Chad Allen Joins NIGHT SHIFT

1 Actor Chad Allen, known for portraying Matthew Cooper on DR. QUINN, MEDICINE WOMAN has been cast in the role of Eric Whitlow for three episodes of GENERAL HOSPITAL: NIGHT SHIFT it was announced by Brian Frons, president, Daytime, Disney-ABC Television Group. The SOAPnet series, which is the network’s most-watched of all time, follows the lives of doctors, nurses and patients as they embark on journeys of self discovery, love and heartache. Mr. Allen’s first appearance on air is Tuesday, September 23 at 11:00 p.m., ET/PT on SOAPnet. In storyline, Eric is introduced as a patient in need of a liver transplant. First-year resident Kyle Julian (Adam Grimes) will help Eric's family find a suitable donor, while developing a relationship with him in the process. “We're delighted to have Chad join our show because, not only is he a remarkable actor, he's also an amazing activist. For years I have been inspired by Chad and welcome the honesty and authenticity that he will bring to our show,” said head writer Sri Rao.

REVIEW: LIFE IN GENERAL

I just watched the first episode of the new Karen Harris online soap, LIFE IN GENERAL, on the beta version of StrikeTV. LIFE IN GENERAL is described as "a look at the creative process, the politics of network television, the office romances, the backstabbing, lying, deceit and depravity that can only be found on and off the set of a soap opera. These actors, writers, producers and crew members eat, breathe, and sleep Greenville General, the 2nd longest running Daytime Drama on U.S. TV. It's a world as outrageous, compelling, energetic, chaotic, and heartbreaking as the show they put on the air five days a week, 52 weeks a year." I thought it was an excellent first effort. I wasn't blown away and I didn't feel there was anything groundbreaking here, but to be honest, it was instantly more entertaining than anything I'm seeing on my television screen this summer. And even though it's not an original concept, with all the backstage drama in daytime lately, now is the perfect time for a show that deals with the behind the scenes angst of putting on a daily soap. 1 Arianne Zuker was a delight as Winifred, the 'Greenville General' writer, who is unhappy her stories are being rewritten. The first episode really focused on her character and she owned it. John Ingle was excellent as show runner, Raymond. Scott Clifton was charming in his appearances as Fritz, who seems to be the Assistant Director. The Doogie Howser-esque opening was a bit cheesey but it fit. I was hoping to see something more interesting from JoBeth Williams' Mary Kate, Brynn Thayer's Rachel and Robert Desiderio's Brian. Of the three, Desiderio's character, the "star" of 'Greenville General,' was the most intriguing. I'm hopeful good things are in store for all three. The show was just under ten minutes and the time flew by. It left me wanting more, which is a good thing. Congratulations to Karen Harris on a job well done. GRADE: B+

Jesse McCartney Performs in NYC

1 Jesse McCartney (ex-J.R., ALL MY CHILDREN) performed at the Nokia Theatre in New York City last night, opening for Jordin Sparks. At the end of Sparks' set, McCartney joined her for an encore, Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel”.

Josh Griffith Not Out At Y&R?

1 SoapOperaDigest.com is reporting the following: "Don't believe those rumors and Internet postings that Josh Griffith has been fired as Y&R's executive producer. According to a rep for the show, 'He's still here and still the executive producer.'" Griffith was previously reported to have been fired from Y&R, and replaced by Gary Tomlin. Josh Griffith News Archive