OLTL Reaches Milestone of 10,000 Episodes!

PRESS RELEASE:

An Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama Series, Mary J. Blige and Nelly Furtado, an execution of a major character and a successful four-day musical event are all part of the drama, achievement and acclaim for ABC’s “One Life to Live” in the past year. The Emmy Award-winning drama reaches a new milestone on FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, the airing of the 10,000th episode. Beloved characters will return to Llanview to celebrate the life of character Asa Buchanan. Returning favorites include Nathan Fillion (Joey Buchanan), Dan Gauthier (Kevin Buchanan), John Loprieno (Cord Roberts), Tonja Walker (Alex Olanov) and James DePaiva (Max Holden). To mark the occasion, the NYC Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting will honor the show during an on-set celebration on TUESDAY, JULY 3. Additionally, as a special “wink” to the audience, the show will reference the number 10,000 in every episode between JULY 30 and AUGUST 10.

“10,000 shows is a remarkable achievement,” said executive producer Frank Valentini, who started at “One Life to Live” in 1985 with episode 4209. “I am extremely proud to be part of a show that has been able to make such an enduring mark on popular culture.”

Agnes Nixon created “One Life to Live,” which premiered on July 15, 1968, as a half-hour show. The show has been lauded for its groundbreaking exploration of social issues, award-winning performances and innovative storylines. Along with the history-making live week in 2002, “One Life to Live” is responsible for many “firsts” in daytime television, including themes of interracial romance and gang violence, as well as problems of literacy, medical misdiagnosis, lupus and racial prejudice.

“With immense pride, I congratulate all of the talented and dedicated people over many years who are responsible for the heartwarming success of ‘One Life to Live,’” said Agnes Nixon.

Most recently “One Life to Live” produced another “first,” “Prom Night: The Musical.” The four-day musical event featured the high drama of a high school prom with a score of original songs assembled by executive producer Frank Valentini and music director Paul Glass. The stylized production included musical performances and dance numbers, and told the star-crossed love story of Starr (Kristen Alderson) and Cole (Brandon Buddy). With the success of “Prom Night: the Musical,” “One Life to Live” continues to forge its unique path in ABC’s daytime lineup as a music-focused show, having hosted an impressive list of performers including Nelly Furtado, Mary J. Blige, Jeannie Ortega, Lifehouse, Tito Puente Jr., Simply Red, Chris Botti and Erykah Badu.

Additional accomplishments include mass critical acclaim for its 1992 homophobia storyline, which captured national headlines when it introduced the character of a gay teen and culminated with the emotional display of the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. In 1994 the show received equally high praise and garnered four Daytime Emmy Awards -- including one for Best Writing -- for its riveting fraternity gang rape storyline. “One Life to Live” won four Emmys again in 2000, including awards for costume design and music direction, and in 2001 it was the recipient of two Emmy Awards. Viki’s breast cancer storyline was honored with the 2000 CDC Sentinel for Health Award.