Slated to begin at 10 a.m., the day-long celebration offers devoted fans the chance to connect with their favorite cast members through in-person meet-and-greets, autograph signings, photo opportunities, and a live Q&A session. The event promises exclusive giveaways and a first-ever offering of Days-branded merchandise, created in collaboration with Sony Pictures Consumer Products, marking a milestone for the show’s fan base.

Attendees can expect appearances from series veterans and fan-favorites, including Josh Taylor, James Reynolds, Eric Martsolf, Deidre Hall, Robert Scott Wilson, Paul Telfer, Stephen Nichols, Billy Flynn, Galen Gering, Jackée Harry, Raven Bowens, Dan Feuerriegel, Carson Boatman, Elia Cantu, Abigail Klein, Linsey Godfrey, Ashley Puzemis, Leo Howard, Cherie Jimenez, Susan Hayes, Al Calderon, Martha Madison, Brandon Beemer, Stacy Haiduk, Wally Kurth, Judi Evans, Tina Huang, Casey Moss, John Paul Lavoisier, Lamon Archey, Sal Stowers, Kennedy Garcia, Colton Little, and Brandon Barash.

Peacock, which is the exclusive streaming home for Days of Our Lives, continues to be a hub for both longtime viewers and new fans, offering past seasons and fresh episodes each weekday. As the beloved soap enters its 60th season, Days remains a stalwart of daytime television, blending established storylines with new faces. The series recently garnered attention for securing a Daytime Emmy® Award for Dick Van Dyke’s memorable guest appearance.

Produced by Corday Productions Inc. in association with Sony Pictures Television, Days of Our Lives continues to make waves in the ever-evolving world of daytime dramas. For more information about “Day of Days 2024,” fans can visit the show’s official Facebook page or RSVP at peacockdayofdays.com.

The post ‘Days of Our Lives’ Stars to Headline Annual ‘Day of Days’ Event, Celebrating 60th Season at Peacock Theater appeared first on TV Source Magazine. TV Source Magazine - TV News, Spoilers, Recaps, Interviews

“We are happy to once again honor the creative talent both in front of and behind the camera of America’s favorite Daytime programs,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO, NATAS. “We look forward to celebrating the icons who enliven the days of audiences across the country.”

“Producing the Daytime Emmys is a labor of love for all of us at NATAS,” said Brent Stanton, Head of Daytime, NATAS. “The huge popularity of these shows continues to be must-see viewing for their fans.” 

The June 7th telecast will mark the 18th time CBS has broadcast the Daytime Emmys®, more than any other network. The Daytime Creative Arts and Lifestyle Emmy® ceremony will stream live at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT on Saturday, June 8, at watch.TheEmmys.tv and via The Emmys® apps for iOS, tvOS, Android, FireTV, and Roku (full list at apps.TheEmmys.tv). 

DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES

• The Bay, Popstar! TV
• The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
• Days of our Lives, Peacock
• General Hospital, ABC
• Neighbours, Amazon Freevee
• The Young and the Restless, CBS

WRITING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES

• The Bay | Popstar! TV
• The Bold and the Beautiful | CBS
• Days of our Lives | Peacock
• General Hospital | ABC
• The Young and the Restless |CBS

DIRECTING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES

• The Bay | Popstar! TV
• The Bold and the Beautiful | CBS
• Days of our Lives | Peacock
• General Hospital | ABC
• The Young and the Restless | CBS

LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS

• Tamara Braun as Ava Vitali, Days of our Lives | Peacock
• Finola Hughes as Anna Devane, General Hospital | ABC
• Katherine Kelly Lang as Brooke Logan, The Bold and the Beautiful | CBS
• Annika Noelle as Hope Logan, The Bold and the Beautiful | CBS
• Michelle Stafford as Phyllis Summers, The Young and the Restless | CBS
• Cynthia Watros as Nina Reeves, General Hospital | ABC

LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR

• Eric Braeden as Victor Newman, The Young and the Restless | CBS
• Scott Clifton as Liam Spencer, The Bold and the Beautiful | CBS
• Thorsten Kaye as Ridge Forrester, The Bold and the Beautiful | CBS
• Eric Martsolf as Brady Black, Days of our Lives | Peacock
• John McCook as Eric Forrester, The Bold and the Beautiful | CBS

SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS

• Jennifer Gareis as Donna Logan, The Bold and the Beautiful | CBS
• Linsey Godfrey as Sarah Horton, Days of our Lives | Peacock
• Courtney Hope as Sally Spectra, The Young and the Restless | CBS
• Allison Lanier as Summer Newman Abbott, The Young and the Restless | CBS
• Emily O’Brien as Gwen Rizczech, Days of our Lives | Peacock

SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR

• Robert Gossett as Marshall Ashford, General Hospital | ABC
• Bryton James as Devon Winters, The Young and the Restless | CBS
• Wally Kurth as Justin Kiriakis, Days of our Lives | Peacock
• A Martinez as Nardo Ramos, The Bay | Popstar! TV
• Mike Manning as Caleb McKinnon, The Bay | Popstar! TV

GUEST PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES

• Linden Ashby as Cameron Kirsten, The Young and the Restless | CBS
• Ashley Jones as Dr. Bridget Forrester, The Bold and the Beautiful | CBS
• Alley Mills as Heather Webber, General Hospital | ABC
• Guy Pearce as Mike Young, Neighbours | Amazon Freevee
• Dick Van Dyke as Mystery Man/Timothy Robicheaux, Days of our Lives | Peacock

A complete list of nominees is available at the official website for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

The post ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Lead 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations appeared first on TV Source Magazine. TV Source Magazine - TV News, Spoilers, Recaps, Interviews

An after-credit trailer is set to feature on the Hollyoaks hourlong special airing Tuesday E4, which includes an exclusive first look at Rita Simons new character.

Tracksuit clad Marie will be sneaking into the Chester village this year after leaving prison, with her first order of business being to steal Mercedes’ red dress from the McQueen washing line.

The Channel 4 soap confirms that she is set to cause a stir, being the mother of established Hollyoaks character, Joel Dexter, played by Rory Douglas Speed.

Talking about her upcoming appearance, Rita said “Marie’s got a lot of ties here, so I think there’s going to be quite a lot of trouble between quite a few characters, and you will just have to keep watching to see…”

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Sienna’s Wedding Nightmare:

As Sienna prepares for her wedding day, her thoughts are consumed by the unsettling words from a inebriated Rafe the night before. Seeking solace, her steadfast friend Ste attempts to allay her fears. However, Rafe, unable to perpetuate the charade, confesses to Dilly that his affections have shifted, and it is Sienna whom he truly desires. Undeterred, Dilly remains resolute in her plan to undermine Sienna. A surprising revelation unfolds as a picture of Patrick Blake is discovered in her necklace locket, adding an unexpected layer to the unfolding drama.

A Deadly Mistake:

At The Dog, Felix seizes the moment and proposes to Mercedes, urging her to marry him immediately. Filled with joy, Mercedes enthusiastically accepts. Meanwhile, Warren plays a different role by offering Ella advice on winning over Charlie. In return, Ella encourages Warren to pursue Mercedes. His attention diverted, Warren learns from a hurried Mercedes that she and Felix are tying the knot today. Felix, enamored with the McQueen charm, invites Warren to be his best man, leading Warren to question the swiftness of the wedding. However, Felix reassures him that Mercedes is his one true love.

Later, Warren, sensing the rush, tries to dissuade Mercedes from going through with the impromptu wedding. Meanwhile, at The Dog, Felix checks the preparations through a surveillance camera but stumbles upon more than he bargained for, setting the stage for unexpected developments.

Amidst a rave filled with heightened emotions and underage drinking, tensions escalate among the teens, leading to their separation. In a frantic response, Ste rushes to rescue his daughter. However, the consequences of momentarily diverting his attention become painfully apparent as he discovers a devastating outcome – a stark realization that the well-intentioned act of checking on his choking daughter had unintended and severe repercussions.

In the midst of the crash, the village witnesses the arrival of a mysterious new character portrayed by Iz Hesketh. As this enigmatic individual makes their debut, the villagers are left in suspense, wondering about the secrets they hold. The stage is set for a dramatic sequence of events, leaving the community on edge and questioning whether they are truly prepared for the unfolding drama that this newcomer is bound to bring to their lives.

The return of Theresa McQueen to the village sparks immediate intrigue. The question on everyone’s mind is, why now? What compels Theresa to come back to the community at this particular moment, and is she returning alone?

Frantically seeking assistance, Theresa races desperate for help. However, upon the arrival of Joel and Leela, the atmosphere becomes tense. The unfolding events surrounding Theresa’s return and the circumstances of the accident create an air of suspense, leaving the village residents and viewers alike on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the answers to these pressing questions, with a shocking revelation of just who is in the car.

Blind Items:

• A pivotal decision sets in motion a series of devastating consequences, creating a butterfly ripple effect that profoundly alters the lives of many.
• As a seemingly innocuous lie takes root, its repercussions loom large, begging the question: Will this small untruth become the final straw that shatters the delicate balance?
• In the wake of heart-wrenching news, the resilience of a family is put to the ultimate test. The profound impact of the revelation raises doubts about whether the bonds that once held them together can withstand the weight of the tragedy.
• Amidst the chaos, a solemn promise is uttered: “I will always love you.” Yet, the looming uncertainty hangs heavy, challenging the very essence of whether such a pledge can endure the storm.
• In the face of adversity, a commitment is made, but the pressing question remains: Can this promise withstand the trials that lie ahead, or will it be swept away by the relentless currents of change?

The hour-long special episode of Hollyoaks is set to captivate audiences, premiering on Channel 4 streaming on Monday, January 15th. The episode will subsequently air on E4 on Tuesday, January 16th, at 7 pm. The creative force behind this highly anticipated special is writer Alanna Hallum, while the directorial helm is expertly guided by Duncan Foster. Brace yourselves for what is promising to be an unforgettable chapter in the Hollyoaks saga.

The post Worlds Collide Next Week on Hollyoaks appeared first on TV Source Magazine. TV Source Magazine - TV News, Spoilers, Recaps, Interviews

In the upcoming trailer for Hollyoaks, brace yourselves for a rollercoaster of emotions as the characters’ lives spiral into unpredictable chaos.

A Heartbreaking Betrayal: Felix’s World Shattered

Felix’s world crumbles as he uncovers Mercedes’ secret affair, leaving him desperate for answers. The tension reaches its peak when a distressed Felix confronts his cheating partner en route to the church, leading to a heart-stopping car crash that puts lives in jeopardy.

Love Lost and Secrets Exposed: Rafe’s Daring Revelation

Rafe confesses to falling out of love with his femme fatale wife, Dilly, exposing their sordid plan to an unsuspecting bride-to-be, Sienna. With shocking revelations and disturbing lengths taken to keep a secret, this storyline promises intense drama.

Liberty’s Return: Walking into the Storm

In a bonus scene, Liberty reenters the scene, finding herself in the center of the unfolding drama. As she quickly becomes embroiled in peril, her return adds an extra layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative.

Desperate Drive: Ste Races Against Time

Ste’s desperate attempt to save his unconscious daughter, Leah, unfolds as he races against time to get her to the hospital. With the uncertainty of obstacles along the way, the storyline promises gripping moments and heightened emotions.

New Character, New Secrets: Intriguing Teasers Unveiled

Amidst the wreckage, a mysterious stranger flees the scene, setting the stage for a new character with a profound secret that promises to shake things up in the new year.

Theresa’s Shocking Return: Unraveling the Mystery

Covered in blood, Theresa’s return takes a dark turn as she becomes entangled in a car crash. Despite her own predicament, her primary concern is aiding someone trapped in the car, leaving firefighters Leela and Joel stunned by the revelation of the person in need.

Revelations and Returns: Hollyoaks in January

The January trailer promises the resolution of the mystery surrounding Rayne’s death, with Lacey’s return, Prince’s innocence proved, and the unveiling of the dark secret that has been harbored by a close-knit group of friends.

Nancy’s Bittersweet Return: Joy and Uncertainty

Jess Fox returns as Nancy for a heartwarming reunion with husband Darren. However, the joy is short-lived as she learns of a crash in the village, with Charlie missing and tension escalating.

Love Takes Center Stage: Joel’s Proposal Plans

Joel gears up to take the next step with his pregnant girlfriend, Leela, as he plans a heartwarming proposal. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when a crash in the village propels them into action.

Teenage Turmoil: Lucas’s Identity Questioned

Ste’s son, Lucas, grapples with hiding his connection with Dillon, and disapproving headteacher Carter adds an additional layer of complexity. With warnings from John Paul, the storyline hints at potential trouble brewing for Lucas.

Get ready for a riveting ride as Hollyoaks unfolds its captivating narratives in the coming episodes!

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Kicking off at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, the complimentary event is designed for ardent fans to connect with the cast through various avenues such as autograph signings, Q&A sessions, and more activities throughout the day. Although the list of attending cast members will be disclosed at a future date, the event promises an intimate experience for fans of the long-running soap opera.

Peacock continues to be the exclusive home for “Days of Our Lives,” offering a comprehensive library that includes new episodes, archived seasons, and Peacock Originals, such as “Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem” and “Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas.” Now in its remarkable 59th season and renewed through its milestone 60th season, the series will also feature special episodes starring Dick Van Dyke. Visit Peacock to stream the series.

For additional information and to RSVP for the “Day of Days” 2023 event, enthusiasts are directed to the official Days of Our Lives Facebook page or www.peacockdayofdays.com.

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Shock, Forgiveness, and Retribution Collide in Philip’s Unexpected Return

In an unforeseen twist, Chloe finds herself fainting at the sight of Philip, who she believed was dead. Her shock turns to horror when she learns Philip faked his own death in a scheme to frame Brady and distance him from her. Philip unveils a transformed self, claiming to have received mental health treatment to move past his former jealous tendencies.

John-Paul Lavoisier, who plays Philip, described the scene in Soap Opera Digest as emotionally taxing, admitting the vulnerability and weakness his character feels during the confessions to Chloe and Brady.

Contrary to Kate’s advice, Philip returns to Salem, driven by a desire to attend his father’s funeral and to reconnect with Chloe. Prepared to face the consequences, Philip shows a degree of remorse, expressing gratitude for any forgiveness that may come his way.

When Philip and Brady finally cross paths, Brady initially greets him warmly, relieved that Philip is, in fact, alive. However, the atmosphere quickly changes. Actor Eric Martsolf, who portrays Brady, reveals that Brady’s attitude takes a sharp turn upon discovering Philip’s betrayal.

In a heated exchange, Philip comes clean about his actions, leading to a physical confrontation. Brady punches Philip, stating that his actions were inexcusable, despite Philip’s plea for understanding and forgiveness on the grounds of mental health issues.

Though acknowledging mental health as a crucial issue, Brady prepares to involve law enforcement. The question remains: Will Chloe intervene to prevent Philip’s arrest?

In a series of emotionally charged scenes, the characters find themselves caught in a web of shock, forgiveness, and the inevitable reckoning of past deeds.

More Days of our Lives Spoilers

• Shawn reacts negatively to Belle’s suggestion of taking him to an AA meeting and storms off. He tells Marlena he’s quitting therapy, as he’s weary of pretending to be better when he’s still struggling. Shawn also carries the guilt of indirectly causing Victor to travel, linking it back to his impulsive action of shooting Bo. Later, Shawn contemplates his service weapon, considering it as a way to escape his overwhelming guilt and disappointment.
• Sarah ends up in the hospital in a critical condition, heightening tensions among her loved ones.
• Shawn finds himself at an emotional nadir, hitting rock bottom despite persistent advice from others to seek professional help.
• Kate expresses concern over Rex’s romantic future, fearing his current relationship could end disastrously.
• Dimitri, skeptical of Leo’s plans, plots to confirm the legitimacy of his own marriage.
• Gabi and Stefan team up, embarking on an investigative quest to unearth some undisclosed truths.
• Paulina’s unexpected news sends ripples through Rafe and Jada’s lives, leading to Steve offering Abe some crucial advice.
• Alex grapples with immense guilt following Victor’s demise, highlighting the emotional toll of recent events.
• Belle advises Brady against pressing charges, bringing a legal angle to the emotional whirlwind.
• Xander stumbles upon an astonishing fact about Philip, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing drama.
• Rafe arrives at a critical career-related decision, suggesting a new path may be on the horizon.

Source Sneak Peek: September 4-8, 2023

Sloan grapples with her guilt and considers coming clean. Victor’s Funeral brings loved ones together. John uncovers a secret about the mystery man.

Days of our Lives streams exclusively on Peacock. New episodes are available weekdays.

The post Days of our Lives Spoilers: August 28-September 1, 2023 appeared first on TV Source Magazine. TV Source Magazine - TV News, Spoilers, Recaps, Interviews

Escapism is awesome. However, it loses its charm when the thing you’re escaping from follows you into the place you’re escaping to. Black women who seek refuge from real-world misogynoir in soap operas can find themselves enduring it in the very spaces they sought solace.

Misogynoir, a term defined by Dr. Moya Bailey and expanded on by Trudy, aka TheTrudz, and the Crunk Feminist Collective, refers to the specific combination of misogyny, sexism, and anti-Black racism experienced by and directed towards Black women in pop culture, institutional environments, and social settings.

Some of you may feel uncomfortable now. But if merely acknowledging the existence of misogynoir elicits discomfort, imagine how it feels to experience it.

Imagine how it feels for a Black actress to learn her character will be begging for the life of a character who routinely made racist comments and committed microaggressions. Imagine how it feels for a Black actress to log onto her Twitter account, check her notifications, and discover she’s been sent monkey and banana emojis, compared to a gorilla, and called slurs by fans of her show. Imagine how it feels to be a Black woman and consistently encounter posts on a popular message board that freely and frequently employ coded language and dog whistles such as “aggressive,” “loud,” and “argumentative” when discussing Black female characters. Imagine how it feels to be a Black woman and go into the hashtag of your favorite soap and see accounts donning digital blackface for no other reason than to degrade a Black actress, the character she portrays, and antagonize her Black fans.

With that in mind, I hope those of you who feel uneasy understand why I am not catering to your comfort.

Western media and its associated fandoms tend to prioritize and elevate whiteness. Whiteness is considered the default norm and the perspective used to depict both “universal” experiences like coming of age, as well as unique experiences like coming out. The assumption is that the audience, including people of color (POC), will effortlessly relate to white characters and find them worthy of support, deserving of protection, or otherwise rootable. In contrast, characters of color in general, Black characters particularly, and Black female characters specifically often receive less care and consideration both onscreen and from audiences. Even if they are the main character or play a central role in the story, they are viewed as less sympathetic, relatable, or deserving of support and protection, even if they experience injury, trauma, terror, or death.

I understand accepting this might be challenging, and some of you may instinctively disagree. However, I will provide specific examples to illustrate how this occurs in respect to soaps, both onscreen and in fandom spaces:

1. Fully exploring the point of view and centering the feelings, motivations, and desires of white characters while disregarding or diminishing the role of a Black woman in the same story or their own story (e.g., Days of Our Lives making Jada Hunter’s decision to have an abortion all about Eric Brady’s disappointment, Nicole Walker’s feelings, and the implosion of their relationship while giving Jada minimal focus and dramatically reducing her airtime but keeping ‘Ericole’ front and center or General Hospital consistently sidelining Trina Robinson in her storylines and prioritizing the feelings, character development, and POV of others, including the racist who tormented her, over hers).

2. Minimizing the actions of or making allowances for the misdeeds or “mistakes” made by white characters while refusing to grant the same grace and understanding to Black women (e.g., General Hospital’s Curtis Ashford having no issues with walking out on both Jordan and Portia over their dishonesty, while being a staunch defender of Hayden and Nina, despite their numerous lies and manipulations).

3. Advocating for or easily accepting the redemption of white villains or allowing them to escape severe punishment while simultaneously having Black female characters harshly punished or made to suffer for their wrongdoings, whether their character is villainous or not (e.g., Days of our Lives crafting a storyline where every white villain on the canvas, including a murderer, a rapist, and a domestic terrorist, were granted pardons and released from prison but Lani Price-Grant was left behind bars to serve her sentence or The Bold and the Beautiful having both Zoe and Flo initially suffer consequences for their parts in keeping Hope Logan separated from her daughter but Zoe’s story ending with her leaving town heartbroken and humiliated, while Flo’s has seemingly ended with her engagement to the love of her life, forgiveness from her newfound family, and a cushy position in the family business).

4. A show’s fandom singling out and treating a Black female character as if she is the sole reason their white favorite isn’t getting ___ or audiences uncritically accepting stereotypical tropes that paint Black women in a negative light for the benefit of white characters (e.g., General Hospital fans advocating for more airtime for Kristina or Elizabeth by specifically asking that Portia or Jordan be written out as opposed to one of the MANY white characters on the show, or The Young and the Restless fans having no issues with Elena being characterized as a nagging, unsupportive, constantly critical bore who only wanted to take a nap to facilitate Nate and Victoria’s affair).

5. Understanding that love, romance, and passion are a huge part of what viewers tune in to see…until it’s time for a Black woman to experience those things. Then suddenly it’s, “Why can’t people just be friends” or “Not everyone needs to be in a relationship” or the pointedly specific non-specific complaints regarding “a lack of chemistry” from fans or the show putting a Black woman in a relationship but having it take part largely offscreen or rarely be featured (e.g., Days of our Lives putting Allie and Chanel together and then writing absolutely nothing for them until it was time for them to break up, General Hospital managing to find a love interest for everyone from a newly divorced Carly to the diabolical Dr. Obrecht while being unwilling to so much as chemistry test Jordan Ashford with a new man or The Bold and the Beautiful deciding to derail Paris and Zende’s relationship to reduce her to nothing more than an obstacle for Quinn and Carter).

I know that despite the examples I just gave, some of you are still in pushback mode. I can hear all the various reasons why I’m wrong. Let’s address these hypothetical points one by one.

It must be understood that misogynoir does not depend on whether a character is beloved or if an actress is talented. Jackée Harry is a cultural icon. From her roles on ‘227’, ‘The Women of Brewster Place’, and ‘Sister, Sister’, to her guest appearances on ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ and ‘Pose’, she has demonstrated talent that has kept her consistently employed and has resulted in multiple NAACP awards and an Emmy award. Despite the active and vocal fanbase for Paulina Price, the character she portrays on ‘Days of Our Lives’, and the evident talent and love for Jackée, microaggressions and misogynoir persist when Paulina becomes a topic of discussion.

As a dedicated fan of Elizabeth Webber since day one, I empathize and agree with these sentiments. However, it’s crucial to note that Elizabeth’s lack of focus in her stories isn’t related to her race. Conversely, Trina’s lack of centralization in her stories is directly linked to her being Black. While both characters are underserved, the underlying reasons for their treatment are distinct. Thus, while the outcomes may seem similar, it’s crucial to recognize that these situations are not equivalent.

Your ship preference is irrelevant because, interestingly, they didn’t write for Janel either. Both ships had vocal, passionate, supportive fanbases, and both ships were abruptly discontinued. Ultimately, Chanel remains alone.

Indeed, stating the obvious – water is wet. Returning to the discussion, it is essential to emphasize that we are addressing the targeted harassment of an actress because she is Black, with no other justification. It is crucial to acknowledge that these situations are fundamentally distinct and cannot be equated.

Like all media, soaps are both a mirror that reflects our current cultural attitudes and values and a tool that helps shape them. They do not exist in a vacuum, and, like all art, there is a political element to them. Respectfully, the issue is that profound.

No one insists that you must be a fan of anyone or support any ship. Nobody is saying you’re not allowed to dislike any Black female characters or not be a fan of a specific Black actress. However, I am declaring emphatically that it reflects poorly on you if you hold Black actresses and their characters to standards that you never impose on your non-Black favorites, or if the common denominator in every ship you disapprove of includes a Black woman.

This is not just my opinion. I asked other Black soap opera fans for their opinion on the prevalence of misogynoir in the genre and received permission to share their responses. The responses I received were insightful and brutally honest.

*Names have been changed to prevent harassment and answers have been edited for clarity.*

I feel like Black actresses/characters are not always given the opportunity to fully display their talent. They are not showcased as frequently and have to make do with the limited airtime they receive. On Y&R, Hilary was killed off (along with her unborn baby), and the former head writer, Mal Young, referred to it as a gift. While the misogynoir in the stories may not always be overt, there have been instances that have made me take a second look.

A notable example is how General Hospital’s Dr. Portia Robinson has been grappling with the consequences of her mistake/secret for over three months, which is a significant portion of a year. She has come close to losing her husband (who cheated on her), and her daughter, who holds great importance in her life, refuses to speak to her.

Non-Black characters have kept secrets and, when exposed, have barely faced any consequences. Black female characters sometimes lack meaningful character development unless it revolves around trauma, and even then, it may not be depicted on screen. Y&R introduced Naya’s cancer storyline for Amanda and Imani’s mother, which predominantly played out off-screen. Many fans remain dissatisfied with B&B completely eliminating its only Black family, The Avants.

I feel like Black actresses/characters are caught in a lose-lose situation. If the character is morally upright, they cannot make even minor mistakes, and when they do, it often triggers an unnecessary backlash from the fandom. And when they are portrayed as flawless (making little to no mistakes), they are labeled as ‘boring’ or ‘annoying.’ Every action they take is scrutinized, often with negative judgment. If a Black female character is paired with a desirable male character, it is frequently dismissed as ‘more like a brother and sister’ or suggested that they should remain friends.

I have called out misogynoir in fandom spaces, not limited to soap opera fandom, and have faced resistance. People have accused me of ‘playing the race card’ because they refuse to acknowledge why their comments are offensive. My concerns have been trivialized and disregarded. Whenever I observe it, I will always speak up. I have yet to witness internalized misogynoir within soap fandom, but it is prevalent in other communities. Some individuals allow themselves to be used as props for others’ racist beliefs.

Kendra

Without much thought, it’s evident that Black female characters lack complete development. Their stories often serve only to advance the plot of a white or white-adjacent character. The narratives surrounding Black female characters rarely receive thorough exploration. I began watching soaps when I was around 14 or 15, starting with General Hospital. I was drawn to Gia, but she never received the investment and development she deserved. Black female characters were treated as temporary fixtures, and their relationships were never taken seriously. If they were in an interracial pairing and got married, their relationship wasn’t portrayed with the same depth as their white counterparts. If they were married to another Black person, they received minimal focus in storylines or were abruptly written off.

I have witnessed racism from white fans directed towards Black female characters. I wouldn’t say it’s more prevalent now, but rather more visible. Days of our Lives’ Lani Price and GH’s Trina Robinson face the harshest criticisms. I believe Amanda Sinclair/Hilary Curtis on Y&R also encountered some. Trina and Lani are deemed “not good enough” for Eli and Spencer, with no valid justification given. And when those making these claims are pressed to name who they would prefer to see these men with, it’s usually someone white or non-Black who has committed similar or even worse actions than Trina or Lani. Yet, the treatment is different for non-Black characters.

Suddenly, it’s argued that “not all characters have to be good; they can be morally ambiguous, or they’ve faced consequences for their actions.” This leniency is not extended to Black female characters. The show completely disregarded the troubling optics of Lani having to kneel before another woman of color for the sake of a racist storyline, and when we voiced our concerns, we were told to accept it if we wanted Lani to have a story.

I do notice that more fans came forward to defend Trina when she debuted, which is encouraging, but there is still an abundance of poor writing and characterization for Black female characters. It’s like taking one-quarter step forward and then stumbling eighty steps back.

Latoya

I have witnessed misogynoir within fandom spaces, and I believe it reflects the attitudes presented in the show itself. When a show fails to create room for a diverse range of experiences for Black women and girls, it sets a particular tone. Let’s take General Hospital as an example. The two most prominent Black women characters on the show were introduced through paternity drama. While Trina receives significant attention for her popular pairing, her character development has been halted in favor of prioritizing the growth of her white male love interest.

In my personal experience within fandom, I have seen the voices of Black women silenced or ridiculed if they deviate from the mainstream opinion. It seems that “mainstream” GH Twitter only cares about protecting Trina, while the same level of nuance isn’t extended to Jordan, Portia, Stella, and others. Black women viewers have made a deliberate effort to uplift the Black women we see on our screens, but this responsibility should not rest solely on our shoulders.

Shows need to address race, emphasize the necessity of these stories, and stop catering to those who resist the idea of Black women being fully developed characters. To avoid being targeted and gaslit, I decided to distance myself from soap Twitter. Additionally, since my Twitter is also connected to my professional work, I can’t afford to have people look me up and see me involved in fandom conflicts, so I chose to stop tweeting about the show altogether.

Tiana

I have been watching soaps since I was a little girl. I took a break during college around 2005 or 2006 and then returned in 2019. While I have always been involved in social media, I am sometimes taken aback by the fact that people say things online that they wouldn’t say to your face. However, I have become adept at muting and blocking individuals who exhibit hateful behavior.

It is disheartening when negative comments are made about an actress’s hair or appearance. Black women are often expected to conform to certain standards of beauty and behavior, and if they deviate from those expectations, they are called out for it. Black actresses have to fight for meaningful storylines, particularly lead roles. And if they appear on-screen for 2 or 3 days a week, there are often complaints online about their character being overexposed, even if they hadn’t been seen for weeks prior. Personally, I love seeing women who look like me represented on my screen. Our stories deserve to be told too.

Alicia

My experience in the Sprina fandom has been a mix of positive and negative. I am grateful for everything we have achieved, but it is frustrating to think about why fans have to fight so hard to have this particular story told. All we want is for Trina and Spencer’s love story to be given attention. Trina is not afforded the same opportunities as others, especially her white female co-stars. I want Trina to have the same freedom of expression that Joss has and be allowed to assert herself against others, just like her best friend does. I don’t want her to be relegated to a mere talking character.

Carmen

My journey in the soap world has been enlightening. In the Days fandom, whenever we discussed Black characters facing hate due to their Blackness, there was always someone who would bring up a white character receiving hate to dismiss our concerns. When Chanel was introduced, she often seemed like an afterthought in conversations. Tweets would mention Ciara, Allie, and Chanel, with Chanel being mentioned last, as if she was added to make it appear that they cared about her as much as her white peers. I’ve also noticed that fans of white characters are less bothered when a white character they love is paired with a Black man, but if it’s a white male character they adore paired with a Black woman, it becomes a big problem. They find ways to criticize her.

Being part of the soap fandom made me reconsider how I approach tweeting about Black characters, especially when the fandom is predominantly non-Black. I observed how some Black fans would support white characters involved in rivalries with Black characters, even when their non-Black mutuals spoke about them disrespectfully. It was a major turn-off. Microaggressions were already enough to warrant a response, but seeing mutuals being racist as well? After witnessing that, there are Black characters and certain topics I avoid tweeting about because it only adds to the pile of hate that they already receive, and it opens the door for ignorant white fans to feel entitled to comment on her and make remarks about her hair or appearance.

Hillary

I believe soap Twitter is on par with reality Twitter when it comes to their disdain for Black women. Soap Twitter doesn’t hide it, and I doubt it will improve. I also think that the writers and those in charge contribute to the perpetuation of misogynoir, particularly by white women. They don’t consistently write for Black women, and when they do, they often rely on negative tropes. When that happens, these white women can defend themselves by saying, “I’m not being misogynistic or racist towards Black women because this is what we saw, it was written, and it wasn’t overtly racist (to me).”

I also think those in charge enable the mistreatment of Black actresses by fandoms because they don’t step up to defend them. Even some of their co-stars seem to endorse the harassment and abuse by not supporting them. In my experience, the fandom where I have seen the most internalized misogynoir and misogyny in general within the soap world is DAYS. Just look at the aftermath of Lani shooting TR and how it was handled. Look at Jada and the way her abortion story was portrayed.

With Trina on GH, I believe it’s more subtle due to her age. Discussions about her are often filled with comments like, “They should try Spencer and Joss,” as if Trina doesn’t deserve a love interest who genuinely wants her. Racist individuals respond to Trina and Spencer’s relationship by saying, “Oh, he can’t possibly like her,” which is also prevalent in reality TV, which can be considered a form of soap opera. I have faced pushback when I’ve spoken up, with people telling me, “Don’t make it about race.” However, I have mostly stayed silent to avoid harassment and also because I don’t want to argue with people who refuse to acknowledge what is clearly present.

Serena

I have witnessed misogynoir, although I haven’t always used that term to describe it. I can recognize the behavior, though. The disparity in how fans treat Black women and their characters is as blatant as a brick to the face.

For instance, Hilary Curtis was deemed the worst person on Earth, while a character like Mariah Copeland, who had a similar introduction, was quickly forgiven because of the actress who portrayed her and her connections. Lani Price has been accused of things that directly contradict the show’s narrative, like her “lying” to Eli about what she witnessed when she caught Gabi and JJ together, as if it was normal for Gabi to put on JJ’s t-shirt and get into bed with him. Recently, some viewers were convinced that Jada Hunter lied about terminating her pregnancy on Days, despite no evidence within the storyline pointing in that direction. On the other hand, Nicole, who has conspired to commit murder and engaged in various crimes, even manipulating Jada into having an abortion, is perceived as “misguided” or “misunderstood” and given the benefit of the doubt.

I believe misogynoir limits the types of stories writers are willing to tell with Black characters. And even when a story is told, there is often little to no consideration given to the character being Black. The narratives are frequently cut short because the writers cannot envision going beyond the original plot and exploring the depth of the character. A Black woman can’t be the focal point of any story, so they don’t bother treating her as a fully developed person.

It also affects casting decisions, with some characters becoming more ethnically ambiguous or lighter in complexion when recast, like Destiny Evans on OLTL or Simone Russell on Passions. Misogynoir literally dictates the types of Black women we are even allowed to see on screen. Tabyana Ali as Trina Robinson is significant for multiple reasons, including her appearance and how the show has positioned her to potentially drive the story. By the time I speak up about something, I have reached the point of not caring who agrees or disagrees. And I think people just block me right away, but that could be because I’m a man.

Trey

Misogynoir is not just my opinion or an exaggeration; it exists in both real life and reel life and causes real harm. Misogynoir is evident in General Hospital when Portia’s character transitions from being a protective mother to a meddlesome mom by engaging with a racist character who jeopardized her daughter’s life and freedom. Moreover, it is reflected in the way their interactions are written, which protects Esme while leaving Portia vulnerable and unsupported.

Misogynoir is seen in Bold and Beautiful fans’ responses, such as using derogatory comments like “slut alert” and perpetuating harmful stereotypes when discussing Paris and speculating about a potential RJ/Paris pairing. These comments diminish Paris’s character, despite her having had only two relationships on the show, one of which she intended to pursue marriage.

Misogynoir is witnessed in The Young and The Restless, where Mishael Morgan is treated as an afterthought, disregarding her significant, historic Emmy win.

Misogynoir is when Black women are silenced, harassed, gaslit, or accused of being “the real racists” by fellow fans when we speak out against the anti-Black harassment, abuse, and racism faced by our favorite actresses and the characters they portray.

Misogynoir is observing fans, soap press, and co-stars uniting to protect and defend white actresses from online hate or inappropriate comments, while not providing the same level of support when it’s Black actresses in need of protection.

If you are active in any soap fandom and witness misogynoir, push back against it as strongly as you challenge the denial of its existence. When Black women critique a story for perpetuating misogynoir, don’t be too quick to dismiss their valid concerns or condescendingly remind everyone that “it’s just a soap.”

If you are a moderator on a message board and notice dog whistles (such as loud, uppity, aggressive) being used when discussing Black women, issue warnings, enforce bans, or shut down problematic threads.

If you come across a racist meme or post targeting a Black actress or her character while scrolling social media, report it. If you see your Facebook friends or Twitter mutuals being disrespectful towards a Black actress’s appearance or abilities, call them out or engage in a constructive conversation, but don’t simply let it slide.

Escapism is a pleasure that everyone should be able to enjoy. The fandom communities we have created around the soaps we love should be spaces where Black women, both real and fictional, are celebrated and appreciated rather than denigrated and put on the defensive. Black women are not asking for special treatment; we are simply asking for equal and fair treatment. We are asking for the opportunity to escape too.

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