We Love Soaps

Roberta Maxwell Recalls Another World’s Historic 1975 Expansion

2026-04-28T12:01:57.558-04:00

In 1975, Another World made daytime television history as the first soap opera to expand from 30 minutes to a full hour, marking a major turning point for the genre. The show’s move into the hour format helped redefine what daytime drama could be—and who it could showcase.

Recently, Michael Poirier spoke with actress Roberta Maxwell about her time on the series during this pivotal era. At the time, Maxwell was balancing her work on the soap with a demanding Broadway schedule, including her role in Equus alongside Anthony Hopkins and Frances Sternhagen.

One of her earliest moments on the show still stands out. As attorney Barbara Weaver, Maxwell delivered a first line that feels unmistakably of its time:

“Now, Mr. Matthews, women lawyers try to forget about such things.”

The line was a response to patriarch Jim Matthews commenting on her appearance—a brief exchange that reflects the era’s gender dynamics while also hinting at the evolving tone of daytime storytelling in 1975.

Maxwell also reflected on the intense production culture under executive producer Paul Rauch, who closely oversaw nearly every aspect of the show, from casting to final script execution.

For Maxwell, the experience was both demanding and formative, offering a front-row seat to one of daytime television’s most ambitious expansions.

Read the full interview with Roberta Maxwell on the We Love Soaps "Insider" Substack: welovesoaps.substack.com

This Week in Soap Opera History (April 19-25)

2026-04-26T09:48:00.000-04:00

"This Week in Soap Opera History" is a curated video roundup celebrating the milestones, debuts, cliffhangers, wedding, and unforgettable twists that aired during this same week across the decades.

This week featurwa weddings on Days of our Lives (Julie & Scott, Liz & Neil), All My Children (Angie & Jesse) and Another World (Vince & Mary), the end of a kissing ban, and more!

Watch the full highlights below:

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Today in Soap Opera History (April 24)

2026-04-24T13:26:45.200-04:00

1978: Ryan's Hope's Pat confronted Delia over on her miscarriage deception. 1987: Days of our Lives' Patch made chili.
2007: All My Children's Zoe performed. 2009: Drew Garrett debuted as Michael on General Hospital.

On this day in...

1959: NBC Radio soap The Woman in My House aired its final episode after an eight year run. One Man's Family creator Carlton E. Morse produced WIMH about the Carter family of Miami.

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'Days of Our Lives' Star Patrick Muldoon Dies at 57

2026-04-20T13:41:00.007-04:00

The daytime television community is mourning the loss of Patrick Muldoon, who rose to fame as the original Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives in the '90s. The actor passed away on April 19 at the age of 57 following a heart attack, according to Deadline

Born in San Pedro, California, Muldoon initially pursued athletics, playing football at the University of Southern California. While still in college, he began building an acting career, making early appearances on Who’s the Boss? and Saved by the Bell. But it was in 1992 that his career—and soap opera history—changed when he was cast as Austin Reed on DAYS.

Muldoon quickly became a central figure in one of the show’s most iconic storylines—a complicated love triangle involving Carrie Brady and her sister Sami. His portrayal helped define a major era of the series, blending romance, conflict, and that classic soap tension fans expect. During his run, he also shared the screen with Lisa Rinna, who played his on-screen sister, Billie Reed.

After leaving Days of Our Lives in 1995, Muldoon successfully transitioned into primetime television, most notably with a recurring role as Richard Hart on Melrose Place. He also appeared in the cult sci-fi film Starship Troopers in 1997. Though the role of Austin was later recast with Austin Peck, Muldoon returned to Salem in 2011, describing the experience as “like coming home,” before departing again the following year.

In more recent years, Muldoon guest-starred on indie soap The Bay. He also shifted his focus behind the camera, becoming a prolific producer. At the time of his death, he was working on the upcoming film Kockroach, starring Chris Hemsworth. In a poignant final Instagram post shared just one day before his passing, Muldoon expressed excitement about the project, which was filming in Australia.

According to reports, Muldoon was found unconscious at his Beverly Hills home by his longtime girlfriend, who called paramedics. Despite efforts to revive him, he could not be saved.

Tributes have poured in from across the industry, including from former co-star Alison Sweeney (Sami), who remembered him as “brilliantly talented, endlessly kind, and generous in spirit,” adding that he brought charm and humor to the set every day.

Patrick Muldoon leaves behind a legacy that spans daytime television, primetime drama, and film. For Days of Our Lives fans, he will always be remembered as the original Austin Reed—a character who helped define a generation of storytelling in Salem.

Frank Salisbury: Remembering a Quiet Giant of Daytime Television

2026-04-19T14:06:00.000-04:00

The daytime television community lost one of its most prolific—and perhaps most underappreciated—voices with the passing of Emmy Award–winning writer Frank Salisbury on March 20, 2026, shortly after his 96th birthday.

If you watched soaps during their golden decades, you saw his name scroll by. Salisbury’s credits read like a roadmap of the genre’s history: The Edge of Night, Somerset, Search for Tomorrow, General Hospital, As the World Turns, Guiding Light, Capitol, Santa Barbara, Dynasty, and Days of Our Lives. Not a dabbler—a working writer in the old-school sense, turning out scripts week after week across multiple shows.

In a recent interview with Michael Poirier, Salisbury reflected on that career with characteristic wit and understatement. At one point, he recalled juggling an almost unthinkable workload early on:

“I started writing one script a week for Henry, then two, then three… At the same time… I was doing three scripts for The Edge of Night and two for Somerset each week.”

That kind of output wasn’t unusual in the era—it was the job. And Salisbury did it across decades, adapting to different head writers, production shifts, and the ever-changing demands of daytime storytelling.

He also offered candid takes on the people and productions he encountered along the way, from his admiration for Doug Marland’s straightforward storytelling style to his blunt assessment of what went wrong at Capitol.

But perhaps most telling was how Salisbury viewed his own legacy. Despite a résumé that spans some of the most important shows in daytime history, he kept it all in perspective:

“The simple truth is, soaps are something I rarely think about and never analyze… I always had a parallel life in the theater, and that’s where my heart remained.”

It’s a striking reminder that many of the people who built daytime television treated it as both craft and profession—showing up, doing the work, and moving on to the next script.

For a deeper look at Frank Salisbury’s remarkable career and reflections on the industry, read the full interview on Substack: welovesoaps.substack.com

'One Life to Live' Stars Reunite for Charity and Share Behind-the-Scenes Memories

2026-04-18T03:40:00.004-04:00

Erika Slezak (Viki), Hayden Panettiere (Sarah), Tuc Watkins (David), Tyler Noyes (C.J.) and Krista Tesreau (Tina) starred on One Life to Live in 1994.

Several beloved One Life to Live favorites—Erika Slezak, Tuc Watkins, Roger Howarth, and Kassie DePaiva—recently came together for a virtual reunion benefiting CASA of Los Angeles, raising over $3,000 for children in foster care. Hosted by Dino Belli of Uncle Vinny’s Comedy Club, the event delivered nostalgia, laughs, and heartfelt reflections.

Slezak discussed her recent return to soaps on General Hospital, admitting it took time to get back into the rhythm but praising the familiar faces on set. Watkins shared a memorable story about landing his villain role on the show after a chance meeting with casting director Mark Teschner.

The group fondly revisited their One Life to Live days, from Watkins discovering the comedic charm of David Vickers to DePaiva’s improvised humor as Blair. They also laughed about some of the show’s more outrageous storylines—especially the infamous Eterna plot.

The cast paid tribute to co-stars like Robin Strasser and Judith Light, while also reflecting on the show’s lasting impact. Slezak echoed a longtime fan sentiment that canceling One Life to Live was a mistake, though the group agreed a short-term revival could work in today’s TV landscape.

More than anything, the reunion highlighted the enduring bond between the cast—and with their fans—proving that the spirit of Llanview is still very much alive.

Jonathan Bennett Heads to 'General Hospital' This May

2026-04-16T18:42:00.003-04:00

Fan-favorite actor Jonathan Bennett is making his way to daytime television, joining General Hospital in the new role of Joe Fitzpatrick. His debut is set for May, adding a fresh face—and a familiar one for many viewers—to the long-running ABC drama.

Bennett first captured audiences as the charming Aaron Samuels in the 2004 hit film Mean Girls, and he’s continued to build a diverse career across television, film, and stage. Most recently, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by performing on Broadway in Spamalot, proving his range extends well beyond the screen.

“We’re so excited to have Jonathan joining our cast,” said executive producer Frank Valentini. “He’s a tremendous talent and will be a fantastic addition to GH.”

For longtime soap fans, Bennett’s casting also marks a return to his roots. He began his career in daytime television on All My Children, where he portrayed JR Chandler from 2001 to 2002, taking over the role during the character’s rapid-aging storyline.

Now, with a mix of experience, charm, and stage-honed confidence, Bennett is stepping back into the soap world—this time in Port Charles. Whether Joe Fitzpatrick arrives as a hero, a schemer, or something in between, one thing is certain: he’s bound to shake things up.

Source: Deadline.com

'Beyond the Gates' Renewed Through 2027-2028 Season

2026-04-16T15:20:00.007-04:00

CBS remains the #1 network in daytime and is projected to claim its 40th consecutive winning season. The drama BEYOND THE GATES has been renewed for two additional seasons, extending through the 2027-2028 season.

The show will continue as part of CBS’ #1 daytime lineup alongside #1 THE PRICE IS RIGHT, #2 THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, #3 THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL and LET’S MAKE A DEAL.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 11)

2026-04-11T03:00:00.003-04:00

1966: Peyton Place's Steven married Betty. 1978: Ryan's Hope's Tom was drunk and angry.
1986: Lynn Herring debuted as Lucy Coe on General Hospital. 2007: All My Children's Krystal gave birth.

On this day in...

1966: On Peyton Place, Betty Anderson (Barbara Parkins) married her second husband, Steven Cord (James Douglas). Later, Steven showed Betty their new house. Note: Betty's first marriage to Rodney Harrington was annulled.

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From Daytime to Center Stage: ‘Plot Twist’ Delivers Soap Drama Live

2026-04-10T16:47:00.005-04:00

Former Santa Barbara star Lane Davies is directing Plot Twist.

If you’ve ever thought daytime drama was made for television and television alone, think again. A new stage production is about to challenge that idea in a big, bold way.

The Conasauga Shakespeare Coalition is bringing soap-style storytelling to the stage with the world premiere of Plot Twist, a new play written by Emmy Award winner Jerome “Jerry” Dobson and directed by Lane Davies, best known to fans as Mason Capwell on Santa Barbara.

The production opens at Synchronicity Theatre in Atlanta, and it’s not just another night at the theater—it’s a full-on soap opera experience, played out live.

Today in Soap Opera History (April 10)

2026-04-10T03:00:00.000-04:00

On this day in...

1957: On As the World Turns, Chris (Don MacLaughlin) and Pa (Santos Ortega) discussed John Hughes, who ran away from the Hughes farm 18 years earlier. Meanwhile, Edith (Ruth Warrick) didn't want to rehash the past with Jim. Later, Pa encouraged Edith to make up with Penny before Chris returned.

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Remembering Frank Salisbury: The Writer Behind Daytime’s Greatest Dramas

2026-04-09T17:51:00.007-04:00

The daytime drama world recently lost a giant with the passing of Emmy-winning writer Frank Salisbury. From General Hospital to Guiding Light, his work shaped some of television’s most beloved stories. In a new exclusive interview for the We Love Soaps Insider Substack, Salisbury reflected on his remarkable career—with wit, honesty, and a few surprises along the way. Read the full interview on Substack.

Joshua Morrow on 'Soapy' Podcast: "Come on In", Soaps are "An Escape"

2026-04-09T17:08:00.007-04:00

In this week's episode of Soapy, hosts Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart welcome long-time The Young and the Restless star Joshua Morrow. The conversation spans his 30-year career on the show, his life as a father, and his surprising past as a boy band member.

Interview Highlights

Fatherhood and Career Balance: Morrow reflects on how the Y&R schedule allowed him to be a hands-on father, coaching his sons' sports teams, which he considers the highlight of his life. He shares pride in his son Crew Morrow, who recently joined the cast of The Bold and the Beautiful.
Career Origins & Longevity: Morrow discusses his start as an actor, his audition process for daytime television, and his initial fears of being a "fraud" in the industry. He credits the late Jeannie Cooper and Peter Bergman for teaching him the importance of professionalism, humor, and kindness on set.
The "Boy Band" Era: In a surprising reveal, Morrow shares stories from his time in a Canadian boy band. He recounts the surreal experience of opening for Destiny's Child at the turn of the millennium.
Cast Dynamics: The group discusses the joy of working with icons like Eric Braden and Melody Thomas Scott, sharing behind-the-scenes stories about making each other laugh during serious takes.
Advice for Younger Actors: Morrow emphasizes that the most important thing for new actors is to introduce themselves to the crew, learn everyone's names, and stay on time.

Ultimately, Morrow explains why he believes soaps remain a vital form of escapism and romance in a complex world. Watch the episode below.

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Today in Soap Opera History (April 9)

2026-04-09T15:44:00.006-04:00

On this day in...

1953: On The Guiding Light, Dick (James Lipton) looked for reassurance about his marriage to Kathy from Dr. Keeler. Kathy became sad when Timmy pointed out that her husband had never been to see her.

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Today in Soap Opera History (April 8)

2026-04-08T16:00:00.000-04:00

1968: Dark Shadows' Barnabas had a strong reaction to light. 1983: Guiding Light's Nola wanted things to be perfect with Quint.
1985: Another World's Sally and Catlin were married. 2004: Days of our Lives' Bonnie enjoyed a Blue County performance.

On this day in...

1955: On Hawkins Falls, Millie Flagle and Lona Corey dyed Easter eggs for a local egg hunt. While they were chatting, Millie sensed that something wonderful was going to happen in Hawkins Falls. Soon after, a man crashed his automobile into Millie's porch. Feeling horrible over what he had done, the man, whose name was Gary Minden, entrusted his cash-filled wallet to Millie before Mitch and Dr. Corey took him to the hospital. Though Millie believed that her premonition was utterly wrong, Mrs. Corey thought something good may have come to Hawkins Falls, after all.

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Today in Soap Opera History (April 7)

2026-04-07T16:06:00.000-04:00

1966: Peyton Place's Steven prepared for his weddding. 1981: Another World's Sandy took care of Mac after an explosion.
1986: Santa Barbara's Kelly confessed to Nick before their wedding. 1989: Days of our Lives' Steve and Kayla became Gideon and Emily.

On this day in...

1966: On Peyton Place, Betty Anderson (Barbara Parkins) and Steven Cord (James Douglas) prepared for their wedding.

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Today in Soap Opera History (April 6)

2026-04-06T03:00:00.000-04:00

On this day in...

1942: We Love and Learn debuted on CBS Radio. The show was previously titled As the Twig is Bent when it aired for a year on some Mutual-Don Lee stations.

1966: On Peyton Place, Betty (Barbara Parkins) and Steven prepared for their wedding.

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'Days of our Lives' Weekly Preview Video (April 6-10)

2026-04-05T19:45:00.001-04:00

Next week on Days of our Lives, legacies return, truths surface, and danger pushes Salem to the edge.

Watch a sneak peek video below for a preview.

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‘General Hospital’ Spoilers (April 6-10)

2026-04-05T19:39:00.002-04:00

What's coming up on General Hospital this week? Check out the day-to-day spoilers below to find out.

Monday, April 6
Sonny delivers a warning; Danny visits with Charlotte; Jacinda does some digging; Willow presses Chase; Stella makes a request of Portia.

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‘The Young and the Restless’ (April 6-10)

2026-04-05T19:30:00.003-04:00

What’s in store on The Young and the Restless this week? Take a look at the daily spoilers below for a sneak peek at all the drama ahead.

Monday, April 6
Diane refuses to accept Jack's apology; Abby reaches out to an old friend; Holden finds himself in a compromising position.

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'Beyond the Gates' Spoilers (April 6-10)

2026-04-05T19:23:00.003-04:00

Get a glimpse of what’s ahead this week on Beyond the Gates with the daily spoilers for next week below.

Monday, April 6
Naomi and Jacob spend their anniversary apart, both remembering their love story from first date to wedding vows; Izaiah helps his brother out; Naomi leans on Ashley, Dani and Bill.

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Today in Soap Opera History (April 5)

2026-04-05T19:01:00.002-04:00

On this day in...

1940: The final episode of Procter & Gamble radio soap opera Manhattan Mother aired. Written by Orin Tovrov, the show starred Kaye Brinker as Patricia Locke, who gave up a career to raise her daughter, Dale, in New York.

1966: On Peyton Place, David Schuster (William Smithers) gave Rodney Harrington (Ryan O'Neal) some advice about living with his grandfather.

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This Week in Soap Opera History (March 29-April 4)

2026-04-04T19:17:00.000-04:00

"This Week in Soap Opera History" is a curated video roundup celebrating the milestones, debuts, cliffhangers, wedding, and unforgettable twists that aired during this same week across the decades.

This week featured the premiere of iconic TV series General Hospital, As the World Turns and Dallas, and much more!

Watch the full highlights below:

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Today in Soap Opera History (April 4)

2026-04-04T03:00:00.001-04:00

On this day in...

1975: On Another World, Dennis (Mike Hammett) and Iris (Beverlee McKinsey) came over for the first dinner with Mac (Douglass Watson) and Rachel (Victoria Wydham) at the Cory mansion.

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Today in Soap Opera History (April 3)

2026-04-03T11:14:00.001-04:00

(clockwise from top left) 1956: Edge of Night's Jack (Don Hastings) was impacted by a kiss. 1972: Return to Peyton Place premiered on NBC. 2013: General Hospital's Helena was shot by Luke. 2014: Sonny & Will got married on Days of our Lives.

On this day in...

1956: On second ever episode of The Edge of Night, Mattie Lane's (Betty Garde) $20 disappeared from her sewing machine which led to tension between Sarah (Teal Ames) and Mike (John Larkin). Both Mike and Sarah, especially Mike, suspected Jack (Don Hastings) was the culprit.

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