One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Soap Lovers, Rejoice! 'All My Children' and 'One Life to Live' Will Be Reborn Online
It's official, soap lovers. Two long-running and beloved ABC daytime serials will be making a comeback very soon. Much like the resurrections of popular killed-off characters over the years, "All My Children" and "One Life to Live," will get a second life online after their TV broadcast cancellation.
Deadline Hollywood reports that Los Angeles-based production company Prospect Park have confirmed the deals, and have published a letter from company founders Rich Frank and Jeff Kwatinetz. The letter outlines key components in the deal that had previously held up the process, which had been rumored to be in the works since 2011.
The two soaps will serve as the "anchor" programs on The Online Network, and production is expected to begin in February.
Prospect Park, who got their name from the onetime ABC studios location in Los Angeles, are also behind cable shows like USA's Royal Pains. While "All My Children" underwent a controversial move to Los Angeles prior to getting the ax, "One Life to Live" had been filmed in New York. It is not clear where the two shows will be shot for the new online productions. It is also not known which iconic stars will resume playing their well-known characters. Hello, Susan Lucci?
While in L.A., "All My Children" included guest appearances by local leaders Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and L.A. City Councilman Eric Garcetti.
Here's the letter from Frank and Kwatinetz explaining the deal:
We are pleased to confirm that Prospect Park is reviving the beloved soap operas, All My Children and One Life To Live as the anchor programs on The Online Network (TOLN). Today we are also pleased to confirm that Prospect Park has: 1) signed guild agreements with both SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and the DGA (Directors Guild of America); 2) entered into a consulting agreement with Agnes Nixon the creator of All My Children and One Life to Live guaranteeing her active involvement; 3) hired Foz McDermott (coordinating producer Heroes) as TOLN’s head of production, Jennifer Pepperman (Director, One Life to Live) as Executive Producer on One Life to Live, and Ginger Smith (Producer, All My Children) as Executive Producer on All My Children; and 4) arranged the necessary financing to begin production in February on both All My Children and One Life To Live. We thank the loyal audience and new generation of fans of both shows who have demonstrated that passion and exciting story lines are not just reserved for traditional television. Their enduring support encouraged us to move forward each and every day. We look forward to sharing more details including our launch air date and additional specifics in the coming weeks.
Please encourage fans to visit http://www.theonlinenetwork.com/ to subscribe to updates.
Thank you,
Jeff Kwatinetz and Rich Frank
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
