Daytime is going to primetime! An upcoming special exploring the world of soap operas is headed to ABC. Called The Story of Soaps, the extraordinary television event will explore how "no genre of television has laid deeper roots into our cultural consciousness and serialized storytelling than the soap opera." It will also take an extensive look at the cultural phenomenon soaps have become and the massive impact they have had on the world at large.
Several current and former soap opera actors give their expert opinions in the ABC special, as do many major behind-the-scenes players and celebrity fans. Some who are set to appear include: Susan Lucci (Erica Kane, All My Children), Alec Baldwin (ex-Billy, The Doctors), Genie Francis (Laura Spencer, General Hospital), Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans, Days of our Lives), Drake Hogestyn (John Black, DAYS), Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott, The Young and the Restless; ex-Kristen DiMera, DAYS), Bryan Cranston (ex-Dean Stella, One Life to Live; ex-Douglas Donovan, Loving), The Bold and the Beautiful executive producer and head writer Brad Bell, Erika Slezak (ex-Viki Lord, OLTL), Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, GH), John Stamos (ex-Blackie Parrish, GH), Laura Wright (Carly Corinthos, GH), Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos, GH), Greg Vaughan (Eric Brady, DAYS; ex-Lucky Spencer, GH), Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman, Y&R), John Hamm, Andy Cohan, and more.
The two-hour program, which is a joint production with People magazine, is set to air on Tuesday, May 19, at 9PM ET. Check out a sneak peek of the special below and let us know your thoughts in the Comments section at the end of the article.
The Story of Soaps marks the third time that ABC and People have partnered on a documentary event. In August 2017, they teamed up for The Story of Diana, a two-night primetime event that commemorated the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's tragic passing, and in August 2018, they partnered for The Story of the Royals, a primetime special that documented the lives of the British royal family. So, basically, soap operas are getting the royal treatment -- as they always should!
UPDATE (May 15, 2010): This article has been updated to reflect a changed broadcast time.
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