Just last week, I mentioned that soaps were having a moment — and now comes word of not one, but two new soap-centric projects on the way. One stars David Duchovny and features some familiar soap faves, while the other comes from Lane Davies (ex-Mason, Santa Barbara) and the show’s creator, Jerome Dobson.

Soaps have always provided fertile storytelling ground for other genres — one of my all-time favorite movies is Tootsie, and Soapdish was a fun sendup as well — so I’m genuinely excited about this news. And that’s not all: Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley, All My Children) recently confirmed that she and hubby Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo, AMC) are developing two AMC movies for Lifetime through their production company, Milojo. I’ve been covering soaps since 1990, and for a long time, the headlines have leaned more doom and gloom, so I’m more than ready to embrace this shift.

Congratulations are in order for Lynn Herring, who celebrated 40 years as General Hospital’s Lucy Coe over the weekend on April 11. As someone who vividly remembers her very first episode in 1986, her staying power comes as no surprise. Who didn’t love the story of the mousy librarian turned vixen? And on a personal note, I feel especially lucky to have no only interviewed her, but have gotten to know her over the years — she truly is a special woman.

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Tune-in Alert! Nathan Dean (formerly Parsons) will air again as Ethan Lovett on General Hospital on Friday, April 17, and I spoke to Nathan exclusively about his comeback. It’s been six years since he was last on the show, but he had a very personal reason for wanting to return — to honor Tony Geary, who played his on-screen father, Luke Spencer. In the new issue of TV Guide Magazine — on sale now! — Nathan told me that the show weighed heavily on his mind after Tony’s death in December.

“I wanted to come back for a little bit after everything with Tony, just to pay my respects for everything he did for me over the course of the many years we worked together,” Nathan said. “Tony was one of my best friends. He was my mentor on the show.” For the rest of the interview, check out the new issue of TVGM and be sure to tune in on Friday to see Ethan’s Port Charles comeback!

Congratulations to Days of our Lives’s AnneLynne McCord (Cat), who revealed to People magazine that she got engaged to former rugby player Danny Cipriani at home on Christmas Day, 2025. Check out the story — and her 15-carat diamond ring!

Soap vet Vincent Irizarry (ex-David, All My Children et al) and Laura Wright (Carly, GH) will both be featured in the upcoming film, Soapbox, starring David Duchovny. The movie features Duchovny as an aging soap star whose bad behavior has impacted his career. “I guarantee, you’ve never seen David quite like this before!” Vincent wrote on Instagram. “Take that from someone who got to see him up close and personal, (I’m embarrassed to say, a little more so than I ever would’ve imagined 🫣).” As for Wright, this isn’t the first time she’s appeared in a soap-themed film — she made a cameo in 2015’s Joy with Jennifer Lawrence, alongside Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH), Susan Lucci (ex-Erica, All My Children) and Donna Mills (ex-Abby, Knots Landing).

And in another case of life imitating art, Santa Barbara alum Lane Davies (ex-Mason et al) has teamed up with the show’s creator, Jerome Dobson, for a new theater production with a classic soap opera vibe. Titled Plot Twist, the play is set during what I (and many others) consider the genre’s heyday — the 1980s — and tells the story of a soap writer named Henry whose personal life starts to mirror the dramatic tales he’s creating. “This is soap opera storytelling the way you’ve never experienced it before,” said Davies in a statement. “On stage, the stakes are higher because anything can happen, and it’s happening right in front of you.” This latest production from The Conasauga Shakespeare Coalition will run at the Synchronicity Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, from April 24-May 2. For more information, click here.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Ashleigh Brewer returns as Ivy Forrester all week; Savannah Leigh James portrays Jamie on Wednesday, April 15; and
Cameron Carlos Cortez portrays Andrew on Wednesday, April 15.

Newsletter-exclusive highlights from my recent interviews

It was a big week for Nathan Owens on The Young and the Restless. His character, Holden Novak, just learned that Malcolm Winters (Shemar Moore) is his father — and viewers also discovered that Stephanie Simmons (Vivica A. Fox) is his mother. I spoke with Nathan — whom I first crossed paths with when he played Days of our Lives’s Cameron Davis from 2012-13 — about the major reveal and what the past year in Genoa City has been like.

“There's been a lot for me to sink my teeth into,” he told me. “Just on a Nathan level as an actor, it’s been pretty busy. They keep you busy there and they move quickly. But everyone’s been warm and welcoming, and that's a plus wherever you go, no matter where you work. The pace is really fast, and it takes a little bit to get used to that whole speed of things and get comfortable with everything as well.”

He’s eager to see where this latest twist takes his character. “This bombshell, this lie, from his mother is something he has to digest,” Nathan noted. “It could potentially change how he views his mom and the relationship with his mom. He loves his mother dearly — she is a hardworking professional who’s taught him everything that he knows in a lot of instances — so he’s struggling internally and has this battle of heart and mind.”

As for the Winters clan, Nathan teased, “Holden wants a family. He finds it hard to see the Winters family opening up to him, but I think he'll give it a college try.”

Any time I’ve spoken with a new hire at The Bold and the Beautiful, they mention how gracious John McCook (Eric) is — and how he invites them into his dressing room to talk. When I caught up with John recently, I asked how he became the show’s unofficial welcoming committee. As one of the original cast members (the other being Katherine Kelly Lang, Brooke), he told me it’s crucial to put newcomers at ease because he vividly remembers what it felt like to be in their shoes.

“I did so much episodic TV in the ’80s, where I would go on to somebody else’s set, a sitcom or a procedural show,” he recalled to me. “You walk in the door and you’ve got your sides [script pages] and you know the scenes you’re going to do, and you can tell immediately if it’s a welcoming place or if it's a place of tension. It’s daunting, especially for the younger actors who come in.”

That’s usually his cue to step in. “I see in their faces, even if they cover it nicely,” he pointed out. “It’s there, and I always want to sit them down and say, ‘This is really fun, you guys. As soon as you get past this anxiety about learning your lines, you'll see how relaxing and wonderful it is, and to depend on each other every day and to develop these friendships is a great thing.’”

It’s not just advice for newcomers, either. “I say that with older actors, too,” John added. “Sometimes a pro actor that’s been around for a while will come in and it will be the first time on the soap, and they’ll go, ‘Oh, my God,’ once they see the reality of it. So it’s really important if you’re someone who’s been there for a long time, to welcome new actors. I think other actors do it, too, like Thorsten [Kaye, Ridge].”

Did I have a dopey smile on my face when Naomi and Anita shared the good news with Chelsea and Kat that Fenmore’s was going to carry their bags? Yes! And did I keep grinning through the celebration after - especially with Ted and Bill mingling with the Duprees? Also yes. That’s a modern family, indeed. And Kat schooling Bill for not letting Tomas come was pretty great. Plus, I love the continued crossover connection between BTG and Y&R…. There were some strong scenes between Nicole and Samantha about June and her role in the twins’ lives. It definitely helps to have a grandmother who is also a psychiatrist…. I saw someone mention this online and now can’t unsee it: Jacob and Smitty keep meeting in the same “graffiti alley corner” over and over again and it’s now kind of funny…. On a sweeter note? Izaiah gifting Eva that bracelet? Adorably romantic.

Sheila putting a nurse’s uniform back on to confront Taylor was a fab callback to the Sheila of yore. But, wow, Deacon moved on fast, like he hadn’t made any grand commitment to her. I get it — Sheila is psycho — but he married her! He pledged his love to her! It stands to reason she will have some feelings about it in the immediate future…. Okay, I know I’ve harped on this already, but in an actual conversation between Ivy and Electra, Ivy said, “There’s no finer family than the Forresters.” Oh, the Forresters? The family you’re part of?! Wouldn’t most people just say, “There’s no finer family than ours.” And yes, I get it - R.J. and Electra are related, just not by blood. Still, there’s an ick factor. Ridge commenting that R.J. looks like his bio dad, Massimo Marone, helps a little, I guess, but they’re not escaping the fact that they all share the same last name.

I appreciated that Maggie immediately called out Xander’s scheme to set up Johnny. And speaking of that dirty dealing, did Kate really think she was going to get away with suing Johnny under Roman’s nose? He’s her husband, sure, but more importantly, Johnny’s grandfather! And, boy, did Bonnie’s book get published quickly. Johnny greenlit it in late February and she’s holding hardcover in her hand in early April? ... Kristen calling Cat “Abigail” was hysterical, and I’m very into the idea of Ms. DiMera making Sophia do her bidding. That’s an unholy alliance if I’ve ever heard one…. It was also a cute, seamless way to welcome Vico Escorcia as the new Arianna when Holly commented that she had changed her hair and said it was like a “brand-new” Ari…. One thing that threw me. Brady had a line of dialogue where he said it was 2026. Er … is it? Wasn’t there a time jump that would put us in 2027?

Nice twist that Britt knew it was Cassius, not Nathan, all along…. I enjoyed Sonny and Ric’s united front at Marco’s funeral, as well as their subsequent solo scenes. Their brotherly bond was touching, and they really are settling into the Michael Corleone/Tom Hagen dynamic for those who know The Godfather…. And how cute was it to see scenes between Turner and Sidwell, whose portrayers, Nazneen Contractor and Carlo Rota, are married in real life? … Any time characters get into cars, you know a crash is coming, and sure enough it happened … but Jordan’s situation did get us a T.J. mention! ... Kudos to GH for having the most diverse sets. The gym, the cabin, the ax-throwing spot and the nail salon are awesome, and keep the show from feeling like the same old, same old.

I am already very invested in the Stephanie/Malcolm/Holden story - Shemar Moore and Vivica A. Fox seamlessly picked up where they left off. But I guess it wasn’t in the cards for Malcolm to raise either of his biological children, Lily or Holden. (And as an As the World Turns fan, writing those names together is … loaded!).… I enjoyed learning that Stephanie and Olivia are still in touch. I like the idea that connections continue off-screen, even with characters we haven’t seen in years…. The scenes between Lily (Christel Khalil) and Traci (Beth Maitland) were fantastic! Christel did such beautiful work as Lily expressed her frustration over not being able to help Malcolm, while also fearing losing him after already losing Dru and Neil. Daytime Emmy-worthy material, for sure…. I love how portraits play such a huge role on soaps (Eric’s above the mantel on B&B, Stefano’s at the DiMera mansion on Days), so I got a kick out of Phyllis replacing Victor’s with one of herself in the office…. Finally, I think it’s very realistic that Devon and Abby aren’t letting Mariah off the hook so easily.

MONDAY, APRIL 13

Beyond the Gates: Nicole deals with a hack; Vanessa realizes she was duped; Leslie has a proposition for Joey; and Ashley gets unwelcome advice from an unexpected source.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Daphne makes it clear to Ivy that the truth must come out; Brooke is appalled by Katie’s choice; and Will and R.J. get into a shoving match.

Days of our Lives: Marlena helps Leo make a breakthrough; Javi sets Gabi and Rafe straight; Stephanie gets frustrated with Alex; and Chanel questions Theo.

General Hospital: Willow stoops to a new low; Ric breaks news to Alexis; Gio impresses Emma; Justine tips off Sonny; and Brook Lynn is alarmed.

The Young and the Restless: Victor and Nikki’s attempt at reconciliation takes a volatile turn; Phyllis makes a huge sacrifice for her success; and Adam places a risky bet.

TUESDAY, APRIL 14

Beyond the Gates: Anita receives a major medical update from her oncologist; Bill doles out some tough questions to Hayley; and Randy takes a hands-on approach where Lynette is concerned.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Electra gives Will an ultimatum; Dylan makes a heartbreaking decision; and Brooke urges R.J. to follow his heart.

Days of our Lives: Maggie rips into Kate; Bonnie’s book signing goes poorly; Alex confides in Gabi; Ari presses Liam; and Jeremy comforts Stephanie.

General Hospital: Willow makes a confession; Sonny decides to take a risk; Britt has an awkward encounter; and Lulu is taken aback.

The Young and the Restless: Diane rejects Nikki’s offer to call a truce; Holden informs Cane about his new family dynamics; and Lily voices her concern to Stephanie about Malcolm’s condition.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

Beyond the Gates: Andre comforts Dani; Tomas surprises Kat on her birthday; Ted honors tradition with Nicole; and Leslie has a warning for Hayley.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Will and Ivy separately share their opinions with Electra, and Ridge reminds R.J. not to bring his personal life into the office.

Days of our Lives: Gabi and Philip enjoy Trivia Night in Salem, as do Theo and Jada; Leo reunites with Trey; Chanel catches Johnny off-guard; and Gwen threatens Dimitri.

General Hospital: Tracy goes into crisis mode; Josslyn does some digging; Ava impresses Sidwell; Dante has a tip for Laura; and Curtis supports Jordan.

The Young and the Restless: Chelsea surprises Adam and Riza in Las Vegas; Matt Clark strikes back against Nick; and Sharon works to repair Devon and Mariah’s friendship.

THURSDAY, APRIL 16

Beyond the Gates: Jacob gets taught a rough lesson; Martin encourages Nicole to repair a fractured friendship; Joey issues an edict to Randy; and Hayley celebrates a win.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Ivy finds an ally in R.J., and Daphne turns to Carter for advice.

Days of our Lives: Javi presses Leo for answers; Kate and Xander strategize; Johnny frustrates Chanel; Kristen lets Sophia in on her devious plan; and Brady and Sarah spend quality time together.

General Hospital: Carly is shaken; Britt suffers a setback; Josslyn is suspicious; Lucas stands his ground; and Sidwell is given food for thought.

The Young and the Restless: Jack leans on Nikki; Adam forces Matt Clark’s hand; and Sally’s patience is tested.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17

Beyond the Gates: Dani questions Bill about his slip of the tongue; Vernon seeks out Madison for advice; Nicole and Vanessa get candid; Eva’s not thrilled to see Izaiah and Kat catching up.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Electra is stunned by the truth, and R.J. reveals from where his animosity towards Will stems.

Days of our Lives: Theo shares a secret with Marlena; Paulina vents to Belle; EJ and Kristen clash; and Alex surprises Stephanie, but it does not go well.

General Hospital: Ethan Lovett returns; Kristina is caught off-guard; Willow confronts Jacinda; Nina receives an intriguing offer; and Laura proposes an alliance.

The Young and the Restless: Victor helps Diane give Jack a taste of his own medicine; Lauren and Michael begin a new chapter; and Sharon hits the road to help Nick.

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