Robert Guza Jr Out at General Hospital! Garin Wolf Named New Head Writer!

According to TV by the Numbers, Bob Guza is OUT and Garin Wolf is IN as Head Writer of General Hospital. The change is effective immediately. To read the full story, and what Brian Frons, head of ABC Daytime, has to say about this shocking development, click here.

As most of you know, Guza's reign of terror has lasted nearly 15 years (there was a year and a half break from Dec 2000 - June 2002 according to Wiki). Okay, okay. Perhaps 'reign of terror' is harsh, but let's just say, I've had some issues with Guza's writing over the years. Garin Wolf has also been with GH for almost 15 years, predominantly as a Breakdown Writer. Though he did serve as Head Writer during the 2007-2008 strike (from Jan 2008 - March 2008).

There's a lot of speculating going on now. Some are saying Guza was fired, others are saying he refused to take a pay cut. Many are asking what this means for the cast/characters/stories. More importantly, we have to wonder if this is a sign that GH still has life in it, or are TPTB pulling a Lorraine Broderick/AMC and simply bringing Wolf on to write GH's swan song? Only time will tell.

We'd like to wish Guza good luck in his future endeavors and what the heck...a Thank You for the good stuff he wrote: I'll forever be grateful to him for creating my favorite GH character Sam McCall (Kelly Monaco) and giving me one of my all-time favorite couples: Jason and Sam (Viva La JaSam!)

And Congrats to Garin Wolf!! I really hope Wolf is able to go balls to the wall, Gloria Monty-style as Head Writer at GH. Monty saved the show from being cancelled back in the 70s, maybe Wolf can do the same for GH now!

-Melanie/SoapOperaBabble/daisyclover

Still No Answers About All My Children & One Life To Live Cancellation Rumors

Hey guys, just a quick note. While ABC confirmed that Lorraine Broderick has been hired as AMC's new headwriter, they're not confirming or denying anything else. Some of us felt this move was a good sign for AMC, but TV Guide's Michael Logan pointed out that the current headwriters Dave Kreizman and Donna Swajeski are at the end of their contracts anyway and it's possible Broderick has simply been hired to wrap up the show. (Read Logan's latest here.)

Soaps In Depth ABC posted hopeful tweets over the weekend, assuring fans AMC was not going to be cancelled and that a press release would come out today. (Read my summary of their tweets here.) Unfortunately, they seem to be backtracking a bit today.  Here are their most tweets:

• Yes, I'm aware of every rumor floating around out there. No, I don't know which ones are true & which aren't. The MINUTE I know, you will.
• Don't expect that this is necessarily a situation we'll have full answers to today, tomorrow or next week. I suspect it'll unfold slowly
• While Lorraine Broderick is new headwriter of #AMC, there's much speculation that she'll be writing the end of the show. Rumors galore.
• Folks, absolutely NOBODY (except folks in charge) KNOW what's going on. We're all hearing LOTS of rumors, many of which conflict.
• The general concensus: It ain't good. But when I know anything — KNOW, not hear rumors — I'll pass it along, promise.

Seems they're not so sure anymore about All My Children not being cancelled. There's even less information out there about One Life to Live. I think at this point everyone is on the same page. It's do or die and this is the time for fans to write and call ABC and let them know you want your soaps to stay on the air.  I haven't seen this anywhere, this is just my own thought, but I'm wondering if an increase in online views (of AMC and OLTL episodes) at ABC's official site might help too??

I'm still looking for good AMC/OLTL campaigns to direct you to. There are tons of sites/blogs giving us info on who to contact, but I'm hoping to find a central campaign that's really organized.  Until then, I suggest going to Pine Valley Exposer or SoapOperaNetwork.

Also, if anyone is interested, Soaps In Depth ABC and Soap Central's Dan Kroll are doing a podcast "analyzing the AMC/OLTL situation." More info here.

-Melanie/SoapOperaBabble/daisyclover