Time and time again we’ve been asked how daytime shows (those airing only on ABC, CBS and NBC) such as “The View,” “The Price is Right,” “Let’s Make a Deal” and even “The Talk” do in the ratings compared to the daytime soaps that we report on weekly here at Soap Opera Network. So we thought we would compile ratings for daytime programming, separate from just the soaps, and also see how CBS’ “The Talk” is doing when compared to “As The World Turns,” the show it replaced this season.

Today “Young and the Restless” co-executive producer Paul Rauch announced that he will be stepping down from the drama series as of Friday, April 1, which ironically enough is April Fool’s Day. This of course is no joke.

As the daytime drama continues its climb up the endangered species list, frustrated soap fans aren’t the only ones starting to panic. A recent report by TheWrap states that advertisers are beginning to grow concerned as well, preferring soap operas to the talk and game shows that are replacing them.

So you are considered one of daytime’s most popular stars thanks to roles on “Guiding Light” and “One Life to Live,” but what happens when your real life is more of a soap opera than the reel-life you had on one? Crystal Hunt knows what it’s really like as the actress got engaged to Dr. Philippe Spiess – a cancer surgeon on Christmas Eve, 2008. So what could possibly have gone wrong? More than you could imagine.

Who hogged the most airtime in all of 2009? After years of coming in second to his female counterparts, did “General Hospital’s” Steve Burton edge out the competition in 2009?

EXCLUSIVE: Soap Opera Network has learned the names of soap opera writers who declared “Financial Core” status to keep on working during the strike. By going “Fi-Core,” these writers can never be members of the WGA again but they continue to pay reduced union dues and the Guild is obligated to continue providing services such health insurance, pension and residuals. Though they can still work on Guild projects, Guild members will not be keen to hire them.

ABC, CBS, and NBC are not in the the mood to show you the fantasy of daytime drama on Christmas day. The networks have decided to ignore it’s female demographic, and go after the men and children in the house courtesy of Christmas specials and sports, sports and more sports.