Jobs will go down drain with cancellation of ABC soaps

ABC's decision to pull the plug on its long-running soap operas "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" in favor of cheaper talk and lifestyle shows will put several hundred people out of work.

Besides the roughly 40 actors employed full time by the two shows, hundreds of other performers, stunt men and women, directors, producers, writers and crew members will be let go. The cancellation of the two soaps is also a blow to production in Los Angeles and New York.

The news represents a "devastating loss," said the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

The Writers Guild of America East also weighed in saying it was "deeply disappointed by ABC's announcement." 

ABC is replacing the soaps with "The Chew," a program about food, and "The Revolution," a lifestyle show that the network said will "help viewers transform all areas of their lives, from relationships to family, food, style, home design, finance and more."

"We are taking this bold step to expand our business because viewers are looking for different types of programming these days," said Brian Frons, who oversees daytime programming for ABC. "They are telling us there is room for informative, authentic and fun shows that are relatable, offer a wide variety of opinions and focus on ‘real life’ takeaways."

"All My Children," which debuted in 1970 and is produced at Andrita Studios in Los Angeles, will cease production in September, while "One Life to Live," which first aired in 1968 and is filmed at ABC studios in New York, will shut down in January.

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-- Richard Verrier

Comments

[S Gayle]

I have been watching ABC soaps for 30 years! I am extremely disappointed, and to lose them for just more talk/lifestyle shows that will eventually be canceled!!! Such a sad time in Television history!

[E. B.]

I think your making a big mistake ABC. Think about the many loyal fans who watch these shows. Not everyone wants to watch reality and talk shows. Like many other fans, I have been watch ABC soaps for 29 year! When you have programs that viewers will stay and tune in for that long how can you cancel them??? Reconsider cancelling the soaps.

[raven]

Why can't they just move the soaps to the soap channel instead of canceling the shows ,then no one will be out of a job.

[amanda]

I Believe This Is Completely Rediculous To Take The Best Shows Off The Air. Unfortuantly True. Most People Can Relate To The Soap Opera Situations. Thats Why We Enjoy It. Especially The Actors And Actress.