thursday, November 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "Things We Lost In the Fire," as the rumor mill around the hospital continues to spiral out of control, Grey Sloan Memorial is flooded with injured firefighters from a nearby wildfire. Maggie struggles to keep things with Andrew professional at work; meanwhile, Jo questions Alex's priorities.

In the sneak peek video below, Jo finally confronts Alex about his close friendship with Meredith. She accuses Alex of always making Meredith his first priority, even above his own girlfriend. Alex gets defensive, and accidentally says that Meredith is the only one he can count on. That's going to make things awkward!

'Grey's Anatomy' Sneak Peek: Let Me Go

Grey's Anatomy airs Thursday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

The tension between the doctors rises on this week's episode of Grey's Anatomy, airing Thursday, November 12 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "Something Against You," the team of doctors work on a high stakes case of a long time patient, adding additional pressure to an already tense environment. Meanwhile, Bailey wants Ben to kick out their new roommate, and Arizona is eager to get back into the dating world with a new wingman.

In the sneak peek video below, Meredith treats Penny with kid gloves after Derek's death. Penny finally has had enough and confronts Meredith.

'Grey's Anatomy' Sneak Peek: Can Meredith Rise Above?

Grey's Anatomy airs Thursday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

April reunites with an old friend from overseas on this week's episode of Grey's Anatomy, airing Thursday, November 5 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "The Me Nobody Knows," Grey Sloan Memorial not only welcomes a new transfer resident, but also a patient who's the topic of conversation after accidently sending his sex tape to his entire congregation. Meanwhile, Richard wrestles with how to progress his relationship with Maggie when an old friend visits the hospital, and April brings in a case of a young boy from the Middle-East.

In the sneak peek video below, it's Penny Blake's first day as a resident at Grey Sloan Memorial, and, of course, she's assigned to Meredith's service. Amelia is angry when she finds out, but Meredith explains she's trying to rise above, and Amelia should too. "No, you should have ended it. That night!" Amelia snaps.

'Grey's Anatomy' Sneak Peek: Dinner Party From Hell

Photo Credit: ABC/Mitchell Haaseth

Maggie deals with an embarrassing issue and everyone finally meets Callie's girlfriend on tonight's episode of Grey's Anatomy, airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" Maggie ditches her cooking duties to rush to the hospital in the midst of the sisters' dinner party. Meanwhile, April steps in to help cook as an attempt to avoid Jackson, and Arizona nervously waits to find out more about Callie's new girlfriend.

In the sneak peek video below, as Callie proudly introduces her new girlfriend Penny to everyone, Meredith is desperately trying to hide how upset she is. She rushes upstairs to be alone, because coming face-to-face with Penny, the resident who treated Derek the night he died, has triggered an avalanche of flashbacks to that terrible night.

'Grey's Anatomy' Sneak Peek: Maggie Regrets Her One-Night Stand

Maggie (Kelly McCreary) and Andrew (Giacomo Gianniotti).
Photo Credit: ABC/John Fleenor

Stephanie reveals her past and the sisters prepare for a dinner party at their house on tonight's episode of Grey's Anatomy, airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "Old Time Rock'n Roll," Owen suggests the interns learn a vital lesson on how to break bad news to patients' families, and Arizona's 90-year-old patient reassures her that she's destined to find love again. Meanwhile, the sisters completely forget about the dinner party they're hosting for everyone.

In the sneak peek video below, Maggie wakes up immediately regretting her one-night stand with the intern. She tells DeLuca to get out of the house without anyone seeing him, but of course he runs into Amelia in the hallway. Maggie's hot hookup isn't going to remain secret for long.

'Grey's Anatomy' Sneak Peek: I Choose You

Stephanie urges Jo to talk to Alex.

Alex feels the weight is on his shoulders on tonight's episode of Grey's Anatomy, airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "I Choose You," Maggie reevaluates her life choices after receiving an invitation to her ex-boyfriend's wedding; Richard questions Bailey's loyalty, and Jo confides in Stephanie about a secret she's been keeping from Alex.

Meanwhile, Alex struggles with making a difficult decision that will affect the lives of newborn twins.

In the sneak peek video below, Jo makes a confession to Stephanie, and Stephanie urges Jo to talk to Alex about it. Jo catches Alex off guard when she, apropos of nothing, asks if he wants kids.

'Grey's Anatomy' Sneak Peek: There's a New Chief in Town

Chandra Wilson and Jason George. Photo by Richard Cartwright/ABC

Congratulations are in order for Grey Sloan Memorial's new Chief of Surgery on tonight's episode of Grey's Anatomy, airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "Walking Tall," the pressure is on as a determined Bailey tackles her first day as Chief.

Meanwhile, April’s marriage is in jeopardy and she finds herself unable to address her problems; Meredith struggles to juggle all her responsibilities and Amelia works to define her relationship with Owen.

Watch a sneak peek below:

'Grey's Anatomy' Season 12 Premiere Preview

Giacomo Gianniotti, Joe Adler and Joe Dinicol.
Photo Credit: ABC/Richard Cartwright

Meredith adapts to new living arrangements and Bailey fights to be Chief of Surgery on the Season 12 premiere of Grey's Anatomy, airing Thursday, September 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In the episode, "Sledgehammer, Grey Sloan Memorial springs into action to save the lives of two young girls whose powerful story will force some of the doctors to revisit the effects of bullying on their own pasts. Meanwhile, Meredith must adjust to changes at home with her new roommates while Bailey continues to fight for the Chief of Surgery position and Jackson prepares for April’s return to Seattle.

Watch the Grey's Season 12 trailer below:

Today in Soap Opera History (August 31)

1960: Grace was still bitter on The Secret Storm. 1989: Josie
moved in with the Matthews family on Another World.
1994: Erica was in a neckbrace on All My Children.
2010: Oakdale said goodbye to Nancy Hughes on ATWT.

"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...

1948: Radio soap opera The Guiding Light, still almost four years away from making its way to television, introduced the character of Friedrich "Papa" Bauer. Theodore von Eltz originated the role and was replaced by Theo Goetz a year later. Goetz would remain with the show until his death in 1972.

1960: On The Secret Storm, Myra Lake Ames (June Graham) visited Grace Harris Tyrell (Marjorie Gateson), who had something to say about everyone.

1966: On Days of our Lives, Susan (Denise Alexander) already regretted her month-old marriage to David Martin (Clive Clerk), who was still in love with Julie (Charla Doherty). Julie turned to her grandfather Tom Horton (Macdonald Carey) and asked him to help her stay in Salem rather than live with her parents, Ben and Addie, in Europe.

'Grey's Anatomy' Season 10 Finale Preview: The Doctors Bid Farewell to Dr. Cristina Yang

Jessica Capshaw. Photo Credit: ABC/Kelsey McNeal

The 10th season of Grey's Anatomy concludes with the season finale on Thursday, May 15 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "Fear (of the Unknown)," the doctors of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital bid an emotional farewell to the beloved Cristina Yang. A possible act of terrorism rocks Seattle and causes chaos at the hospital.

Meanwhile, Meredith makes a life changing decision and one doctor receives shocking news.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

'Grey's Anatomy' Preview: Jackson Delivers Some Unsettling News

Sandra Oh, Ellen Pompeo. Photo Credit: ABC/Kelsey McNeal

The 10th season of Grey's Anatomy continues with a new episode ("Change Of Heart") on Thursday, April 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Jackson (Jesse Williams) is given the daunting task of delivering disappointing news to the doctors. Meanwhile, Derek's sister Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) drops by for a surprise visit, Richard (James Pickens, Jr.) surprises Catherine (Debbie Allen) in Boston and when Bailey (Chandra Wilson) gets frustrated by the slow pace of her research, she makes a risky decision.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

'Grey's Anatomy' Preview: Cristina Prepares For The Harper Avery Ceremony

Photo Credit: ABC/Kelsey McNeal

The 10th season of Grey's Anatomy continues with a new episode ("Go It Alone") on Thursday, April 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Cristina enlists Meredith to help her prepare an acceptance speech for her possible Harper Avery win and while Owen offers to attend the ceremony with her, she insists on going alone. Meanwhile, Derek feels overwhelmed between his responsibilities at home and at the hospital. April and Jackson come to a disagreement on children and religion, and Callie and Arizona try to reconnect in their marriage.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

GREY'S ANATOMY Preview: Cristina Imagines Her Life Going In Different Directions

Jesse Williams, Sandra Oh. Photo Credit: ABC/Danny Feld

The 10th season of GREY'S ANATOMY continues with a new episode ("Do You Know?") on Thursday, March 27 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Cristina (Sandra Oh) imagines the two routes her life can take based on one decision she makes.

Meanwhile, one of the hospital's patients decides whether or not to live.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

GREY'S ANATOMY Preview: Richard Gets a Big Surprise On His Birthday

Paul James, Jerrika Hinton, Ellen Pompeo.  Photo Credit: ABC/Kelsey
McNeal

The 10th season of GREY'S ANATOMY continues with a new episode ("We Gotta Get Out Of This Place") on Thursday, March 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

It's Richard's birthday and Bailey invites him to scrub in on the case of a lifetime. Meredith hires a research assistant to help with her portal vein project, and a scorned Callie gives Derek quite the shock. Meanwhile, Shane helps screen candidates for Cristina's clinical trial and meets a young expectant mother (Keke Palmer) who needs his help.

Watch a sneak peek video below: