The Chew Needs General Hospital for Ratings

Ironic, isn't it, that ABC's The Chew, which kicked one of the best-loved soap operas off the air, All My Children, is now going behind the scenes at another popular soap to attract ratings? Is this a sign that ABC is realizing how valuable the soaps are to its viewer base?  Here's a news release from the network:

 

Beginning MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 fans of "General Hospital" have another reason to celebrate as "The Chew" pays house calls to some of the popular drama's most celebrated stars. "General Hospital" airs at 2:00 p.m., ET/1:00 p.m., PT, immediately following "The Chew" on ABC.

Gordon Elliott, executive producer of "The Chew," announced today that the talk & lifestyle show will launch a four-part series next week entitled "Behind the Soap Screen," featuring an in-depth look into the lives of Julie Berman ("Lulu Spencer"), Finola Hughes ("Anna Devane"), Ingo Rademacher ("Jasper 'Jax' Jacks") and Erik Valdez ("Trey Mitchell"). The stars will open their homes to "The Chew" for a glance into their private, off-screen lives, sharing recipes and hobbies.

"We are thrilled to have this opportunity to showcase our neighbors from Port Charles," said Elliott. "Daytime television is all about showcasing personalities, building relationships and storytelling, and many of the 'General Hospital' actors are closet gourmets. We are looking forward to having them on the show." 

An outing to Julie Berman's home includes a peek at her kitchen, where she and husband, Michael Grady, prepare one of their favorite dishes, a grilled chicken and basil pizza. 

Finola Hughes proudly displays her green thumb as she tends her impressive vegetable garden in Malibu. The actress, who grows apples, plums, peaches and avocados, prepares a mouth-watering feta, cherry tomato, kalamata olive creation with flatbread, all with ingredients from her garden.

Ingo Rademacher unveils his breathtaking Hawaiian home, where he resides with his wife and two children. Rademacher's trip includes his backyard, where he grows avocados and raises livestock. He shares his recipe for the perfect avocado and scallion omelet, and takes fellow "General Hospital" co-star Sebastian Roche ("Jerry Jacks") for a paddleboard lesson.

Texas born and raised Erik Valdez cooks a dish he learned from his grandmother. He puts his own spin on her classic ground turkey taco recipe with guacamole, Pico de Gallo, rice and beans, and cooks for his "General Hospital" co-star, Lindsey Morgan ("Kristina Davis"). 

"General Hospital," the most honored show of the 2012 Daytime Emmy Awards, celebrates its golden anniversary on April 1, 2013. Approaching 50 historic years on ABC, it is the longest running American soap opera currently in production and third longest-running drama in American television history. "General Hospital" was created by Frank and Doris Hursley. Frank Valentini is executive producer. Ron Carlivati is head writer.