"'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," ABC's head of daytime Brian Frons said in a statement. "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."
Under the new deal, the two soaps will live online and will be accessible via any Internet-enabled device. They'll be the same length and format, and, according to the press release, the same quality.
"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," saidRich Frank and and Jeff Kwatinetz of Prospect Park. "'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," the statement continued. "Now that there are so many devices available in addition to television sets, viewers are taking advantage of watching shows wherever 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."
"It takes a lot of living to make a soap opera a serial, and the wonderful teams on both shows have done just that," Nixon said in a statement. "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."
ABC is replacing 'All My Children' with 'The Chew' starting late September. The food and lifestyle program comes from veteran Food Network producer Gordon Elliot ('Paula Deen's Home Cooking,' 'Down Home With the Neelys') and will focus on every aspect of food.
The one-hour series will be hosted by Mario Batali, 'What Not to Wear' stylist Clinton Kelly, 'Top Chef' veteran Carla Hall, 'Iron Chef America' star Michael Symon and nutrition expert Daphne Oz.
When 'One Life to Live' leaves ABC in January, it'll be replaced by 'The Revolution,' a new healthy living/weight-loss series. Tim Gunn headlines the series with 'American Idol' contestant Kimberly Locke and fitness trainer Harley Pasternak alongside. The three regulars will be joined contributors to help transform people's lives.
Source: AOL TV
