SoapNet is getting into original scripted series, greenlighting General Hospital: Night Shift, an extension of the ABC Daytime drama. The Disney-ABC-owned cable network plans to begin production on 13 hour-long episodes in a few months for a summer premiere. At a time when daytime viewing of soaps is decreasing, Soapnet is playing an ever more important role in supporting the genre, especially for its corporate parent. The network, which in January saw a 48% jump in primetime viewing year over year, runs same-day reruns of ABC's network-owned soaps, as well as some others and some unscripted soap-related originals. Night Shift will be written and executive-produced by GH's head team – Robert Guza Jr. and Jill Farren Phelps – and will explore what happens during the night shift at the hospital.
Broadcasting and Cable
I am really curious to see what they are going to do with this! I love General Hospital even though they started to kill Alan Quatermaine on a Monday. It is a slap in the soap actor's face if they kill you any day other than a Friday.
As I keep saying I really hope SOAPnet is getting into original scripted programming on their network because when NBC cancels Days of our Lives it will have a place to go!!!
