.png)
CBS
I have my moments when I fear becoming all about Guiding Light but fan reaction to the possible death of this show that is very much worth saving has been so intense, it's been phenomenal. Never before have I witnessed so much passion about a soap opera. The news surrounding the CBS decision to cancel the show has been nonstop and fan reaction has been totally unprecidented.
When was the last time you witnessed a primetime audience rallying around their canceled show with this much passion? Like----never?
The rich history behind this show chronicles more than just the American soap opera. The fact that they began in radio airing 15 minute episodes and then transitioned into television with half-hour and hour episodes taps into the ability of this institution to keep up with the changing American landscape and keep that light shining for 72 years. There is just something magical about this show as of late that has managed to tug at the hearts of soap fans everywhere.
The magical force behind the Light has clearly spread and on Friday, May 22nd, fans of the show are holding a rally outside the CBS Early Show and Lifetime's Studios to do their part to keep this venerable show on the air. You can get the details at Savethe LightRally.com and I might just hop the Amtrack and attend myself.
This group is also encouraging fans in other locations who could not possibly get to NYC to host a Save the Light rally in their own cities, and to send in their own Save the Light videos. This could become very interesting and by the way, the rumbles continue that things are looking up for this show to find itself a new home. Wouldn't that be a gift?
Do let me know if you will be attending!
Comments
OMG, I HATE flying but I might just have to sprout wings and get to NYC... I would do that for Otalia.
Wow, this is the first I've heard of a rally. Thanks Mary. So GL fans do have some life to them. I hope this is covered by CBS. Let it spread.
Obviously you have never heard of the JERICHO story.....the passion shown by this group pales in comparison to the "Nuts for JERICHO" campaign. We are actually mentioned in the newest Guiness Book of World Records. I'm sorry to say that GL has been on life support for years....poor quality writing and even worse acting. The show has not been viable since Bert Bauer died and Reva has always been the proverbial finger nails on the chalk board for me. I say to you FIGHT the FIGHT however stick a fork in it because GL is done.
Oh Lee. lovely. I personally am very happy for you, I'm sure it meant a lot to you to see your favourite show be saved and feel like you had a part in achieving that.
Now see, Guiding Light is not owned by CBS. Procter & Gamble are in negotiations with various networks right now and things are actually looking really good. So excuse us while we're staying positive and do our part to save our favourite show.
The GL fans have been absolutely amazing! I have faith in the fans, in Telenext, in P&G and in Lifetime. I just know this show will find a new home.
@Lee Frazier- Obviously you have not watched GL in a number of years. Reva has become much more a supporting actor than a lead actor and the writing has improved 100% in the last year. Perhaps you should know something about the things about which you comment. GL is not "done." There is a lot of life left in the old girl.
KEEP THE LIGHT SHINING!
There are plenty of primetime shows that fans rally around it....Jericho, Roswell to just name a few. I don't want to be the Debbie Downer but I don't see the point in GL going anywhere else....every single show I can think of that moved to another network is canceled within a year.
Hi Lee--in all honesty, I am not totally familiar with the "Nuts for Jericho" campaign--however I appreciate their cause and their spirit. I just also wanted to point out that "Guiding Light" has been in the "Guiness Book of World Records" for years as the longest running drama in broadcast history.
I think you should revisit this show because it seems to me as though you haven't tuned in lately. You can tell us to stick a fork in the show but don't insult those who are passionate about it here. It just won't fly.
Thanks for stopping by and I honestly appreciate your opinions--strong as they may be.
Hi JC - Thanks for visiting. I think you might be wrong about this show not surviving. Nobody thought it would when it transitioned from radio to television yet, it's still here despite it's ups and downs over the years.
You never know...this show could go back to a shorter format on the Internet or remain the same length on a cable network airing fewer days. Anything is possible but this show could bring it's legacy full circle by exploring and securing a new home for itself.
Mary
With the advent of the Internet, Tivo, and DVR the Neilsen ratings system has never been more of a joke. GL viewership is stronger than ever...and current story lines seem to have struck a chord with a significant number of women under 35 - a, incredibly valuable demographic. It's great that so many fans are tech savvy, motivated, and creative enough to network and make their voices heard. Lifetime would do well to pay some attention - GL fans will follow the show, wherever it goes. Thanks for writing about this effort.
for years one thing my mother, my grandmother and i all had in common and could talk about every day no matter where we all lived, is THE GUILDING LIGHT.
I remember when i was a child and it was time for my great grandmothers "stories' to come on. HA we had to be quiet. myself and 3 brothers trying to be quiet for a whole hour while she watched the "THE GUILDING LIGHT'. ")
at 45 now I see myself sh-h-h-ing my sons when the "GUILDING LIGHT" is on. Yet another family tradition set for us by "THE GUILDING LIGHT" One that we will not be able to carry on if it is taken off the air.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!