When ABC said it was pulling the plug on "All My Children" and "One Life To Live," soap opera fans were outraged. Fortunately, the storylines and characters fans grew to love will continue -- online.
ABC announced Thursday that production company Prospect Park will produce new episodes of both soap operas for the web.
"We are privileged to continue the legacy of two of the greatest programs to air on daytime television, and are committed to delivering the storylines, characters and quality that audiences have come to love for over 40 years," said Prospect Park's Rich Frank and Jeff Kwatinetz.
"'All My Children' and 'One Life to Live' are television icons, and we are looking forward to providing anytime, anywhere viewing to their loyal community of millions. Technology changes the way the public can and will view television shows. Now that there are so many devices available in addition to television sets, viewers are taking advantage of watching shows where ever they are and on any number of devices. The driving force in making the switch and attracting new audiences is to have outstanding programs that people want to watch. We believe that by continuing to produce the shows in their current hour format and with the same quality, viewers will follow the show to our new, online network."
ABC Daytime President Brian Frons added, "'All My Children' and 'One Life to Live' are iconic pieces of television history that captivated millions of fans since their beginning over 40 years ago. Each of the shows have made an indelible mark on our culture's history and informed our consciousness in their own way. We are so glad Prospect Park has assumed the mantel for these shows and that they will continue for the fans."
It was Frons who originally announced the cancellation of the venerable shows. In April, Frons told the Associated Press that "viewers are looking for different types of programming these days." He replaced "All My Children" with "The Chew," a food show, and "One Live to Live" with "The Revolution," a makeover show.
The creator of both soaps, Agnes Nixon, was elated her shows found a new home. "I'm excited for their future with Prospect Park. It takes a lot of living to make a soap opera a serial, and the wonderful teams on both shows have done just that. Together, we are a big family that keeps going, and I'm looking forward to working alongside these wonderful people as we ensure that the shows will continue with all the love and excitement we've always had. I also am so happy for our loyal fans, whom we love so much, and who have been so supportive over the last 40 plus years."
It's unclear which cast members will continue on the shows when they go online. "All My Children" matriarch Susan Lucci has expressed interest in joining the cast of "Desperate Housewives." Also yet to be announced, whether the online shows will start immediately after the soaps go off the air.
"All My Children" ends September 23, 2011, while "One Life to Live" wraps next January. Will you watch the soaps when they go online? Sound off in the comments below!
