‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Celebrates 24 Years on Broadcast Television

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — As one soap learned that its demise was nothing but premature speculation based on rumors according to its executive producer, another was celebratings its 24th anniversary on broadcast television as today, March 23, marked CBS' "The Bold and the Beautiful's" birthday.

Launched on March 23, 1987 by co-creators William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell, "The Bold and the Beautiful" is daytime's second most watched soap opera only behind parent series "The Young and the Restless." In 2010, Guinness World Records named "B&B" the Most Popular Daytime Soap Currently on TV with an average daily viewing audience of more than 35 million people in over 100 countries. Also in 2010, the soap won its second consecutive Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series by the National Association of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS).

"Twenty four years on television is an extraordinary achievement," said executive producer and head writer Bradley P. Bell in a statement. "I am thankful for the team of gifted artists and professionals who dedicate themselves to making 'B&B' a series we are all proud of.  I am very grateful to our loyal viewers, and to CBS, for their unwavering support."

"The Bold and the Beautiful" stars Susan Flannery (Stephanie Forrester), Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke Logan), John McCook (Eric Forrester) and Ronn Moss (Ridge Forrester). Additional cast members include Texas Battle (Marcus Walton Forrester), Brandon Beemer (Owen Knight), Scott Clifton (Liam Cooper, aka William Spencer III), Zack Conroy (Oliver Jones), Patrick Duffy (Stephen Logan), Don Diamont (William "Bill" Spencer, Jr.), Lesley-Anne Down (Jacqueline Marone), Andrea Evans (Tawny Moore), Adrienne Frantz (Ambrosia "Amber" Moore), Jennifer Gareis (Donna Logan), Adam Gregory (Thomas Forrester), Winsor Harmon (Thorne Forrester), Rick Hearst (Whipple "Whip" Jones), Kristolyn Lloyd (Dayzee Leigh), Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy Forrester), Kim Matula (Hope Logan), Alley Mills (Pamela "Pam" Douglas), Aaron D. Spears (Justin Barber), Heather Tom (Katie Logan), Hunter Tylo (Dr. Taylor Hayes) and Jack Wagner (Dominick "Nick" Marone).

Since May 2001, the soap remains the only daytime drama currently simulcast in Spanish via SAP (Secondary Audio Program) technology.