Soap opera fans can breathe a huge sigh of relief. Two long-running ABC soaps headed for cancellation have been saved.
In April, ABC announced it would cancel “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” in order to make room for two new “The View”-like shows (because if there’s one thing television needs, it’s more shows like “The View”), according to the Washington Post. (Sex, violence, Islam: Syrian TV soap raises drama)
But viewers of the show need not be upset. Unless they don’t have Internet access. A Hollywood-based production company, Prospect Park, has announced it’ll continue both series online. ABC will still air the network’s final episodes of both soaps — “Children” in September and “One Life” in January — before the cast and crew of each show move to the online-only format.
“Each of the shows have made an indelible mark on our culture’s history and informed our consciousness in their own way,” Brian Frons, president of daytime television at ABC, said Thursday. “We are so glad Prospect Park has assumed the mantle for these shows and that they will continue for the fans.”
The new production company, Prospect Park, also produces USA network’s “Royal Pains” and the new FX show “Wilfred.”
Agnes Nixon, the creator of both of the saved soaps, said in a statement released Thursday that she is “so happy for our loyal fans, whom we love so much, and who have been so supportive.”
Both soaps have been on for more than 40 years, though declining ratings worried network executives at ABC enough that they couldn’t justify continuing them on air. “All My Children” debuted in 1970, and has starred Susan Lucci since its premiere. “One Life to Live” began its run in 1968.