‘All My Children,’ ‘One Life To Live’ gear up for online debut

Make sure those Internet connections are working: The long-awaited return of ABC’s long-running daytime dramas “All My Children,� and “One Life to Live� is coming to a computer/tablet/phone near you when new episodes of the soaps make their online debut next month.

Prospect Park’s The Online Network announced an April 29 rollout for the both series. The shows will take on a shorter runtime -- at 30 minutes -- and will be available to stream online weekdays via Hulu.com and Hulu Plus. The episodes will also be available on iTunes.

Agnes Nixon, creative consultant for both programs, said in a statement: “I am so pleased that our dream of bringing these two series back to life is coming to fruition.�

It’s an afterlife sure to please the soaps’ die-hard fans who long protested ABC’s decision to cancel the programs. “All My Children� wrapped its 41-year-run on ABC in September 2011. Production for its online version began on Feb. 25. “One Life To Live,� which ended its 43-year run on the network in January 2012, is to begin shooting its online episodes next week. Both series are shot in Stamford, Conn.

In a statement, Prospect Park partners Jeff Kwatinetz and Rich Frank promised to deliver “new and creatively groundbreaking episodes that both the fans, as well as legions of new viewers, will love.�

The switch will include new cast members and some old favorites. Returning “All My Children� stars include Julia Barr, Cady McClain, David Canary, Jill Larsen and Debbi Morgan. “One Life to Live� returning veterans include Robert S. Woods, Hillary B. Smith, Erika Slezak and Robin Strasser.

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