‘Guiding Light’ fans brace for end, fall reunion with faves
"Guiding Light" actor Robert Newman
“Guiding Light” actor Robert Newman is advising longtime viewers of the CBS soap to arrive armed with plenty of tissues when the final episode of the 72-year-old serial airs Friday (CBS 46, 3 p.m.). “As a cast we understand what the fans are going through,” Newman, a 28-year veteran of the soap told Buzz Thursday.
“We went through the tears and all those emotions three weeks ago when we wrapped production. A therapist friend told me the most traumatic things we go through in life are death, divorce, moving and losing a job. This sort of encompasses all three.”
Newman says his inclination has been to avoid the soap’s emotional final episodes this week.
“But my wife has forced me to watch,” he admits laughing. “It’s actually been nice to see the work of these amazingly talented people in front of and behind the cameras. I love and respect these people a lot.”
Newman also understands the viewer disbelief this week when, in a shocking plot development, resident Springfield villain Alan Spaulding (played by Ron Raines) donated bone marrow to save his son Phillip, is publicly redeemed and then died unexpectedly.
“That’s something that probably wouldn’t have happened if we weren’t at the end of the line,” Newman said. “But it was amazing to see this character perform such an incredibly loving act. I understand the writers’ decision.”
But even when “Guiding Light” goes dim Friday, fans can look forward to “So Long, Springfield” when it rolls into the Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta on Nov. 7. Ten actors from “GL,” including Newman, Frank Dicopoulos, Gina Tognoni, Jessica Leccia, Bradley Cole, Jordan Clarke, Grant Aleksander, Daniel Cosgrove, Jeff Branson and Kim Zimmer are coming to town for a full day and night of events. For info and tickets: go to solongspringfield.com or call 1-866-364-0330.
“It’ll be nice to catch up with my friends,” Newman says. “And us guys are hoping for a few opportunities to play golf together!”
And naturally, Buzz had to grill Newman about his beloved co-star and soap soul mate Kim Zimmer, who plays “Light” heroine Reva. The actor tells us the star-crossed couple will share some special moments in Friday’s finale.
Previews Newman: “The show jumps ahead a year and the final scene involves Josh, Reva and a lighthouse. It’s just a lovely episode. I think the audience will be pleased. There won’t be a dry eye in the house.”
Will you be tuned into the final episode of “Guding Light” Friday? Will you attend this fall’s “So Long, Springfield” fan event here? How would you write the finale of the 72-year-old soap?
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106 comments Add your comment
sandy
September 17th, 2009
5:47 pm
Please don’t take guiding light off the air. What will all the people do that lives to see what will happen next.
Sandra
sandy
September 17th, 2009
5:48 pm
I love the show. It was more real then any of the other soaps.
Beth
September 17th, 2009
5:52 pm
I was tearing up just reading this, I can just imagine how tomorrow will be, I will be a mess! I really want a romantic scene with Otalia & a kiss, and I will be happy, but sad that we will never see Guiding Light again, they are all like family! Best of luck to all the actors I wish you much love, peace, & happiness! God Bless! oxox
Trudy
September 17th, 2009
5:52 pm
I”m so sad!!!!! I’ve been watching Guiding Light for 23 yrs…It’s the only soap I watch…What am i going to do now????? I will miss seeing everyone…..They were like my family…
So Sad in La.
Trudy
amanda
September 17th, 2009
6:02 pm
WHAT IS TV COMING TO REALLY? I LOVE THIS SHOW WHY WOULD ANYBODY IN THE RIGHT MIND TAKE THIS SHOW OFF AIR CBS WILL DEFF! LOOSE ALOT OF VIEWINGS OVER THIS AND PROBALY PUT SOME STUPID SHOW THAT NOBODY CARES ABOUT IN ITS PLACE IF ANYBODY AGREES WITH ME PLEASE WRITE YOUR COMMENT AND LET CBS KNOW HOW YOU FEEL !
Jennifer
September 17th, 2009
6:05 pm
Wow, I’ve been watching for about 23 years since I was 16. I was wondering what was going on when Alan died yesterday, haha it made me teary eyed! But oh man, I can’t believe I’m not going to get to watch this show anymore!! LoL what am I going to do when I iron and clean??!! I know soaps are silly but man they obviously grow on you like a great friend. Thanks for all the great shows..Oprah will never ever ever replace this show.
michele
September 17th, 2009
6:05 pm
I don’t understand!! this show is so real compared to the rest of the garbage out there’ I have watched theses families my whole life and im 50, good luck to you all and I will also be a mess all weekend as I watch the finale eposide.
Tina
September 17th, 2009
6:09 pm
I HATE ALL OF U AT CBS!!!! U SUCK!!!!!!!
kathleen lanphear
September 17th, 2009
6:11 pm
Enter your comments hereI’m so sad to face the last show.I named my son after Josh and watched this show has long has i remember..GOD speed to all of the cast for lighting my world for years..And THANK YOU for all the shows ..I will miss the show and cast …
Pat
September 17th, 2009
6:24 pm
PLEASE DON’T GO!!!! WE WILL MISS YOU…..I FEEL LIKE I’M LOSING PART OF MY FAMILY!!!!! YOU ARE A GREAT BUNCH OF PEOPLE… ALSO WANT TO THANK THE WRITERS FOR WRAPPING UP THE STORYLINES AND NOT LEAVING THE ENDING JUST HANGING THERE…REMEMBER ANOTHER SOAP THAT DID THAT, AND IT WAS VERY ANNOYING. ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL YEARS THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN ALL OF YOUR FANS.. WE LOVE YOU.
Kathy Appleton
September 17th, 2009
6:31 pm
Words can’t express how sorry I am that CBS thinks so little of us soap fans that they would take Guiding Light off the air and replace it with a game show. All of us loyal GL fans obviously meant nothing. How sad. And now it’s too late. Hate is a very strong word, but I’m feeling very angry and hurt towards CBS now. They underestimate how very emotional we fans can be towards something that has been a great enjoyment to watch for almost a lifetime. R.I.P. GL …. may the Light never fade for us loyal fans.
Mary Roberts
September 17th, 2009
6:31 pm
I am very sad that Guiding Light is going to dim it’s light. I have been a true and loyal fan since 1981.
I also remember in early childhood watching with my grandmother she loved it way back in the 60’sand 70’s. I wish all the best to the wonderful cast. What will I do for the 1 hour i claimed for myself out of a day? Will Love and Miss you all forever.
Valerie
September 17th, 2009
6:37 pm
I don’t like the idea of this show going off the air after 72 years. I didn’t particularly like the new way of filming but don’t just take it off the air! I mean come on folks. But all good things do have to come to an end. I was totally taken by surprise of just killing off Alan though….
Robbie
September 17th, 2009
6:39 pm
Enter your comments here I am very sad that the Guiding Light will no longer be with us. I like others have grown up watching since I was 13 yrs old and I am in my 50’s. I have enjoyed all of the characters over the years grew up with Beth, Rick and Philip. Dr Phil will never replace the Guiding Light 3:00 pm will not be the same for me.
You all will be sadly missed
Laura Carlson
September 17th, 2009
6:40 pm
I just can’t believe the last show is tomorrow. I think this is such a mistake. I started watching the show with my mom over 40 years ago. I have tried watching other Soaps and I always go back to the Guiding Light, even if I miss it for a year, I always feel like I never stopped watching it. Good luck to everyone on the cast, you are all wonderful..I bet this is really hard for all of you..just remember how happy you have made alot of people for so many years.
Robbie
September 17th, 2009
6:41 pm
I am very sad that the Guiding Light will no longer be with us. I like others have grown up watching since I was 13 yrs old and I am in my 50’s. I have enjoyed all of the characters over the years grew up with Beth, Rick and Philip. Dr Phil will never replace the Guiding Light 3:00 pm will not be the same for me.
You all will be sadly missed
Alice
September 17th, 2009
6:42 pm
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Like so many others I have been watching GL for almost 40 years. It really has become a part of my life as I anxiously waited to see what would happen next. After work I would always spend some down time watching the soap every evening. Thank you to all the veteran actors I’ve come to know and love and to the recent actors who added their own ray of light to the show. Good luck to all of you and God bless!
Margaret C
September 17th, 2009
6:42 pm
Enter your comments here Yes, I will definitely miss GL, it’s the only soap I have watch in the last 12 years. I started watching it with my Mom, she’s been gone since ‘00 but I kept watching for both of us. I have already cried twice in the past week so I know Friday will probably be the third time. CBS please change your minds & keep it on.
Jenni
September 17th, 2009
6:50 pm
I am 40 and this show has been in my life for 40 years.. My mom always had it on .. and I have always had it on. My 2:00 hour will be so lost. I will not know what to do at that time… I will MISS everyone on the show, it is like a piece of me is dying. My daughter laughs because I have been taping it and crying.. she says mom these people are still alive, Alan really didn’t die… but this show has been my family and in my heart for 40 years and yes alan did die and I did morn… I feel a connection to BETH because I do the Kettle ball work out because of her… thanks Beth you are amazing.. LEts make a deal is replacing it, how about lets make a deal and put guiding light back on. .. god bless all of you that have brought JOY to ALL us viewers.
Ann Lackey
September 17th, 2009
6:52 pm
Enter your comments here I am so depressed,these people are like my family to me.I do not understand the need to take it off the air.I am a retired nurse and watched it on my days off and now i watch it every day.I don,t.,… know how Ill get over this,I will miss them all so much.The cast is wonderful and if I had to,I could not pick a favorite.It was so good to see Philip and Jonathan again.So long my precious friends
Renee
September 17th, 2009
7:15 pm
Why?,,,,,, I cannot believe that the only soap worth watching on T.V. is now going to be over. I started watching Guiding Light when I was about 8 years old. My Grandpa was a really big fan of the show. I would watch it with him everyday. I grew up with this show. Josh and Reva were the ultimate. I was always so in love with Josh. I ended up marrying a man who looks like him.
I have watched this show for the last 21 years and my heart is breaking that it is over. I wish CBS could have cut something else. AS THE WORLD TURNS would have been a better choice. Goodbye Josh and Reva, and the rest of the wonderful cast. I will surely miss you.
Donna
September 17th, 2009
7:20 pm
Please some other network pick up guiding light I am 41yrs. Old and guiding light has always been a part of my life. We do not need another game show or talk show. The people that has been life long fans deserves better than this. 70+ years this is history you see ending!!!!!
Mary Ellen
September 17th, 2009
7:24 pm
Enter your comments here I too will miss Guiding Light… I only started watching a couple of years ago, but have not missed a day since. My mornings just won’t be the same. I wish all of the actors well and hope they show up somewhere else, but it won’t be the same ever again. My box of tissues is ready.
Teresa
September 17th, 2009
7:24 pm
Just when Jonathan finally comes back they end Guiding Light. I have been watching it for 20 plus years. I can’t imagine my life each day without this soap. No soaps can compare to what Guiding Light has brought to us. It will be hard to watch tomorrow’s show. But nothing will keep me from it. I heard they are replacing the show with a old game show?? How crazy is that?? I know I won’t watch it. Please bring back the light!!!~~~~~
Karen
September 17th, 2009
7:25 pm
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I will miss GL . I have been watch for a long time 29 years. It was good to see all the old crew
again. Danny an Michelle finaly move back. Philip and Beth got back together.
noworriesdee
September 17th, 2009
7:25 pm
This is completely UNFAIR!!!! This show should not be leaving us. I haven’t a clue where to even begin looking for another soap to watch…nothing comes close to GL. I will miss all of you so much.
Cherelle
September 17th, 2009
7:31 pm
I cannot believe that GL is ending I figured this show would be on forever. CBS is all I like to watch, from 11 to 3pm. They have the most realistic plots. I will truly miss this show.
Donna R
September 17th, 2009
7:31 pm
I think all the fans need to boycott CBS until they bring Guiding Light back on. Take As the World Turns off its so boring. I am 40 and me and mom watch GL everyday I spent my teen yrs. With Beth and Phillip and their song Endless Love!!! I have laughed cried been fighting mad with these people. They come into our home 5 days a week and they are family. Please everyone band together and boycott CBS!!!!
Jan
September 17th, 2009
7:35 pm
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Yes, I will be watching and crying. I have watched as much as I could through the years since I was very young, watching while my mother ironed. I was born the year GL went on TV! It’s been so much fun watching all the “cast from the past” show up recently! I’ve had trouble remembering who was who! My mother is soap shopping, since it is the only one she watched. She lives in Atlanta, so maybe we can be at the event. That would really be fun for both of us!
Mamie
September 17th, 2009
7:37 pm
I LOVE “The Guiding Light” and when Josh and Reva are shown in the year ahead scene I will be crying the hardest. The lighthouse and every Bauer from Papa Bauer to Rick and Michelle, and their children have been a wonderful story to follow. Some say that the new “reality’ shows are a sign of the times. WELL, the new plots on GL were “as real” as any reality show today. You all will be greatly missed! Thanks for the memories!
tonigirl
September 17th, 2009
7:49 pm
Wow….I still can’t belive this is happening!! I have been watching this show for as long as I can remember…my mom always watched it and when I was old enough to pay attention I would have to say it was Nola and her day dreams, and of course Kelly that caught my attention,..I thought he was sooo hot!! lol Over the years GL has done an awesome job incorporating everyday real life issues into the show. I even got my husband hooked, he used to tell me don’t watch Reva without me….I don’t know what CBS is thinking but GL is going to be missed terribly!! Best of luck to all of the cast and thank you for all the years you have given to your fans!
Lori Gill
September 17th, 2009
7:50 pm
I cannot stop crying. This show is such an important lifeline for me to my mom who’s been dead for 18 years. I watched it with her as a child and throughout the next 40 years. It’s been a comfort over the years that I’m watching some of the same characters we watched together. And, the stories are so much more real and compelling than those on my other soap, “Days.” I can’t believe “Days” survives while this other much more quality show ends. I’m devastated and grieving and am taking tomorrow off to absorb my grief as I watch the last episode. Thank you to a quality group of actors and behind-the-scenes folks who’ve brought me so much enjoyment and an appreciated tie to past generations in my family.
cindy
September 17th, 2009
7:51 pm
I know what everyone means. I have been watching the show for 28 years. I too every now and then leave to try a new soap or not to watch soaps at all and always come back to GL. I know I missed the storyline when they cloned Reva and also when she was sick with Cancer. I just recently came back to it after 3 years. And the week that I started watching it again was when I found out it was being cancelled. I think that it was coming back to a great place with the new set and the storylines. I enjoyed it as much now as I did in the late 80s. I have no idea what I am going to do. All the characters do seem real to me. I remember in 1986 I believe that was when it was me and my family went to Hershey Park. And without knowing that they were having a Q&A session with soap stars. My family was first in line and sat in the front row. It was Reva and Kyle and then Holden Snyder from As The World Turns. Which was one of my other soaps. We had so much from. I got a picture of them and my dad got to shake Kim Zimmer’s hand. I will always remember that day.
Barbara
September 17th, 2009
7:56 pm
I am so sad, no! really sad. We have lost so much this year that was part of the fabric of our lives and now to lose GL after 72 years seems like a bitter to swallow. Gl is the only soap I have ever watched and even when you missed a year or two you could catch back up and know the characters. No other program has this advantage. This was a bad choice to cancel. I will miss these people, these family members whose hair has gone grey with mine, and their children grew up with mine. Thank you GL
HEATHER FLUHARTY
September 17th, 2009
8:00 pm
I absolutley love Guiding Light. It is my favorite. To me, this is the only soap worth watching. I love all of the characters and I love Reva!!!! She is an inspiration to alot of women that go through the things that she has been through. I wish that they would take another soap off and leave Guiding Light alone. I truly hope that somehow this show can come back.
Mandy
September 17th, 2009
8:17 pm
Like most everyone else commenting I have been watching this show for almost 30 years. Not only does CBS suck for taking this off the air, but they picked a perfect time for me. I give birth Monday and I can only imagine what kind of postpartum will hit me when I think of missing Guiding Light. My husband is not very pleased about it! haha Thanks to all the cast and behind the scenes employees. You have given us many great years!
Kimberly
September 17th, 2009
8:38 pm
I will really miss the show. I have been watching this show since I was about 3 years old, I use to share watching it with my Grandmother. Now I am 37 years old and watch it with my kids. I hate seeing the show go, many tears will be had on Friday.
carol
September 17th, 2009
8:48 pm
I am drawing a blank on the gentleman that ws on today who visited Alan’s widow. What is his real name and soap character. I totally forgot!!
karen
September 17th, 2009
8:59 pm
I am so sad that Guiding Light is ending tomorrow. I’ve been watching it everyday for almost 20 years and will be lost when 9:00 am Monday morning comes around and it won’t be on.
Toni
September 17th, 2009
9:01 pm
Enter your comments here Like the rest of them. I have been watching this show for 37 years. I
will miss this show. This was my hour for myself and my daughter who watches with me. I have to tape it and watch when she gets in from school. She is 9 years old. We will miss the cast and all the drama. Good Luck to the cast.
JACKIE
September 17th, 2009
9:07 pm
THIS IS THE BEST SOAP ON TV AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN !!!!!!! I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOO VERY SAD TO SEE IT GO AND I WILL NOT WATCH ANY OTHER SOAPS ON CBS ANY MORE WHEN IT IS GONE !!! I FEEL LIKE I HAVE LOST SOMETHING SO DEAR TO ME !!!! I WILL WATCH AND CRY MY EYES OUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT IS GOING ON WITH TV ANYMORE ? TAKE THE OTHER SOAPS OFF AND LEAVE GUIDING LIGHT ON AIR !!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE PLEASE !!!!
Sean
September 17th, 2009
9:12 pm
I have heard that if you are going to end something that you are to end on a high note, not a low one. This show is deffinately on a high note. Guiding Light will be missed. I watch with my wife and it was a special time for us. My wife started watching this show with her mother when she was 7. Our daughter is 9 and will miss watching this with mommy. Tears will be shed tomorrow! Farewell Guiding Light actors and staff.
Patsy
September 17th, 2009
9:12 pm
I already had a good cry one day last week when it mentioned final farewell. I love Kim Zimmer and Tom Pelphry, probably the best actress and actor on the show. When “Jonathan and Tammy” were having their time together on the show, her death scene, and the arguments between “Lizzie and Jonathan”, fantastic acting. I do wish “Reva and Josh” would get back together as I write this, but she is in love with “Jeffry”, who still “is believed dead.” I’ll miss you, Guiding Light, after viewing for 40 years, it’s a sad day for all of us.
sharon
September 17th, 2009
9:21 pm
Enter your comments I will miss Guilding Light sooooooooooooo much. What will I do after work? I only watch soaps. My husband and I record them and watch them after work. I will miss seeinf all the people of Springfield. Love ya
carol
September 17th, 2009
9:25 pm
All month long, I cried. I can’t believe no one will pick up this daytime soap. I be watching every since I was ten, and now that I am also fourty, I wish this soap will continue. This daytime soap will be missed. I had no other soaps to DVR……. Please, find a way to bring back GuidingLight.
Tiffany
September 17th, 2009
9:30 pm
I think it is sad… I am 40 yrs old and have been watching GL since I was 14…
What sucks the most is ‘Bold & the Beautiful’ surely cant have more than 2.3 million viewers and its staying on the air! And that soap is a waste of airtime…I wish I could buy ALL the episodes of guiding light, I would start from day 1 watching them!!! I will u all!!
Patti
September 17th, 2009
9:31 pm
These last days of the Guiding Light have brought out emotions in me that I never expected. It’s made me realize that I’ve been viewing the show since my earliest memories. My mother was a GL viewer, and I remember being 3 or 4 years old and watching the show with her. My mom’s gone now, and the Light will be gone, too. Thank you to all of the cast for being a part of my life. You will all be missed so very much.
Mami
September 17th, 2009
9:34 pm
THANKS to the staff of Guiding Light for your dedication! I’ve been watching for 40+ yes and can’ t believe it’s finale. I loved watching the show because it kept you interested. It was NOT the boring soap opera type. It made you laugh alot because the families were going through a lot of situations like real families go through. Also, a lot of the shows were kid freindly and funny like the baking scene with flour all over. It was my therapy after work no matter what time…. Had to watch! Hoping another network takes over! It would beGREAT!!!!!!!!!!Thx and wish you all the best! YOuAll deserve the BEST!!!!! Come on SoapOoera network pick it up for night viewing!
diana
September 17th, 2009
9:38 pm
Enter your comments hereI’ve been watching GL since I was a teen. Why would you discontinue such a popular soap? This is the only soap I watch, I tape it every night and can’t wait until see what will happen next.
Beth
September 17th, 2009
9:41 pm
I WISHED YOU WOULD NOT TAKE GUIDING LIGHT OFF THE AIR. I HAVE WATCHED THIS SHOW FOR 30+ YRS. I JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY IT IS BEING TAKEN OFF. CAN’T BE DUE TO BUDGET, ALL OF THE OTHER SHOWS ARE STILL ON. IF THAT IS THE CASE THEN SOME OF YOU NEED TO REDUCE YOUR SALARY. I GREW UP WITH MOST OF THE CHARACTERS ON THIS SHOW. IF ANY ARE TO BE TAKE OFF IT SHOULD BE BOLD & BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU TO THE CAST….I WILL MISS YOU TERRIBLY.
Dana G
September 17th, 2009
9:44 pm
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Good bye Guiding Light! I’ve watched you my whole life with my mom and grandma, you were my
“story” and I’ll miss you….May the light never ever fade!
amy
September 17th, 2009
9:45 pm
Enter your comments here Tomorrow is thw last day I watch CBS in the daytime. I have been trying to find a new soap to watch, all seem so fake. GL was a one of a kind. Why dont there writers get togeher and get a new sponser and take off where CBS is letting go
Nicole
September 17th, 2009
9:47 pm
I have been a fan of guiding light since 5th grade Im 36 now. My mom got me started watching it, its been a constant in my life for so long. I will miss it so much. I got into every character. what will I watch now ?
LIZ
September 17th, 2009
9:48 pm
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I have watched this Soap for as long as I can remember and can not imagine life without it. What a loss. I am not much of TV person and the only thing I did watch daily was Guiding Light. After it is gone I won’t have a reason to turn on the TV and certainly not on CBS. I always thought there was more talent on Guding Light than on the silly
sit-coms and reality shows. I know it was all about money. It is less
expensive to do game shows or reality TV. What a waste of time. I will
miss all the great actors and the wonderful charaters they portrayed. Thank you all and the best of luck to you!
G McCall
September 17th, 2009
10:10 pm
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CBS, please reconsider taking the Guiding light off the air. I’ve been watching this soap since I was 13 and I’m 48 now. I was unemployed in 2001, and it was the one thing that brought me comfort. Once I went back to work in 2002, I had my son tape it everyday. This was before DVR and Tivo. He got off the school bus at 2:55 daily and actually ran a quarter of a mile to get home to tape the show because I hated to miss the beginning. I still watch it to this day faithfully. I look forward to going home and watching my characters that are so much a part of my life. I’m so sad right now, it’s hard to express my feelings. Why are you taking this show off after so many years? I can’t imagine that ratings are low because I don’t know anyone that doesn’t watch it. Please reconsider and keep the light shining.
PAT CARTER
September 17th, 2009
10:18 pm
Yeh we are all gonna miss this program..but the fastest way to cbs and proctor and gambles heart is thier pocket book. Hit em hard everyone every week when you do not buy or watch cbs send them a note and let them know you did not buy and you did not watch…and do not watch the new program..let it go downhill fast. No matter how long this lasts.. a year or 2 hit em and hit em hard…a moratorium on cbs they are the losers when the consumers get mad. Bye to all you guys at Guiding light. I hope someone else is smart enough to pick you up for a long time to come. God Bless.
Leann
September 17th, 2009
10:23 pm
Like many viewers that posted comments on this site, I am a veteran viewer of Guiding Light. My first memories of Guiding Light were of my Grandmother watching the “soap” in the afternoon after cleaning up from a huge lunch. My family went home to Minnesota in the summers and I’d get to sit with her and my aunts and my mom to watch. Those were the days of the Bauers with Bert, Mike, and Ed. I continued to watch as a youngster during breaks from school and during summer vacation. I grew up with The Guiding Light (before “THE” was dropped). I was a stay at home mother and watched every day faithfully. My daughter became a GL addict too. I can’t imagine the sadness I’ll feel after watching the final episode tomorrow, and I’m sure many others will be feeling the same way. Goodbye, Old Friend. I will miss my Springfield Family. I can almost bet that my grandmother will be watching from heaven tomorrow too. And, I bet she will not be tuning in to CBS to watch Guiding Light’s replacement. Neither will I.
Sandy Anderson
September 17th, 2009
10:27 pm
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I don’t know where to start…..to be witnessing a death (so to speak) of something that was loved by so many. I have been a fan of Guiding Light, for almost as long as I can remember. I am 62, so the show was on the air for just10 years, when I was born. I first started listening to the show on the radio, long before we had TV. Growing up on a ranch in a rural area, television wasn’t available until the mid 50’s. The only station we got was CBS. How delighted I was, when I was able to see the show in black and white and see the actors that I had just envisioned in my mind before then. My heart is so heavy and I am so sad that this much loved show is ending. To those at CBS who made this dicision….shame on you. GL was never afraid to bring up serious issues, enlightened as well as entertained. I will miss this show as if a family member has passed. To the actors, writers, & staff, who have entertained us all of these years, Blessings to you and much love from a loyal fan!
OH HOW I WOULD LOVE FOR THIS SHOW TO RETURN! It’s the only”soap” I watched. Thanks also for bringing back so many and bringing it all together.
Crys
September 17th, 2009
10:39 pm
I have been a viewer of Guiding Light for as long as I can remember (25+ years). My entire family were fans of the show and not a day went by that it was not on in the house. I can remember it being on in the background while I was playing as a child. Later, as a teenager, I really became hooked…especially when the storyline when Danny and Michelle began. I feel as though I am losing a close friend. Each episode this week has touched me greatly and left me in tears. I am really going to miss sharing my days with the great families on this show.
Linda Pastorino
September 17th, 2009
10:54 pm
Enter your comments hereMy mother has been listening to this show with her mother and she is now 83 and I have seen it on in the house most of my adult life and started watching it with her again and I’m 50. So that is a long time. It doesn’t make sense to me why this show of all shows should be taken off. I would expect some show paid alot of money for that slot and CBS just couldn’t say no. It always boils down to profits nothing else.
rhonda
September 17th, 2009
11:05 pm
Enter your comments here What am I going to do without GuidingLight in my life? I started watching the show in 6th grade i use to schedual my collage classes around the show and when my 2 girls were young it was there “quiet time” and know 35 years later i have always looked forward to “my time” I will miss this show more than words can express
WILLIAM BROGAN
September 17th, 2009
11:15 pm
THANK YOU GUIDING LIGHT FOR BRINGING JOY & HAPPINESS TO MY LIFE FOR 39 YEARS. I WILL MISS YOU!
WILLIAM OF SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Elsie
September 17th, 2009
11:22 pm
I am going to miss GUIDING LIGHT sooooooo much. I can NOT beleieve that it got cancelled. Guiding Light is the BEST soap opera ever. It has the best and the most talented actors and actresses. PLEASE, PLEASE save the LIGHT. It is going to be very heart breaking to watch the last episode.
Natalie
September 17th, 2009
11:30 pm
I cannot believe that CBS is taking Guiding Light away from us! I have been watching this show for 30 years and I feel as though part of my extended family is being taken away from me! I feel like GL has been the most “alive” soap around, and I have loved the camera work and the music that goes along with it. Everything is so real and up close and personal. I have recently lost two of the most important people in my life, one of which was my husband, and I now feel even more loss. I keep holding out hope that some station would pick it up, but it doesn’t look like that is going to happen. Kudos to the entire cast of Guiding Light…you guys are the best and I love you!
Barbara Grace Holder
September 17th, 2009
11:36 pm
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I was born in 1952, and Guiding Light has always been on in my life, first in my Mother’s house, always in my own. I always taped it when I was raising my daughter and we would watch it together on the weekends.
I either grew up with the actors, or we grew older together. But,, to watch my show come to an end,,, is like part of me is dying,,,, like losing one of relatives all over again, forever. In fact, I haven’t been able to watch all week long. At some point I will, but, not yet.
Thank you to all my friends and family and Guiding Light, I will miss you, no I will grieve you, as I would my best friend, as that’s what you’ve been all these years to me, my best friend, day in and day out.
Everyday. My Guiding Light. Barbara in Indiana, Heartbroken <3
Susan
September 17th, 2009
11:51 pm
Enter your comments here Is it just a rumor that Guiding Light may become a story on the web? That would make many of us happy. I can’t imagine how it would work.
stacy
September 17th, 2009
11:55 pm
Friday will be such a sad day. Thank you, cast and crew of Guiding Light, for coming into my home for 30+ years. It has been tough to watch this week, but you all brought your best and the episodes are truly from the heart. Goodbye, dear friends. You will be missed.
Tricia
September 18th, 2009
12:52 am
Thank You All !! I am going to miss watching GL everyday ,GL has been part of my daily life. Everyone in my house knows when I am watching GL do not expect me to do anything else this is GL time. I cannot belive our time is coming to a END… I am very Sad
I feel like I am losing a friend I have had in my life for years and I don’t want to let go. But If I must I would like to say Thank you, and I wish you all the best in everythng each one of you do. I will miss you all !!!!
Tammy
September 18th, 2009
1:24 am
Of course I will watch! Any fan would. Fortunately, I get to see it at 9:00 a.m. I set my alarm every day to get my coffee and watch the show. I work nights so many times I will go back to sleep! As the fate of the show was know so early, I would like to have seen characters from the past brought back for more than just a blink. Not all of us have been watching for years and years so it would have added more to the ending and they deserved to be a significant part in the ending. It is such a shame Ellen Wheeler drove the Otalia storyline into the ground but we have the web and she can’t touch Venice from where she is going. So many great people involved with this show. I hope they realize how much of an impact they have had on their fans. So what if it’s a soap! What show on tv is actually real??????? Good night Guiding Light! I know you will rest in peace…………….
Sandy W.
September 18th, 2009
2:45 am
What in the hell was CBS thinking when they decided to cancel GL? How can they do this to GL’s loyal fan base? I have been watching GL, the only soap I have ever watched, for 20+ years and I feel like I am losing part of the family at one time; I love my “Springfield Family”. I have enjoyed the fact that they begin filming on location in Peapack; the town is quaint and beautiful and it gave the show a whole different feel; good call, loved it, loved it, loved it! I will miss seeing the entire cast everyday and having that hour of “me” time, to get away to Springfield. I wish the entire cast love and luck in their future endeavors, however, seeing them separate and apart won’t be the same for me. They were all great together – a real team. Goodbye my friends, you will all be truly missed. You guys were and always will be the greatest!!!!!!
jean
September 18th, 2009
8:03 am
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I have been a fan ever since I’ve been married 46 years. Being a stay at home Mom I was always able to watch before the kids came home from school. I think the cast of GL was exceptional and wish them all the best. I suggest that CBS put them all back to work on Primetime! I for one will get all my friends and family to watch….
Kathy
September 18th, 2009
9:04 am
Guiding Light is the only “soap” that I have ever watched, to me it was the only one. If we all feel so terrible about losing this show, then the actors should feel proud of their work. Goodb-bye to the Spaulding, Lewis and Cooper families. You all shall be missed. Good-bye Springfield.
Gabrielle
September 18th, 2009
9:24 am
“Guiding Light” has been a constant in my life for the past 25+ years. My grandmother got me hooked on it (it was HER show), and I even scheduled my classes around it when I went off to school at UGA. Through different relationships, many different homes, and a whole host of the usual life changes, my VCR always taped “GL” each day, when I wasn’t home to see it live, and I would watch the tapes at nights and on weekends, fast forwarding past all those commercials, anxious to see what these Springfield people were up to.
Despite periods of horrible writing, absurd storylines, bad wardrobes and even worse set designs, finally culminating in outdoors shoots and road noise, past the shaky hand held cameras and back to tripods, the characters were always there, and the actors I watched grow up and age on screen. I can’t imagine my life without this show, always there, no matter what.
I’ll be watching today, live, as I happen to have the day off from work, and I’ll tape it too, just because. I can’t believe Alan is gone, and everyone is married, and they will wrap this all up in one last episode. “GL”, you will be missed!!
Elaine
September 18th, 2009
9:31 am
How sad !!! Even thow people work…alot of us tape the show to watch after work. GOOD -BYE GUIDING LIGHT !!!!! YOU WILL BE MISSED SOOOOOOOOO MUCH !!!!
Beth
September 18th, 2009
10:04 am
I just finished watching the finale episode and I have to commend them for the ending. Although it felt like a death in my family and EVERY day will have an hour of emptiness, I will ALWAYS remember the longest running soap opera with warm affection. I really don’t think the individuals who ended this phenomena understand the level of hurt they have caused. Whether the ratings went down or not, there was an ENORMOUS fan base that would have continued to go on. I started watching Guiding Light around the age of 13 and my mother was the one to introduce it to me, years earlier my grandmother brought her into in and tells stories of actually remembering it being on the radio….she is 96. I, in turn, about a year ago, started sharing the time with my two girls. They would get home immediately after school just to sit and watch with me…..it was a tradition. For some of us, this has the same impact as if Christmas, Hanuukah, or New Years were canceled…it just should NOT be. In a bad economy those traditions continue, and I hate that production companies have dollar signs in their eyes and cold hearts! Farewell, Guiding Light, I will forever miss all of you!!! Job well done.
Judy
September 18th, 2009
10:36 am
I am in mourning, and have been for the last few weeks. The actors on the GL are and have always been outstanding. I wish some other network would have picked up the show. I have laughed and cried, been in suspense, all you need to keep you involved in watching a great tv show and GL was the greatest of all. No, I will NOT be watching the “game show” in its time slot, I could care less about it. CBS, you really messed up this time. Good luck, and God bless to all the actors.You will be in my heart and my memories for years to come. Thanks GL!!!!
Ethel
September 18th, 2009
12:36 pm
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CBS took off a show I have watched for years. Loved the Reva/Josh, Johnathan/Tammy and finally the return of Johnathan. The actress who played Tammy is now on all My Children and she plays a wacko…Not a good actress either. I only hope some other network picks up Reva and Josh and develops a set of characters with the two of them. They really seem to enjoy the playoff and humor between the two real life characters(Kim and Robert). I will miss the show and will not watch their replacement, no matter what it is. I don’t like game shows, but I find T.V is going the way of the Dodo Bird…..extinct. The try to cater to the youth and the leave out and don’t care what (the loyal fans of many years) we watch much less think about the cancellation of Guiding Light. The good writers are out there anymore, much less the imagination to take a couple like Josh and Reva and run with it. I Feel the soaps for the younger generation lacks taste. It’s all about baring the skin to get notices and that is not acting or drama, and I totally agree with the Bold and The Beautiful, and even As the World turns. There getting trashy and not fit for young kids to watch because it only teaches them how to be trashy at a much younger age. God Bless the cast and crew of the Guiding Light. May you find work on another show with the quality and scripts we have loved for years. i will never forget you and will watch to see a familiar face on another show and that might give me a reason to at least start viewing again, but not B & B. That’s not even a decent story to watch. same as ATWT. Same sex story lines, YUK The actors aren’t believable, and the story line is not suitable for most people. (Hated the Olivia and Natalia storyline) and always fast forwarded to the next part of the story). Thank God it wasn’t an important or long running part of Guiding light.
So Long my extended family..I will miss you. If it had to end..it ended as it should…CLASSY
Brandon
September 18th, 2009
12:38 pm
Enter your comments hereCBS! You are making a huge mistake!!! I’m so upset.
Brandon
September 18th, 2009
12:40 pm
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CBS, Are you kidding me???
Big mistake.
Cynthia
September 18th, 2009
1:11 pm
I can not believe GL is being taken off air and replaced by Let’s Make a Deal . . . really, who is going to watch that in mid-afternoon. I’ve been watching and taping GL all of my life.
anthony huff
September 18th, 2009
1:26 pm
Enter your comments here i really enjoy the cast members and the show will be miss.
Sally
September 18th, 2009
3:48 pm
Enter your comments here I JUST DO NOT KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH CBS, THEY DROP A SHOW LIKE THE GUIDING
LIGHT, AND LEAVE ON TRASH. AT LEASE GUIDING LIGHT HAS THE SAME CAST AS LONG AS, AND WERE AN INTRICATE PART OF OUR DAY
AND FAMILY. PLEASE, PLEASE BRING GUIDING LIGHT BACK.
Sarah Daniels
September 18th, 2009
3:57 pm
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Sarah Daniels
September 18th, 2009
4:00 pm
Why!!!!!???? I grew up with Guiding Light…Through Roger, Holly and Ed’s torrid love triangle. Mike Beaur, Hope. The best soap on tv. The only one that I have watch. I am in shock. Hope fans keep writing and the show will be back on soon.
Tammy in NE
September 18th, 2009
4:03 pm
Enter your comments here I will miss this show so much!! Best soap ever!! Nothing can replace it!!
Myra
September 18th, 2009
4:04 pm
I truly wish that the GL was not ending! It really is the ONLY daytime soap I have ever been able to watch. There has always been something about the GL that makes you feel like they are actually people NOT actors. All the other CBS daytime soaps are insane and the actors seem as if they are acting. I wish there were someway to keep GL on the air….like mini-series or even an early evening semi series…would be great!!
Nick
September 18th, 2009
4:16 pm
There are no words. I have no faith in – or desire to watch further CBS shows.
Griff
September 18th, 2009
4:20 pm
Ditto Nick! Why go through this again with another show. CBS did not just end a “show” – they ended a “tradition”. It just goes to show how the world’s values change.
Judith Hart
September 18th, 2009
4:48 pm
Enter your comments here.I have watched G.L. since I started college in Atlanta 41 years ago.I called my grandmother once a week,and we always caught up because she saw it daily.When I got my first VCR in ‘78, I never missed a show unless I was on vacation. I hope the Major Players in the Cast will start a New G.L. being the Producer’s and Directors, and Writers. With all the horrible realtity shows, talk shows, etc this was a way to connect with your favorite characters, and have an hour a day to just yourself. Thank you all for some wonderful years, and performances. Judith Hart, Indpls., Ind.
Gingerbread
September 18th, 2009
6:09 pm
I have been watching the Guiding Light since I was around 8 years old, I am 44 now and really shed a lot of tears during the final week. I remember when so many characters began, who truly loved who and all the dirt in between. It was quite touching to see the redemption of Alan and mending of all the broken/misguided relationships! Hopefully, I can make it to the celebration in Atlanta on Nov 7th. If not, THANK YOU cast for a wonderful serial experience. Be Blessed!
Cheyenne
September 18th, 2009
6:33 pm
This made me think of my late Mom. She used to watch GL every day, no matter what. Everyone knew NOT to call her during that time, because she would not answer the phone. It was like her family to her.
CJ Dawg
September 18th, 2009
6:50 pm
I have never watched the show much, but it has a special place in my life. I grew up living the summers on a small farm with my grandparents. We would do small chores until lunch and then we would shut down and eat lunch. After lunch my papa would turn on the TV to one of the 3 channels that picked up and it ended up on CBS when GL was on. My Grandma was blind, so my papa would describe to her what everyone was wearing…at one point she saw enough to know colors..and they would watch the show and talk together. They are both gone now and with GL gone too, it feels like one more piece of them is gone as well.
The Nerd
September 18th, 2009
7:29 pm
Maybe now CBS will bring back those game shows. (Besides LMAD, TPIR is the only game show on CBS Daytime, as compare to 4 in the 70’s.)
BehindEnemyLines
September 18th, 2009
7:29 pm
Sad day for television really & all those involved with the show deserve the credit they’re being given here & elsewhere. That said however, it’s hard to blame P&G or CBS for the decision, since GL’s ratings had steadily fallen for years & reached the point of being untenable. It isn’t the sponsor or the network that’s changed so much as the habits & interests of U.S. society, there’s less available audience in daytime and there’s more options to choose from than ever. And it’s only going to get worse as ATWT seems likely to race DOOL to be the next soap icon to disappear. Sad, but that’s where we’re at today.
georgia
September 18th, 2009
7:32 pm
they were just like family to me, i watch them every day when i got of work i would go home to see gl .it was nice to see the old crew. please bring them back. we dont need another show
georgia
September 18th, 2009
7:39 pm
Enter your comments here i will miss the gl it was nice see all the old crew. we dont need another game show . iam 64 year old so that tell you how long i been watch it . why why.
georgia
September 18th, 2009
7:40 pm
Enter your comments here will be miss
georgia
September 18th, 2009
7:41 pm
Enwill be misster your comments here
georgia
September 18th, 2009
7:42 pm
will be miss
audrey
September 18th, 2009
10:01 pm
Enter your comments here I love watching guiding light i look forward to it everyday why take it off the air now everythings happening everyone was hoping for johnathans back, lizzy is happy come on think about it alot of disappointed fans out there!!!!!!!!!!!!