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Since NBC pulled the plug on Another World after 35 years last week, citing anemic ratings, USA TODAY asked Soap Opera Digest executive editor Carolyn Hinsey to check the vital
signs of network TV's 11 daytime dramas:Show, viewers as of
May 26.
All My Children, ABC
Total: 4.5 million
Women 18-49: 2 million
Strengths: Emmy-winning (finally!) diva Susan Lucci and
fan-favorite couples like Tad and Dixie, Hayley and Mateo.
Weaknesses: Head writer Megan McTavish was recently fired.
Prognosis: Improving. With the return of AMC creator
and soap legend Agnes Nixon as head writer, a good sign, "all
should be well," Hinsey says.
As the World Turns, CBS
Total: 4.7 million
Women 18-49: 1.4 million
Strengths: New executive producer Christopher Goutman, formerly
at NBC's Another World. "He made Another World
infinitely more watchable," Hinsey says. "That's a good sign
for ATWT."
Weaknesses: Too many isolated characters viewers don't care about and not enough romance. "I don't think I've seen a love scene on that show in six months," Hinsey says.
Prognosis: Improving. The crossover of four characters (Jake, Victoria, Cass and Lila) from just-canceled Another World could goose ratings.
The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Total: 5.6 million
Women 18-49: 1.5 million
Strengths: This focused drama about warring families in the fashion industry has the strongest teen story line (Amber and Rick) in daytime. Good production values make it one of the best-looking shows on television.
Weaknesses: It's only a half-hour show, Hinsey complains.
Prognosis: Very good. B&B is ranked No. 2 this season in total viewers.
Days of Our Lives, NBC
Total: 5.4 million
Women 18-49: 2 million
Strengths: Of all soaps, Days has the most romances and characters who come back from the dead. "You never have to miss anybody" because they're never really gone, Hinsey jokes.
Weaknesses: Stories drag on too long.
Prognosis: Excellent. Ranked No. 3 this season.
General Hospital, ABC
Total: 4.9 million
Women 18-49: 2.2 million
Strengths: GH boasts the supercouple of soaps, Luke and Laura (currently separated).
Weaknesses: Lost the popular Brenda (Vanessa Marcil) last fall and Lucky (Jonathan Jackson) this spring.
Prognosis: Good.
Guiding Light, CBS
Total: 4.6 million
Women 18-49: 1.5 million
Strengths: The new mob family — including son Danny, who's paired with Michelle, formerly known as the town virgin — has energized TV's oldest soap.
Weaknesses: The Santos aren't entrenched yet and could alienate longtime viewers if featured too frequently.
Prognosis: Good.
One Life to Live, ABC
Total: 3.9 million
Women 18-49: 1.9 million
Strengths: Compelling story lines, featuring the well-established Buchanan family.
Weaknesses: Lost fan favorite Todd Manning (Roger Howarth) last fall.
Prognosis: Good.
Passions, NBC
Total: N/A
Women 18-49: N/A
Strengths: Head writer James Reilly, a soap veteran, is credited with reviving Days of Our Lives.
Weaknesses: It's a new show with unknown characters. Fans of Another World, the soap it replaces, are resentful.
Prognosis: Up in the air; show premieres Monday.
Port Charles, ABC
Total: 2.5 million
Women 18-49: 1 million
Strengths: Features the popular characters Lucy, Kevin and Scotty, crossovers from GH.
Weaknesses: Rampant turnover in writers has fragmented story lines and characters.
Prognosis: On life support. Shaky in ratings.
Sunset Beach, NBC
Total: 2 million
Women 18-49: 720,000
Strengths: Tries creative new things, like funny character fantasies. Great California location shots.
Weaknesses: Stunts (trash talk host Jerry Springer was a recent guest) don't always work. The show is at the bottom of the ratings.
Prognosis: Won't see 2000.
The Young and the Restless, CBS
Total: 8 million
Women 18-49: 2.1 million
Strengths: The top-rated soap for the last 10 years, with consistently interesting story lines and characters. "It's a
classic soap," Hinsey says. "They never drop the ball. More shows should copy it."
Weaknesses: None.
Prognosis: Excellent. "Nobody does it better."
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