I email pretty regularly with someone who has discovered The Bold and Beautiful app (BBTV) and has been watching B&B from the very beginning. It’s been so much fun reading her thoughts on the show in 1987, and it takes everything I have not to hint at what’s coming next!

It also got me thinking: I bet a lot of soap fans would love the chance to watch their favorite shows from the beginning. I know I would. There are so many General Hospital episodes from before I started watching in 1980 and The Young and the Restless episodes before 1983 that I’d love to see. And imagine being able to revisit classic series like Another World, All My Children and As the World Turns from episode one. I know there was talk at one point about Peacock streaming vintage Days of our Lives episodes, and I’m still holding out hope. There’s something special about seeing how these shows evolved over the decades — and rediscovering the stories and characters that have stood the test of time.

That idea inspired something new in this week’s newsletter. I’ve been publishing it for a few months now, and I’m so grateful for all the wonderful feedback you’ve shared. Thank you! This week, I’ve added two new history-focused features that celebrate the rich legacy of daytime. I hope you enjoy them, and as always, I’d love to hear what you think.

If you haven’t subscribed to the newsletter yet, please click here! If you know another soap fan who would enjoy it, please forward this email.

On July 23, General Hospital wrote Maxie off the canvas, with the character moving to Australia with Spinelli and the kids, bringing the latest chapter of Kirsten Storms’s return to a close. Kirsten, who has played Maxie for 21 years, took a six-month hiatus in 2025, before making a brief return in February 2026. Since then, Maxie has remained off-screen. The actress, who relocated to Nashville last year, addressed her status with the soap in a June Instagram post, noting, “As for what is in my future, where GH is concerned…. Given what’s been going on, I can’t say I will feel comfortable heading back to Los Angeles and returning to work.”

Deidre Hall (Marlena, Days of our Lives) is set to guest star in season 4 of the Paramount+ series, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, playing a psychiatrist. A first-look of Deidre in character was released alongside Rhys Darby, who plays Trelane. She will appear in episode 7, aptly titled, “Like Chronitons Through the Hourglass,” airing September 3.

In a video interview, series star Anson Mount (Captain Pike) called the episode a “heavy lift,” and said meeting Deidre was, “Amazing.”

The show also features Guiding Light alum Paul Wesley (ex-Max) in the cast.

Theodora Grace is back as B&B’s Alison on Monday, July 27.

Stacy Haiduk will play Susan on Days on Wednesday, July 29.

Sissy Sheridan portrays Jessica on B&B on Tuesday, July 28 and Wednesday, July 29.

Kelly Kruger makes her GH debut as Serena Baldwin on Thursday, July 30.

Troy Lennon Appel will first appear on GH as newcomer Hudson, a business executive with mysterious ties, on Thursday, July 30.

Naomi Matsuda returns as B&B’s Li on Friday, July 31.

Nick Hagelin is playing Kial’s (Greg Vaughan) son Noah on Beyond the Gates.

Newsletter-exclusive highlights from my recent interviews.

Scott Clifton (Liam) is thrilled that Darin Brooks is back as Wyatt on The Bold and the Beautiful.

"I didn't even want to believe it," Scott told me. "I was like, 'This is too good to be true, right? Pinch me. Is he actually coming back or is this a fake out?' And since the moment he came back, and when we started to get to do all these scenes together as Spencers, it filled some hole inside me that I didn’t even know was there. I missed him so, so much. Don [Diamont, Bill] missed him so much."

With Darin back in the fold, doing Spencer family scenes has become even more rewarding, Scott says.

"Now we’ve brought in Crew [Morrow, Will], the third brother, and we have this dynamic with him and this relationship with him, and we all tease each other and we are a family," Scott explained. "I know people say, 'Oh, my God, this movie I did, the crew and cast, everybody really felt like a family.' I'm saying there is no distinction between the Spencers and their portrayers. I mean, we get to work and we’re seeing our family, and we’re acting like a family. Don calls us and gives us advice and scolds us, and he’s dad, Darin’s my brother and Crew is my little brother. And then to have Heather [Tom, Katie] as a part of it? There’s so much rich history there. It’s just been the most fulfilling moment, and I feel like it was like a reward for what Liam went through the year before.”

Though Clifton Davis made his mark in music, on Broadway, and in primetime television, he’s especially delighted to be playing patriarch Vernon Dupree on Beyond the Gates and proud of the show’s early success.

“It’s different from the success of other shows I’ve been a part of over the years,” he told me on set earlier this year. “This is daytime, and it’s almost another genre, but certainly a different tune, if you will, from sitcoms or from evening primetime dramas. This requires a lot of work a lot more work because you’re doing an entire episode every day. That’s five days a week, which is far more than any other genre, so it was a challenge at first but it’s one that I’ve met with glee. I’ve enjoyed it and it stimulates me. It makes me feel good.”

Just as rewarding has been seeing fans embrace Vernon and Anita’s enduring romance, which Clifton believes resonates because it’s built on friendship as much as love. “I think it’s their long-term commitment and their communication,” he reflected. “They enjoy communicating. They love each other's wit and they love each other's company. They like to look at each other, they like to hang out together and they share so much history. And they’re friends. They don’t just love each other, they like each other. So, Vernon and Anita are very special. And I’m a good friend of Tamara Tunie [Anita] and that certainly helps. We share that back-and-forth respect for one another and for our craft. She’s a very professional actor and just a great gal.”

After six decades in the business, Clifton remains as passionate about acting as ever.

“I’ve always loved the work,” he noted. “You see, a lot of people get into show business because they want to be a star. They want to make a lot of money. Not me. I saw a Broadway show many, many years ago — 60 years ago, to be honest — and I said, ‘I want to do that. I want to work on Broadway,’ and that’s all ever wanted. Well, a lot more has happened. I’ve been blessed to work on television, movies, and Broadway, lots of Broadway, and off-Broadway. And when it comes down to the bottom line for me, it’s nice to make money. It’s nice to have fame, but it’s the work I love. And this is good, hard work with fine actors, wonderfully experienced and inexperienced actors, so we’re able to give back to the younger ones and enjoy the seasoned actors who give you all you give them. It's a wonderful give and take. This camaraderie on Beyond the Gates is amazing.”

Beyond the Gates: Hmmm, what’s going on with Andre? I’m intrigued by the mysterious note and the champagne — and how they might connect to his past…. I enjoy any scenes between Dani and Bill, and I loved the Duprees summoning Dani to the house. Their reaction to learning Naomi tested positive for the BRCA gene felt authentic, as did the emotional follow-up between Anita and Naomi. Bill’s reaction to Naomi’s news was unexpectedly calm, and exactly what she needed in the moment…. Eva and Kial’s run-in at the hospital led to a sweet exchange, and I was pleasantly surprised by the introduction of Noah, Kial’s son. Clearly, Deanna was too! … I’m here for more Elon and Izaiah scenes. I like the idea of them slowly mending fences…. Ashley Jones is a terrific addition as Heather. She and Jon Lindstrom (Joey) already have a believable sibling dynamic…. I’m still rooting for Mona and Randy becoming a thing…. And yes to Naomi and Smitty raising questions about Hayley and Lynette.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Wow, did Eric have a bad day! Once again, I have to wonder where Forrester Creations’ PR team is. Any publicist worth their salt would have made questions about Logan off-limits in the post-fashion show interview. And then Eric gets accidentally punched by Will? Yikes…. “Forrester and Spencers don’t mix” is the new “It’s not proper.” … Clearly, Deacon had to leave the room for the fight to break out between Will and R.J. or else he would have karate chopped them in a heartbeat…. I loved Steffy on the phone with Y&R’s Lauren Fenmore, who ordered the entire line for her department store…. A case could be made for Sheila working her way back into Finn and Steffy’s lives — if she hadn’t shot them in 2022. That’s a tough one to overcome…. And is Dylan in the running for the Worst Friend Ever? The scent of Electra’s perfume had barely left the beach house when she started making a play for Will.

Days of our Lives: I am #TeamHolly all the way. How awful for her to be blamed for doing drugs when she’s just trying to stay alive after being poisoned. I was surprised EJ admitted to Johnny that he planted the pills in Holly’s bag, but it’s also one more reason to make him even more odious…. It was a clever wink for the show to acknowledge International Chess Day on July 20 in connection with the chess set Stefano left Marlena…. It was sweet to see Eli and Lani celebrate their anniversary, but I’d also like to see them outside of the romantic moments. They haven’t been on the canvas enough lately, so their relationship needs to be reestablished beyond the bedroom…. Lexie picked up a book at the bookstore and Julie made referred to Doug as “my husband”. Lexie knows who Doug is — she didn’t lose her memory.

General Hospital: How great is it to have Anna back in action, putting her investigative skills to work at the PCPD? The fact that Peter is still appearing to her in visions adds an interesting layer to her recovery…. I loved the scenes with Brick and Valentin on the basketball court. It was another great use of an outdoor set, and it was fun to see Stephen A. Smith out of his trademark suits…. Danny Cosgrove continues to bring a welcome sense of humor to Ezra and I’m really enjoying his scenes — and chemistry — with Genie Francis’s Laura…. Sonny and Rocco shared some strong scenes after Sonny learned what his grandson had been going through, and the Rocco/Jason moments were just as effective…. Talk about a cliffhanger! Nina pushing Drew into the water was insane in the best possible way…. Line of the week from Alexis to Valentin about their family connection: “Sister, cousin, depending on the circumstances.”

Young and Restless: Kudos to Melody Thomas Scott, who continues to do an incredible job portraying both the emotional devastation and physical limitations of Nikki’s blindness. She brings equal parts strength and vulnerability to every scene, and when she wanted Victor to be with her when her bandages came off, I got choked up…. I’m really digging the dynamic between Kyle and Victoria … and then I remember the was involved with her daughter, Claire…. The scenes between Nick and Phyllis over Matt Clark were fantastic! I appreciated Nick admitting to Sharon that all he thinks about is doing drugs. It not only explains his emotional swings, but it gives the story room to breathe. Addiction doesn’t go away overnight…. It’s nice to see Beth Maitland getting material she can really sink her teeth into as Traci reached out to Martin Laurent. I also liked seeing the Abbotts rally around her as she confronted her trauma…. Line of the week from Phyllis to Matt: “What are you good at, Matt?” Matt: “Terrorizing people.”

MONDAY, JULY 27

Beyond the Gates: An anonymous gift rattles Andre; Pamela drops some major career news on Dani; Vanessa susses out Joey’s sister; Martin blows up at Anastasia; and Ted crosses the line with Nicole.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Wyatt wonders if Will is already putting Electra behind him, and Hope stands her ground when Steffy demands answers.

Days of our Lives: Joy makes a shocking demand of Alex; Leo has a run-in with Kate; Marlena warns Cat; and Rafe focuses on Gwen’s disappearance.

General Hospital: Britt and Jason reunite; Willow is horrified; Ava comes clean with Ethan; Nina turns to Jack for help; and Valentin makes a trade.

The Young and the Restless: Victor holds Adam and Chelsea accountable; Billy and Sally keep secrets from each other; and Audra celebrates a win.

TUESDAY, JULY 28

Beyond the Gates: Naomi attempts to broker peace between Chelsea and Kat; Leslie hijacks Eva’s interview; Deanna and Noah reconnect; and Shanice plans for the future.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Finn reassures Steffy with a heartfelt promise about where his loyalties lie, and Will gets a reality check when Wyatt weighs in on his latest troubles.

Days of our Lives: Tate and Holly reconcile; Kate apologizes to Roman; Marlena urges EJ to listen to his conscience; and Xander shares a theory with Sarah and Brady.

General Hospital: Carly and Sonny debrief Jason; Willow’s future is on the line; Emma interrogates Josslyn; Rocco is wary; and Michael confuses Jacinda.

The Young and the Restless: The walls close in on Nikki as she struggles with her condition.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29

Beyond the Gates: Anita calls for an impromptu gathering; Noah meets an icon; Vanessa doles out a harsh reality check; and Ashley and Grayson update their relationship status.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Electra draws a firm line with Dylan over Will and their relationship, and Sheila makes a case to be back in Steffy’s life.

Days of our Lives: Johnny tries to lift Chanel’s spirits; Leo asks Rafe for help; Susan is convinced EJ is becoming like Stefano; and Abe and Theo catch Lexie in a lie.

General Hospital: Gio’s news rattles the Quartermaines; Ava is suspicious; Trina and Kai jump to conclusions; Alexis is thrown; and Michael asserts his power.

The Young and the Restless: Nikki’s health takes an unexpected turn; Billy gives Adam the third degree; and things heat up between Cane and Lily.

THURSDAY, JULY 30

Beyond the Gates: Nicole and Kial are in shock; Dani gets an eyeful; Bill is stuck in the middle as Hayley clashes with Naomi and Chelsea; and Martin questions Kat about her suspicious conversation with Smitty the night before.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Dylan’s unexpected confession stuns Electra, and Taylor sees cracks forming in Finn’s stance on Sheila.

Days of our Lives: The Blacks celebrate Rachel’s release from Bayview; Gabi stuns Philip; and Joy seeks legal advice from Belle.

General Hospital: Serena Baldwin returns; Jason and Anna reconnect; Tracy is blindsided; Ethan gets a shock; and Tristan draws a hard line.

The Young and the Restless: Phyllis and Matt toast to their future; Lily sets boundaries with Cane; and Abby confides in Daniel.

FRIDAY, JULY 31

Beyond the Gates: Dani confronts Bill; the Dupree cousins compare notes regarding Hayley’s inconsistencies; Joey baits Deanna into an outburst; Randy’s cover is about to be blown; and Vanessa has some lingering questions regarding Heather.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Sheila confides in Li; Steffy considers the risk of Sheila’s return; and Will tries to make amends with Electra.

Days of our Lives: Abe and Theo surprise Lexie; Leo frantically tries to get to Alamainia; Javi and Gus discuss their future together; and Kristen and EJ share a rare moment of honesty.

General Hospital: Anna is gobsmacked; Sonny summons Jason; Ethan delivers big news to Lulu; Brook Lynn defends Danny; and Dante coaches Liz.

The Young and the Restless: Victor and Nikki agree to a fresh start; Matt Clark tries to make amends with Sienna; and Sharon tells Noah about Nick’s setback.

Classic soap moments from this week in daytime.

July 27: Anthony Geary exited as GH’s Luke Spencer in 2015.

July 28: Jensen Ackles debuted as Eric Brady on Days in 1997.

July 29: In 2011, Roger Howarth returned to One Life to Live as Todd Manning and came face-to-face with Trevor St. John’s Todd, who was revealed to be Todd’s twin, Victor Lord Jr.

July 30: Santa Barbara premiered on NBC in 1984.

July 31: Charles Shaughnessy was introduced as Days’s super spy Shane Donovan in 1984.

Check out this recent article I wrote for tvinsider.com.

Put your soap knowledge to the test!

Ted King premiered on two soaps during the this week’s featured dates — one in 2002 and the other in 2021. Can you name the soaps and the characters he played?

Think you know the answer? Email [email protected] with your guesses, and a handful of winners will be revealed in next week’s edition!