Today in Soap Opera History (July 21)

1972: Victoria Wyndham debuted as Rachel on Another World.
1980: Edge of Night's Kelly had competition for Jody.
1986: As the World Turns' Nancy mourned her husband.
1987: Days of our Lives' welcomed a new Jack.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1962: Actor Les Damon died at age 54. His soap roles included Ed Palmerlee in The Edge of Night, Jim Lowell in As the World Turns, and Bruce Banning on The Guiding Light.

1965: On General Hospital, Dr. Steve Hardy (John Beradino) and Nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin) filled Mike Costello in on the latest developments with Angie.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 19)

1966: Dark Shadows' Roger crashed due to a missing bleeder valve.
1985: John Aniston debuted as Victor on Days of our Lives.
1990: General Hospital's Wendy was murdered.
2010: Scott Clifton debuted as Liam on Bold and the Beautiful.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1940: The first episode of radio soap opera The Carters of Elm Street, written by Mona Kent, aired on the Mutual Network.

Melody Thomas Scott Memoir 'Always Young And Restless' Out This Summer

Emmy Award-nominated Melody Thomas Scott admits she is nothing like her The Young and the Restless role, which has seen it all in her forty-one-year tenure on America’s highest-rated daytime serial. But the high drama, angst, and catastrophes aren’t confined to her character’s plotlines. In her first-ever book, the captivating memoir "Always Young And Restless" (Diversion Books; July 14, 2020, available for pre-order now; $26.99, Hardcover; ISBN 978-1635-766943), Melody reveals the intimate and complicated truths of her upbringing as well as behind-the-scenes tales of her own riveting journey to becoming an icon and searching for “normal.”

“Even though I have spent almost my entire life as an actress and performer, I have kept my private life well behind the scenes,” said Scott. “Now, I am ready to share these stories of survival and success that have shaped me into who I am today.”

As Nikki Newman went from impoverished stripper to resourceful, vivacious heroine—with missteps as gripping as her triumphs—Melody became a household name, enthralling audiences across the globe. But her road to stardom also had to be one to freedom marked by an escape fit for cinema. In "Always Young and Restless," Melody tells of her troubled, untraditional upbringing for the first time.

Readers will learn how she suffered at home with her grandmother, a compulsive hoarder whose cruelty as her guardian is shockingly extreme; abuse at the hands of industry men; the intensity of acting in feature films with Alfred Hitchcock and Clint Eastwood; and how she finally took control of her life and career, in a getaway move as daring as any on The Young and the Restless. And of course, Melody divulges more than forty years’ worth of juicy on-and-off-set details of what it’s like to be one-half of the show’s most successful supercouple, “Niktor,” plus her personal path to healing, love, and family. In witty, warm prose, meet the shining, persevering heart of an American icon—and prepare to be moved by a life story fit for a soap opera star.

'The Young and the Restless' Renewed Through 2023-20-2024 Season

The Young and the Restless, the most-watched and highest-rated daytime drama for the last 31+ years has been renewed for four more years, through the 2023-2024 broadcast season. The renewal will officially see the series celebrating its 50th birthday.

“Having the #1 show for any length of time in any daypart is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Kelly Kahl, President, CBS Entertainment. “But The Young and the Restless has been daytime’s top drama for over three decades. The last time any other show was on top, Ronald Reagan was president and the Berlin Wall was still standing. It’s a remarkable achievement and a testament to the extraordinary cast, gifted writers, talented producers, and supremely passionate fans, as well as our tremendous partnership with Sony Pictures Television.”

Daniel Hall Cast as Scott Grainger on 'The Young and the Restless'

  Photo by Vanessa White.

Soap Opera Digest is exclusively reporting that actor Daniel Hall has been cast in the role of Scott Grainger, Lauren's (Tracey Bregman) son, on The Young and the Restless.

The actor is already taping scenes, but the soap isn't revealing any other information about Scott's story at this time.

The role of Scott was last played by Blair Redford in 2006.

Hall's list of credits includes roles in Quarry, Graceland, Mad Men, Mixology and a brief stint on Guiding Light.

'The Young and the Restless' Casting New Role

The Young and the Restless is looking for an actress in the late 20s to mid 30s range to play Fawn, an international sales representative, according to the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest.

The character is described as a "stunning" and "ambitious" Asian-American. The role will be recurring, but "very large."

Pre-Noms Revealed for the 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the Drama Performer Pre-Nominations for the 44th Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards.

The process used to determine those chosen as Pre-Nominated performers follows:

An online judging ballot containing all entrants in each of four performer categories (Lead Actor and Actress and Supporting Actor and Actress) was sent to all registered, eligible peer judges. The ballot contained a randomized order of performers in each category, regardless of their show affiliation. Judges were required to view clips online containing the work of each performer entry before selecting their top 10 performer choices in each category.

Ballots were submitted directly to Lutz & Carr, Inc., an independent accounting firm, who tabulated the results. The candidates below who received the highest number of votes now advance to the blue ribbon screening round, scheduled to begin on February 20, 2017, which will determine both nominees and recipients. Please note that this release also contains the names of the entrants for the Younger Actor and Actress categories, who will proceed directly to the Blue Ribbon Round. Nominations will be announced on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, live on “The Talk” on CBS.

Pre-nominated performers in alphabetical order in six categories follow below:

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Kristian Alfonso, as Hope Williams Brady Days of Our Lives, NBC
Sharon Case, as Sharon McAvoy The Young and the Restless, CBS
Melissa Claire Egan, as Chelsea Newman The Young and the Restless, CBS
Mary Beth Evans, as Kayla Brady Days of Our Lives, NBC
Nancy Lee Grahn, as Alexis Davis General Hospital, ABC
Jen Lilley, as Theresa Donovan Black Days of Our Lives, NBC
Gina Tognoni, as Phyllis Newman The Young and the Restless, CBS
Heather Tom, as Katie Logan The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Jess Walton, as Jill Abbott The Young and the Restless, CBS
Laura Wright, as Carly Corinthos General Hospital, ABC

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Maurice Benard, as Sonny Corinthos General Hospital, ABC
Peter Bergman, as Jack Abbott The Young and the Restless, CBS
Scott Clifton, as Liam Spencer The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Billy Flynn, as Chad DiMera Days of Our Lives, NBC
Roger Howarth, as Franco General Hospital, ABC
Vincent Irizarry, as Deimos Kiriakis Days of Our Lives, NBC
Christian LeBlanc, as Michael Baldwin The Young and the Restless, CBS
John McCook, as Eric Forrester The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Kristoff St. John, as Neil Winters The Young and the Restless, CBS
Jason Thompson, as Billy Abbott The Young and the Restless, CBS

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Eileen Davidson, as Ashley Abbott The Young and the Restless, CBS
Judi Evans, as Adrienne Kiriakis Days of Our Lives, NBC
Stacy Haiduk, as Patty Williams The Young and the Restless, CBS
Amelia Heinle, as Victoria Newman The Young and the Restless, CBS
Elizabeth Hendrickson, as Chloe Fisher The Young and the Restless, CBS
Finola Hughes, as Anna Devane General Hospital, ABC
Anna Maria Horsford, as Vivian Avant The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Kate Mansi, as Abigail Deveraux Days of Our Lives, NBC
Michelle Stafford, as Nina Reeves General Hospital, ABC
Kelly Sullivan, as Sage Warner The Young and the Restless, CBS

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
John Aniston, as Victor Kiriakis Days of Our Lives, NBC
Obba Babatundé, as Julius Avant The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Steve Burton, as Dylan McAvoy The Young and the Restless, CBS
Sean Carrigan, as Ben “Stitch” Rayburn The Young and the Restless, CBS
Chad Duell, as Michael Corinthos General Hospital, ABC
Bryton James, as Devon Hamilton The Young and the Restless, CBS
Wally Kurth, as Justin Kiriakis Days of Our Lives, NBC
Jeffrey Vincent Parise, as Carlos Rivera/Dr. Joe Rivera General Hospital, ABC
James Reynolds, as Abe Carver Days of Our Lives, NBC
Dominic Zamprogna, as Dante Falconeri General Hospital, ABC

OUTSTANDING YOUNGER ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Lexi Ainsworth, as Kristina Corinthos Davis General Hospital, ABC
Camila Banus, as Gabi Hernandez Days of Our Lives, NBC
Reign Edwards, as Nicole Avant The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Hayley Erin, as Kiki Jerome General Hospital, ABC
Olivia Keegan, as Claire Brady Days of Our Lives, NBC
Hunter King, as Summer Newman The Young and the Restless, CBS
Chloe Lanier, as Nelle Hayes General Hospital, ABC
Alyvia Alyn Lind, as Faith Newman The Young and the Restless, CBS
Paige Searcy, as Jade Michaels Days of Our Lives, NBC

OUTSTANDING YOUNGER ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Jared Breeze, as Max Rayburn The Young and the Restless, CBS
Bryan Craig, as Morgan Corinthos General Hospital, ABC
Rome Flynn, as Zende Forrester Dominguez The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Pierson Fodé, as Thomas Forrester The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
James Lastovic, as Joey Johnson Days of Our Lives, NBC
Kyler Pettis, as Theo Carver Days of Our Lives, NBC
Tequan Richmond, as TJ Ashford General Hospital, ABC
Anthony Turpel, as R.J. Forrester The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS

Daytime Ratings: 'Days of our Lives' Up For The Week In Women 18-49 and 18-34

The Live + Same Day daytime ratings are in for January 9-January 13, 2016. According to Nielsen, The Young and the Restless (-298,000), The Bold and the Beautiful (-290,000), General Hospital (-165,000) and Days of our Lives (-40,000) were all down for the week in total viewers.

However, Days of our Lives was up in women 18-49 (+8,000), while Y&R (+12,000), B&B (+37,000), and Days (+10,000) were up in women 18-34.

Check out a breakdown below of the daytime soap opera Nielsen ratings by category:

'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (January 23-27, 2017)

Check out the daily spoilers to find out what's happening on CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless during the week of January 23, 2017.

Monday, January 23
Phyllis and Jack butt heads.
Hilary will not give up on Devon.
Paul looks for Dylan.

Tuesday, January 24
Jill confesses.
Victoria puts her foot down with Reed.
Lily considers a proposition.

Daytime Ratings: 'General Hospital' Up for the Week in All Major Demos

The Live + Same Day daytime ratings are in for January 2-January 6, 2016. According to Nielsen, The Bold and the Beautiful was the only soap up for the week in total viewers (+55,000), while General Hospital (+107,000) was up for the week in all major demos.

Please Note: There were preemptions on January 6 due to the Fort Lauderdale Airport shooting.

Check out a breakdown below of the daytime soap opera Nielsen ratings by category:

We Will Miss Dylan on 'Y&R' Who Would Have Guessed?

Exit storyline for Burton adds layers to a once bland character
By Mark Harding

It has been widely reported that Steve Burton opted to not to re-sign his contract with the Young and the Restless, citing a desire to be closer to his young family in Nashville. Correspondingly, Y&R will somehow lose the character of Dylan in January.

It’s fair to say that few characters have been more maligned than Dylan. Many fans were suspicious of his initial hiring (his close ties to the then-Executive Producer were widely known), fearing cronyism rather than talent got him the job. Further concerns about Dylan emerged when his character was written as flawless, noble, and ever-suffering. And the concern-o-meter reached the red zone when a couldn’t-have-happened retcon suddenly made Dylan the bio-child of Y&R’s Paul and Nikki. (It couldn’t have happened because Nikki never left the canvas, and we saw that she wasn’t pregnant). This seemed like a calculated move to cement Dylan forever to a core family.

Dylan’s paragon status was not helped by story after story in which he could do no wrong. A wounded warrior with significant PTSD, he lost woman after woman. Chelsea deceived him into thinking her baby with Adam was his. “Soulmate” Avery had turned to Dylan’s brother Nick (and later left town without him). He entered into a relatively chemistry-free marriage with Sharon, again deceived when Sharon first didn’t tell him they’d lost their unborn child, and later when she realized that her subsequent child (Sully/Christian) was not really his. Moreover, Sharon was consistently off her meds and a fidgety mess. In the midst of all this, he became an insta-cop, so that he could further serve as Genoa City’s Dudley Do-Right.

Burton began to shine, however, in the aftermath of losing Sully. His pain was palpable – red eyes, grave face – he looked like a wreck. Literally on the outside looking in (at the Newman ranch), as Nick and Nikki cooed over a son Dylan could no longer see, it was hard to not to finally feel something for Dylan. And now, there is another interesting twist.

The story Dylan is currently involved in is not, in itself, inspiring. In some kind of homage to Miami Vice, Dylan is wearing a fade haircut and a goatee, and short sleeved shirts that highlight his impressive biceps (way to go, SBu!). Y&R writers have cleverly extended the emotional weight of the story by having the folks back home (Sharon with Mariah, Paul, Kevin, Nick, and even Faith, Nikki with Paul, Nick) worry about Dylan and react to his disappearance. If they care, it helps us to care.

More importantly, the story has done the unexpected. The golden son has been burnished with a touch of tarnish. In a lame twist, a lady-mobster, Alex, forced Dylan to have sex with her in some kind of loyalty test. Dylan, visibly perturbed, acquiesced. Burton clearly telegraphed self-loathing. But more important, he is Dudley Do-Right no more! Even if for good reasons (saving the mission and saving his life), Dylan has fallen off the pedestal. He’s done a “wrong” thing. These are the kinds of moral dilemmas that add shades of grey to a character, and engage the audience. Finally!

Alas, just as Dylan gets interesting under the skilled pen of new writers, we’re about to lose him. Moreover, it seems almost certain that Y&R has to “kill” Dylan so that Sharon can move on. And for the first time since his debut, losing Dylan feels like a darn shame! Finally, there is more story to tell.

This is the mark of a successful exit. The audience will be left actually wanting to learn more about the evolution of Dylan. Hopefully, some day, that may happen.

Farewell, Mr. Burton. Come back someday!

'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (January 16-January 20, 2017)

Check out the daily spoilers to find out what's happening on CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless during the week of January 16, 2017.

Monday, January 16
Jack warns Hilary.
Lily looks to the past.
Victoria feels envious of Reed and Billy's bond.

Tuesday, January 17
Dylan feels cornered.
Nick tries to become closer with Chelsea.
Sharon makes an error.

Darnell Kirkwood Cast as Jordan Wilde on 'The Young and the Restless'

Darnell Kirkwood

Actor Darnell Kirkwood has been cast as Jordan Wilde on The Young and the Restless, Soap Opera Digest is reporting.

Jordan is a photographer who is set to interact with the Brash & Sassy crew. Is he the "gifted photographer with swagger," named Ryder the soap had been casting?

'Philly' Fans Get What They Want On 'The Young and the Restless'

'Philly' Fans Get What They Want On 'The Young and the Restless'
By Mark Harding

While critical and fan reception of new Y&R headwriter Sally Sussman has been generally positive, some fan groups have had concerns.

Perhaps most vociferous were fans of the erstwhile Phyllis/Billy union, who felt their couple was being tossed aside without regard for fans’ investment in the pairing. An early interview between Sussman and TV Guide’s Michael Logan fueled these concerns.

The January 9, 2017 episode of Y&R should put those fears to rest. Billy and Phyllis had an encounter at Crimson Lights. Billy bought Phyllis “1,000 calories” (to quote her), and they both talked about moving on. But the chemistry between them was still palpable.

Kristian Kordula Joins the Cast of 'The Young and the Restless' as Craig Shields.

Kristian Kordula

Kristian Kordula has booked a short-term role on The Young and the Restless as Craig Shields, according to his IMDB page.

The actor, who recurs as Landon on OWN's The Haves and the Have Nots, first airs on January 18. He is set for at least two episodes.

Although we don't know who Craig will cross paths with, the actor is following Tracey Bregman (Lauren) on Instagram. Perhaps Craig is a part of Lauren's quest to save her company.

Update: Craig is a friend of Lauren's who considers investing in Fenmore's.

Kordula's list of credits include roles in The Mindy Project, Single by 30, The Stranger Inside and Baby Daddy.

The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS.

Follow Serial Scoop on Twitter and Like Serial Scoop on Facebook

RELATED: 
- 'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (January 9-January 13, 2017)
- Jessica Nicole Webb Cast as Alex on 'The Young and the Restless'
- 'The Young and the Restless' Casting For New Contract Roles
- Tristan Lake Leabu Joins 'The Young and the Restless' as Reed Hellstrom
- What Brings Reed Back To Genoa City on 'The Young and the Restless'
- Actor Bobby Neely Auditions For Role of Ryder on 'The Young and the Restless'
- Actress Lauren Cipoletti Auditions for Role of Ivy on 'The Young and the Restless'

'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (January 9-January 13, 2017)

Gloria and Jack spar on The Young and the Restless

Check out the day-to-day spoilers to find out what's happening on CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless during the week of January 9, 2017.

Monday, January 9
Lauren confesses to Michael.
Phyllis opens up to Billy.
Jack keeps his actions secret.

Tuesday, January 10
Victor makes an significant decision.
Chloe stuns Kevin.
Gloria is up to her old games.

Updated Daytime Ratings: All Soaps Up For The Week

The Live + Same Day daytime ratings are in for December 26-December 30, 2016. According to Nielsen, Days of our Lives (+91,000), The Young and the Restless (+361,000), The Bold and the Beautiful (+266,000), and General Hospital  (+130,000) were up for the week in total viewers.

Meanwhile, Y&R (+65,000) B&B (+17,000), and Days (+14,000) were also up in the women 18-49 demo, while GH (-30,000) was the only soap down for the week.

Check out a breakdown below of the daytime soap opera Nielsen ratings by category:

Jessica Nicole Webb Cast as Alex on 'The Young and the Restless'

Jessica Nicole Webb

Jessica Nicole Webb has been cast as Alex Dettmer on The Young and the Restless, according to her IMDB page.

The actress, who first airs on January 11, will be involved in Dylan's (Steve Burton) exit story. She is set to appear for at least five episodes.

On the Monday, January 2 episode of Y&R, Christine (Lauralee Bell) gave Dylan the task of bringing down a man named Luthor Fisk.

Christine told Dylan, "So you need to get close with his lieutenant. His name is Alex Dettmer. Okay, now, we don't know much about him. We do know he's the gatekeeper. So if you can get past him, you'll probably get a meeting with Fisk."

It seems that not only did Christine not know much about Dettmer, but she also didn't know the lieutenant's correct gender.

Webb's list of credits include roles in They Live Among Us, The Exorcist Files, and Futurestates

The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS.

Follow Serial Scoop on Twitter and Like Serial Scoop on Facebook

RELATED: 
- 'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers (January 2-January 6, 2017)
- 'The Young and the Restless' Casting For New Contract Roles
- Tristan Lake Leabu Joins 'The Young and the Restless' as Reed Hellstrom
- What Brings Reed Back To Genoa City on 'The Young and the Restless'
- Actor Bobby Neely Auditions For Role of Ryder on 'The Young and the Restless'
- Actress Lauren Cipoletti Auditions for Role of Ivy on 'The Young and the Restless'

'General Hospital' Alum Tristan Rogers Drinks and Tweets.

Tristan Rogers

General Hospital alum Tristan Rogers (Ex-Robert), who will soon reprise his role of Colin on The Young and the Restless, never fails to entertain on twitter.

Tonight is no exception, as the outspoken actor has had a couple of drinks and is ready to answer any question you have for him.

Rogers tweeted, "Sooooo ask me some "dum ass" stupid question. I've had a drink or three."

A fan took him up on that offer and asked the actor, "what would be your dream storyline if/when Robert would return to GH?"

Rogers answered, "Something that makes sense. So clearly it ain't going to happen."

I think he follows the General Hospital we all do!

Correction: An earlier version of this article stated Rogers deleted his answer to the above tweet.

Follow Serial Scoop on Twitter and Like Serial Scoop on Facebook

RELATED:
- Bradford Anderson Explains Surprising Spinelli Recast on 'General Hospital'
- Blake Berris Replaces Bradford Anderson As Spinelli on 'General Hospital'
- 'General Hospital' Spoilers (January 2-January 6, 2017)
- 'Another World' Alum to 'General Hospital'
- Bryan Craig Wants to Know If You Think He Should Return to 'General Hospital'
- Don Harvey On Rebecca Herbst: "I Had Such a Crush on Her"
- Tonja Walker Back to 'General Hospital'? (Updated)
- First Air Date Set for Matt Cohen on 'Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders'
- Donnell Turner Isn't Interested in Curtis Fighting Jason for Sam on 'General Hospital
- 'General Hospital' Creative Team Talks the Best of 2016

Daytime Ratings: All Soaps Up For the Week in Total Viewers

The Live + Same Day daytime ratings are in for December 19-December 23, 2016. According to Nielsen, Days of our Lives (+120,000), The Young and the Restless (+107,000), The Bold and the Beautiful (+48,000), and General Hospital (+54,000) were all up for the week in total viewers.

Meanwhile, Y&R (+35,000) B&B (+46,000), and GH (+9,000) were up in the women 18-49 demo.

Check out a breakdown below of the daytime soap opera Nielsen ratings by category: