Today in Soap Opera History (September 16)

1966: Dark Shadows' Victoria had questions about a painting.
1979: The Edge of Night's Jody was harassed.
1994: General Hospital's Lois made   a surprise entrance.
1994: One Life to Live's Marty was furious about Todd's freedom.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

Every day, we dig into the archives to celebrate the moments, milestones, and memories that shaped the soaps we love—from daytime classics to digital dramas. Relive the weddings, scandals, premieres, finales, and unforgettable twists that made history.

On this date in...

1960: On Young Doctor Malone, Dr. Jerry Malone (William Prince) drove the shaken Marsha home after her traumatic discovery of her husband, Dr. Ted Powell (Peter Brandon), with another woman. Marsha was heartened to see Ted's car back at their house, but her dreams of reconciliation were crushed by her errant husband's desire for a divorce.

1960: On The Right to Happiness, Carolyn Allen (Claudia Morgan) and her husband Lee discussed the sad fate of Ann Braden, whose son Dick had just been sentenced to prison. Mrs. Braden had left her husband, Victor, because his involvement in Dick's trial. Ann returned home to her daughter Kitty to attempt a reconciliation with Victor, only to reconsider when she saw him coldly smashing a record made by Dick, an aspiring pianist.

1966: On Dark Shadows, Victoria Winters (Alexandra Moltke) went to the Evans Cottage for dinner with Sam (David Ford) and Maggie Evans (Kathryn Leigh Scott) and was troubled by a painting of the woman that looked like her.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 14)

1966: Constance went into labor on Peyton Place.
1981: General Hospital's Susan was in the hospital after having baby Jason.
2009: Guiding Light's Lillian visited Maureen Bauer's grave.
2010: One Life to Live's Dorian threw water on Bo and Nora.

"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...

1936: NBC debuted Frank and Anne Hummert's radio soap opera John's Other Wife. The story revolved around John Perry (Hanley Stafford), the owner of a department store, his wife Elizabeth, and an assistant secretary named Annette. John got more than he bargained for when Elizabeth started to feel as though Annette had become his "other wife." The show ran until 1942.

1966: On Peyton Place, Constance MacKenzie (Dorothy Malone) was brought to the hospital after she began feeling labor pains.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 9)

1968: Search for Tomorrow and The Guiding Light each expanded to a half hour. 1985: GH's Robert tried to figure out who Robin was. 2009: Andrea died at the carnival on General Hospital.

"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 day in...

1965: On Peyton Place, Stella Chernak (Lee Grant) broke down at Ada Jacks' (Evelyn Scott) bar. Adam made an emergency call to Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson), who suddenly left the dinner party thrown by David (William Smithers) and Doris (Gail Kobe) Schuster.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 7)

1984: General Hospital's Frisco met Felicia. 1987: Another World's Dawn learned her mother had died. 1988: Santa Barbara's Julia was reunited with Mason. 2007: Passions' Ethan learned he had a son.

"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...

1966: On Peyton Place, Steven Cord (James Douglas) arrived at his mother's (Ruth Warrick) home with a trunk of Ann's (Susan Oliver) childhood belongings and confronted her and Mr. Peyton about their treatment of Ann and the lies regarding her true parentage. They protested that they did what they thought was best, but he argued that they could have helped her after she found out "who she was," but instead abandoned her and contributed to her death.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 4)

1987: Santa Barbara's Cruz went to Summerfest with Eden. 1992: GL's Alan-Michael switched out Eleni's birth control pills. 2009: One Life to Live's Nora slapped Tea in court. 2009: General Hospital's carnival began.

"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...

1969: On Dark Shadows, Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) told Magda Rakosi (Grayson Hall) what would happen when he used the rods--his body would remain while his spirit traveled into the future. He told her to go to Collinwood and warn Quentin to leave.

1970: On Another World, Pat and John Randolphs's twins, Michael and Marianne Randolph, were born. Pat had become sterile after a botched abortion in 1967 (the first on TV), but was able to get pregnant five years later thanks to a rewrite of her backstory involving a miracle surgery.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 2)

1964: Another World's Pat had TV's first abortion. 1985: Santa Barbara's C.C. collapsed before signing divorce papers. 1989: Guiding Light's Rick proposed to Meredith. 1997: Another World's Kirkland faced an oncoming car.

"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...

1964: On Another World, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) had an abortion. This was the first abortion story told in television history. Irna Phillips and William J. Bell were the writers.

We Love Soaps received a message from Ms. Trustman in 2018: "Yes, I am, indeed, alive and well and live in Los Angeles with my husband, film and TV producer, Jerry Leider. I retired from acting long ago and am now an artist specializing in portraits and still life painting in oil. If you would like to see some of my work my website is susanleiderart.com.

1970: On Dark Shadows, David Collins (David Henesy) and Hallie Stokes (Kathy Cody) made a doll and realized that someone would live with them in the dollhouse.

1980: On Another World, Mary Evers (Donna Parsons) told Miranda Bishop (Judith McConnell) she found a tape in the tea canister and Miranda assumed it belonged to Mac Cory (Douglass Watson). Later, Miranda told Mac about the tape. He said it wasn't his, and they agreed she would listen to it to find out who it belonged to, unaware it was a recording of Mitch Blake's (William Gray Espy) confessions about working with Janice Frame to poison Mac.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 1)

1976: Ryan's Hope's Jack was annoyed with Little John. 1981: The Edge of Night's Nadine called out her daughter, Raven. 1981: General Hospital's Heather defended herself to Burt. 2004: As the World Turns' Barbara was determined to get her son.

"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...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Joe Haskell (Joel Crothers) told Carolyn Stoddard (Nancy Barrett) about David Collins' crystal ball's prediction. Burke Devline (Mitchell Ryan) investigated Bill Malloys' disappearance, certain that he had incriminating evidence against Roger Collins and Sam Evans (David Ford). Sam believed everyone in the entire town was headed towards death.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 30)

1968: The Doctors' Mike returned home.
1991: Wayne Northrop returned to Days of our Lives as Roman.
2004: General Hospital debuted a new opening.
2010: ATWT's Bob revealed Nancy Hughes had passed away.

"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...

1968: On The Doctors, Mike Powers (Peter Burnell in his debut) returned home, much to the delight of his father, Dr. Matt Powers (James Pritchett).

1968: On Dark Shadows, Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) and Willie Loomis (John Karlen) went to the crypt where Tom Jennings (Donald Briscoe) kept his coffin, but when Barnabas opened the coffin, it was empty. Jennings arrived and tried to bite him.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 26)

1968: The Doctors' Nick proposed to Althea.
1980: Texas' Justin rescued Rikki from a burning race car.
1981: Edge of Night's Sky plotted with Gunther against Gavin.
1991: Young and the Restless' Traci helped Brad with a Jabot ad.

"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...

1946: Prolific radio soap opera writer Elaine Sterne Carrington (Pepper Young's Family; Rosemary) was featured in TIME magazine.

1968: On The Doctors, while at dinner, Dr. Nick Bellini (Gerald Gordon) asked Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) to marry him.

1980: On Texas, Terry Dekker (Shanna Reed), Nita Wright (Ellen Maxted), Billy Joe, and Elena Dekker (Caryn Richman) watched Rikki Dekker (Randy Hamilton) in a car race. After getting into an accident. Rikki's car caught fire. He was rescued by Justin Marshall (Jerry Lanning).

Today in Soap Opera History (August 25)

1966: Days of our Lives' Julie wanted to stay in Salem.
1975: Susan Harney debuted as Alice on Another World
1987: As the World Turns' Holden opened up to Lily.
2009: General Hospital's Jason and Sam made love.

"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...

1966: On Days of our Lives, Julie Olson (Charla Doherty) told her grandmother, Alice Horton (Frances Reid), that she didn't want to live in Europe.

1971: On The Doctors, Karen tried to convince Matt she wasn't as boring as he thought.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 24)

1979: General Hospital's Laura wanted a job at the disco.
1987: Lizzie demanded answers on Ryan's Hope.
1989: As the World Turns' Shannon lost her baby.
2007: One Life to Live's John arrive to arrest Lindsay.

"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...

1970: Murial Williams returned to Another World as Lenore's (Judith Barcroft) mother, Helen Moore. Williams remained with the show until April 8, 1976.

1976: Rosemary Forsyth debuted as Laura Horton on Days of our Lives.

1977: On Another World, Mac (Douglass Watson) listened in through the intercom as Dave (David Ackroyd) told Pat (Beverly Penberthy) he had always been in love with Rachel. Mac shut off the intercom before Dave told her that Rachel still loved Mac. Dave left Bay City to live in Boston on the next episode.

1978: On All My Children, Tara Martin Brent (Nancy Frangione) told Chuck Tyler (Richard Van Vleet) that she hadn't heard from Philip.

From the Archive: Tom Casiello Interview (2011)

In April/May 2011, We Love Soaps TV ared a fascinating five-part interview with Emmy-winning soap opera writer Tom Casiello. Casiello started as an interview on Another World and then joined the writing teams at As the World Turns, One Life to Live, Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless.

From our archives and back online for the first time in over a decade, get to know Casiello in our exclusive interview below with two hours of insider stories, bold opinions, and deep soap talk.

Part 1: Casiello reveals how he went from being a fan of soaps to actually working in the industry, starting as an intern at Another World.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 22)

1960: As the World Turns' Grace wanted to help her son.
1979: Guiding Light's Holly received a marriage proposal.
1986: Young and Restless aired the "It's OK to Say No" concert.
1986: Days of our Lives' Marlena and "Roman" were remarried.

"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...

1955: On The Brighter Day, Lydia's (Murial Williams) romantic life suffered as she became more stressed over her desire to confess that she had taken the silver clock.

1960: On As the World Turns, Dr. Cassen (Nat Polen) explained to Penny Hughes Baker (Rosemary Prinz) that he couldn't keep her husband, Jeff, at the hospital against his will. Meanwhile, Jeff's mother, Grace Baker (Frances Reid), was upset that she wasn't allowed to see her son, and wasn't convinced Jeff needed to be hospitalized, but Chris Hughes (Don MacLaughlin) put her in her place.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 19)

1996: Nathan Hastings died on The Young and the Restless.
1996: Frankie Frame was murdered on Another World.
1996: GH's Jason and Robin arrived in Montauk on Stone's birthday.
2013: The series finale of One Life to Live aired online.

"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...

1929: NBC Blue network broadcast Amos 'n' Andy, starring Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, for the first time. The show ran as a nightly radio serial from 1928 (starting at local WMAQ) until 1943, then as a weekly situation comedy from 1943 to 1955.

1953: On Search for Tomorrow, Arthur Tate (Terry O'Sullivan) told Nathan Walsh he planned on leaving Henderson and forgetting all about Joanne Baron (Mary Stuart).  Later, Stu Bergman (Larry Haines) asked Nathan what kind of troubles Arthur was having.

From the Archive: Taylor Miller Interview (December 2009)

Longtime soap fans will never forget Taylor Miller's run on All My Children as Nina Cortlandt Warner. Her pairing with Peter Bergman's Cliff is one of the most memorable in daytime history. Miller created the role of Nina in 1979 and played the role off and on until 1989. She returned in the mid-1990s a couple of times, and in 2010 for the soap's 40th anniversary and then for a tribute to the late James Mitchell (Palmer). Miller also played Sally Frame on Another World for a year during a break from AMC.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 18)

1980: Edge of Night's Draper saw himself in the newspaper.
1980: General Hospital's Monica goaded Lesley into a slap.
1981: Guiding Light's Morgan and Kelly married at Laurel Falls.
1988: As the World Turns' Hank came out to Iva.

"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...

1899: Actress and writer Bess Flynn was born. She was on the writing team of Irna Phillips' Painted Dreams, the first ever daytime soap opera in 1930. Both Flynn and Phillips played the role of Mother Moynihan. Flynn went on to wrote for three other soaps: We The Abbotts, Bachelor's Children and Martha Webster (she also played the title role).

1978: On One Life to Live, Richard (David Reilly) and Becky (Jill Voight) were trapped at the lake during a storm.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 16)

1957: CBS aired the last episode of daytime soap Valiant Lady.
1985: General Hospital's Celia and Jimmy Lee married.
2007: Guiding Light's Olivia ran into Reva during Josh's wedding.
2007: One Life to Live's Asa Buchanan died.

"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...

1957: The final episode of daytime soap opera Valiant Lady aired on CBS radio and television. The show, which debuted in 1953, was a follow up to the radio soap opera of the same name that ran from 1938 to 1952. Flora Campbell starred as Helen Emerson during the show's final three years.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 15)

1984: Guiding Light's Springfield celebrated Founders Day.
1985: GH's Anna & Robert plotted to get the Aztec jewels.
1986: Another World's Felicia spoke at Zane's funeral.
1991: Days of our Lives' "Roman" reunited with Marlena.

"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...

1977: On Guiding Light, Eve Stapleton (Janet Grey) was released from Cedars Hospital.

1979: On The Edge of Night, Elliott couldn't (Lee Godart) resist Raven (Sharon Gabet) even though he was aghast she left the baby alone.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 6)

1979:The Edge of Night's Louise attacked Paige.
1980: GH's Luke & Laura spent the night in Wyndham's.
1987: Bold and Beautiful's Thorne considered a career move.
1993: OLTL's Nora made closing arguments in Todd's case.

"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...

1928: Real Folks from Thompkins Corner, one of the earliest documented radio serials, premiered on NBC.

1968: On Another World, Liz Matthews (Audra Lindley) cried to Bill and Missy that they would have been happier if she had died of her heart attack.

1968: On Dark Shadows, Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) recognized Adam (Robert Rodan), who took her hostage as she was walking home from the Old House.

1971: On The Doctors, Dan told Carolee that he wanted to send Billy away to school.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 4)

1980: Another World spin-off Texas premiered on NBC,
starring Beverlee McKinsey as Iris.

"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...

1966: Donald Briscoe assumed the role of Tony Merritt in Days of our Lives. A message appeared on the screen to explain the recast: "The part of Tony Merritt will be played by DONALD BRISCOE."

1980: Another World returned to 60 minutes daily, after more than a year of 90-minute episodes, to make room for Texas. Russ (David Bailey) and Tracy began their honeymoon, and Jamie (Richard Bekins) had dinner with Mac and Rachel.