'These Are My Children' Premiered 66 Years Ago Today, Daytime TV's First Soap Opera

Soap Comes to TV

Pathfinder News Magazine
February 9, 1949

Last week television caught the dread disease of radio–soapoperaitis. It happened in Chicago, which holds, rather bashfully, undisputed claim as originator of radio's daytime serials.

What Chicago viewers saw over station WNBQ was the first in a daily series of 15-minute capsule dramas called These Are My Children. The camera focused first on the widowed Mother Henehan, and with her thumbed through an old family album to introduce the characters who will form the framework for the Henehans' lives, loves and family troubles.

Temptation. Whether soap opera on television can coax housewives to leave their domestic duties to watch a small screen was a question yet to be answered. But if anything will catch the housewife's eye, These Are My Children, written by 47-year-old Irna Phillips,* should do the trick. In 18 years and 30 million words she has probably brought more tears and laughter to more women than any other daytime serial writer.

'General Hospital' Sneak Peek: Bomb on the Boat!

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC.

The latest promo for ABC soap opera General Hospital teases, "We can only keep a secret for so long. Time's up." Who will be trapped when the Haunted Star blows up? Will Fluke's (Anthony Geary) identity finally be revealed? How about Jake's (Billy Miller)? What will Franco (Roger Howarth) do when he sees Heather (Robin Mattson)? Will Johnny (Brandon Barash) shoot Sonny (Maurice Benard)? Stay tuned during #GHFanFeb. In the meantime, watch the new ad promoting the week of February 2-6 below:

Lifetime Movie 'Beautiful & Twisted' Premieres Tonight, Stars Rob Lowe, Paz Vega and Candice Bergen

Rob Lowe and Paz Vega star in the all-new Lifetime Original Movie, Beautiful & Twisted, premiering
January 31, 2015 at 8pm ET/PT on Lifetime. Photo by Jack Zeman Copyright 2014

Rob Lowe (The West Wing, Parks and Recreation), Paz Vega (Spanglish, Grace of Monaco) and Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Candice Bergen (Murphy Brown) star in the Lifetime Original Movie Beautiful & Twisted. The true story of a couple’s obsession, jealousy and greed, which ends in one of the most notorious cold-blooded murders in recent history, Beautiful & Twisted premieres Saturday, January 31 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.

Indie Series Awards Nomination Special Teaser

Join Serial Scoop Now on Wednesday, February 4 at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT for a special episode where we exclusively reveal the nominees for the 6th Annual Indie Series Awards.



RELATED:
* 'Days of our Lives' Star Eric Martsolf to Host 6th Annual Indie Series Awards on April 1
* 6th Annual Indie Series Awards Ceremony to be Held on April 1 at the Historic El Portal Theatre

'Days of our Lives': The Story of Paul Narita, Sonny Kiriakis & Will Horton (Part 9)

"If it were easy, I would have done it a long time ago," Paul tells Will about coming out.

The love triangle involving Will, Paul and Sonny on Days of our Lives continues. Baseball player Paul Narita (played by Christopher Sean) arrived in Salem to secretly get his torn rotator cuff fixed, and soon ran into former love, Sonny Kiriakis (Freddie Smith). While Sonny's husband, Will Horton (Guy Wilson), was secretly writing an article on Paul, they began having an affair. Paul now seems ready to come out to the world, and Will feels guilty over his indiscretion. What will happen next?

Catch up on Part 1 (November 7-14, 2014), Part 2 (November 18-26, 2014), Part 3 (December 1-11, 2014), Part 4 (December 16-19, 2014), Part 5 (December 22-26, 2014), Part 6 (December 29, 2014-January 2, 2015), Part 7 (January 5-9, 2015) and Part 8 (from January 12-16, 2015) of the story, and then watch it continue below with episodes from January 19-29, 2015.

'The Young and the Restless' Releases Fever Rising February Promo

A new CBS promo for Y&R teases fevers are rising in February.

The latest promo for CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless promises your fever will rise during February and makes it case with shots of some of the show's sexiest stars.

Check out the new Y&R promo below for a sneak peek.

'The Bold and the Beautiful' Spoilers: Brooke and Caroline Battle Over Ridge + Vintage Usher Moments

Ridge (Thorsten Kaye), Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang), Caroline (Linsey Godfrey).

During the week of February 2-6 on The Bold and The Beautiful, Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) and Caroline (Linsey Godfrey) fight over Ridge (Thorsten Kaye).

Check out a new B&B promo below for a sneak peek.

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers: Sonny's Life Hangs in the Balance After Brutal Attack

Will (Guy Wilson), Victor (John Aniston), Adrienne (Judi Evans)

Days of our Lives' Victor Kiriakis (John Aniston) had his nemesis taken out and now his family pays the price. Victor's nephew, Sonny (Freddie Smith), is brutally attacked during the week on February 2-6, leaving him in grave condition at Salem University Hospital.

Watch a new Days promo below for a sneak peek:

Hallmark Movie 'A Wish Come True' Premieres Tonight, Stars Megan Park, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Anthony Lemke

Benjamin Hollingsworth, Megan Park -- Photo Credit: Copyright 2014 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Christos Kalohoridis

Hallmark Channel Original Movie A Wish Come True premieres on Saturday, January 31 at 8 p.m, ET/PT. The film stars Megan Park (The Secret Life of the American Teenager), Benjamin Hollingsworth (Lucky in Love) and Anthony Lemke (Witches of East End). The cast includes Oluniké Adeliyi, Aidan Shipley, Dean Armstrong, Jennifer Dale, Ron Lea, Karen Cliche and Dean Cain, who makes a special appearance as himself.

On the night of her 30th birthday, Lindsay Corwin, an unlucky environmentalist with a string of bad relationships, decides to make the ultimate wish: for all of her birthday wishes to come true. When her nearly three decades of wishes, including everything from losing weight to meeting Mr. Right, start magically coming true all at once, Lindsay is awestruck—until she realizes the life and the man, she’s always wished for might not be the one she really wants.

Watch a sneak peek below:

'Nashville: On the Record 2' Will Air March 25, Deana Carter Added to Lineup

Deana Carter and Charles Esten

The Nashville: On the Record 2 special will air Wednesday, March 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Deana Carter has been added to the star-studded roster, singing a duet she co-wrote with Charles Esten for Nashville entitled, “I Know How to Love You Now.”

Direct from Nashville’s world famous Grand Ole Opry House, cast members of ABC’s acclaimed primetime series Nashville will take the stage to perform songs from the show and provide candid interviews backstage. The featured cast scheduled to appear includes Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Will Chase, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio, Maisy Stella, Lennon Stella and Aubrey Peeples. Superstar guest Reba will make an appearance at the special taping to perform her first single on Nash Icon Records, “Going Out Like That,” which took the #1 spot on iTunes Country Top Songs in the US and Canada upon release.

Nashville: On The Record 2 at the Grand Ole Opry House will tape on Saturday, January 31.

ABC Digital Media Studio’s On the Record is a documentary web series that follows the life of original songs performed on Nashville written by singer/songwriters in the music scene, from the songs’ inception to on-air premiere. The series offers an intimate look into the songwriting process, from guitar demo to music video and all the steps in between.

Nashville stars Connie Britton as Rayna Jaymes, Hayden Panettiere as Juliette Barnes, Clare Bowen as Scarlett O’Connor, Chris Carmack as Will Lexington, Will Chase as Luke Wheeler, Eric Close as Teddy Conrad, Charles Esten as Deacon Claybourne, Oliver Hudson as Jeff Fordham, Jonathan Jackson as Avery Barkley, Sam Palladio as Gunnar Scott, Maisy Stella as Daphne Conrad and Lennon Stella as Maddie Conrad.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan Joins 'Extant' Season 2 Cast as JD Richter

Jeffrey Dean Morgan - Photo Credit: Mitch Jenkins

Jeffrey Dean Morgan has been cast as a series regular in the CBS summer drama series Extant, starring Academy Award winner Halle Berry, from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television and CBS Television Studios.

Morgan will play JD Richter, a roguish womanizer and a cop of the future who is a mercenary/bounty hunter. He is free-wheeling, hard-drinking and fearless, bordering on reckless, mostly because he's got nothing to lose. He is the everyman who thought he had seen everything until Molly Woods (Halle Berry) enters his life. The second season will premiere in summer 2015.

Extant is a serialized mystery thriller about female astronaut Molly Woods, who discovers she has unwittingly put the human race on a path to destruction, and that she and a mysterious stranger may be the only hope for survival.

Morgan’s television credits include Magic City, Grey’s Anatomy and the upcoming miniseries Texas Rising. His feature film credits include Watchmen, P.S. I Love You and the upcoming Bus 657, alongside Robert DeNiro.

'Gotham' Spoilers: February Episode Preview

Robin Lord Taylor plays Oswald Chesterfield "Penguin" Cobblepot in Gotham.

FOX is airing four new episodes of Gotham during February. Below is a preview of what's coming up:

February 2 - Alliances will be tested. The fearsome secret origin of iconic Super-Villain The Scarecrow is revealed.

'Empire' Spoilers: February Episode Preview

Jussie Smollett and Taraji P. Henson star in Empire.

Empire, the hottest show on television, ignites in February with four all-new episodes guaranteed to have fans screaming howling at their screens every Wednesday night.

Below is a preview of what's coming up:

February 4 - After receiving an ominous "gift," Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) takes drastic measures when she fears her prison past has come back to haunt her.

NBC to Air Promos for 'The Blacklist', 'Odyssey', 'Undateable' and 'The Voice' During Super Bowl

Ads for The Blacklist, The Voice, Odyssey and Undateable will run during the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl XLIX will deliver the most viewers of any television event of the year, so it makes sense NBC is using this enormous audience platform to promote many of its current, midseason and fall series.

Among the highlights:

The Blacklist spot (30 seconds) features Red Reddington (James Spader), who remains stoically calm amongst a sea of explosions and automotive chaos. “The Blacklist” airs the first of an electrifying two-part episode immediate following the Super Bowl before moving to its new 9 p.m. Thursday timeslot beginning February 5.

USA Network Will Unveil 15 Second 'DIG' Ad During Super Bowl

Anne Heche stars in DIG.

USA Network announced today that it will unveil a Super Bowl spot for DIG, its highly anticipated 10-episode event series, premiering March 5 at 10 p.m. ET. The :15 second spot will feature clips from the international production and series stars including Golden Globe nominee Jason Isaacs (Awake) and Emmy Award-winner Anne Heche (Save Me, Another World).

DIG is executive produced by Tim Kring (Heroes) and Gideon Raff (Homeland).

Check out a new behind the scenes interview with Anne Heche below:

'General Hospital' Sneak Peek: Sam Explains the Phoenix Trinket to Jake

Sam explains the significance of the [hoenix trinket to Jake. Photo Credit: ABC

During the week of February 2-6 to on ABC soap opera General Hospital, danger lurks around every corner. At the PCPD, Sam (Kelly Monaco) wants answers from "Jake" (Billy Miller).

"You want to know what's so important about this worthless trinket?" Sam asks.

"I didn't say it was worthless," Jake replies.

"It was a gift from me to my husband," Sam explains. "We gave them to each other after the first Christmas we were married. You see this?"

"Uh huh," sighs Jake

"This is me," Sam says.

"You're a Phoenix?" Jake asks.

"Jason had it with him when Faison – the guy you helped escape – shot him in the back, kicked him in the water, and left him there to drown," Sam adds with a broken voice.

Watch a sneak peek of their conversation below:

'Glee' Spoilers: February Episode Preview

Jane Lynch stars as Sue Sylvester in Glee.

Glee continues its final season with new episodes in each of the next four weeks. Below is a preview of what's coming up:

January 30 - The new New Directions has its first group performance, and Sue (Jane Lynch) steps up her plans to reunite Kurt (Chris Colfer) and Blaine (Darren Criss).

ABC Dominates the First Night of the February Sweep with the Return of TGIT

A total of 3.7 million people in the U.S. saw over 527,000 Tweets about Scandal on Thursday, according to Nielsen.

Featuring the return of its TGIT lineup for the first time in over 2 months (since 11/20/14), ABC dominated the opening night of the February Sweep in Adults 18-49 (3.1/10), beating original schedules on CBS by 35% (2.3/7 = 8:00-10:00 p.m. comedies/Elementary), Fox by 72% (1.8/5 = American Idol/Backstrom) and NBC by 107% (1.5/5 = Biggest Loser finale/Parenthood series finale). ABC’s Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder and Grey’s returned as Thursday’s Top 3 dramas. ABC ranked No. 1 in 5 of 6 half-hours of prime in the key sales demo.

mun2 Becomes NBC Universo on Sunday, February 1

NBCUniversals Hispanic cable network mun2 transitions to become NBC Universo – the company's modern general entertainment cable channel for Latinos – on Sunday, February 1, the day it airs the exclusive Spanish-language telecast of Super Bowl XLIX. NBC Universo viewers who subscribe to DIRECTV will be able to view all of the network’s programming – including Super Bowl XLIX – in HD, as the satellite provider will offer HD carriage of the channel beginning today, Jan. 30. DIRECTV is the first Pay TV provider to offer NBC Universo in HD, and the network continues to have conversations with all of its distributor partners.

NBC Universo is also announcing new programming beginning on February 1, and through the winter and spring seasons.

The Africa Channel Designates February as 'Elders Month'

The Africa Channel announced today it is designating February as "Elders Month," acknowledging the accomplishments and lost stories of people whose contributions, no matter how seemingly small, continue to create the foundations of our families and local and global communities.

The Africa Channel's "Elders Month" celebration will be highlighted by more than 50 short-form vignettes created by up-and-coming filmmakers from the United States and Africa. The vignettes will spotlight people from all walks of life who have made a difference.

The network said it will continue the elder's campaign after February as a year-round initiative to spur community involvement and engagement around the country.

Lee Gaither, general manager/executive vice president, The Africa Channel, said: "Not every life well lived ends up in history books. The purpose of Elders Month, and our ongoing elder's initiative, is to recognize everyday heroes and encourage people to make a difference in their communities."

'Parenthood' Series Finale Sneak Peek

Pictured: (l-r) Erika Christensen as Julia Braverman-Graham, Peter Krause as Adam Braverman, Bonnie Bedelia as Camille Braverman, Craig T. Nelson as Zeek Braverman, Lauren Graham as Sarah Braverman, Dax Shepard as Crosby Braverman -- Photo by: Justin Lubin/NBC

The series finale episode of Parenthood ("May God Bless and Keep You Always") airs on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

In the excitement of her big day, Sarah (Lauren Graham) surrounds herself with the original Braverman clan. Meanwhile, Hank (Ray Romano) approaches Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) for his blessing and asks Drew (Miles Heizer) for a special favor. Amber (Mae Whitman) adjusts to life as a new mom with a little help from her grandparents. Julia (Erika Christensen) and Joel (Sam Jaeger) get a phone call that forces a life-changing decision. Max (Max Burkholder) gets his first job, while Crosby (Dax Shepard) and Adam (Peter Krause) reach an understanding about the Luncheonette. Kristina (Monica Potter) presents Adam with a new plan for the future of Chambers Academy, and for their family.

Watch a sneak peek below:

'Scandal' Is Back Tonight. Who Took Olivia? (Sneak Peek)

Scandal returns tonight. Photo Credit: ABC

Scandal returns tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. The winter premiere episode ("Run") picks up right where the finale left off, this time from Olivia's point of view.

Exactly what happened when Jake went to the bedroom? Who took Olivia and where did she go? The fight of Olivia's life begins.

Watch a sneak peek below:

'Grey's Anatomy' Returns Tonight (Sneak Peek)

Grey's Anatomy returns tonight. Photo Credit: ABC

Meredith and April are business as usual at the hospital despite turmoil in their personal lives in tonight's return of Grey's Anatomy, airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In the episode, titled "Where Do We Go From Here," as Derek prepares for his move to DC, Meredith keeps herself busy at the hospital. Meanwhile, Jackson and April deal with difficult news, and Arizona and Amelia discuss how to best approach Dr. Herman.

Watch a sneak peek below:

'How to Get Away with Murder' Returns Tonight (Sneak Peek)

How to Get Away with Murder returns tonight. Photo Credit: ABC

The search for Sam begins on the return of How to Get Away with Murder, airing tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In the episode, titled "Hello Raskolnikov," it's the day after Sam's murder and the students are called in to help Annalise find her missing husband, but just how much does Annalise know? And when a surprise visitor shows up in town, getting away with this murder might not be as easy as the students had hoped.

Watch a sneak peek below:

Season 2 of 'Salem' Premieres April 5 on WGN America

WGN America released this first look photo from Salem Season 2.

WGN America has set the premiere date for the highly anticipated second season of its hit supernatural thriller Salem, which will make its return on Sunday, April 5 at 10 p.m. ET. The network also released the first-look photo from the new season of Salem, currently in production in Shreveport, LA for its 13-episode sophomore run, featuring recurring guest stars Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess, Spartacus) and Stuart Townsend (Betrayal, The League of Extraordinary Gentleman).

Kyle Dean Massey Joins 'Nashville' as Openly Gay Country Singer

Kyle Dean Massey

Kyle Dean Massey will been cast as an openly gay country singer on ABC's Nashville.

The Broadway star has landed a recurring role in the musical drama series as Kevin Bicks, a successful singer-songwriter who also happens to be gay, according to Deadline.

Katie Holmes Lands Major Guest Starring Role in 'Ray Donovan'

Katie Holmes will appear in a major guest starring role in the upcoming third season of the hit Showtime drama series Ray Donovan.

Holmes will play shrewd and chic businesswoman Paige, the daughter of billionaire producer Andrew Finney (Ian McShane), who enlists Ray’s services. Ray Donovan is the network’s second highest-rated drama series following Homeland, and is currently in production on the third season’s twelve episodes in Los Angeles.

'Empire' Premiere Surpasses 20 Million Viewers

With all available data to date, FOX musical drama Empire is…
o The #1 new series – and broadcast drama – among Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34 and Adults 25-54 this season
o The #1 series overall among African-American viewers Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34, and Adults 25-54
o The #1 new series and broadcast drama among Hispanic Adults 18-49 (English language)
o The #2 new series among Men 18-49 and Men 18-34 (behind only Gotham)

· In fact, Episode 1 of Empire has already drawn a Multi-Platform audience of 20.4 Million, a +106% gain versus Live + Same Day delivery – and that’s only in the first 15 days.



The Lee Daniels-produced drama, which stars Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, has already been renewed for second season by FOX.

Tony Stark Played Kevin Collins on Wednesday's 'General Hospital'

Tony Stark as Dr. Kevin Collins on General Hospital.

The role of Dr. Kevin Collins on ABC soap opera General Hospital was played by Tony Stark on Wednesday. After Jake (Billy Miller) bailed on his session with Kevin, Carly (Laura Wright) learned Jake had never met with Kevin before.

Jon Lindstrom, who has played the role on and off on both GH and spin-off series Port Charles, was unavailable on the day of the shoot because he was busy at this new gig on the upcoming second season of HBO's True Detective.

Watch Stark in the role of Kevin on GH in the video below:

Elizabeth Hendrickson Keeping in Touch with Fans Via Peeppl Videos

Elizabeth Hendrickson

Since leaving The Young and the Restless and her role as Chloe, Elizabeth Hendrickson has been keeping in touch with fans via video on the new social platform, Peeppl. On her latest PEEP, she takes a request from a fan to sing him Happy Birthday while playing the ukulele! Fans can respond to her requests for video content and vote on what original video she shoots next.

Peeppl (www.peeppl.com) is a platform that lets Hendrickson's fans interact with her directly and vote on the videos she makes; fans can sign up to follow her so that they get advance notice of her PEEPS (video posts). Peeps are crowd-sourced videos – a great source of unique content exclusive to each celebrity.

Brianna Brown Returning to 'Devious Maids' for Season 3

Brianna Brown

Indie Series Award nominee Brianna Brown (General Hospital, Adults Only) is returning to Lifetime's Devious Maids as a series regular in season three.

Brown tweeted the news, "Excited to return to Devious Maids!”

Brown will reprise her role of trophy wife Taylor Stappord, former employer-turned-pal to Marisol (Ana). She was a regular for season one, then returned for an episode in the second season.

There's no word yet if Taylor will be accompanied by her husband, Michael, last portrayed by Brett Cullen.

Eileen Davidson, Whitney Cummings and Jeffrey Christopeher Todd Visit 'Watch What Happens Live' (Video)

Pictured: (l-r) Eileen Davidson and Jeffrey Christopher Todd -- Photo by: Charles Sykes/Bravo

Tuesday night's episode of Watch What Happens Live on Bravo featured Eileen Davidson (The Young and the Restless, Days of our Lives, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), Whitney Cummings (Whitney) and guest bartender Jeffrey Christopher Todd (The Young and the Restless).

Check out more photos and watch a clip from the episode below:

Andy Mientus and Roger Howarth Guest Star in 'The Flash' Tonight

Andy Mientus as the Pied Piper. Photo Credit: The CW

Broadway star Andy Mientus and General Hospital's Roger Howarth guest star in tonight's new episode of The Flash ("The Sound and the Fury"), airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.

Dr. Wells' (Tom Cavanagh) former protégée, Hartley Rathaway (guest star Andrew Mientus), returns to seek revenge on his mentor after being affected by the particle accelerator explosion. Now able to manipulate sound waves, the brilliant Rathaway is a dangerous threat to both Wells and The Flash (Grant Gustin). Meanwhile, Iris (Candice Patton) is thrilled when she's hired by the Central City Picture News as their newest cub reporter.

Unfortunately, her editor (guest star Tom Butler) pairs her with a veteran reporter, Mason Bridge (Roger Howarth), who wants nothing to do with her. Cisco (Carlos Valdes) recalls his first day on the job at S.T.A.R. Labs when he met Hartley and Caitlin (Danielle Panabaker). Joe (Jesse L. Martin) asks Eddie (Rick Cosnett) for a favor but asks him to keep it a secret from Barry.

Watch a sneak peek of "The Sound and the Fury" below:

Nick Jonas Joins FOX's Upcoming Comedy-Horror Anthology Series 'Scream Queens'

Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas (Kingdom) has been cast in a recurring role in Scream Queens, a new comedy-horror anthology series from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Ian Brennan and Dante Di Loreto, the executive producers of Glee and American Horror Story.

Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween), Emma Roberts (American Horror Story: Freak Show), Joe Manganiello (True Blood), Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nominee Lea Michele (Glee), Academy Award nominee Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) and Keke Palmer (Akeela and the Bee) were previously announced in starring roles in the limited series. Additionally, Grammy Award nominee and actress Ariana Grande will guest-star in a recurring role.

'Days of our Lives' Alum James Scott Joins TBS Pilot 'Wrecked'

James Scott

TBS has revealed the cast for Wrecked, a comedy pilot from from writers Justin Shipley and Jordan Shipley and producer Jesse Haraabout a group of people learning to live on a remote island after a plane crash.

James Scott, who most recently played EJ DiMera on NBC soap opera Days of our Lives, will portray Liam, a confident, charismatic, appealing, natural leader and seemingly the most handsome man in the world — even after a plane crash. He's done 10 years with British special forces, military police before that and now campaigns for human rights for child war refugees.

'Serial Scoop Now': Jeffrey Christopher Todd

Jeffrey Christopher Todd as Tobias in The Young and the Restless.

Jeffrey Christopher Todd made his stage debut when he was 8 years old playing Kenickie in a summer camp production of Grease. From that moment on, he wanted to become an actor. After graduating from Hamilton High School's Academy of Music, he studied theatre (among other things) at Northwestern University. He then moved to New York City and performed in numerous Off-Broadway and regional theatre productions before returning home to Los Angeles to pursue a career in theatre, TV and film.

He has appeared in feature films and television shows including Switched at Birth, Free Agents, Not Another High School Show, Tunnel Rats and Polar Opposites. He also guest-starred on Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place, hilariously playing Jeffrey Jefferies opposite Selena Gomez.

Eileen Davidson and Jeffrey Christopher Todd

For the past two months, he has starred as Tobias on CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless, a lab technician working at Jabot for Ashley Abbott (Emmy winner Eileen Davidson) but spying for her ex-husband and business rival, Victor Newman (Emmy winner Eric Braeden). Todd was once an intern at Y&R working with former producer Ed Scott.

Todd flew to New York this week to shoot an appearance on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live!, which airs on Tuesday, January 27 at 11 p.m. ET. He will be joined on the show by Y&R co-star Eileen Davidson (who also stars in Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) as well as Whitney Cummings.

While in New York, Todd spoke with Serial Scoop Now about his love for acting, working with Y&R legends Braeden and Davidson, what the future may hold for Tobias (#SaveTobias), his upcoming appearances and much more. Get to know the talented young actor in our latest episode (1.03) below:



Jeffrey Christopher Todd's upcoming appearances:

Watch What Happens Live!
(with Eileen Davidson and Whitney Cummings)
Bravo
Tuesday, January 27, 11 p.m. ET

"Romeo and Juliet: Love is a Battlefield"
Written & Directed by Bradley Bredeweg (Creator/Executive Producer of "The Fosters" on ABC Family)
Opens Saturday, February 14 (Valentine's Day)
Rockwell Table and Stage

"Kritzerland Cabaret: The Songs of Jerome Kern"
Upstairs at the Federal
Monday, February 2

Follow Jeffrey Christopher Todd on Twitter @JeffreyTod. Check out his official website at jeffreychristophertodd.com.

Liam to Steffy in New 'Bold and the Beautiful' Promo: "It's So Good to See You"

Jacqueline MacInnes Wood returns to The Bold and the Beautiful this week as Steffy Forrester.

Things start with a bang, and end with a bombshell this week on CBS soap opera The Bold and The Beautiful. Check out a new B&B promo below for a glimpse at Steffy Forrester's (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) return.

'The Young and the Restless' Sneak Peek: Victor Stabs Phyllis With a Needle

Dylan plans on taking care of Joe.  Will Joe end up dead?

In a new promo for CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless, Victor (Eric Braeden) picks up a needle and stabs Phyllis (Gina Tognoni) in a scene so silly and over the top it must be someone's dream or hallucination. Y&R has been guilty on multiple occasions lately of airing an over-the-top or super-sexy promo only to have it turn out to be a dream or fantasy sequence. In this case, that would be better than the scene actually taking place.

It has been years since the writers at Y&R have really understood what makes Victor Newman tick, instead portraying him as a supervillain a la James Stenbeck (As the World Turns) or Stefano DiMera (Days of our Lives). In the upcoming scene, Victor is in Helena Cassadine (General Hospital) territory.

"Maybe it's a good idea if you went back into a coma," Victor tells Phyllis in the promo before grabbing a needle to thrust into her hand as she lets out her trademark scream. That's when she'll wake up or snap out of it, right? This can't possibly actually take place.

Watch a sneak peek below and let us know if you think this is a dream.

'General Hospital' Sneak Peek: Can Ava Help Julian Find a Way Out?

Ava Jerome (Maura West), Julian Jerome (William deVry)

During the week of January 26-30 to on ABC soap opera General Hospital, Julian (William deVry) fills Ava (Maura West) in on his theory that "Fluke" is actually Bill Eckert.

"Luke Spencer and Bill Eckert were cousins, looking nearly identical, and this Bill Eckert was supposed to have died?" Ava asks.

"Shot by Frank Smith's men when they were trying to kill Luke," Julian explains.

When Julian tells her he's worried about Lucas and needs a way to get to him, Ava has an idea.

Watch a sneak peek of their conversation below:

Lifetime Movie 'With This Ring' Premieres Tonight, Stars Regina Hall, Jill Scott and Eve Jeffers Cooper

Brooklyn Sudano (“Elise”), and Regina Hall (“Trista”) star in the all-new Lifetime Original Movie, With This Ring, premiering Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime. Photo by Bob Mahoney Copyright 2015

Lifetime Original Movie With This Ring premieres Saturday, January 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Regina Hall (Think Like a Man Too) and Grammy Award winners Jill Scott (Get On Up, Steel Magnolias) and Eve Jeffers Cooper (Whip It, Barbershop) star as three single friends who vow to get married within a year after attending their best friend's wedding. The romantic comedy is based on the best seller "The Vow" by Denene Millner, Angela Burt-Murray and Mitzi Miller. The cast includes Brooklyn Sudano (My Wife and Kids), NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders (Deion's Family Playbook), Stephen Bishop (Being Mary Jane), Jason George (Grey's Anatomy, Sunset Beach) and Brian White (The Night Before).

Hallmark Movie 'Love By The Book' Premieres Tonight, Stars Leah Renee, Ryan Bittle, Kristopher Turner, John Schneider, Stefanie Powers

Leah Renee and Kristopher Turner in Love By The Book. Photo Credit: Copyright 2013 Crown Media
United States, LLC/Photographer: Bryan Sheffied

Hallmark Channel Original Movie Love By The Book premieres on Saturday, January 24 at 9 p.m, ET/PT. The film stars Leah Renee (The Playboy Club, Satisfaction), Kristopher Turner (Instant Star, Saving Hope), Ryan Bittle (All My Children, A Christmas Mystery), John Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville, The Haves and the Have Nots) and Stefanie Powers (Hart to Hart).

After a childhood filled with reading fairytales, bookstore owner Emma (Renee) believes in handsome princes and happily ever afters. Unlike her happily married coworker Marilyn (Powers), Emma has yet to be swept away by her own prince charming.

'Dynasty' Reunion on 'Home & Family' January 26 Will Feature Pamela Sue Martin, John James, Al Corley, Gordon Thomson & Pamela Bellwood

© 2014 Crown Media United States, LLC
Alexx Henry Studios, LLC / Jeremy Lee

On Monday, January 26, Home & Family hosts a special Dynasty reunion with Pamela Sue Martin (Fallon Carrington), John James (Jeff Colby), Al Corley (Steven Carrington), Gordon Thomson (Adam Carrington) and Pamela Bellwood (Claudia Blaisdel Carrington).

Watch a sneak peek below as they reminisce and share stories:

Hayley Erin Joins 'General Hospital' as New Kiki Jerome

Hayley Erin

Hayley Erin has joined the cast of ABC soap opera General Hospital as the new Kiki Jerome, according to Daytime Confidential. Erin replaces Emmy winner Kristen Alderson, who decided not to renew her contract with GH.

Erin played the role of Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) and Ashley Abbott’s (Eileen Davidson) daughter, Abby (Carlton) Newman, from 2008-2010 on Y&R. She was replaced by Emme Rylan, who now plays Lulu Spencer Falconeri on GH.

The 20-year-old actress has also appeared in TV series such as Austin & Ally, Melissa & Joey, The Glades and Emily's Reasons Why Not.

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* 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Nominees Include 'Days of our Lives,' 'General Hospital,' 'How to Get Away with Murder.' 'The Fosters'

30th Annual Artios Awards Winners include 'General Hospital,' 'Orange is the New Black,' 'Fargo' and 'Breaking Bad'

General Hospital's Mark Teschner was among the winners at
the 30th Annual Artios Awards.

The Casting Society of America's 30th Annual Artios Awards took place at simultaneous ceremonies Thursday night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles and 42West in New York City.

Because the annual awards show made the move this year from its usual November date to a new date in January, the eligibility period for film projects was expanded for this awards year only to include films released theatrically from July 1, 2013 through Dec. 31, 2014.

The Los Angeles ceremony was hosted by Patton Oswalt, while Michael Urie hosted in New York.

The complete list of film, television and theater winners follows:

Feature Film Big Budget Comedy
“The Wolf of Wall Street,” Ellen Lewis

'Grimm' to Support Portland's OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital With Grimmster Endowment

The cast and crew of the NBC drama Grimm, which is set and filmed in Portland, Oregon, are supporting OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital with the establishment of the Grimmster Endowment.

“Over the past few years, my fellow cast and crew members and I have fallen in love with the city. Since Portland has given us so much, we wanted to give something back,” said Sasha Roiz, who plays Captain Sean Renard on Grimm. “The cast visited OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital not long after coming to Portland, and we were moved by the families, the kids and everything the hospital does to ensure that patients receive the best possible care in a supportive, family-centered environment. We also were made aware of the hospital’s areas of greatest need, which inspired us to establish the Grimmster Endowment, a patient-assistance fund that provides children and families critical support associated with uncompensated care, travel, lodging and other services integral to the care and comfort of the most vulnerable patients.”

Millennials Stream Comedies, Generation X DVRs Dramas & Other Generational Viewing Generalizations (Report)

According to part two of the results from the second NATPE||Content First and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) joint research study on consumer attitudes toward television viewing, greater opportunities exist for content creators and content rights holders as consumers continue to embrace and seek out streamed content. The study found that viewers who stream TV programs say they have more positive impressions of the quality and variety of TV content available to them, and are more willing to try a greater variety of programs.

CEA and NATPE commissioned the study, conducted by E-Poll Market Research, to evaluate the TV content distribution landscape, explore the dynamics at play against the background of exploding consumer choices, and determine how consumers find TV content and view it across different platforms. The results were presented during a special panel session at NATPE||Miami, taking place at the Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach January 20 - 22.

Kristian Alfonso and John J. York Featured in "Skip the Drama" PSAs

Kristian Alfonso

A national PSA campaign hopes that – for 37 million Americans – that includes getting a diploma.

Kristian Alfonso (Hope Brady, Days of our Lives) and John J. York (Mac Scorpio, General Hospital) are helping to address this issue with two fun new public service ads (PSAs) produced with the Ad Council.

The ads draw a humorous parallel between the drama of a soap opera and the drama of not having a high school equivalency credential.

John J. York

The High School Equivalency campaign encourages young adults without a high school diploma to take the first steps toward a better future by signing up for free adult education classes in their area. More than 37 million adults in America do not have a high school diploma. Data shows that adults without a diploma tend to work multiple jobs in the least stable positions, earn less money than high school graduates, and experience a lower quality of life. The PSAs encourage viewers to “skip the drama” and earn their high school equivalency.

Watch the "Skip the Drama" ads below:

Anne Kirkbride Dead at 60

Anne Kirkbride

Anne Kirkbride, who played Deirdre Barlow for more than 40 years on the long-running British soap opera Coronation Street, has died. She was 60.

"There are no words to describe the sense of grief we feel at Anne's passing," executive producer Kieran Roberts said in the post. "We know only too acutely how much Anne meant to the millions of people who watched her create the legendary character of Deirdre Barlow."

Kirkbride first showed up on Coronation Street, the world's longest-running active television soap opera, in 1972 as a teenager with a handful of lines. Within a few years, she had entered into a short-lived marriage with one character and then a romance and marriage with another, Ken Barlow (William Roache, who'd been on the show since its inception in 1960).

'Megachurch Murder' Premieres February 7 on Lifetime, Stars Tamala Jones, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Michael Beach, Shanica Knowles, Romeo Miller, Corbin Bleu and Dawnn Lewis

(L to R) Corbin Bleu and Michael Beach star in the all-new movie Megachurch Murder, premiering Saturday, February 7 at 8pm ET/PT on Lifetime. Photo by Toni Scott Copyright 2015

Lifetime Original Movie Megachurch Murder premieres Saturday, February 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The film stars Tamala Jones (Castle), Malcolm-Jamal Warner (The Cosby Show), Michael Beach (Sons of Anarchy), Shanica Knowles (Jump In!), Romeo Miller (Honey), Corbin Bleu (One Life to Live) and Dawnn Lewis (A Different World).

Inspired by Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and set in a modern African American church, Megachurch Murder tells the story of Hannah's (Knowles) life going off the rails after her father, Hamilton Spears (Warner) passes away in a cycling accident. The only thing keeping Hannah’s life together is her new boyfriend, Oliver (Miller). Hannah soon finds evidence pointing to a church conspiracy and threats towards her father, determined to prove that Hamilton’s death was in fact murder. As she gets closer to the truth, she realizes her own mother, Martha (Jones) and her boyfriend’s father, Clay (Beach) may be involved in the death of her father.

The cast includes Nic Robuck (One Life to Live), Stephen Snedden (The Lone Gunemen) and Rachel Perry.

Check out more photos from Megachurch Murder below along with a behind the scenes video.