Soap Stars Shocked, Angered by Sudden Cancellation of Two Daytime Dramas“If you weren’t there for the morning meeting, you found out through a third party,” one cast member of ALL MY CHILDREN told FOX411. Several members of the cast were called at 10am for a meeting announcing the cancellation, but were told so late they couldn't get there in time. Network execs claim a program-wide message was sent to the staff of both shows earlier in the week telling them a big announcement was coming on Thursday at 11 a.m. Pacific time.
Catherine Hickland wasn’t surprised by how the network showed to the cast and crew. She said it mirrors what happened to her two years ago when she was let go by the show.
“I found out I was off the show by reading it on a magazine cover,” Hickland told FOX411. “You don’t get into this business for the security, I know that, but what I am shocked by was the lack of respect in this situation. I just feel horrible for the viewers and for the lack of respect.”
“If you look at the deal Snooki just got on the ‘Jersey Shore,’ it is more lucrative to sign reality stars,” longtime Hollywood agent Jeff Danis, President of DPN Talent Agency in Beverly Hills, who has long had a stable of soap client, told FOX 411. “It is getting harder and harder in television for actors. The job possibilities for actors who are not big stars like Lucci is getting less and less.”
NY Daily News: Three things to regret in the demise of more soaps
1. It puts real actors out of work.
2. It again underscores the media disregard for anyone who is outside the “advertiser-coveted” demographic.
3. It severs another link to our pop culture past.
National Post: Genre's demise hastened
"Fan reaction has been dramatic. Many say they are losing their best friends, while some are just plain insulted by the new afternoon lineup."
Washington Post: ABC kills long-running soaps
"Still sensing a coming outrage — those soap fanatics may be dwindling in numbers, but they’re crazy passionate! — ABC wasted no time in blaming the changes on, according to its announcement, 'extensive research into what today’s daytime viewers want and the changing viewing patterns of the audience.' "
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DAYTIME SOAP OPERAS
