Retro TV Adding Classic Daytime Soap Opera 'The Doctors' Later This Year

Luken Communications today announced the addition of the classic NBC daytime soap opera The Doctors to Retro TV. Set in Hope Memorial Hospital in the fictional New England city of Madison, The Doctors' storylines revolve around the hospital's Chief of Staff Dr. Matthew Powers (James Pritchett) and his dedicated staff. Several well-known actors and actresses passed through the halls of Hope Memorial during its run, including Academy Award nominee Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Academy Award winner Kathy Bates (Misery), Academy Award winner Ellen Burstyn (The Exorcist), Emmy Award winner Ted Danson (Cheers), Emmy Award winner Terry O'Quinn (Lost), Brooke Shields (Suddenly Susan) and Academy Award nominee Kathleen Turner (Peggy Sue Got Married).

The Doctors ran for 19 years, spanned 5,280 episodes and won several Daytime Emmy Awards including Outstanding Drama Series (1971, 1972 and 1974), Lead Actor (James Pritchett, 1978) and Lead Actress (Elizabeth Hubbard, 1974).

Matthew Golden, Luken's Vice President of Production, said "The Doctors is one of the greatest examples of the soap opera format in its prime, loved by critics and audiences alike. We're thrilled to return this classic series to the air, and bring its exciting, engaging storylines back to our audience's daily lives."

The Doctors will debut on Retro TV later this year, starting with the 1967 season (the first produced in color). While plans are not finalized, the network is expected to air back-to-back episodes five days a week (Monday through Friday) in the early afternoons.

International hit Doctor Who is also being added to the Retro TV lineup this summer.