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Doesn’t it feel like soaps are having a moment? Between Michael B. Jordan (ex-Reggie, All My Children) winning the Oscar last month, John Oliver lobbying for a soap to cast him and Ryan Gosling’s revealing that he’s a devoted Days of our Lives fan — especially of Marlena Evans/Deidre Hall — daytime dramas are suddenly back in the mainstream conversation. For an often overlooked pocket of entertainment, it’s refreshing to see soaps getting this kind of spotlight. People are starting to recognize not only why these shows have endured for decades, but also the incredible amount of work that goes into producing them.

In countless interviews, soap alumni have told me that working in daytime prepared them for everything else — the pace, the volume, the constant script changes. many even say they get bored on other sets because the workload simply doesn’t compare. Those of us who have followed soaps have always known this, but it’s especially gratifying to see the people both in front of and behind the camera finally getting the recognition they deserve.

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Alison Sweeney’s (ex-Sami, Days of our Lives) next movie for Hallmark Channel, Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, premieres Saturday, May 16 at 8 p.m. This marks Ali’s 14^th outing as the crime-solving baker. In addition to starring, she also wrote and executive produced the film, which features soap alums Victor Webster (ex-Nicholas, Days) and Barbara Niven (ex-Liz, One Life to Live). I recently spoke with Ali about her penning the scripts and she explained, “These characters are already so well developed, and I know the actors so well who play them that I can play out the scene in my head of each of them. I feel like I’m doing rehearsals in my mind, by myself, which maybe makes me sound crazy, but it's true. I can hear Barbara in particular. Barbara's voice stands out very strongly for me, so when I'm writing her dialogue, I get a chuckle. When I find a good line for her, I'm thinking, ‘She's gonna be funny.’”

Look for a crossover between General Hospital and the Broadway show, Aladdin, on April 24. In the story, Gio (Giovanni Mazza) and Emma (Braedyn Bruner) go to New York City, where they meet up with Gio’s old friend, Michael James Scott, who stars as the genie in the musical. On May 4, Michael will come to Port Charles and sing “Friend Like Me” at The Savoy.

Shemar Moore and Vivica A. Fox are back The Young and the Restless as Malcolm Winters and Stephanie Simmons on Tuesday, April 7.

Al Calderon returns as Javi Hernandez on Friday, April 10. The actor was last seen on screen in January and appeared on the NBC primetime show, Brilliant Minds, during the break.

Vico Escorcia will make her Days of our Lives debut on Wednesday, April 8 as Arianna Horton, replacing Marissa Reyes in the role of Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) and Will’s (Chandler Massey) daughter.

The character was born on May 21, 2013 and returned to Salem in May 2025 as an 18-year old with her mother’s trademark sassiness. In the past year, Ari has hooked up with Doug Williams III, struck up a friendship with Holly Jonas, has helped Liam Selejko out of a few jams, clocked Sophia Choi’s bad behavior and is currently pledging a sorority. 

Newsletter-exclusive highlights from my recent interviews

Shemar Moore will return to The Young and the Restless as Malcolm Winters on Tuesday, April 7 and I had the pleasure of speaking with him about the comeback. During our conversation, it was clear that Shemar was feeling nostalgic about the role that launched his prolific career.

"I live in L.A. and my gym is over there on Beverly Boulevard just down the street from where CBS Television City is,” he told me. “I drive those streets fairly regularly and see the building and I say to myself in my car as I'm passing, ‘That’s where it all began.’”

 When Shemar arrived at the set to film, he found out that he’d been given a pretty incredible parking spot, one that once belonged to the show’s creator, William J. Bell. “They were gracious enough to give me Mr. Bell's parking spot, which is right in front,” he shared. “And I just remembered the days when The Price is Right was there and all the fans would be standing outside, excited to come on down, but they would also get to see all their favorite soap stars walking in and out of the building. They'd scream at us as our characters and say, ‘Malcolm, I love you. Are you, are you Lily's daddy? Why did you have sex with your brother's wife?’”

The timing of his return in April holds special significance for Shemar. “I never take any day for granted, but April 6^th, 1994, is when I was cast as Malcolm and April 12th was my first day,” he said. “I remember I was so scared and if you watch the footage, I couldn't stand still. I was so nervous. I would say my lines, but I kept hitting my legs with my hands as I was talking because I just had so much nervous energy.”

Even now, with primetime success in shows like Criminal Minds and S.W.A.T., Shemar still sounds a little amazed at the path his life has taken. “You can believe in miracles or what have you, but nobody saw that coming,” he admitted. “I was always curious about acting, but I didn't know that I could become a professional actor. My original dream was to be a professional baseball player and then anything to avoid not wearing a suit and tie for a living. No offense to people who do, but I just didn't want to report to a cubicle for 9 to 5 if I didn't have to. I knew I wanted to do something creative.”

I also spoke to Rebecca Budig about Taylor and Deacon (Sean Kanan) sleeping together (!) on The Bold and the Beautiful. During our chat, I asked her about Soapy, the podcast she hosts with Greg Rikaart (Leo, Days). As someone who previously cohosted a podcast with Soap Opera Digest’s Mara Levinsky (Dishing with Digest, RIP), I know how much goes into it behind the scenes — and Rebecca is enjoying taking deep dives with soap faves. “It’s been really fun to put a spotlight on these people that we all work with in daytime and to lift them up and celebrate them,” Rebecca told me. “It’s hard. I do a lot of homework and it's a lot of work. I've done hosting before, so I knew that ahead of time but it's all worth it; it's good.”

I didn’t want her to name a favorite guest, but she did admit there have been some standouts. “I will say I get sort of fangirled out over Tamara Tunie [Anita, Beyond the Gates],” she revealed. “I could talk to John McCook [Eric, B&B] for days. When Jackée [Harry, Paulina, Days of our Lives, above] came on, I was a little intimidated and I thought, ‘Oh, boy,’ and she couldn’t have been kinder and more amazing. I was even more of a fan when she left. And then there's some that you think are gonna be super lively and then they're not as much, so there are surprises for sure, but it's been really fun.”

Beyond the Gates

I am loving the subtle building up of Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett, above) through his scenes with Anita. Her decision to tap him as co-executor of her will was both poignant and, frankly, brilliant. His interactions with Kat and the rest of the Duprees have been equally compelling. I’ve been a fan of Timon’s since Queen Sugar and it’s great to see the show slowly adding more dimension to his alter ego…. I’m also getting a kick out of Lynette giving Val, er, Hayley a real run for her money in the manipulation department — it’s about time someone got the upper hand on the newest Mrs. Hamilton…. And that conversation between Kat and Donnell was so meaningful, right? I appreciate that Colby Nixon (Kat) is interacting with so much of the cast.

The Bold and the Beautiful

Is it wrong that I feel a little bad for Sheila? I mean, don’t get me wrong - showing up at Taylor’s with flowers was super-weird - but she is committed to Deacon, and, from what we’ve seen, has tried to turn her life around. And yet, he is betraying her in the worst way possible. It’s great for story, but he knew what he was getting into when he said “I do.” … And I know Ivy’s obsession with Electra and R.J. being together is a bit over the top, but Ashleigh Brewer sells it so completely that I can’t help but be invested right along with her.

Days of our Lives

I’m thrilled that Brandon Beemer (Shawn) is back in Salem and I am so here for him sharing scenes with Martha Madison (Belle) again. I can’t be the only one who wants to see Belle and Shawn reunite. I don’t care how many times they’ve split up and gotten back together, some things are just meant to be…. And can we talk about EJ? Taking Theo to see Lexie without Abe’s knowledge — and then swearing his nephew to secrecy — was downright diabolical…. Abigail Klein is knocking it out of the park, capturing Stephanie’s post-kidnapping trauma with heartbreaking precision…. Great pivot for Brady to have him team up with Steve at Black Patch.

General Hospital

GH is not a show that does back from the dead stories too often, so the idea that both Britt and Nathan were resurrected was definitely a stretch. That’s why I am so relieved we finally got the Nathan-is-really-Cassius reveal. At last, an explanation for why he was so willing to leave Maxie behind and hook up with her bestie, Lulu…. Yes yes, yes to Brad showing up for Britt (Parry Shen and Kelly Thiebaud, above) in the wake of the pier drama. Their friendship has been a high point over the years…. And Willow discovering that Kai and Trina know she shot Drew? Pure perfection…. Kudos to Van Hansis, who is nailing Lucas’s grief over Marco’s death with such quiet intensity. He makes the pain feel real without overdoing it.

Young and Restless

Why is Diane so angry with Jack over sleeping with Patty? He was drugged! I understand being upset, sure, but this feels like a strange breaking point for her.… I love how consistently determined Phyllis is. She got a poison pen letter from Summer, a dressing down from Daniel, and a straight talk from Sharon, and yet, she’s not giving up Newman Enterprises. (And good for her!) … I am really enjoying seeing the different shades of characters, like Nick popping pills and Lily making questionably moral decisions. It keeps it keeps the story from feeling like the same old, same old.

MONDAY, APRIL 6

Beyond the Gates: Naomi and Jacob (Arielle Prepetit and Jibre Hordges, below) spend their anniversary apart; Izaiah helps his brother out; and Naomi leans on Ashley, Dani and Bill. 

The Bold and the Beautiful: Daphne takes a pregnancy test, and Sheila’s greatest fear is confirmed.

Days of our Lives: Steve offers Brady a job; Kristen and Sophia plan to take down their enemies; Theo shocks Johnny; and EJ extends an invitation to Cat. 

General Hospital: Sonny delivers a warning; Danny visits with Charlotte; Jacinda does some digging; Willow presses Chase; and Stella makes a request of Portia.

The Young and the Restless: Diane refuses to accept Jack’s apology; Abby reaches out to an old friend; and Holden finds himself in a compromising position.

TUESDAY, APRIL 7

Beyond the Gates: Leslie crashes Eva and Izaiah's lunch with Darlene; Anita coaches Dani through some insecurities; and June disappoints Samantha. 

The Bold and the Beautiful: Daphne and Carter receive results, and Taylor is frightened by Sheila.

Days of our Lives: Stephanie feels uneasy around Alex; Kate tries to do damage control with Roman; Marlena questions Johnny; and Maggie confronts Xander.

General Hospital: Dante wants an explanation; Britt receives an ultimatum; Brook Lynn and Lucy catch up; and a couple’s date night ends in disaster.

The Young and the Restless: Malcolm returns home with a secret, while Dr. Stephanie Simmons make a surprise visit to Genoa City.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8

Beyond the Gates: Vanessa seeks out Dani's guidance; Nicole and Ted have a candid chat about their dating lives; Tomas makes a bold move against Bill; Chelsea and Kat lock horns over the potential Fenmore's deal; and Lynette has a brand-new blackmail demand of Hayley. 

The Bold and the Beautiful: Finn, Steffy and Ridge rush to protect their family from Sheila; Hope and Deke struggle with a situation; and Deacon and Sheila (Sean Kanan and Kimberlin Brown, below) have a heartbreaking conversation about their marriage.

Days of our Lives: Tate tries to play Sophia; Holly attempts to repair her relationship with Ari; and Brady and Kristen clash over Rachel’s situation.  

General Hospital: Carly leaps into action; Isaiah agrees to keep a secret; “Nathan” cautions Britt; Sidwell confides in Ava; and Gio issues an apology.

The Young and the Restless: Malcolm and Stephanie have an emotional reunion; Phyllis tempts Cane; and Lily is trusted with a shocking secret.

THURSDAY, APRIL 9

Beyond the Gates: Smitty commits a crime; Eva and Izaiah struggle to find their footing; Samantha lashes out at her mother; and Elon orders Marcel to check in with an old friend.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Hope defends Deacon, and Sheila and Deacon reflect on their relationship.

Days of our Lives: Chanel’s change of heart surprises Johnny; Gwen and EJ revel in victory; Abe and Paulina find themselves on opposite sides; and Lexie wakes up!

General Hospital: Curtis is distraught; Brennan makes a revelation; Kristina opens up about her past; and Gio is grateful to Emma.

The Young and the Restless: Stephanie and Malcolm are forced to discuss their complicated past; Lily leans on Traci for guidance; and Claire sees a new side to Holden.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10

Beyond the Gates: Joey puts Randy in the hot seat, and then Deanna does the same to Joey; Naomi and Bill team up when Madison gets sued; and Nicole and Vanessa have a heated exchange.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Deacon and Taylor are unaware they’re being watched.

Days of our Lives: Sarah and Brady take their relationship to the next level; Leo gets cold feet with Dimitri; Javi surprises Rafe; and Kristen confronts EJ.

General Hospital: Carly gives as good as she gets; Nina draws the line; Sonny makes a request of Ric (Maurice Benard and Rick Hearst, both below); Cody dotes on Molly; and Laura seeks out Curtis.

The Young and the Restless: Lily takes matters into her own hands to help Malcolm; Adam plays with fire; and Matt Clark backs Nick into a corner.

Check out these recent articles I’ve written for tvinsider.com and swooon.com