As you are very aware, the serial drama genre, in the form of storytelling, is disappearing from daytime viewing in favour of 'reality' and 'talk' television. Actors, writers and crews of the family generational scripted drama are losing, not only their livliehood, but have been subject to disrespect by executives. The time-honoured craft of the daily serial drama will also soon be lost, forever. The 'stories' or 'soaps' focused on family, social and relationship issues, as well as some pretty interesting (and sometimes even contrived) storylines that gave viewers a look into a little bit of fantasy, intermingled with a lot of 'reel-life' drama of middle America. As a result of the rich history (especially with the P&G and CBS soaps) the 'stories' closely mirrored 'real-life' drama, that were pat of viewers daily life all over the world. Fans of soaps watched their 'stories' for decades; and also had pleasure in relating to the actors and their characters, not only on screen, but by the articles in print media and fan clubs.
When our 'soaps' disappeared, the fans of GL and ATWT wrote letters to CBS, P&G and signed petitions, held rallies, embraced campaigns to find new homes and basically 'mourned' the losses of daily 'pleasures'. For months, social media sites such as facebook and twitter were a welcome place where we could all get together and say, "We miss our soap. PLEASE bring it back". In February, after Oprah Winfrey expressed an interest in 'soaps', we started a group to ask Oprah to consider embracing ATWT and GL. We were looking for, at least, reruns of HQ full classic episodes (better than what is available on YouTube), or a soap talk show with Martha Byrne as host. We were not expecting the 'moon and the stars' ; but we also hoped that she could convince P&G to sell or lease the rights and perhaps even have 30 minute, once a week new production of our favourite shows. But then in April, just as we were about to approach Ms. Winfrey, there was a tremendous furor over the cancellation of two ABC soaps, and so Oprah said a resounding, "No" to helping the entire genre. Our group lent support to the coupon campaign and the efforts by many of the other ABC fan fb groups in getting the message across that the the fans were extremely upset. It was gratifying to see that even the Wall Street Journal ran a front-page article about saving the genre and the fan displeasure. Just as, several months later, ATWT and GL fans were getting ready to resume our efforts with P&G because we still didn't have an answer as to why they have refused to sell the rights to the shows, a new group was started in September 2011, Keeping As The World Turns Alive'. It was amazing to see that although ATWT was already gone from the television screen for one year, many of it's loyal and devoted fans found a warm, welcoming and special place to share their memories, trivia, fan fiction and just talk, talk, talk to each other about our As The World Turns. We have fun and are indeed 'keeping ATWT alive' for one another. But, we still wondered what was going on behind closed doors; and we optimistically hoped that something wonderful could happen. Reruns on cable or even DVDs would give fans their memories and would also should respect to the time-honoured family generational serial drama. I, personally also hoped for a deal similar to the Prospect Park plan with AMC and OLTL. I digress, but wouldn't it be great if ATWT and GL could be resurrected in some way on the net?
We still needed some indication that someone (anyone) could give some consideration and perhaps some acknowledgement that fans and the soaps that they loved, still matter. It would make a tremendous impact to millions of soap fans that are feeling that they are in 'limbo' with their daytime viewing preferences. Soap fans do not want talk shows or reality television, they want quality scripted continuing dramas.
And then, in early October, everything started to fall into place. It seemed as though, from one day to the next, we found out that Procter & Gamble had indeed sold the rights to their classic soaps; and that they would be distributing them internationally. Wow!!! We were not expecting that. So, yes, it was done behind closed doors; and I personally wanted to congratulate P&G for having come to the right decision. It was about time. A mere two weeks later, on Thursday October 13, 2011, it was announced, through We Love Soaps, that a DVD collection had been produced by soapclassics. Mark Yates and Broadway Video had made a deal with P&G and had now given fans an early Christmas present. And that is exactly what it is. I ordered my DVD set the first night; and am still waiting for it to arrive. What an absolutely wonderful way to start a reinvention of the soap opera genre. Oprah Winfrey - eat your heart out - you said, "no" and may now regret it. I am so happy that Mark Yates, Roger Newcomb and all the wonderful people who worked behind the scenes (I have a pretty good idea that one of my favourite actors from ATWT may also have been involved) had a vision for the future of As The World Turns and other classic soaps. These DVDs are not only very reasonably priced at $19.95 but they are high quality, remastered complete episodes, split into categories that bring back all the memories of one of the best 'soap operas' - ever. Fans can now relive their favourite Oakdale moments by buying the collection at http://www.soapclassics.com/. If fans show an interest (which they already have) then more DVDs will be produced. Who knows what the future will hold for fans of ATWT. KUDOS, from a devoted fan of fifty years. I am looking to the future of ATWT with a renewed sense of wonder and love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Angie T.
