Luken Communications today announced the addition of the classic daytime soap opera The Doctors to Retro TV. Set in Hope Memorial Hospital in the fictional New England city of Madison, The Doctors' storylines revolve around the hospital's Chief of Staff Dr. Matthew Powers (James Pritchett) and his dedicated staff. Several well-known actors and actresses passed through the halls of Hope Memorial during its run, including Academy Award nominee Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Academy Award winner Kathy Bates (Misery), Academy Award winner Ellen Burstyn (The Exorcist), Emmy Award winner Ted Danson (Cheers), Emmy Award winner Terry O'Quinn (Lost), Brooke Shields (Suddenly Susan) and Academy Award nominee Kathleen Turner (Peggy Sue Got Married).The Doctors ran on NBC for 19 years, spanned 5,280 episodes and won several Daytime Emmy Awards including Outstanding Drama Series (1971, 1972 and 1974), Lead Actor (James Pritchett, 1978) and Lead Actress (Elizabeth Hubbard, 1974).
Matthew Golden, Luken's Vice President of Production, said "The Doctors is one of the greatest examples of the soap opera format in its prime, loved by critics and audiences alike. We're thrilled to return this classic series to the air, and bring its exciting, engaging storylines back to our audience's daily lives."
The Doctors will debut on Retro TV later this year, joining a lineup that includes The Lucy Show, Highway to Heaven, Dragnet and (starting this summer) Doctor Who. Retro TV will air The Doctors starting with the 1967 season.
This is not the first time The Doctors has seemingly been revived. We Love Soaps has been following this story for more than five years, since the show was reportedly headed to Hallmark Channel in 2009. It looks like it is finally happening for real this time, and good ratings could mean more classic soaps being licensed to air on various cable channels.
Which episodes will Retro TV air? Stay tuned!
Ryan's Hope of course, Peyton Place and Santa Barbara.
ReplyDeleteIn it's heyday, The Doctors was a must watch. I'm very excited about this!
ReplyDeleteSomerset & Edge of Night along with Dark Shadows to add to the list!
ReplyDeleteRyan's Hope would be my first choice! My mom was a dedicated 'The Doctors' fan when I was a baby.
ReplyDeleteRoger, how come "The Doctors" never aired on The Hallmark Channel?
ReplyDeleteRetro TV no longer airs in my area! I've only seen episodes on You Tube and it looks like Retro TV is going to go back to the very beginning?! I'm POed!
ReplyDeleteI don't have access to retroTV I am bummed!
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