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Ryan's Hope: An Oral History of Daytime's Groundbreaking Soap

Name: Ryan's Hope: An Oral History of Daytime's Groundbreaking Soap
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Book Synopsis: A behind-the-scenes look at the show that changed daytime drama, an in-depth, intimate and entertaining cultural history, told in the words of its cast, crew, and creators.

From the opening scene of its first episode, in which Mary Ryan walks jauntily down a New York City street to her family’s neighborhood bar, it was clear that Ryan’s Hope would be unlike every daytime soap that had come before. Indeed, from 1975 to 1989, the Emmy Award-winning ABC TV serial drew viewers into the world of Maeve and Johnny Ryan, their children, friends, and extended family. This page-turning chronicle gathers memories and exclusive interviews to reveal the show’s fascinating origin story—and explore why it’s missed to this day.

Ryan’s Hope was set in a real city, within recognizable communities. The working-class, Irish-Catholic, immigrant Ryans were the core of a show that credibly tackled such topics as infidelity, addiction, religious faith, and women’s rights. There was melodrama, to be sure, but also heart, depth, grit—provided by co-creators and head writers Claire Labine and Paul Avila Mayer.

Labine and Mayer were also the executive producers in the early years, which gave them full control over their creation, from character backstories to lighting and costume. But there were also some missteps along the way, from the constant recasting of fan-favorite characters to ABC’s ill-judged attempts to infuse the homey, family-oriented show with intrigue and adventure.

Featuring the words of stars including Helen Gallagher, Malcolm Groome, Ron Hale, Ilene Kristen, Michael Levin, Ana Alicia, Roscoe Born, Catherine Hicks, Geoff Pierson, Andrew Robinson, and Gordon Thomson, along with writers, producers, production crew, and family members—plus never-before-seen photos and plot synopses—soap opera fans will find this insider account as captivating as the beloved show itself.

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Step behind the curtain and relive the glory days of daytime drama with Ryan's Hope: An Oral History of Daytime's Groundbreaking Soap. This captivating book takes you on a journey through the show that revolutionized the genre, as told by the cast, crew, and creators themselves. From the moment Mary Ryan strutted down that iconic New York City street, it was clear that Ryan's Hope was something special.

From 1975 to 1989, this Emmy Award-winning ABC TV serial enraptured audiences with its authentic portrayal of the working-class, Irish-Catholic Ryan family. Ryan's Hope fearlessly tackled real-life issues such as infidelity, addiction, religious faith, and women's rights, creating a melting pot of relatable storylines. No other soap opera had ever delved so deeply into the complexities of everyday life like Ryan's Hope did.

What sets Ryan's Hope apart is the unwavering vision of its co-creators and head writers, Claire Labine and Paul Avila Mayer. As executive producers in the early years, they had complete creative control, ensuring every aspect of the show was meticulously crafted. From the characters' rich backstories to the perfect lighting and costumes, Labine and Mayer left no detail to chance.

But Ryan's Hope wasn't without its challenges. The constant recasting of fan-favorite characters and ABC's misguided attempts to inject more excitement into the show caused some bumps along the way. Despite these setbacks, Ryan's Hope remains a beloved series that holds a special place in the hearts of soap opera enthusiasts.

Discover the untold stories from the stars who brought Ryan's Hope to life, including Helen Gallagher, Malcolm Groome, and many more. Through exclusive interviews and never-before-seen photos, you'll gain insight into the show's captivating origin story and why it continues to be missed to this day. Whether you're a devoted soap opera fan or simply curious about the legacy of this iconic daytime drama, Ryan's Hope: An Oral History is a must-read.

Don't miss out on this mesmerizing behind-the-scenes account. Immerse yourself in the world of Ryan's Hope and order your copy of Ryan's Hope: An Oral History of Daytime's Groundbreaking Soap here.

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