ABC Licenses 'All My Children,' 'One Life to Live' to Prospect Park

Soaps will continue production and delivered via online platforms

By Lindsay Rubino -- Broadcasting & Cable, 7/7/2011 2:25:34 PM

ABC's long-running soaps All My Children and One Life to Live have been licensed to media and production company Prospect Park, it was jointly announced Thursday.

The agreement, brokered by Disney/ABC Domestic Television Group, allows media company Prospect Park to continue production of the soaps, which are scheduled to broadcast their final episodes on ABC on Friday, Sept. 23 (All My Children) and January 2012 (One Life to Live). Prospect Park will produce and deliver the shows, maintaining their original format and length, through online platforms as well as internet-capable televisions.

"We are privileged to continue the legacy of two of the greatest programs to air on daytime television, and are committed to delivering the storylines, characters and quality that audiences have come to love for over 40 years.  All My Children and One Life to Live are television icons, and we are looking forward to providing anytime, anywhere viewing to their loyal community of millions," said Rich Frank and Jeffrey Kwatinetz, co-founders of Prospect Park.  "Technology changes the way the public can and will view television shows.  Now that there are so many devices available in addition to television sets, viewers are taking advantage of watching shows where ever they are and on any number of devices.  The driving force in making the switch and attracting new audiences is to have outstanding programs that people want to watch.  We believe that by continuing to produce the shows in their current hour format and with the same quality, viewers will follow the show to our new, online network."

The license agreement comes after fans of the show - and advertisers -- rallied against ABC's decision to cancel the soaps.

"I'm just so happy that ABC found a home where the legacies of All My Children and One Life to Live can continue.  I'm excited for their future with Prospect Park," said Agnes Nixon, creator of both soaps.