WATCH: ANACOSTIA Season 3 Episode 2 With Guest Star Martha Byrne

ANACOSTIA is back with their second episode of the new season which features another appearance by Emmy winner Martha Byrne. Watch it below.

Soap Opera Stars In Primetime: Upcoming Guest Appearances

Daytime soap stars are everywhere this fall--appearing in new shows (RINGER), returning shows (BLUE BLOODS, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES), docu-series (DIRTY SOAP) and guest starring all over primetime. Below are some of the upcoming guest appearances by daytime stars (and a few of our favorite primetime soap stars as well). We update this list every few days. If you see a name missing, add it in our Comments section.

NOVEMBER
30 LAW & ORDER: SVU - Ron Rifkin
30 I HATE MY TEENAGER DAUGHTER - Eric Sheffer Stevens is part of the regular cast (series premiere)

DECEMBER
  1 BONES - Ralph Waite

NEWS ROUNDUP: ARMY WIVES 23 Episode Season, Chandler Massey Talks Coming Out Plot, Preteen TV Viewers Up

TV Draws More Preteens This Fall
So far this TV season through Nov. 20, an average of 5.8 million children between the ages of two and 11 have been watching television at any given minute, including broadcast and cable and live and recorded TV, Nielsen says. That is 1.7% higher than a year earlier.

Lifetime orders 10 more ARMY WIVES episodes
By not branding the pickup as a new season, Lifetime can have all original cast members locked in. The actresses don’t have deals beyond Season 6 but their contracts requires them to do all episodes produced, which would include a 23-episode 6th season.

Tuesday Night Nielsen Ratings: PARENTHOOD Up, GLEE Up, 90210 Up, RINGER Down

Let's take a look at the preliminary Nielsen ratings for Tuesday, November 29.

- GLEE was up more than 10%, with a 3.2 Adults 18-49 rating on an audience of over 7.8 million.

- Compared to last year, GLEE was down almost 29%.

- NBC's THE BIGGEST LOSER (hosted by Alison Sweeney)

Judy Lewis Dead At 76; Starred in THE SECRET STORM & GENERAL HOSPITAL; Produced TEXAS; Wrote SEARCH FOR TOMORROW, Daughter of Loretta Young & Clark Gable

Judy Lewis, the daughter of Loretta Young and Clark Gable, died of cancer Friday, Nov. 25, at Waverly Heights, a retirement community in Gladwyne, according to Philly.com.

Her longest running soap opera role was Susan Ames on THE SECRET STORM from 1964-1971. She also played Barbara Vining on GENERAL HOSPITAL in the 1970s. Her first soap role was Molly Scharf on KITTY FOYLE.

Behind the camera, Lewis was a producer on TEXAS, and she won a Writer's Guild Award in 1985 for her work on SEARCH FOR TOMORROW.

PREVIEW: Wednesday Night's AMERICAN HORROR STORY On FX "Spooky Little Girl"

FX's AMERICAN HORROR STORY, co-created by former NIP/TUCK executive producers and current GLEE co-creators and executive producers Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk continues with "Spooky Little Girl" on Wednesday, November 30 at 10 p.m. on FX.

In the episode, one of history's most famous murder victims pays the house a visit, and Constance discovers more of Tate's bad behavior.

Watch a preview of the episode below.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 30)

On this date in...

1981: Beverlee McKinsey aired for the final time as Iris on TEXAS.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 3.25 RIVER RIDGE Post-Premiere Q&A Session

On Episode 3.25, Roger Newcomb and Kevin Mulcahy Jr. traveled to the Tribeca Film Center where WE LOVE SOAPS TV hosted the RIVER RIDGE premiere event. In the Q&A session following the screening, we spoke with Signy Coleman, Tyler Ford Beth Ehlers, Danielle DiLorenzo, Jon Prescott, Mark Doherty, Carrie Watt, Christina Jackson, Isabella Nolan and Seth Ford.

Watch the red carpet event below and let us know what you think.

NOMINATIONS: 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominees Include Shailene Woodley, Lauren Ambrose, Michelle Williams

The nominations for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards have been announced. Below are the acting categories which feature several current former soap stars including THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER's Shailene Woodley.

BEST FEMALE LEAD
Lauren Ambrose Think of Me (SIX FEET UNDER; TORCHWOOD: MIRACLE DAY)
Rachael Harris Natural Selection
Adepero Oduye Pariah
Elizabeth Olsen Martha Marcy May Marlene
Michelle Williams My Week with Marilyn (DAWSON'S CREEK)

CASTING NEWS: Ricky Martin To Guest On GLEE

According to TVLine, former GENERAL HOSPITAL actor Ricky Martin will play what a GLEE insider is calling “the hottest Spanish teacher ever in the history of Ohio.”

Martin’s scalding instructor will headline two big musical numbers in the episode, which is slated to air in late January.

Martin played Miguel Morez on GH in the mid-1990s.

Prospect Park Announces They Are Producing First Tyler Shields Film

Photographer Tyler Shields, who most recently shot the REVENGE pillow fight pictures, will make his feature directorial debut with the thriller Final Girl, which is being produced by Prospect Park.

The film follows a pack of feral teenage boys who choose the wrong girl to be the victim of their final "initiation." As it turns out, they didn't pick her -- she picked them.

According to Variety, Prospect Park's Jeff Kwatinetz and Rob Carliner will produce with Nasser Group's Jack Nasser and Joseph Nasser, while Marco Torres will exec produce.

Prospect Park announced last Wednesday they were suspending efforts to launch new versions of ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE online. USA Network also announced today the return of their hit series, ROYAL PAINS, on Jan. 18.

RELATED:
- SURVEY: Who Do You Blame for the Loss of ONE LIFE TO LIVE and ALL MY CHILDREN?

INTERVIEW: With V & SMALLVILLE; Reese Witherspoon, Tom Hardy & Seth MacFarlane; Laura Vandervoort is Funny, Thrilling, Sci-Fi Soap "Supergirl"

We know her - and love her - from her science fiction soaps V and SMALLVILLE, and so, when we recently had a chance to speak with with the beautiful and talented Laura Vanderwoort, we were curious to hear about what she's been up to - and, what's next?

As it turns out, she's been super-busy, with new projects such as Seth MacFarlane's new film Ted and the action feature This Means War with Tom Hardy and Reese Witherspoon - and, of course, ABC Family’s New Original Movie, Desperately Seeking Santa.

PREVIEW: PRETTY LITTLE LIARS & THE LYING GAME Return On Jan. 2

To kick off 2012, ABC Family’s original series PRETTY LITTLE LIARS and THE LYING GAME return with more drama, intrigue and romance in all new episodes starting on Monday, January 2nd.

In the January premiere of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS entitled “Through Many Dangers, Toils and Snares,” airing Monday, January 2nd (8:00 – 9:00 p.m. ET/PT), it picks up a month later in the town of Rosewood after the four Liars were caught by police. Fans can relive many twists and turns of “A’s” game in an all-day PRETTY LITTLE LIARS marathon starting at 11:00 a.m. (ET/PT) and running up to the one-hour premiere at 8:00 PM (ET/PT).

ABC Family Begins Production On INTERCEPT, Tech Action Drama

ABC Family has begun production on their new pilot, INTERCEPT, filming in Los Angeles. INTERCEPT stars Danielle Panabaker (SHARK), Austin Butler (SWITCHED AT BIRTH), Chloe Wang and Nolan Gerard Funk (WAREHOUSE 13).

INTERCEPT is a one-hour technology and action driven drama about a group of college students who get roped into solving crimes when one of them creates a high-tech communication device that intercepts conversations throughout the West Coast.

INTERCEPT will be executive-produced and written by Ray Wright, as well executive produced and directed by Kevin Hooks.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 29)

On this date in...

1984: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Liz (Marcia Cross) wanted to be left alone.

Comedian/Former WWE Writer Patrice O'Neal Has Died

Comedian and former WWE/WWF writer Patrice O’Neal has died at the age of 41 – a month after suffering a serious stroke that left him unable to speak.

The news was broken by the Opie and Anthony Show, the same pogram which first revealed details of his illness.

The show's official Twitter feed said: "Yes it's true that our pal Patrice O'Neal has passed away. The funniest and best thinker I've ever known. Period."

Monday Night Nielsen Ratings: TERRA NOVA Up, GOSSIP GIRL Down, HART OF DIXIE Up

Let's take a look at the preliminary Nielsen ratings for Monday, November 28.

- TERRA NOVA was up almost 5% with a 2.2 Adults 18-49 on an audience of almost 7.2 million.

- Compared to a repeat of HOUSE (in the same FOX time slot one year ago) TERRA NOVA was up almost 38%.

RESULTS: Indie Soap of the Week Poll (November 20-26, 2011); VENICE No. 1

Below are the results from the WE LOVE SOAPS TV "Indie Soap of the Week" poll for the week of November 20-26, 2011. VENICE returned for the kickoff of Season 3 and landed at No. 1. A four-episode week of OUR WORLD propelled the show into the No. 2 spot. THE BAY fans started a write-in campaign to get the show's HoliBAY improv special recognized (we had agreed with the show not to include that special in the poll). Lots of passionate indie soap fans this week!



If you're a fan of any of these shows, we encourage you to check out some of the other series you may not have watched yet. Indie soaps that aired one or more episodes last week were eligible.

Watch last week's indie soaps below:

RESULTS: Daytime Soap & Couple of the Week Poll (November 21-25, 2011) - DAYS OF OUR LIVES/EJ & Sami No. 1

Here are the results from the WE LOVE SOAPS TV Daytime Soap & Couple of the Week poll for November 21-25, 2011. DAYS OF OUR LIVES finished on top as the Favorite Soap of our readers for the second week in a row.



In our latest Favorite Couple poll, it was an EJ Dimera week. EJ & Sami from DAYS OF OUR LIVES were voted No. 1 while EJ & Nicole were a close No. 2. See the full results below.

2011-2012 Daytime Emmy Calendar

Below is the calendar of important dates leading up to the 2012 Daytime Emmy Awards.

November 30, 2011
Call For Entries
Judging Registration Begins

NEWS ROUNDUP: Mary-Ellis Bunim & Michael Eisner Added to TV Hall of Fame, Sherry Stringfield Movie, Justin Hartley on CASTLE

Mary-Ellis Bunim & Michael Eisner among nine added to Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Hall of Fame
Mary-Ellis Bunim’s unique talents in producing daytime soap operas (SEARCH FOR TOMORROW; AS THE WORLD TURNS; SANTA BARBARA) combined with Jonathan Murray’s experience in news and documentaries proved to be the perfect ingredients to develop The Real World. This groundbreaking MTV show quickly became part of the cultural DNA, and it has now endured for almost 20 years, having been renewed through its 28th season. During their 14-year partnership, Bunim and Murray broke the boundaries of conventional television to create more than just a show. Instead they pioneered a whole new genre known as “reality television.”

PREVIEW: Fox's Tuesday Night Soap GLEE "I Kissed a Girl" (with Video Sneak Peek)

An all-new episode of GLEE, I Kissed a Girl," airs Tuesday, November 29 (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET/PT) on FOX.

As the race for McKinley High President comes to an end, someone is caught trying to fix the results.

Meanwhile, Coach Beiste gets up the nerve to challenge Sue Sylvester and things get complicated for Puck and Quinn.

Watch a couple of video previews below including the full performance of "I Kissed a Girl."

PREVIEW: CW Tuesday Night Soaps 90210 & RINGER (with Video Sneak Peeks)

An all-new episode of 90210, "Project Runaway," airs Tuesday, November 29 (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) on The CW.

Dixon (Tristan Wilds) struggles with temptation as he tries to make his way back into the music world, while Annie (Shenae Grimes) confronts Jeremy (guest star Matt Cohen), who stands in the way of her inheritance.

FX Announces Midseason Premiere Dates: ARCHER & UNSUPERVISED Jan. 19

FX announced on Monday the return of our favorite animated soap, ARCHER, on January 19. ARCHER is being paired with another animated series, UNSUPERVISED, which premeres the same night.

Read the full FX press release below.

HoliBAY CHEER: THE BAY Raising Money For Operation Healthy Africa

Operation Healthy Africa (OHA) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt foundation dedicated to improving healthcare for those most in need throughout the continent of Africa. Led by a volunteer team of healthcare professionals, OHA organizes and participates in medical missions, disease treatment and prevention, vision and hearing care and other medical services, in addition to providing donated medical equipment and supplies.

THE BAY The Series is raising money for the cause this holiday season. Mary Beth Evans (Sara Garrett) explains in the video below.

Daytime Nielsen Ratings for the Week Ending November 18, 2011: GENERAL HOSPITAL Up, ONE LIFE TO LIVE Up, CBS Soaps Steady

Here's a look at last week's Nielsen Ratings:

- GENERAL HOSPITAL rated a 1.0 Women 18-49 on an audience of about 635,000.

- ONE LIFE TO LIVE delivered a 1.0 Women 18-49 rating on 668,000 viewers.

- Both ABC Soaps were up a tenth of a point compared to last week.

THE REVOLUTION: ABC Proud to Devolve from Iconic ONE LIFE TO LIVE to This

For those who prefer advice from the likes of a carpenter convicted of driving with a blood alcohol level of .14 percent, or a doctor who has nothing but fake reviews on yelp, to a venerable daytime television institution, ABC offers the following.

Please feel free to vent in the Comment section, below.

OPINION: 90210 Smoked Turkey and Ravy (AKA Raj & Ivy's Last Holiday)

I watched 90210's Thanksgiving episode, "Smoked Turkey" last week and I wanted to make sure I had a moment to write a little something something about it before this week's episode airs.

I don't know if Ivy (Gillian Zinser) and Raj (Manish Dayal) have an official smoosh name.  Ivaj?  Ravy?  I don't know, but if Ravy is a thing, then I've made no secret that I'm a big fan of theirs.  That's why it's pretty sucky for me to watch them deteriorate as a couple.  (Though, I admit, the boy waiting in the wings for Ivy's heart is pretty cute too!)  At the start of this episode, it looks like Ivy basically hates Raj now that he's not going to die.  Not cool Ivy Sullivan, not cool at all.  And why didn't you take Raj's last name anyway?

WATCH: PRETTY Season 3 Episode 3 Reveals Champagne Toast

PRETTY The series is back with its third episode of Season 3. The Champagnes hit the road and hijinks ensue. A shocking secret from Michael's past is revealed. Genie Francis' reaction as Dr. Kate is can't miss for daytime soap fans.

Watch the episode below.

Sunday Night Nielsen Ratings: GOOD WIFE Off; ONCE UPON Down, HOUSEWIVES & PAN-AM Off; WHEELS, BOARDWALK, WALKING DEAD Up

Here's a look at Sunday's ratings:

- ONCE UPON A TIME was down almost 11% with a 3.4 Adults 18-49 rating on an audience of almost 10.7 million viewers.

- Compared to EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION (in the same ABC time slot last year) ONCE UPON A TIME was up 100%.

Wednesday Night Nielsen Ratings: REVENGE Down, AMERICAN HORROR STORY Coming Soon

Here's a look at Wednesday night's Nielsen ratings:

- REVENGE was down more than 19% with a 2.1 Adults 18-49 rating and about 7.2 million viewers.

- Compared to PRIMETIME: CELEBRITY PLASTIC SURGERY GONE TOO FAR? (in the same ABC time slot last year) REVENGE was up almost 17%.

CYBER MONDAY: 12 Great Christmas Present Ideas for Soap Opera Fans (Shop Online & Save Time, Money)

Retail sales broke records during the Thanksgiving weekend, giving a needed boost to a long-suffering economy and raising retailers' hopes for the best holiday shopping season ever. Next up is Cyber Monday!

More than half the adult U.S. population — or about 123 million people — plan to shop from the safety of their office or home computer Monday, the National Retail Federation says. Cyber Monday was the biggest online shopping day last year and reached $1 billion, according to Web-tracking company ComScore.

There are so many benefits to shopping online. It's convenient, because you don't have to face the crowds at Walmart, Target, and the like. It's green, because purchases travel from the warehouse to your house directly.  And most of all, online shopping saves money.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 28)

On this date in...

1975: The last CBS episode of THE EDGE OF NIGHT aired. AS THE WORLD TURNS aired its final 30-minute episode expanding to an hour on Monday with EDGE out of the CBS lineup. GUIDING LIGHT aired in the 2:00 p.m. timeslot for the final time. EDGE would move to ABC the following Monday with a 90-minute premiere. The second half hour of ATWT would not maintain the ratings of the first half hour and eventually the show dropped from the top of the Nielsens. GUIDING LIGHT would move to 2:30 p.m. on Monday.

1983: Kim Zimmer debuted as Reva Shayne on GUIDING LIGHT. She would win four Emmy Awards while playing the role.

PREVIEW: CW's Monday Night Soaps GOSSIP GIRL & HART OF DIXIE (with Video Sneak Peeks)

GOSSIP GIRL airs an all new episode, "Rhodes To Perdition," on Monday, November 28 at 8 p.m. on The CW.

Lily (Kelly Rutherford), Charlie (Kaylee DeFer) and Serena (Blake Lively) eagerly anticipate the Studio 54 party being thrown in CeCe’s (guest star Caroline Lagerfelt) honor.

Nate (Chace Crawford) takes on a new role at the Spectator, but his first big story turns out to be about someone he knows all too well. Blair (Leighton Meester) turns to an unlikely person for help.

Watch a preview below.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES: My Thoughts On The Reboot (Guest Editorial)

DAYS OF OUR LIVES: MY THOUGHTS ON THE REBOOT
By Steve Ungrey

It has been almost two months since the much-anticipated reboot of DAYS OF OUR LIVES, otherwise known as Days 2.0, debuted to great fanfare.

Two months later, I’m still trying to make heads or tails of what I think of this new version.

The appointment of head writers Marlene McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas Jr. heralded a new era in the direction of DAYS: An era where the writers promised they would listen to the fans, bring back old favorites, and write compelling stories.

SURVEY: Who Do You Blame for the Loss of ONE LIFE TO LIVE and ALL MY CHILDREN?

ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE will not return with new web episodes this winter. In fact, it seems they may both be gone for good. Something clearly went very wrong.

Not everyone is equally responsible. In your opinion, which of the parties involved had a hand in demise of not one, but two American institutions?

Irving Elman Dead at 96, Former Writer At GENERAL HOSPITAL & SEARCH FOR TOMORROW

Irving Elman, who was a Broadway playwright and a writer and producer for movies and television, died Nov. 22 in La Jolla, California, of cardiopulmonary arrest. He was 96.

Elman wrote a number of Broadway ("The Brass Ring", "The First Million") and Off-Broadway plays as well as eight screenplays during his career. He wrote for numerous primetime shows (POLICE WOMAN, THE RIFLEMAN) during his career. He was nominated for two Emmys for his work on SLATTERY'S PEOPLE.

With his wife Mildren ("Tex"), Elman was head writer of the daytime soaps SEARCH FOR TOMORROW (1976-1977) and GENERAL HOSPITAL (1977).

Today in Soap Opera History (November 27)

On this date in...

1981: DALLAS aired its final episode in the 10 p.m. timeslot, moving to 9 p.m. for the next nine years. FALCON CREST premiered at 10 p.m. the next week.

1989: Peter Bergman debuted as Jack Abbott on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, replacing Terry Lester in the role. Bergman came in at No. 6 in our 50 Greatest Soap Actors of All-Time countdown in 2010.

PREVIEW: Sunday Night's THE WALKING DEAD, HELL ON WHEELS

THE WALKING DEAD airs its midseason finale, "Pretty Much Dead Already" on Sunday, November 27 at 9 p.m. ET on AMC.

On the episode, Hershel sets a deadline.

Meanwhile, all secrets are out in the open, and Glenn stands up for himself and Shane takes charge.

Watch a preview below.

PREVIEW: Sunday Night's BOARDWALK EMPIRE, HUNG

BOARDWALK EMPIRE airs a new episode, "Georgia Peaches," on Sunday, November 27 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

Undercut by Nucky, who has a new source for alcohol, Jimmy and his partners look to cultivate a new revenue stream in Atlantic City.

With the peak tourist season approaching, the Commodore’s (Dabney Coleman) crew faces a choice in dealing with the city’s striking workers: negotiate or fight back.

PREVIEW: ABC Sunday Night Soap ONCE UPON A TIME, Live Twitter Chat With Raphael Sbarge, Carolyn Hennesy Guest Stars

ONCE UPON A TIME airs an all new episode, "That Still Small Voice," on Sunday, November 27 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

As Sheriff Graham deputizes Emma, the ground shakes and a giant sinkhole mysteriously appears at the edge of town. But a curious Henry's life is placed in danger when he decides to explore the innards of the sinkhole to see if its contents can link the inhabitants of Storybrooke to the fairytale world.

VOTE: Indie Soap of the Week Poll (November 20-26, 2011)

Which web series was your favorite last week? Support your favorite continuing drama or comedy and vote in the weekly WE LOVE SOAPS TV poll below. Voting ends Tuesday at 9 a.m. ET. Only the shows that aired one or more new episodes from November 20-26, 2011 are listed.

If an indie soap aired this week and is not on the list, feel free to cast your vote as "Other" and add a note in the Comments section of this post.



Watch this week's indie soaps below:

Today in Soap Opera History (November 26)

On this date in...

1957: On THE EDGE OF NIGHT, Billy asked Mary and Roger to legally adopt him.

1963: GENERAL HOSPITAL changed its opening sequence for the first time.

VOTE: Daytime Soap & Couple of the Week Poll (November 21-25, 2011)

Which daytime soap opera was your favorite the week of November 21-25, 2011? DAYS OF OUR LIVES finished on top last week. But which show was did you like best this week?

And who was your favorite couple? John and Marlena from DAYS OF OUR LIVES are our reigning champs. This is a write in question so you can pick any couple from any daytime soap you enjoyed the most this week.

Vote in the poll below and check back on Monday morning for the results. Voting ends at 9 a.m. ET on Monday.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Soap Opera Stars In Primetime: Upcoming Guest Appearances

Daytime soap stars are everywhere this fall--appearing in new shows (RINGER), returning shows (BLUE BLOODS, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES), docu-series (DIRTY SOAP) and guest starring all over primetime. Below are some of the upcoming guest appearances by daytime stars (and a few of our favorite primetime soap stars as well). We update this list every few days. If you see a name missing, add it in our Comments section.

NOVEMBER
27 ONCE UPON A TIME - Carolyn Hennesy
28 GOSSIP GIRL - Caroline Lagerfelt (recurring)
28 HOUSE - Yaya DaCosta, Michael McLafferty
29 BODY OF PROOF - Gregory Harrison
29 RINGER - Amber Benson, Billy Miller (recurring)
30 LAW & ORDER: SVU - Ron Rifkin
30 I HATE MY TEENAGER DAUGHTER - Eric Sheffer Stevens is part of the regular cast (series premiere)

THE COMPLETE LIST: 25 Biggest Blunders In Daytime Soap Opera History (September 2011)

A lot of people in the daytime soap opera industry like to blame O.J. Simpson, the growing number of cable channels, reality television, the growing number of women in the workplace, and many other factors for the decline in ratings over the years. While some of their points are valid, and you hear these excuses in most mainstream articles, there are also a number of intentional decisions made over the years that decimated soap casts, future storylines and viewer loyalty. We Love Soaps revealed our 25 Biggest Blunders in Daytime Soap Opera History in September 2011. This list was not easy to edit down to 25. Sadly there are many more we could have included. We will revisit this list from time to time to see how the rankings might change as perspectives do.

25. Killing Jo's son on SEARCH FOR TOMORROW

On June 9, 1955, SEARCH FOR TOMORROW's Joanne (Mary Stuart) married Arthur Tate. A year later their son, Duncan Eric, was born. Stuart's real life pregnancy was written into her storyline and SEARCH filmed on location with her in the hospital. Her newborn son, Jeffrey, played Jo's baby on the soap.

Hillary B. Smith: I am so sad for the fans

Emmy winner Hillary B. Smith took to Twitter this week after Prospect Park released a statement saying the company was suspending efforts to bring ONE LIFE TO LIVE and ALL MY CHILDREN to the web.

I want to b careful what I say right now. I am so sad for the fans. I am so sad for all of us who were robbed of the 7 months to plan. I wish there had been more communication. This was not about AFTRA! The guilds and unions were talking. The endings were changed to accomodate the move. I wish they would have left us alone. So sad!!!! Endings were changed! So unprofessional. You will al still be satisfied. The ride to the end is still worth it!!! I promise. Meanwhile, LONG LIVE VENICE!!! I still feel that ABC will regret this decision. I love you all! I m sorry! But the show is worth the ride. Enjoy through January!!!

Smith's VENICE premiered on Wednesday just hours after the Prospect Park announcement. She won the 2011 Indie Soap Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress for the role. She also stars on web hit FUMBLING THRU THE PIECES.

Kassie DePaiva: Leaving Fans Without Soap Brand Is "Mind Boggling"

ONE LIFE TO LIVE actress Kassie DePaiva left a message for fans on her website this week after the news came out that Prospect Park was suspending efforts to bring her show, and ALL MY CHILDREN, to the web. Read it below.

Words just don't express how sad I am at hearing that Prospect Park has dropped the deal to move forward with "One Life". I think what upsets me the most is how this whole deal has been handled from the get go. I wanted more than anything not to have been cancelled by ABC. I find it mind boggling that a company can spend 45 years building the strongest brand in daytime... launch a cable network to support it and then decide to cancel both broadcast and cable airings leaving the beloved fans with no where to turn for that brand. Then PP shows up out of nowhere as the great white hope promising to continue these shows.... I was happy to sign on. I love what I do and I'm proud to go to work everyday. I was asked to take a cut in pay and was happy to do it if it meant our show would go on. That was the first week of September. But other than a very quick speech on the studio floor by PP in late September the company did not give out any information regarding when and where we would be working. Last Wednesday the cast received an email telling us our dressing rooms must be cleared out by the 9th of Dec. or ABC would be tossing things out... and then to hear the official news today via a media report.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 25)

On this date in...

1960: Has been identified as a watershed in broadcasting. It's often referred to by aficionados as "the day the radio drama died." YOUNG DOCTOR MALONE (which also aired on NBC-TV), THE RIGHT TO HAPPINESS (a spinoff of THE GUIDING LIGHT), THE SECOND MRS. BURTON and MA PERKINS aired their final episodes. To find out more, check out our 25 Biggest Blunders in Soap Opera History list.

MARATHON: "Lucky Friday" on SOAPnet Friday Night

SOAPnet is airing a "Lucky Friday" marathon on Friday night. GENERAL HOSPITAL's Lucky Spencer, son of super couple “Luke and Laura” is a true blend of his parents’ best qualities. He is sensitive and compassionate like his mother, with the charisma and romantic spirit of his father. Tune in on “Black Friday” for five hours of favorite Lucky episodes in “Lucky Friday,” from 7 p.m.-12 a.m. ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25.

"Lucky Friday" episodes airing Friday, November 25 include:

Today in Soap Opera History (November 24)

Happy Thanksgiving! Pictured is "Ma Perkins" from Thanksgiving 1956.

On this date in...

1999: On AS THE WORLD TURNS, Jake and Julia were trapped in a warehouse while the Hughes family gathered at WOAK to serve food to the homeless.

2003: On THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Colleen and Sierra tried to convince Lily she would change her mind about boys, after she gets over the Kevin debacle.

Happy Thanksgiving! SoapClassics Is Airing A Free Holiday Episode Of AS THE WORLD TURNS

To thank fans for their support, SoapClassics is airing a free online episode of AS THE WORLD TURNS for Thanksgiving. From November 24, 1999, the show includes the extended Hughes, Snyder and Munson families. For ANOTHER WORLD fans, Jake McKinnon is included as well. It ends with a special Bob Hughes toast. It's a great mix of old and new ATWT at the time.

Watch it at SoapClassics.com. Be sure to check out both ATWT DVD collections, on sale now, while you are there.

Los Angeles Times: Plan to continue ABC soap operas online falls through

Thursday's Los Angeles Times included a story about Prospect Park suspending efforts to move ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE online. Read an excerpt below.

"Prospect Park may have bitten off more than they could chew trying to produce the shows at the same length and frequency as they were on broadcast television," said Roger Newcomb, editor of the website We Love Soaps. "Perhaps a 30-minute version of the shows, or even 15, might have been easier to pull off in a short amount of time."

Newcomb lamented the timing of Prospect Park's decision.

"Not only is it the day before Thanksgiving, but 'One Life To Live' wrapped production last week," he said. "Prospect Park had asked the producers of both soaps to write cliffhanger endings so now "One Life" is wrapped with a cliffhanger versus possibly having a more satisfying ending."

You can read an online version of the story here.

Writers Guild of America West: Had Been Close To A "Fair Deal"

Before today's suspension of efforts to move ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE to the web, Prospect Park had sought a deal with the Writers Guild of America West that would let them hire writers without being obliged to pay the union's minimum salaries for a year. The union had resisted this provision according to a Wall Street Journal story.

AFTRA: Prospect Park Has Not Responded For The Past Month

AFTRA, the union that represents daytime actors including ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE, has released a statement regarding Prospect Park's decision to suspend production of the soaps.

Read it below and let us know what you think.

THE HoliBAY: The Curious Case of the Missing Turkey

THE BAY is normally an angst-filled drama following the lives of the dysfunctional Garrett family. But what about during the holidays? "THE HoliBAY: The Curious Case of the Missing Turkey" was released today and this drama series has suddenly become a situation comedy improv!

Feathers fly when several Bay City residents cross paths with Sara Garrett (MARY BETH EVANS) as she searches for the delectable dish, in this situation comedy improv Thanksgiving special.

Check it out below.

WATCH: Season 3 Premiere of VENICE

Indie Soap Award and Emmy-winning VENICE returned on Wednesday for the kickoff of Season 3. You can subscribe to the show at venicetheseries.com.

Watch the premiere below and let us know what you think.

SUSPENDED: Prospect Park Announces Suspension Of Effort To Bring ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE Online

Prospect Park has released a statement saying the efforts to create online versions of ONE LIFE TO LIVE and ALL MY CHILDREN were being suspended saying it was "now becoming clear that mounting issues make our ability to meet our deadlines to get OLTL on the air in a reasonable time period following its January 13, 2012 ABC finale impossible." The decision comes after Prospect Park principals Rich Frank and Jeff Kwatinetz spent the past few months trying to shore up financial backing for their Online TV Network, secure the talent and writers from the departing ABC series as well as agreements with the unions.

PREVIEW: Wednesday Night's AMERICAN HORROR STORY On FX "Rubber Man"

FX's AMERICAN HORROR STORY, co-created by former NIP/TUCK executive producers and current GLEE co-creators and executive producers Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk continues with "Rubber Man" on Wednesday, November 23 at 10 p.m. on FX.

In the episode, the man in the rubber suit is revealed.

Watch a preview of the episode below.

PREVIEW: ABC's Wednesday Night Soap REVENGE "Suspicion" (with Video Sneak Peek)

ABC's latest primetime soap opera hit REVENGE is airing a new episode tonight, November 23 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET), "Suspicion."

Having discovered that her most valuable ally has turned against her, Emily desperately reaches out to her mentor (guest starring Hiroyke Sanada as Satoshi) for advice.

Today in Soap Opera History (November 23)

On this date in...

1963: The original DOCTOR WHO series premiered.

1993: On THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, the Abbotts were concerned about John, and Paul was worried about April.

DANCING WITH THE STARS Results: And The Winner Is.... War Hero and Soap Star J.R. Martinez

The Season 13 winner of DANCING WITH THE STARS was revealed on Tuesday night in a live telecast on ABC.

ALL MY CHILDREN's J.R. Martinez danced for the title on Monday night competing against fellow finalists Ricki Lake and Rob Kardashian. Martinez and Lake each scored a combined 54 points while Kardashian came out on top with 57.

But what were the results after the fan voting?

The winner of the coveted Mirror Ball trophy is revealed below (spoiler for West Coast viewers).

RESULTS: Indie Soap of the Week Poll (November 13-19, 2011); PRETTY No. 1

Below are the results from the WE LOVE SOAPS TV "Indie Soap of the Week" poll for the week of November 13-19, 2011. The second episode of PRETTY's third season landed the show in the top spot for the week. THURSTON finished second followed by THE BAY.

RANK	SHOW	LAST WEEK	TOP 3
1	PRETTY	-	2
2	THURSTON	-	1
3	THE BAY	3	25
4	THE PLAYHOUSE	-	2
5	BROOKLYN IS IN LOVE	-	0
6	SECRETS	5	8
7	VENUS SPA	6	2
8	OUR WORLD	4	3
9	AIDAN 5	10	0
10	THE VAMPIRE SECRETS	9	0
11	AS THE CORN GROWS	-	11
12	LONELINESS	-	0
13	PARADOX	12	0

If you're a fan of any of these shows, we encourage you to check out some of the other series you may not have watched yet. Indie soaps that aired one or more episodes last week were eligible.

Watch last week's indie soaps below:

NEWS ROUNDUP: Showbiz411 Blasts Brian Frons! Would You Watch An AMC Web Show? 'Hitler' Soap Changes Name

Showbiz411 wonders if GENERAL HOSPITAL will kill off Robin Scorpio, blasts Brian Frons for destroying the ABC soaps
"Congratulations to Brian Frons, the ABC exec who over saw the dismantling. He masterfully figured out ways to drive fans from the shows in order to lower their ratings, and kill them. The good news is, whoever’s left watching ABC daytime will know how to cook a chicken and how to execute a wine reduction. This is valuable information."

CASTING NEWS: More Color in GOEDE TIJDEN SLECHTE TIJDEN

It’s been known for a while that Lieke van Lexmond and Jan Kooijman are leaving GOEDE TIJDEN SLECHTE TIJDEN later this season. How they’re leaving is still a secret, but now we do know who’s going to replace them. Turkish actresses Dilan Yurdakul (21) and Toprak Yalçiner (24), pictured here with executive producer Kennard Bos, are going to play the sisters Aysen and Nuran Baydar.