When you launch a new business, what do you do to unwind late that night? Well, if you are me and you grew up watching Soap Operas (yes thanks to my mom this is a vice for me), you watch the new Hulu/Prospect Park soaps relaunch of the two ABC cancelled Soaps.
Yes, the launch of J9 Designs actually coincided with the online relaunches of both these famed and long running soaps that were unfairly and unjustly cancelled last year. And after a long day, this is just what the doctor ordered!
But I must tell you, I wasn’t sure I would have time to watch. When they were still on, I would sometimes catch them on SoapNet in the evenings or late at night. Rarely ever caught them in first run during the afternoon slots, but still would get my fill when I had a few extra moments to spare. However, I just had to check them out. I mean the soap fan in me couldn’t resist. So my girls went to sleep and up I was watching these two shows.
One Life to Live Hulu Re-LaunchUp first was One Life to Live, because I truly watched more of this soap before it went off the air. Overall, I was very impressed with how they really got so many of the original characters to return and was able to keep with many of the story lines that the show ended with when it last aired.
With the good comes the bad though. And however, I did notice that the show’s overall direction was more sexed up. I guess sex does sell, because there was even a scene where one of the regular characters ran into a couple having oral sex in the back of the club opening she was attending.
Even at the end of the 27 minute episode, we are treated to another one of the female characters laying down by herself under a blanket on her couch wearing only a Victoria Secret type of get up including bra and panties.
As well as, one of the other main characters that they needed to recast, because from what I have heard was not available to return, was totally made much more sexy indeed. See the original character of Destiny was typically a sweet, yet overweight (well overweight for Soaps and TV not for the norm).
The original actress brought such spirit and spunk to the role and yes I understand they needed to recast, but seriously why not keep true to the character’s build and size. Nothing against the new actress, because she is just playing a new role, but feel that they should have had Destiny played by another actress with a similar frame to the first actress. Any actress taking over would have had large shoes to fill, because the original Destiny was amazing, but still would have loved to see a bit better casting here.
Seriously though, having a larger build than a supermodel is not a terrible thing and I am sure there are plenty of actresses out there that could have fit the bill for this character better then what they were able to find. Truly just goes back to society’s portrayal of women in general and it is truly just sad that yet again, women have to be objectified in this manner and light.
I know Daytime allows a lot, but you can definitely see this is not your grandmother’s daytime soaps anymore!
However, back on the brighter side they have put some of the veteran characters that on many network channels get put on the proverbial shelf only to get dusted off to prop up the more youthful characters, front and center in the new shows and story lines. So, for that, I can concede and say kudos.
All My Children Hulu Re-LaunchI also did view All My Children afterwards, but must admit was not as impressed with their story lines or characters having had much more newbies added to this show with only a few of the originals from the network’s original assemble. But was still happy to see the few that did return. Plus, I had stopped watching this one way before it went off air, because at the time there were too many newbies for my taste. So, quite possibly I was already out of the loop to begin with. So for that reason I am not going as in depth about my overall feelings with this new updated version.
Yet in the end, I will say that this was a wonderful thing that Prospect Park, the company to purchase the rights for these two shows and am happy to have them back. I am not sure I will be able to get to view them daily, as I do have so much on my plate, but nice to know that if I have a few quiet moments, I can view these shows that I grew up with as they are no longer cancelled being back in production right on Hulu and so can you, too!!
I will leave you with the Hulu Premiere of the newly relaunched One Life to Live that I just viewed below.
And if you do watch soaps like I do Happy Viewing!! Also, I interestingly enough read a blog post from Blushing Noir here through my BlogHer Publishing Network Affiliation, offering a giveaway in conjunction to watching your favorite soaps online.
Here is the sweepstake information:
Answer this question in the comments:Why are you excited to start watching SOAPs on Hulu?
One winner from each participating blog will receive a yearlong subscription to Hulu Plus. One grand prize winner will win a Roku.
Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b:Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c: Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d: For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 4/29/2013-5/26/2013
Be sure to visit the sponsor’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers reviews and find more chances to win!
And don’t forget to check out my new company page for all your web design needs at J9 Designs, too!!
This is a sponsored post that I wrote in conjunction with receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post.
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Robin Rue says
I grew up watching these shows with my mother and nana. I think re-launching to a target audience of old people, which is basically who watches these things is a mistake. The vast majority of people in that age group can’t even get online to watch them. LOL.
Janine Huldie says
Robin, so did I and by the way I also called my grandma, Nana 🙂 I have to say after watching these shows are truly very sexed up and even using curses (vulgar language), so if they are targeting only to an older crowd, they are truly missing out, because I do agree the younger generation may actually enjoy these shows, too.
Kat Biggie says
I am excited because it sounds like all the steamy romance I need is included in these lovely shows!! 🙂 And like you, sometimes I need something to just unwind to. I used to be a days of our lives fan… but I haven’t watched soaps in awhile. Although it sounds like these versions are somewhat close to porn!! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Honestly, if you can get past the little and cursing here and there, the shows are actually pretty good and written well. I would so give it a try. And I still sometimes would watch GH on SoapNet at night, too. Can you tell my mom had a huge influence on my TV viewing growing up, lol!! 🙂
Stephanie Sprenger says
I was a big GH and AMC fan way back when. Who would have thought our generation would see the soaps migrate online like this? Kind of huge, when you think about it…
Janine Huldie says
I still sometimes watch GH on SoapNet late at night, Stephanie. And I do agree this is huge and actually really quite happy to have this option now of watching them both online at my own convenience 🙂 🙂
Cyndi says
Fun stuff, Janine. I think we all have our “vices” with which to unwind. Mine is drawing and doing this WAAAAY too late. In fact, I didn’t make dinner until about 8 pm last night because I was out on the back porch finishing a drawing. 🙂 Oh yes, and there’s a blog post coming about it. 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Oh I cannot wait to read your blog post now and I am so with you on us all having our vices. This one like I said is thanks to my dear old mom, but I can’t be too hard on her, because I love it 🙂 🙂
Bill says
If I watch soaps??? LOL…one would need a tv, right? Just askin’. Well, Janine, about all I can say to this one is best of luck with the new business. I love your drive and resourcefulness. 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Lol, Bill. I just so appreciate your support, kindness and friendship, too as always!! 🙂 🙂
AnotherCleanSlate says
I never watched soaps, but maybe I should get on the bandwagon now!
Janine Huldie says
Katie, definitely worth a try and so enjoying these shows now!! 🙂 🙂
Lanaya @ Raising Rea says
I used to love Days of our Lives when I was in college … but then that one dude kept coming back from the dead and I was over it. Thus my brief love affair of soap operas was over.
¤´¨)
¸.•*´
(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo http://www.raising-reagan.com
Janine Huldie says
Say it isn't so that my twin doesn't watch Soaps. I really have to get you to watch at least one, so we can share that, too lol!! xoxo 🙂
Break the Jen Mold says
I am a diehard Days of our Lives fan. I started back in 1983. I feel ya, I almost died when they talked about canceling it!
Janine Huldie says
Oh, it was awful. Even though I sometimes couldn't watch everyday, I was heartbroken that I didn't even have the option anymore. So, I do understand completely, Jen!!
Christy Birmingham says
I do not watch the soaps but I do keep hearing about the relaunches of them. Neat to learn more via your post!
Janine Huldie says
Happy to share Christy and must say I was pretty impressed with it on the whole for being only broadcast online. And hope more people check it out 🙂
Sara says
Days of Our Lives is one of guilty pleasures. I DVR it and than when I have time I catch up on it. If Days ever got cancelled I would watch new episodes online if that were an option.
Janine Huldie says
Sara, believe it or not Days is on Hulu, too. It was going to come on after One Life to Life when I was watching it. So, in case you can't watch your DVR, you can always watch it online 🙂
Frugalistablog says
Throughout my bed rest with my daughter, I watched All My Children every day. I kept up with it for a couple years after that, but it was replaced with Caillou and Spongebob. So I haven't watched a soap opera in ages, but they sure are fun!! Glad Hulu brought them back for you!
Janine Huldie says
Seriously, I know what you mean about my daytime viewing being replaced with the likes of Caillou and Spongebob. Here it is Princesses, Doc McStuffins, Mickey and Sophia!! But I totally get the concept. I loved this though, because I watched it late at night on my laptop way after kid's TV viewing ended and they were sound asleep. You should totally check out AMC at night, if and when you can. I think you would love it!! 🙂
Kristi Campbell says
While I'm not a SOAPs girl, I do not miss an episode of Dexter, True Blood, Nurse Jackie, US of Tara, Shameless, Homeland, The Newsroom or Californication. Which is probably the same addiction.
Janine Huldie says
Kristi, I totally love True Blood and have even read all the books so far. Cannot wait for it to return again and see my addictions aren't purely just for daytime TV and sometimes land right in the middle of primetime, too. I like to spread the wealth around, lol!!
Melanie Chisnall says
Reading this made me miss the days of when I was really into watching soap operas. Days of our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful, Sunset Beach, Santa Barbara, Home and Away….I lived for those shows. If I missed an episode it was total chaos. Until I got sick of the whole Hope/Billie/Bo and Ridge/Taylor/Brooke triangles. Jeez! Lol. Thanks for sharing your soap opera loves, and so glad you are finding time to relax and unwind with your new venture. It's important….keep doing it! 😉
Janine Huldie says
Happy to be able to remind you of that time in your life. And so true that it is important to be able to unwind after all we do all day long!! 🙂
Michelle Liew says
Oh, the soap. Stressed out peeps like us can never do without them! This reminds me of the Days of Our Lives! LOL!
Janine Huldie says
So true Michelle and I did watch Days very shortly, but just couldn't get into it, lol 🙂