Editing All My Children (section)

== History ==
=== Origins ===
[[Agnes Nixon]], then head writer for ''[[Guiding Light|The Guiding Light]]'', first came up with the idea for ''All My Children'' in the 1960s. When writing the [[Bible (writing)|story bible]], she designed the show as a light-hearted soap opera that focused on social issues and young love.<ref name="Worlds Without End">{{cite book|first1=Ron|last1=Simon|first2=Robert J.|last2=Thompson|first3=Louise|last3=Spence|first4=Jane|last4=Feuer|editor-first=Robert|editor-last=Morton|title=Worlds Without End: The Art and History of the Soap Opera|publisher=Harry N. Abrams|location=New York City|year=1997|isbn=978-0-8109-3997-4|pages=[https://archive.org/details/worldswithoutend00muse/page/34 34–36]|url=https://archive.org/details/worldswithoutend00muse/page/34}}</ref> She unsuccessfully attempted to sell the series to [[NBC]], then to [[CBS]], and once again to NBC through [[Procter & Gamble]].<ref name="The Encyclopedia of Daytime Television">{{cite book|first1=Wesley|last1=Hyatt|title=The Encyclopedia of Daytime Television|publisher=Billboard Books|location=New York City|year=1997|isbn=978-0-8230-8315-2|pages=[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofda00hyat/page/13 13–18]|url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofda00hyat/page/13}}</ref> When Procter & Gamble was unable to make room for the show in its lineup, Nixon put ''All My Children'' on hold.

Nixon became [[head writer]] for ''[[Another World (TV series)|Another World]]'' in 1965, and decided to use a few ideas from her ''All My Children'' bible. In particular, she used the model of the [[Erica Kane]] character to create a brand new ''Another World'' character named [[Rachel Cory Hutchins|Rachel Davis]]. Nixon said Rachel was Erica's "precursor to the public ... [What] Erica and Rachel have in common is they thought if they could get their dream, they'd be satisfied... But that dream has been elusive", Nixon said.<ref>Simon, p. 28.</ref><ref>Hyatt, p. 29.</ref>

=== Creation ===
ABC later approached Nixon to create a show that would reflect a more contemporary tone. That program, ''[[One Life to Live]]'', debuted in 1968. After the show became a success, the network asked Nixon for another program, and she revived her ''All My Children'' bible and the Erica Kane character.

Nixon wrote a poem to include in the photo album shown in the series' title credits: 
"The great and the least, the rich and the poor, the weak and the strong, in sickness and in health, in joy and sorrow, in tragedy and triumph, you are all my children."

=== 1970s ===
[[File:Ruth Warwick Phoebe Tyler 1973.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Ruth Warrick as Phoebe Tyler]]
''All My Children'' debuted on January 5, 1970, replacing the canceled game show ''[[Dream House (game show)|Dream House]]''. [[Rosemary Prinz]] was signed on to be the "special guest star" for six months, playing the role of political activist Amy Tyler. Prinz was well known for her role of Penny Hughes on ''As the World Turns'' in the 1950s and 1960s, and she was added to the show to give it an initial boost due to her name value. From 1970 and into the 1980s, the show was either written by Nixon herself or by her protégé, [[Wisner Washam]]. He was groomed by Nixon to eventually take over the reins in the 1980s while she focused on other endeavors, which included creating and launching ''[[Loving (TV series)|Loving]]'' in 1983. {{citation needed|date=March 2014}}

Nixon strove to create a soap opera that was topical and could illustrate social issues for the audience.<ref name="NIXON">{{cite web|title=NIXON, AGNES. U.S. Writer-Producer|work=museum.tv|url=http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/N/htmlN/nixonagnes/nixonagnes.htm|access-date=2007-07-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070713081129/http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/N/htmlN/nixonagnes/nixonagnes.htm|archive-date=July 13, 2007|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> She wanted this and a combination of regular humor for the series. To keep the action more real, she allowed the audience to locate her fictional "Pine Valley" on a map: situated a mere hour-long train ride from New York City. Many believed Pine Valley was in New York because of a town called [[Catlin, New York|Pine Valley]] in [[western New York]]. However, it was not until the 1980s that it was finally revealed that Pine Valley is actually in Pennsylvania, near [[Philadelphia]] and also near ''One Life to Live''{{'}}s [[Llanview]]. (Nixon reportedly modeled the town on Rosemont, an actual suburb of Philadelphia.)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.phillymag.com/articles/2007/06/08/legends-the-original-desperate-housewife/|title=Legends: The Original Desperate Housewife|last=Callahan|first=Michael|date=8 Jun 2007|website=Philadelphia Magazine|access-date=February 12, 2018|archive-date=February 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213024121/http://www.phillymag.com/articles/2007/06/08/legends-the-original-desperate-housewife/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The show's first action takes place around several families and characters. [[Phoebe Tyler Wallingford|Phoebe Tyler]] ([[Ruth Warrick]]), who fashions herself as "Queen of Pine Valley", was the paradigm of a rich snob when she is introduced. A divorced mother, [[Mona Kane]] ([[Frances Heflin]]), and her spoiled daughter, [[Erica Kane|Erica]] ([[Susan Lucci]]) were also introduced. Contrasting this was the stable [[Joe Martin (All My Children character)|Martin family]], headed by patriarch Joe and later (after the death of her husband, Ted Brent) by matriarch Ruth, who became a symbolic foundation of ''All My Children''. Destined to break up the young romance of classmates [[Tara Martin]] ([[Karen Lynn Gorney]]) and Phil Brent ([[Richard Hatch (actor)|Richard Hatch]]), Erica learned that Phil was not the son of Ruth and Ted, but instead, the son of Ruth's sister, Amy Tyler (Rosemary Prinz) and her mother's friend, Nick Davis. In a selfish attempt to break up Phil and Tara, she told everyone the truth.

''All My Children''{{'}}s first success was its focus on young love. ABC wanted a soap opera that would bring in young viewers, and slowly the program was accomplishing that.<ref name="NIXON" /> The show's ratings did not start out strong, however. In its first year on the air, it ranked No. 17 out of 19 soap operas. Despite this, its audience grew with each passing year.

The show was unique for its use of the [[Vietnam War]]. Before ''All My Children'' debuted, no show had discussed the war in any depth. There were traditional Phoebe and free-spirited Amy both butting heads over the war, with Amy often leading protests around Pine Valley. When Amy left, Ruth takes over as the anti-war voice and protests against the war in the early 1970s. The character's protest speech in 1972 won [[Mary Fickett]] the first [[Emmy Award]] given to a soap opera performer. Later in the show's run, Phoebe softened.

Nurse Caroline Murray, played by Patricia Dixon, was a Vietnam veteran who overcame her chilling flashbacks to the war with the help of Dr. Frank Grant (John Danelle) in 1976. Dr. [[List of All My Children characters (1970s)#Franklin "Frank" Grant|Frank Grant]], first seen in Pine Valley in 1972, his wife [[Nancy Grant (All My Children)|Nancy]] (played by Lisa Wilkinson and first seen in 1973), and [[List of All My Children characters (1970s)#Caroline Murray|Caroline]] (debuting in 1976) were the first Black leading characters on ''All My Children''.

In May 1972, the character of Erica Kane Martin became the first television character to undergo a legal abortion.<ref>{{cite news|title=Life Can Be Beautiful/Relevant|last=Astrachan|first=Anthony|date=March 23, 1975|work=The New York Times Times}}</ref>
Making the abortion particularly controversial is Erica's reason for doing it, not because of her jeopardized health, but rather because she did not want to gain weight and lose her modeling job. The abortion story received much media attention, especially since it preceded the Roe vs. Wade decision by nearly a year. Within the story, Erica developed a potentially fatal infection after having the abortion, and the switchboards at ABC lit up with calls from doctors and nurses, offering their medical opinions on how best to treat the character's case. The storyline has been credited for boosting the show's ratings, as well as helping establish Erica Kane as a central character who would dominate the show for its entire run.

Phoebe's husband Charles ([[Hugh Franklin (actor)|Hugh Franklin]]) became close to Mona (Erica's mother and his secretary at the hospital). The two fell in love and Charles divorced Phoebe, even though she tried to blackmail Mona and even faked [[paralysis]]. In the end, Phoebe was left a drunken divorcée and Mona becomes the new Mrs. Tyler. This ordeal starts the long-time Phoebe/Mona rivalry.

When [[Eileen Letchworth]], who portrayed Margo Flax Martin, contemplated a facelift, she talked it over with Nixon. Not only was Letchworth going to need time off, she was going to look significantly different when she returned to the show. Nixon approved and worked the facelift into a storyline. Margo wanted to impress the somewhat younger Paul Martin ([[William Mooney (actor)|William Mooney]]). Margo's facelift in 1974 became one of the first major storylines on television discussing [[plastic surgery]] and its psychological effects.

In June 1976, character [[Brooke English]] showed up on her Aunt Phoebe's doorstep and soon clashed with Erica over [[Tom Cudahy]] and Mark Dalton. In 1976, when Kitty Shea Tyler was searching for her natural mother, the show introduced [[Myrtle Fargate|Myrtle Lum Fargate]] ([[Eileen Herlie]]).

By the late 1970s, the show had risen to the top of the ratings. One reason for the rise was the arrival of teenage prostitute Donna Beck (Candice Earley). Her relationship with the handsome Dr. Chuck Tyler breathed life into the show and captivated fans. Other new additions are the arrivals of aristocratic [[Palmer Cortlandt]] (aka Peter Cooney) ([[James Mitchell (actor)|James Mitchell]]), his somewhat creepy housekeeper Myra Murdock ([[Elizabeth Lawrence (actress)|Elizabeth Lawrence]]), and his overprotected daughter Nina ([[Taylor Miller]]), who, to Palmer's chagrin, entrances [[Cliff Warner|Dr. Cliff Warner]] ([[Peter Bergman]]). Palmer does everything in his power to break up the couple, including telling Nina she is going blind due to her diabetes. Palmer teams up with Cliff's past flame, nurse Sybil Thorne ([[Linda Gibboney]]), who confronts Cliff about fathering her son, but this is temporary; Sybil is murdered and Cliff is arrested for the crime, which actually was committed by Sean Cudahy (Alan Dysert). During the murder trial, Nina is astonished to learn that her mother, Daisy Cortlandt ([[Gillian Spencer]]), whom she believes to be dead, is, in fact, alive and living in Pine Valley as Monique Jonvil. To everyone's complete shock, Myra acknowledges that Daisy is her daughter. ''All My Children'' also found memorable villains in Billy Clyde Tuggle ([[Matthew Cowles]]) and Ray Gardner ([[Gil Rogers]]).

''All My Children'' had always aired in color since its 1970 debut. The episodes were initially only saved for a short time on cartridge tapes and were eventually erased in order to tape other productions. Beginning in 1976, all the episodes were saved on cartridge tape and then digitally since the late 1990s. A few early episodes were saved on [[kinescope]] in black and white, one of which aired on ABC in 1997 on a special "A Daytime To Remember", which showcased all TV shows that aired on ABC Daytime. But there are no known pre-1976 episodes to be still in existence on tape.

Nixon personally owned all the early episodes on monochromatic kinescopes. When ABC purchased the rights to ''All My Children'' in 1975, it also received the kinescopes from Nixon with a promise that the network would archive them. However, that promise was broken, because different sources point out that most of them were either lost in a warehouse fire or were erased. As mentioned above, a few early episodes survive.

=== 1980s ===
The early 1980s is considered a "golden period" for the show and the "Golden Age" for [[supercouple]]s.<ref name="NIXON" /><ref name=".amazon.com">{{cite book|first=Bill and Susan|last=Hayes|title=Like Sands Through The Hourglass|year=2005|publisher=NAL Hardcover|isbn=0451216601}}</ref><ref name="soapoperadigest.com">{{cite web|first=Janet|last=Di Lauro|title=Supercouples: A Relic From the '80s or Still Alive and Kissing?|publisher=soapoperadigest.com|access-date=2007-09-06|url=http://soapoperadigest.com/features/supercouples/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100906220936/http://soapoperadigest.com/features/supercouples|archive-date=September 6, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Younger characters, such as [[Greg Nelson and Jenny Gardner]] ([[Laurence Lau]] and [[Kim Delaney]]), [[Liza Colby]] ([[Marcy Walker]]), Liza's best friend Amanda ([[Amanda Bearse]]), [[Jesse Hubbard and Angie Baxter]] ([[Darnell Williams]] and [[Debbi Morgan]]), and a now-grown-up [[Tad Martin (All My Children)|Tad Martin]] ([[Michael E. Knight]]), who was now legally Ruth and Joe's son, enter the scene.

The storyline involving Liza plotting to win Greg back after he leaves her for Jenny became a fan favorite, as was the Greg and Jenny and Jesse and Angie pairings.<ref name="NIXON" /><ref name="Amatangelo">{{cite news|first=Amy|last=Amatangelo|title=Daytime's '80s 'supercouple' returns to 'All My Children'|newspaper=[[The Boston Herald]]|date=January 17, 2008|access-date=2008-01-20|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/general/view.bg?articleid=1067034|archive-date=August 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802170722/http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/general/view.bg?articleid=1067034|url-status=live}}</ref> Jesse and Jenny's summer in New York City became regarded as one of the greatest storylines in the history of the series.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Hot Plot's: AMC's Top Summer Storylines|magazine=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|access-date=2007-07-07|url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/features/all-my-children/articles/amcsummer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100906220850/http://www.soapoperadigest.com/features/all-my-children/articles/amcsummer|archive-date=September 6, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Meanwhile, the legend of "Tad the Cad" is born when Tad takes Liza's [[virginity]], then simultaneously begins having sex with her mother, socialite [[Marian Colby Chandler|Marian Colby]] ([[Jennifer Bassey]]), who eventually is sent to prison.

For older appeal, Jenny and Tad's natural mother Opal ([[Dorothy Lyman]]) was also added to the canvas, where she opens the Glamorama salon and spa. Opal greatly showcased ''All My Children''{{'}}s attempt at humor and satire. Also introduced in the 1980s were powerful businessman [[Adam Chandler]] and his identical twin brother [[Stuart Chandler|Stuart]] (both played by [[David Canary]]), the first arrival of members of the [[Chandler family]]. Adam became cited as one of the "most powerful male figures in television",<ref name="Jenkins">{{cite book|author1=Henry Jenkins |author2=Tara McPherson |author3=Jane Shattuc |title=Hop on Pop: The Politics and Pleasures of Popular Culture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_u5Pqx1DBkgC&q=Hop+on+Pop:+The+Politics+and+Pleasures+of+Popular+Culture+Adam+Chandler&pg=PA61|isbn=0-8223-2737-6|publisher=Duke University Press|year=2002|page=792 pages (specific page)}}</ref><ref name="Mansour">{{cite book|author =David Mansour|title=From Abba to Zoom: A Pop Culture Encyclopedia of the Late 20th Century|isbn= 978-0-7407-5118-9|publisher=Andrews McMeel Publishing|year=2005|page=560}}</ref> which was contrasted by Stuart's kind, generous, and honest personality.

Erica began to take on a larger-than-life role by the 1980s, writing an autobiography, ''Raising Kane'', and turning it into a motion picture. When her presumed half-sister Silver (Deborah Goodrich) accuses Erica of murdering Kent Bogard (Michael Woods, Lee Godart), her former lover and boss, Erica goes on the run. She does all this while posing as a [[Nun#Distinction between a nun and a religious sister|sister]] named 'Christine'. {{citation needed|date=March 2014}}

The show made its first attempt at tackling the taboo topic of homosexuality in 1983. [[Tricia Pursley]] portrayed the divorced Devon McFadden, who believes she is falling in love with her [[lesbian]] psychiatrist, Lynn Carson (portrayed by [[Donna Pescow]]).<ref name="goliath.ecnext.com">{{cite book|author =C. Lee Harrington|title =Homosexuality on All My Children: transforming the daytime landscape|url =http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/summary_0199-3090675_ITM|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517000322/http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-3090675/Homosexuality-on-All-My-Children.html|archive-date=May 17, 2011|publisher=Blackwell Publishing|year=2003}}</ref> Lynn acknowledges that she is a lesbian, and Devon admits her crush, but Lynn rebuffs her. Before this storyline, no other American soap opera had done a story about homosexuality.<ref name=goliath.ecnext.com />

The show tackled the issue of drug use when [[Mark La Mura]]'s character, [[Mark Dalton (All My Children)|Mark Dalton]], becomes addicted to cocaine after years of casual use. His half-sister, Erica, stages an intervention with his friends to have him confront his problems. They practice a [[tough love]] policy that requires Mark's admission of his addiction.

Controversy was prompted in 1987 with the arrival of Cindy Parker ([[Ellen Wheeler]]), who later fell in love with Stuart. Cindy was revealed to have [[HIV/AIDS|AIDS]]. Through visits by now-Dr. Angie Hubbard, the show educated the public on how the disease was spread and how to prevent it. Cindy had contracted HIV from her husband, Fred, played by Mark Morrison, who contracted it from sharing needles for drug use. Cindy is attacked by a vigilante hate group led by her niece, [[Skye Chandler]]. Cindy marries Stuart and he adopts her son, Scott. She dies early in 1989 in one of the show's most-watched episodes.

[[Felicia Minei Behr]] was hired as the new executive producer in early 1989. Having been a producer on [[Ryan's Hope]], Behr was familiar with ''All My Children'', having been an associate producer from 1970 to 1975. Among the stories featured was a baby storyline involving the characters of Adam, Brooke, Tad, and Dixie ([[Cady McClain]]). By this time, the show had also found a "hit couple" in Cecily and Nico (portrayed by [[Rosa Nevin]] and [[Maurice Benard]]), but Behr was unable to convince either to remain with the show, and the duo left at the end of 1989.

ABC was pleased with Behr; Nixon was as well, and decided her creation was safe in the hands of the new producer. Behr, however, made the unpopular decision to fire Peter Bergman (Cliff Warner) during this time, as well as Ellen Wheeler (Karen) and Robert Gentry (Ross Chandler). Bergman's departure was particularly frustrating to Debbi Morgan (who thought it was a cop-out by ABC on the promising interracial Angie/Cliff pairing; Morgan later defected to the new NBC soap opera ''[[Generations (U.S. TV series)|Generations]]'' in protest), Taylor Miller (who was misled when Behr approached her to bring back her character Nina; Miller was frustrated to find out she had only been brought back for two weeks to facilitate Bergman's departure: Cliff and Nina reunited, married yet again, and left Pine Valley, leaving Miller to lament to ''[[Soap Opera Digest]]'' that she felt it was going backward for both characters, and difficult emotionally to play), and Bergman himself. Behr then brought back fan favorite Opal Gardner, but instead of contacting Emmy winner Dorothy Lyman to reprise the role, Behr hired [[Jill Larson]]. Lyman later noted her disappointment in never being contacted about reprising the role.

=== 1990s ===
At the time of Behr's hiring in early 1989, the show usually ranked around No. 4 in the ratings. By 1990, it had inched up to the No. 3 spot. ABC chose [[Megan McTavish]], a former actress who had been on the writing team since 1987, to be its new head writer. She was officially promoted to that position in 1992, with Nixon serving as executive head writer. Stories such as Molly's leukemia, Ceara Connor's ([[Genie Francis]]') [[incest]], Mona's lung cancer, and Deconstruction (a story about racism), were all praised in soap opera magazines for their social conscience. Other storylines included ''Natalie in the Well,'' the ''Who Killed Will Cortlandt?'' mystery, ''Willow Lake Acres'' (a humorous-but-serious tale about the plight of the elderly in a fraudulent nursing home), and a tornado that rocked Pine Valley. Behr also helped craft a story re-exploring Erica's father, Eric Kane.

McTavish was also instrumental in a major, but still popular [[retroactive continuity]] (retcon) storyline in 1993. Shortly after being introduced, [[Kendall Hart]] ([[Sarah Michelle Gellar]]) was revealed as Erica's long-lost daughter. Kendall was conceived after Erica was raped on her 14th birthday by her father's actor friend Richard Fields. After she became pregnant, Erica gave her baby up for adoption. Kendall comes to Pine Valley after finding out her birth mother is the famous Erica Kane. Kendall longs for Erica's approval<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Steinback|first1=Sheila|title=Star of the Year 1994: AMC's Sarah Michelle Gellar|journal=Soap Opera Magazine|date=January 24, 1994}}</ref> but is also angry over her perceived feelings of being 'abandoned' at birth and seeks revenge against her mother.<ref name="Tracy">{{cite book|author =Kathleen Tracy|title=The Girl's Got Bite: The Original Unauthorized Guide to Buffy's World ...|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tlE1_oTihcUC&q=Kendall+Hart+soap+opera&pg=PA63|isbn=0-312-31258-X|publisher=St. Martin's Press|year=2003|page=384}}</ref> Although they try to make their family work at first, Kendall acts out <ref>{{cite journal|title=Editor's Choice|journal=Soap Opera Digest|date=February 15, 1994}}</ref> and mother and daughter experience a painful, strained, and complicated relationship during this time in the series. Gellar was proclaimed by some "as the second coming of Erica"<ref name="Tracy" /> in her two years as Kendall Hart from 1993 to 1995, but left the show to pursue other acting opportunities.

The Santos, Dillon, Frye, and Keefer families were introduced during the 1990s as well. Also, the [[Tad Martin and Dixie Cooney|Tad and Dixie]] pairing had become especially popular.<ref name="West1">{{cite magazine|first=Abby |last=West |title=17 Great Soap Supercouples: Tad and Dixie |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=2008-01-29 |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20174499_15,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201164527/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0%2C%2C20174499_15%2C00.html |archive-date=February 1, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Other prominent couples were [[Dimitri Marick and Erica Kane|Dimitri and Erica]] ([[Michael Nader]]),<ref name="West2">{{cite magazine|first=Abby |last=West |title=17 Great Soap Supercouples: Erica and Dimitri |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=2008-01-29 |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20174499_10,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201164501/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0%2C%2C20174499_10%2C00.html |archive-date=February 1, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Trevor ([[James Kiberd]]) and Natalie ([[Kate Collins (actress)|Kate Collins]]), Hayley ([[Kelly Ripa]]) and Brian (Gregory Gordon, [[Matt Borlenghi]], Brian L. Greene), and [[Brooke English]] and Edmund Grey ([[Julia Barr]], [[John Callahan (actor)|John Callahan]]).<ref>{{Cite news|last=Giddens|first=Jamey|title=That Sure is a Big...Brain: Soaps' 10 Smartest, Sexiest Supercouples|url=https://daytimeconfidential.com/2011/10/11/that-sure-is-a-bigbrain-soaps-10-smartest-supercouples|access-date=2021-03-21|website=Daytime Confidential|language=en-us|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127205006/https://daytimeconfidential.com/2011/10/11/that-sure-is-a-bigbrain-soaps-10-smartest-supercouples|url-status=live}}</ref>

Some of McTavish's storytelling ultimately received criticism for being gimmick-driven (i.e. multiple dual roles, bomb plots). Reports soon surfaced that Behr and McTavish were having conflicts about storylines and the direction of the series. After the [[O. J. Simpson murder case|O. J. Simpson trial]] preempted daytime television programs throughout late 1994 and into 1995, many soaps saw their ratings decline, and ''All My Children'' was no different. When McTavish was fired from her head writing post in the spring, former head writer [[Lorraine Broderick]] was tapped by Behr to lead the team once again.

Broderick's tenure under Behr was popular among critics and fans for returning ''All My Children'' to its socially relevant, character-driven roots. Her most significant successes were Erica's drug addiction story (with the character receiving treatment at the [[Betty Ford Center]]), and also the story of [[homophobia]] over a gay high school boy and a history teacher.<ref name=goliath.ecnext.com /> However, with the ratings still stagnant, ABC did not renew longtime executive producer Felicia Minei Behr's contract, and brought in [[Francesca James]] (who had previously won an Emmy award acting on the show as twins Kitty and Kelly). The storylines now included a [[Haitian Vodou|voodoo]] arc with the popular [[Julia Santos|Noah and Julia]] ([[Keith Hamilton Cobb]] and [[Sydney Penny]]), a fantasy story for Myrtle featuring the "real" [[Santa Claus]], and finally a baby kidnapping story involving Erica.

Despite winning three consecutive Daytime Emmys for writing during her tenure on ''All My Children'', Broderick was replaced in December 1997 by her predecessor, McTavish. The first major story McTavish tackled, [[Bianca Montgomery]]'s [[anorexia nervosa|anorexia]], was created by Broderick. Apart from the anorexia story, McTavish's tales were plot-driven<ref name="sympatico.msn.ca">{{cite magazine|first=Nelson |last=Branco |title=The plot to save 'All My Children': New head writers Barbara Esensten and James Harmon Brown dish on recasting Babe, Dixie's death, and creating a diverse canvas |magazine=[[TV Guide]]|access-date=2007-11-06 |url=http://entertainment1.sympatico.msn.ca/The+plot+to+save+All+My+Children/TV_Guide/Soaps/Features/Articles/070823_all_my_children_NB.htm?isfa=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013233937/http://entertainment1.sympatico.msn.ca/The%2Bplot%2Bto%2Bsave%2BAll%2BMy%2BChildren/TV_Guide/Soaps/Features/Articles/070823_all_my_children_NB.htm?isfa=1 |archive-date=October 13, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and made implausible alterations to the show's history such as the resurrection of Erica's lifetime love, Mike Roy (Nicholas Surovy). In 1998, the show again got a new executive producer, [[Jean Dadario Burke]], taking over from Francesca James.

[[Cady McClain]], who had left the show as Dixie in 1996, returned, but other storylines—involving ghosts, poison tattoos, Nazi art, and a sperm switch—were all ill-received. By the start of 1999, with ''All My Children'' being voted as the "Worst of 1998" by ''Soap Opera Digest'', McTavish was once again fired. As ratings began to fall, ABC convinced Nixon to make a brief return. Many long-running actors, such as Michael Nader, James Kiberd, and [[Robin Mattson]], left their roles.

=== 2000s ===
Nixon decided to write a story that would rejuvenate the show and be socially relevant at the same time. This resulted in the series revealing Erica's daughter Bianca as a lesbian. Within the series, Bianca admits the truth to her mother in December 2000. Although initially controversial, the storyline was praised by fans and critics.<ref name="soapcentral.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2001/0302-gayawards.php|title=AMC's Bianca Storyline Applauded|publisher=[[SoapCentral]]|year=2001|access-date=2007-10-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071105041711/http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2001/0302-gayawards.php|archive-date=November 5, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="AfterElton.com">{{cite news|first=Karman |last=Kregloe |title=Soaps Come Clean About Gay Teens (page 3) |publisher=[[AfterEllen.com and AfterElton.com|AfterElton.com]] |date=March 23, 2006 |access-date=2007-08-09 |url=http://www.afterelton.com/archive/elton/TV/2006/3/soaps3.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611155124/http://www.afterelton.com/archive/elton/TV/2006/3/soaps3.html |archive-date=June 11, 2007 |df=mdy }}</ref><ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite news|first=Patrick D.|last=Healy|title=After Coming Out, a Soap Opera Heroine Moves On|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=February 24, 2005|access-date=2007-10-14|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/24/arts/television/24EDEN.html|archive-date=April 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410085414/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/24/arts/television/24EDEN.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Bianca emerged as a [[List of breakout characters|breakout character]] and lesbian icon.<ref name=AfterElton.com /><ref name=nytimes.com /><ref name="WWW.afterellen.com">{{cite web|first=Lisa |last=Yimm |title=Olga Sosnovska, AMC's Unlikely Lesbian Icon |publisher=[[AfterEllen.com]] |date=April 2004 |access-date=2008-04-07 |url=http://www.afterellen.com/archive/ellen/TV/amc-olga.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080116110907/http://www.afterellen.com/archive/ellen/TV/amc-olga.html |archive-date=January 16, 2008 }}</ref> The show found additional success in the pairing of newcomers [[Leo du Pres and Greenlee Smythe|Leo and Greenlee]] ([[Josh Duhamel]] and [[Rebecca Budig]]).<ref name="SoapOperaDigest.com">{{cite magazine|title=Best New Couple|magazine=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|year=2000}}</ref><ref name="eyeonsoaps.net">{{cite web|first=Carolyn |last=Aspenson |title=Redefining the Super Couple |publisher=eyeonsoaps.net |date=February 5, 2009 |access-date=2009-03-05 |url=http://eyeonsoaps.net/wp/?p=1765 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627112608/http://eyeonsoaps.net/wp/?p=1765 |archive-date=June 27, 2009 }}</ref>

[[Richard Culliton]] wrote several of ''All My Children''{{'}}s early 2000s (decade) storylines. He created popular characters [[Frankie Stone|Frankie]] and [[Maggie Stone]], and said Frankie was already intended to be killed in a murder storyline after only three months on the series.<ref name="Www.soapcentral.com">{{cite news|title=Hendrickson To Return as "Maggie"|publisher=www.soapcentral.com|date=January 10, 2002|access-date=2007-08-12|url=http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2002/0114-hendrickson.php|archive-date=April 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428044834/http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2002/0114-hendrickson.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Culliton and [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] executives were surprised when viewers became attached to the romance between Bianca and Frankie, developed by Culliton with Frankie's debut.<ref name="soapoperanetwork.com">{{cite news|title=SON for week of April 26th|publisher=soapoperanetwork.com |date=April 26, 2007}}</ref> These fans attributed Frankie's death to the show's fear to focus on a lesbian romance.<ref name=Www.soapcentral.com /><ref name="Www.elizabeth-hendrickson.net">{{cite magazine|title=Fans Cry Foul Over Bianca's Latest Loss!|magazine=[[Soaps in Depth]]|date=December 25, 2001|access-date=2008-02-09|url=http://elizabeth-hendrickson.net/SID122501.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060228224042/http://elizabeth-hendrickson.net/SID122501.html|archive-date=February 28, 2006}}</ref> Eventually, Culliton introduced the idea to bring back popular actress [[Elizabeth Hendrickson]], who had portrayed Frankie, as Frankie's twin sister Maggie. Culliton continued to write for the show until late 2002.<ref name="Www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2002">{{cite news|url=http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2002/1028-culliton.php|title=Culliton Out As AMC's Head Writer|publisher=[[SoapCentral]]|date=October 25, 2002|access-date=2007-08-12|archive-date=September 30, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930040907/http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2002/1028-culliton.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

After more staff turnover, McTavish again returned as head writer. Her storylines began airing in July 2003, which included [[Bianca Montgomery#Rape debate|the controversial rape of Bianca]]. Gone upon McTavish's latest return was [[Jean Dadario Burke]] as executive producer, being replaced with [[Julie Hanan Carruthers]]. Under McTavish, ratings fluctuated back and forth. To lure back long-time viewers, McTavish created new characters and romances, as well as scripted the return of various characters who had been gone for long. She introduced [[star-crossed]] couple [[JR Chandler and Babe Carey]] upon writing JR's return to the series, scripted most of popular pairing [[Bianca Montgomery and Maggie Stone]]'s love story, and created fellow popular couple [[Zach Slater and Kendall Hart]]. Characters [[Julia Santos]] ([[Sydney Penny]]) and [[Janet Marlowe Dillon|Janet Dillon]] ([[Kate Collins (actress)|Kate Collins]], who was originally slated to return for a brief stint) were eventually brought back.

On July 26, 2006, [[Tanika Ray]], [[Rihanna]], as well as other celebrities, appeared on the show.<ref name="Tvguide.com">{{cite news|first=Daniel|last=R. Coleridge|title=Rihanna to appear on 'All My Children'. Singer would walk down a red carpet featuring reporters playing themselves|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|date=June 22, 2006|access-date=2009-07-26|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/rihanna-appear-all-my-children-wbna13487071|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024043356/https://www.today.com/popculture/rihanna-appear-all-my-children-wbna13487071|url-status=live}}</ref> During the Rihanna appearance, a controversial storyline involving Erica's thought-to-be-aborted son having come to Pine Valley under the name [[Josh Madden]] intensifies when Josh learns of how he truly came to exist.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite magazine|first=Daniel|last=R. Coleridge|title=Soaps News: All My Children Head Writer Fired!|magazine=[[TV Guide]]|date=February 28, 2007}}</ref> In August 2006, after months of speculation, it was confirmed that fan favorite [[Eden Riegel]] would be reprising her [[Emmy Award|Emmy]] winning role as Bianca. She was a part of a controversial storyline centered on [[transgender]] character [[Zoe (All My Children)|Zarf/Zoe]].<ref name="www.msnbc.msn.com">{{cite news|title=AMC features transgender role Rocker Zarf is man seeking surgery to become woman|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|date=December 5, 2006|access-date=2007-12-30|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/all-my-children-features-transgender-role-wbna15910439|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024041550/https://www.today.com/popculture/all-my-children-features-transgender-role-wbna15910439|url-status=live}}</ref>

The most notable return was [[Cady McClain]]'s return as show heroine [[Dixie Cooney Martin]]. The news of her return spread just two weeks before she reappeared on the series. In an unpopular and controversial move by the series, the writers chose to kill off Dixie in January 2007 only a year after her return.<ref name=sympatico.msn.ca /><ref name="tvguide.com">{{cite magazine|first=Michael|last=Logan|title=Michael Logan's Worst of 2007|magazine=[[TV Guide]]|access-date=2008-02-10|url=http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Soaps-News/Michael-Logans-Worst/800030427|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081216121003/http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Soaps-News/Michael-Logans-Worst/800030427|archive-date=December 16, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="2272007sow">{{cite magazine|title=The Nielsens|date=February 27, 2007|magazine=[[Soap Opera Weekly]]|page=5}}</ref><ref name="2272007sow2">{{cite magazine|title=Hit... Or Miss!|date=February 27, 2007|magazine=[[Soap Opera Weekly]]|page=12}}</ref> The character's death was the result of the Satin Slayer storyline where she is unintentionally murdered in place of character [[Babe Carey]].

Another prominent return to the series occurred on February 9, 2007, when [[Susan Pratt]] returned as [[Barbara Montgomery (All My Children)|Barbara Montgomery]]. Pratt made her last appearance in July of that year. That same month, McTavish was fired as head writer, reportedly due to viewer criticism about her storylines.<ref name=sympatico.msn.ca /> On May 21, 2007, [[James Harmon Brown and Barbara Esensten]] were announced as the new head writers of ''All My Children''.<ref name=sympatico.msn.ca /> The duo wrote for ''[[Guiding Light]]'', ''[[Days of Our Lives]]'', ''[[One Life to Live]]'', ''[[Dynasty (1981 TV series)|Dynasty]]'' and ''[[Port Charles]]'', and created and wrote for ''[[The City (1995 TV series)|The City]]''.

On December 12, 2007, ABC revealed Rebecca Budig would be returning to the series as [[Greenlee Smythe]]; the return was one of the most widely reported in daytime television history, attracting mainstream media attention such as the ''[[Associated Press]]'' and ''[[Daily News (New York)|New York Daily News]]''.<ref name="TvGuide.com">{{cite magazine|first=Matt Webb|last=Mitovich|title=Soaps News: Budig's Back on AMC! Plus, an Angie/Jesse Reunion?!|magazine=[[TV Guide]]|access-date=2008-01-20|url=http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Soaps-News/Budigs-Amc-Plus/800029413&start=75|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081208193051/http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Soaps-News/Budigs-Amc-Plus/800029413%26start%3D75|archive-date=December 8, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Www.bostonherald.com">{{cite news|first=Lynda|last=Hirsch|title=Rebecca Budig Returns to All My Children|newspaper=[[Boston Herald]]|date=January 16, 2008|access-date=2008-07-14|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/general/view.bg?articleid=1067002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100907135204/http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/general/view.bg?articleid=1067002|archive-date=September 7, 2010}}</ref><ref name="tvwatch.people.com">{{cite magazine|title=Rebecca Budig returns to 'All My Children'|magazine=People.com|date=December 14, 2007|access-date=2008-07-14|url=http://tvwatch.people.com/2007/12/14/rebecca-budig-returns-to-all-my-children/|archive-date=December 8, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208180007/http://tvwatch.people.com/2007/12/14/rebecca-budig-returns-to-all-my-children/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="texarkanagazette.com">{{cite news|title=Rebecca Budig returns as Greenlee on 'All My Children' |publisher=texarkanagazette.com |access-date=2008-07-14 |url=http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/WireHeadlines/2008/01/18/rebecca-budig-returns-as-greenlee-on-all-33.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208185429/http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/WireHeadlines/2008/01/18/rebecca-budig-returns-as-greenlee-on-all-33.php |archive-date=December 8, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="www.nationalledger.com">{{cite news|first=Lynda|last=Hirsch|title=Rebecca Budig Bringing Greenlee Back to "All My Children"|publisher=National Ledger|access-date=2008-07-14|url=http://www.nationalledger.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=20&num=17842|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208203124/http://www.nationalledger.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=20&num=17842|archive-date=December 8, 2008|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="abc.go.com">{{cite news|title=Rebecca Budig's Comeback Q&A |publisher=Abc.com |access-date=2008-07-14 |url=http://abc.go.com/daytime/allmychildren/greenleereturns.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704084240/http://abc.go.com/daytime/allmychildren/greenleereturns.html |archive-date=July 4, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="nydailynews.com">{{cite news|first=Carolyn|last=Hinsey|title=Soap Dish: Rebecca Budig is returning to 'All My Children'|newspaper=[[Daily News (New York)|New York Daily News]]|access-date=2008-07-14|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2007/12/14/2007-12-14_soap_dish_rebecca_budig_is_returning_to_.html|date=December 14, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709092514/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2007/12/14/2007-12-14_soap_dish_rebecca_budig_is_returning_to_.html|archive-date= July 9, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> Budig's return [[Greenlee Smythe#Controversy|was overshadowed by controversy]] when news of [[Sabine Singh]]'s reportedly unfair treatment as a Greenlee recast in order to bring Budig back incited viewer outrage.<ref name=texarkanagazette.com /><ref name="www.soapcentral.com">{{cite news|title=Budig Returns to Role of Greenlee|publisher=[[SoapCentral]]|access-date=2007-12-18|url=http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2007/1210-budig_singh.php| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071217033548/http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2007/1210-budig_singh.php| archive-date= December 17, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SOD">{{cite magazine|title=Soap Opera Digest, Sabine Singh interview|magazine=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|year=2007}}</ref>

On December 25, 2007, ''[[Soap Opera Digest]]'' reported the return of fan favorites [[Debbi Morgan]] and [[Darnell Williams]] as [[Jesse Hubbard and Angie Baxter]]. Morgan returned on January 18, 2008, and Williams on January 25, 2008. In April 2008, it was announced that [[Laurence Lau]] would briefly reprise the role of Greg Nelson for Jesse and Angie's much anticipated wedding. On May 21, 2008, [[Charles Pratt, Jr.]], former co-head writer for ''[[General Hospital]]'', was announced as a replacement for Brown and Esensten amid record low ratings. On November 6, 2008, ''All My Children'' aired a special episode in which veterans share their stories unscripted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2008/1103-martinez.php|title=Real-life Iraq war vet cast on 'All My Children'|publisher=[[SoapCentral]]|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=December 11, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211084038/http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2008/1103-martinez.php|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 12, 2008, the show celebrated its 10,000th show with a special appearance by Nixon and a special tribute to [[Myrtle Fargate]] (as portrayed by [[Eileen Herlie]] who had recently died).<ref name="Soaps.com 40th Anniv">{{cite web|url=http://www.soaps.com/onelifetolive/news/2004/One_Life_to_Live_Big_Returns_and_Plots_For_40th_An|title=''One Life to Live'': Big Returns and Plots For 40th Anniversary!|publisher=[[Soaps.com]]|date=June 10, 2008|access-date=August 5, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080805011558/http://www.soaps.com/onelifetolive/news/2004/One_Life_to_Live_Big_Returns_and_Plots_For_40th_An|archive-date=August 5, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="TVG 2008-06-11">{{cite web|author-link=Michael Logan (journalist) |last=Logan |first=Michael |url=http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Soaps-News/Life-Live-40th/800041323 |title=Soaps News: ''One Life'' Celebrates No. 40 with Blasts from the Past |publisher=TVGuide.com |date=June 11, 2008 |access-date=August 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801083707/http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Soaps-News/Life-Live-40th/800041323 |archive-date=August 1, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref><ref name="Soaps.com 2008-07-21">{{cite web|url=http://www.soaps.com/onelifetolive/update/4851/A_Journey_To_The_Great_Beyond|title=''One Life to Live'' recap (7/21/08, 40th Anniversary)|publisher=[[Soaps.com]]|date=2008-07-21|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=June 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626221154/http://www.soaps.com/onelifetolive/update/4851/A_Journey_To_The_Great_Beyond|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Soaps.com 2008-07-22">{{cite web|url=http://www.soaps.com/onelifetolive/update/4859/Lost_In_An_Anniversary_Time_Warp|title=7/22/08, 40th Anniversary of One Life to Live|publisher=[[Soaps.com]]|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=August 21, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821035940/http://www.soaps.com/onelifetolive/update/4859/Lost_In_An_Anniversary_Time_Warp|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 19, 2008, a special episode ran for Herlie, showing clips from the past.

On February 16, 2009, ''All My Children'' made daytime history with the nuptials of [[Reese Williams and Bianca Montgomery]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soaps.com/allmychildren/update/6096/Biancas_Wedding_-_Part_II|title=AMC Recap, 2/16/09|publisher=[[Soaps.com]]|date=2009-02-16|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422232350/http://www.soaps.com/allmychildren/update/6096/Biancas_Wedding_-_Part_II|archive-date=April 22, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> the first legal [[same-sex marriage]] in American daytime television.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/02/16/soap.same.sex.wedding/index.html|title=Soap features daytime TV's first lesbian wedding|publisher=Cnn.com|date=2009-02-16|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=April 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423142813/http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/02/16/soap.same.sex.wedding/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After departing the show in February 2005, Riegel continued to return to the series for limited guest appearances, but permanently left the role in 2010.<ref name="www.soapCentral.com">{{cite news|author1=Dan J Kroll |author2=Liz Masters |title=Riegel didn't want to play Bianca, recast coming|publisher=Soap Opera Central|date=March 5, 2010|access-date=2010-04-04|url=http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2010/0305-riegel.php| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100307192957/http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2010/0305-riegel.php|archive-date=March 7, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="levinsky">{{cite magazine|first=Mara|last=Levinsky|title=Wham, BAM!|magazine=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|date=March 30, 2010|access-date=2010-04-04|url=http://i39.tinypic.com/2lc8nkl.png|archive-date=November 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113023746/http://i39.tinypic.com/2lc8nkl.png|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="tvguidemagazine.com">{{cite magazine|first=Michael|last=Logan|title=All My Children Finds Its New Bianca|magazine=[[TV Guide]]|date=May 13, 2010|access-date=2010-05-13|url=http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/breaking-news-all-my-children-finds-its-new-bianca/2010/05/13/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525194539/http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/breaking-news-all-my-children-finds-its-new-bianca/2010/05/13|archive-date=May 25, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On November 20, 2009, Pratt was fired as head writer. Daytime Emmy-winning former head writer [[Lorraine Broderick]] was brought back to lead the writing team on an interim basis. Reportedly, Broderick returned at the request of show creator Agnes Nixon, but was not interested in remaining permanently as the team's top scribe. {{citation needed|date=March 2014}}

=== 2010s ===
On January 5, 2010, ''All My Children'' celebrated its 40th anniversary with an episode structured like a documentary and hosted by character [[Hayley Vaughan|Hayley Santos]]. It featured appearances by characters [[Palmer Cortlandt]], [[Nina Warner]], Maria Santos Grey, [[Brooke English]], [[Greg Nelson (All My Children)|Greg Nelson]], [[Bianca Montgomery]], [[Mateo Santos]] and Lily Montgomery. It was also the final episode for characters Joe and Ruth Martin, who retired to Florida, and the final appearance for Palmer, since actor [[James Mitchell (actor)|James Mitchell]] died shortly after the episode aired.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soapcentral.com/all-my-children/news/2010/0417-mitchell.php|title=Pine Valley mourns Palmer Cortlandt|publisher=[[SoapCentral]]|access-date=2022-07-19|archive-date=September 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930183455/https://www.soapcentral.com/all-my-children/news/2010/0417-mitchell.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 13, 2010, ABC Daytime announced the appointment of [[David Kreizman]] and [[Donna Swajeski]] as the co-head writers of ''All My Children'', replacing interim head writer [[Lorraine Broderick]], who in turn replaced [[Charles Pratt, Jr.]] Brian Frons, head of ABC daytime, stated, "David and Donna are the perfect team to bring new ideas to ''All My Children'' while remaining true to its core by telling stories with a focus on the integrity of the show's history, its characters and families on the canvas."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalledger.com/ledgerpop/article_272630079.shtml |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907140344/http://www.nationalledger.com/ledgerpop/article_272630079.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |title=New "All My Children" Writing Team Hire a Curious Choice |work=National Ledger |date=January 23, 2010 |access-date=February 3, 2010 }}</ref> Prior to his appointment on ''All My Children'', Kriezman was the head writer of ''[[Guiding Light]]'' from 2004 to the final episode on September 18, 2009, and the co-head writer of ''[[As the World Turns]]'' from 2009 to the final episode on September 17, 2010. Swajeski's prior experience includes a head writing stint on ''[[Another World (TV series)|Another World]]'' from 1988 to 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2010/0121-kreizman_swajeski.php|title=Kreizman, Swajeski named co-head writers|publisher=[[SoapCentral]]|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=January 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124081538/http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2010/0121-kreizman_swajeski.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

With the death on January 22 of James Mitchell at age 89 (Palmer Cortlandt 1979–2010), the show aired a tribute episode to Palmer on Tuesday April 20, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2010/0122-mitchell_obit.php|title=James Mitchell dead at 89|publisher=[[SoapCentral]]|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=February 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209044515/http://www.soapcentral.com/amc/news/2010/0122-mitchell_obit.php|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gillian Spencer]] (Daisy Murdoch Cortlandt), [[Taylor Miller]] ([[Nina Cortlandt]]), and [[Cady McClain]] ([[Dixie Cooney Martin]]) returned for the episode. On February 8, [[Walt Willey]] returned as a contract cast member in the role of [[Jackson Montgomery]], following numerous months away and dispute about his future on the show. On February 23, [[Julia Barr]] reprised the role of Brooke English; Brooke's return was timed to the retirement of [[David Canary]] ([[Adam Chandler]]) after more than 26 years on the show. Their final episode aired April 23, 2010. On July 17, 2010, [[Larry Keith]], who was on the show from 1970 to 2005 as Nick Davis, and who gave [[Erica Kane]] the nickname "Princess", died. He was last seen on January 5, 2005, for the show's 35th anniversary episode.

In September 2010, Daytime Emmy winner Vincent Irizzary's character, David Hayward, was murdered. On the November 22, 2010, episode, David waltzed into the courtroom during Greenlee's trial (for which she was just sentenced to life in prison for murdering him) at the tail end of it, confirming rumors that he was going to return all along. ''[[Soap Opera Digest]]'' confirmed soon after that the show had planned this all along from the start. On September 16, 2010, Adam Mayfield ([[Scott Chandler (All My Children)|Scott Chandler]]) and Brittany Allen ([[Marissa Tasker]]) were announced to be leaving the show. ABC reports that they wanted to take both the characters in a different direction. On September 22, 2010, it was announced that [[Daniel Cosgrove]] (ex-Scott, ''All My Children''; ex-Bill, ''Guiding Light''; ex-Chris, ''As the World Turns'') would return to ''All My Children'' and replace Adam Mayfield (Scott) as Scott Chandler. On October 28, 2010, it was announced that [[Sarah Glendening]] (ex-Lucy, ''As the World Turns'') would be taking over the role of Marissa Tasker. Glendening debuted on December 27 and Cosgrove debuted on December 29.

In January 2011, Debbi Morgan said that she would take a leave of absence from the show. She said it was for personal reasons and on January 14, 2011, she released to the public that she has been diagnosed with [[Lyme disease]]. She returned during the second week of February and her first episode aired on March 8, 2011. On February 10, 2011, as part of her 25th (and farewell) season, [[Oprah Winfrey]] invited ''All My Children''{{'}}s [[Susan Lucci]], [[Debbi Morgan]], [[Darnell Williams]], and [[Michael E. Knight]], along with ''[[General Hospital]]''{{'}}s [[Luke and Laura]] ([[Anthony Geary]] and [[Genie Francis]]) and ''[[The Young and the Restless]]''{{'}} [[Katherine Chancellor|Mrs. Chancellor]] ([[Jeanne Cooper]]) to ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]''. As a surprise, Winfrey shocked Lucci and the rest of the crowd by bringing back all of Erica's husbands. During February 2011, the [[TV Land]] sitcom ''[[Hot in Cleveland]]'' and ''All My Children'' did a crossover event. On the 16th and the 23rd, Lucci, Michael E. Knight, and Darnell Williams made guest appearances on the show. On the 24th, [[Wendie Malick]] guest-starred.

On April 2, 2011, amid rumors of ''All My Children''{{'}}s possible cancellation, ''[[Soaps in Depth]]'' broke the news via Twitter that longtime ''All My Children'' writer Lorraine Broderick had once again been named the show's head writer, replacing David Kreizman and Donna Swajeski.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.twitter.com/soapsindepthabc/status/54332677863645184|title=Twitter: soapsindepthabc: Great news kids: #AMC is NOT|publisher=Twitter.com|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=March 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310001126/https://twitter.com/soapsindepthabc/status/54332677863645184|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Cancellation====
On April 14, 2011, ABC confirmed that it would not renew both ''All My Children'' and ''[[One Life to Live]]'' after 41 and 43 years respectively, starting with ''All My Children'' ending its run on September 23, 2011, and with ''One Life to Live'' ending its run on January 13, 2012. Reasons for both shows' cancellations cited "extensive research into what today's daytime viewers want and the changing viewing patterns of the audience". It would be replaced by a new lifestyle show, ''[[The Chew]]'',<ref name="hollywoodreporter.com" /> while its time slot on [[SOAPnet]] would be replaced by daily reruns of ''[[Days of Our Lives]]''.<ref name="Soapnet">{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Errol|url=http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/news/soapnet-reveals-post-all-my-children-schedule-slots-days-of-our-lives-into-primetime-for-the-first-time|title=SOAPnet Reveals Post 'All My Children' Schedule, Slots 'Days of our Lives' into Primetime for the First Time|publisher=Soap Opera Network|date=2011-08-12|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=August 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816090822/http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/news/soapnet-reveals-post-all-my-children-schedule-slots-days-of-our-lives-into-primetime-for-the-first-time|url-status=live}}</ref> In response to the cancellation of this, vacuum cleaner manufacturer [[The Hoover Company|Hoover]] withdrew its advertising from all ABC programs in protest, going as far as running a campaign to get ABC to reverse its decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/04/hoover-pulls-ads-from-abc-due-to-cancellation-of-all-my-children-and-one-life-to-live.html|title=Zap2it Inside the Box: "Hoover pulls ads from ABC due to cancellation of 'All My Children' and 'One Life to Live'", April 19, 2011|publisher=Zap2it|date=2011-04-19|access-date=2013-12-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222001251/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/04/hoover-pulls-ads-from-abc-due-to-cancellation-of-all-my-children-and-one-life-to-live.html|archive-date=February 22, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|url=https://deadline.com/2011/04/hoover-pulls-abc-advertising-in-protest-over-cancelations-of-soaps-amc-oltl-123834/|title=Hoover Pulls ABC Advertising In Protest Over Cancellations Of 'AMC' & 'OLTL'|date=April 18, 2011|magazine=Deadline|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=November 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107123536/http://www.deadline.com/2011/04/hoover-pulls-abc-advertising-in-protest-over-cancelations-of-soaps-amc-oltl/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/notes/hoover/to-our-loyal-abc-soap-fans/10150153106441487|title=Hoover's official Facebook page: "To Our Loyal ABC Soap Fans", April 18, 2011|publisher=Facebook.com|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=September 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904065014/https://www.facebook.com/notes/hoover/to-our-loyal-abc-soap-fans/10150153106441487|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 25, Cady McClain (ex-Dixie Cooney Martin) announced that she would be returning to ''All My Children'' but could not report what her storyline would be. Other former cast members announced to be returning to the series are [[Ray MacDonnell]] (Dr. Joe Martin), [[Lee Meriwether]] (Ruth Martin), [[David Canary]] (Adam Chandler), [[Julia Barr]] (Brooke English), [[Thorsten Kaye]] (Zach Slater), [[Eva La Rue]] (Maria Santos), [[Jennifer Bassey]] (Marian Colby), [[Kate Collins (actress)|Kate Collins]] (Janet Dillon), [[Esta TerBlanche]] (Gillian Andrassy-Lavery), [[Josh Duhamel]] (Leo du Pres), [[Melissa Claire Egan]] (Annie Lavery), [[Leven Rambin]] (Lily Montgomery), [[Carol Burnett]] (Verla Grubbs),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aoltv.com/2011/07/18/david-canary-lee-meriwether-julia-barr-ray-macdonnell-amc|title=David Canary, Lee Meriwether, Julia Barr & Ray MacDonnell Returning to 'All My Children'|publisher=Aoltv.com|date=2011-07-18|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=February 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211114508/http://www.aoltv.com/2011/07/18/david-canary-lee-meriwether-julia-barr-ray-macdonnell-amc/|url-status=live}}</ref> Jason Kincaid (Sam Brady), and [[Sarah Michelle Gellar]] playing a young woman who claims to see vampires (an allusion to the Buffy the Vampire Slayer story [[Normal Again]]).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/sarah-michelle-gellar-returns-to-all-my-children-1.1014004|title=Sarah Michelle Gellar returns to All My Children|publisher=Cbc.ca|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=August 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806085815/http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2011/08/05/all-my-children-gellar.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T07MEvpNwU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/5T07MEvpNwU| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Sarah Michelle Gellar Cameo on All My Children 9-21-2011 |date=September 21, 2011 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2018-01-18}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

On July 7, 2011, the ''[[New York Post]]'' reported that ABC had sold the licensing rights of ''All My Children'' and ''One Life to Live'' to a TV-focused online channel being developed by TV, film and music production company [[Prospect Park (production company)|Prospect Park]]. ABC confirmed this via press release; as a result of Prospect Park's acquisition of the two soaps, ''All My Children'' and ''One Life to Live'' would be the first soap operas to transition first-run broadcasts from traditional television to [[internet television]].<ref name="AMC">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/07/07/its-official-abc-licenses-all-my-children-and-one-life-to-live-to-prospect-park-series-to-continue-online/97445 |title=It's Official: ABC Licenses "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" To Prospect Park; Series to Continue Online |publisher=TVBytheNumbers.com |first=Robert |last=Seidman |access-date=July 7, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710164040/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/07/07/its-official-abc-licenses-all-my-children-and-one-life-to-live-to-prospect-park-series-to-continue-online/97445 |archive-date=July 10, 2011 }}</ref> Since the deal between ABC and Prospect Park is a [[licensing agreement]], both soaps would continue to remain the property of ABC.

On September 8, 2011, the original [[Ruth Martin (All My Children)|Ruth Martin]], actress [[Mary Fickett]], died at age 83. The episode on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, was dedicated to her. On September 23, 2011, the series finale aired on ABC with open-ended stories. The final week featured Dr. Joe and Ruth Martin relocating to Pine Valley to cover recently arrested David Hayward's hospital duties. The return of [[Adam Chandler]] and [[Brooke English]] coincided with the revelation that David had somehow resurrected [[Stuart Chandler]]. Jackson Montgomery dissolved his relationship with Erica after she admitted that she prefers not to remarry. Unresolved is JR Chandler's plunge into insanity as he drunkenly aims a gun at a crowd of ''All My Children'' regulars during a welcome-home party for Stuart. The screen darkened before revealing the victim, leaving the story open for an eventual continuation with Prospect Park. On April 29, 2013, the revived series moved five years into the future after the original series finale on ABC. On November 11, 2013, it was confirmed by some of its actors that the series had once again been cancelled, this time by its online revival team.<ref name="Cancellation 2013 (TVG)" /><ref name="Cancellation 2013 (HP)" />

=== Prospect Park's revival plan ===
==== Unsuccessful attempt ====
In August 2010, Prospect Park announced that it was shopping for a [[cable network]] to air ''All My Children'' in complementary to its future [[internet television]] channel.<ref name="cable 1">{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|url=https://deadline.com/2011/08/all-my-children-one-life-to-live-to-return-to-tv-soaps-shopped-to-cable-networks-153240/|title='All My Children', 'One Life To Live' To Return To TV? Soaps Shopped To Cable Networks|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=August 3, 2011|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=November 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107125549/http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/all-my-children-one-life-to-live-to-return-to-tv-soaps-shopped-to-cable-networks/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="cable 2">{{cite web|url=http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/all-my-children-one-life-to-live-cable-20469|title=All My Children, One Life to Live shopped to cable|date=August 4, 2011|publisher=TV Series Finale|access-date=2013-12-04}}</ref> Prospect Park officially began negotiations with the actors of ''All My Children'' on September 15, 2011.<ref name="Prospect Park began negotiation with actors">{{cite web|url=http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/news/prospect-park-begins-official-negotiations-with-all-my-children-actors|title=Prospect Park Begins Official Negotiations with 'All My Children' Actors|publisher=Soap Opera Network|date=2011-09-15|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=September 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925062224/http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/news/prospect-park-begins-official-negotiations-with-all-my-children-actors|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 19, 2011, [[Cameron Mathison]] and [[Lindsay Hartley]] became the only actors that had agreed to continue the show with Prospect Park.<ref name="Cameron Mathison and Lindsay Hartley">{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cameron-mathison-lindsay-hartley-join-237524|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|first=Steven|last=Schwankert|title=Cameron Mathison, Lindsay Hartley Join Online 'All My Children' Cast|date=September 19, 2011|access-date=February 18, 2020|archive-date=October 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027130117/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cameron-mathison-lindsay-hartley-join-237524|url-status=live}}</ref>

Prospect Park initially intended for ''All My Children'' to begin its run on the internet on September 26, 2011,<ref name="AMC" /> but ran into challenges. One challenge cited was a need to negotiate a new [[Collective bargaining|contract]] with the [[Trade union|union]] representing the actors of ''All My Children''.<ref name="transition delayed 1">{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|url=https://deadline.com/2011/07/prospect-park-grapples-with-gild-union-issues-as-it-tries-to-keep-abc-soaps-alive-149809/|title=Prospect Park Deals With Guild/Union Issues As It Eyes Q1 2012 Relaunch Of ABC Soaps|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 25, 2011|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=May 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520104848/http://www.deadline.com/2011/07/prospect-park-grapples-with-gild-union-issues-as-it-tries-to-keep-abc-soaps-alive/|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 27, 2011, Prospect Park announced that ''All My Children'' along with its sister soap ''[[One Life to Live]]'' would be relaunched in January 2012 on the company's new internet channel, The Online Network.<ref name="Reuters">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS273846887220110928|title=New Episodes of 'All My Children' Will Premiere Online in January|work=Reuters|date=2011-09-28|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=November 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106194402/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/28/idUS273846887220110928|url-status=live}}</ref> But on November 10, 2011, several sources reported that Prospect Park had indefinitely suspended its plans to relaunch ''All My Children'' and that the company would concentrate solely on the higher-rated ''One Life to Live''.<ref name="Soap in depth">{{cite news|url=http://abc.soapsindepth.com/2011/11/prospect-park-puts-amc-on-hold.html|title=Prospect Park Puts AMC On Hold!|newspaper=ABC Soaps in Depth |publisher=Abc.soapsindepth.com|date=2011-11-10|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=March 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309003456/http://abc.soapsindepth.com/2011/11/prospect-park-puts-amc-on-hold.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Variety">{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2011/digital/news/all-my-children-online-reboot-in-holding-pattern-1118045983/|work=Variety|first=Jon|last=Weisman|title='All My Children' online reboot in holding pattern|date=November 10, 2011|access-date=February 18, 2020|archive-date=April 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430200707/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118045983?refCatId=14|url-status=live}}</ref> Reasons given for this decision were lack of funding coupled with Prospect Park not being able to sign enough cast members from ''All My Children''.<ref name="Soap in depth" /><ref name="Variety" />

On November 23, 2011, Prospect Park confirmed that it had officially suspended its attempt to produce both shows.<ref name="relaunch cancelled">{{cite web|url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/prospect-park-cancels-plans-to-put-one-live-to-live-all-my-children-online_article_57141|title=Prospect Park Cancels Plans To Put 'One Life to Live,' 'All My Children' Online|work=Access Hollywood|date=November 23, 2011|access-date=November 23, 2011|archive-date=July 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706230800/http://www.accesshollywood.com/prospect-park-cancels-plans-to-put-one-live-to-live-all-my-children-online_article_57141|url-status=live}}</ref> Reasons given by Prospect Park for this decision included funding problems and poor negotiations with the unions representing the cast of both soaps. [[Writers Guild of America|WGA]] and [[American Federation of Television and Radio Artists|AFTRA]], which respectively represented the writer and the actors, both expressed disappointment over Prospect Park's announcement.<ref name="unions reaction">{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|url=https://deadline.com/2011/11/wgaw-aftra-react-to-amc-oltl-not-moving-online-dont-blame-us-198059/|title=WGAW & AFTRA React To 'AMC' & 'OLTL' Not Continuing Online: Don't Blame Us|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=November 23, 2011|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=November 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107120633/http://www.deadline.com/2011/11/wgaw-aftra-react-to-amc-oltl-not-moving-online-dont-blame-us/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2013 revival ====
[[File:AMC Cast 2013.jpg|260px|thumbnail|The new cast of [[Prospect Park (production company)|Prospect Park]]'s ''All My Children'' revival.<br />(l-r) Heather Roop, [[Ray MacDonnell]], [[Jordi Vilasuso]], [[Francesca James]], [[Darnell Williams]], [[Eric Nelsen]], [[Debbi Morgan]], [[Lindsay Hartley]], [[Cady McClain]], [[Jill Larson]], [[Julia Barr]], [[Vincent Irizarry]], [[Denyse Tontz]], [[David Canary]], [[Saleisha Stowers|Sal Stowers]], [[Robert Scott Wilson]], [[Thorsten Kaye]], [[Eden Riegel]], Jordan Lane Price, and [[Ryan Bittle]].]]

On December 17, 2012, ''Deadline Hollywood'' reported that revival plans for ''All My Children'' and ''One Life to Live'' had resurfaced.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2012/12/all-my-children-returning-soap-operas-one-life-to-live-online-web-series-390361/|title=HOLIDAY MIRACLE: Prospect Park Back On Track To Revive 'All My Children' & 'One Life to Live' After Deals With SAG-AFTRA & DGA|date=December 17, 2012|publisher=Andreeva, Nellie|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=December 17, 2012|archive-date=December 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219024534/http://www.deadline.com/2012/12/all-my-children-returning-soap-operas-one-life-to-live-online-web-series/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/prospect-park-back-soap-mix|title=Prospect Park Back in the Soap Mix|date=December 17, 2012|publisher=[[Bauer Media Group]]|work=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|access-date=December 17, 2012|archive-date=December 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230205401/http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/prospect-park-back-soap-mix|url-status=live}}</ref> A few days later, it was reported that Prospect Park had secured studio place in [[Stamford, Connecticut|Stamford]], Connecticut, where both shows would be filmed. The show had been filmed in New York City from 1970 to 2010, and in Los Angeles from 2010 to 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/new-ep-amc|title=New EP For AMC|date=December 24, 2012|publisher=[[American Media (publisher)|American Media, Inc.]]|work=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|access-date=December 24, 2012|archive-date=December 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231053802/http://soapoperadigest.com/content/new-ep-amc|url-status=live}}</ref>

Within the weeks following the reports, [[Lindsay Hartley]], [[Vincent Irizarry]], [[Debbi Morgan]], [[Darnell Williams]], [[Jordi Vilasuso]], [[Jill Larson]], [[Thorsten Kaye]], [[Cady McClain]], [[David Canary]], [[Julia Barr]], and [[Ray MacDonnell]] were reported and/or confirmed to be returning to the show's revival, while [[Susan Lucci]] would reportedly return for one episode, [[Eden Riegel]] would return for a guest-arc, [[Cameron Mathison]] might return to the revival in the future, and [[Alicia Minshew]] would return for one episode with the possibility of returning in the future.<ref name="Second attempt" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/alicia-minshew-set-for-one-episode-return-to-all-my-children-will-more-follow/2013/03/07|last=Fairman|first=Michael|title=Alicia Minshew Set For One Episode Return To All My Children! Will More Follow?|newspaper=[[Michael Fairman On-Air On-Soaps]]|date=March 7, 2013|access-date=March 7, 2013|archive-date=March 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311081754/http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/alicia-minshew-set-for-one-episode-return-to-all-my-children-will-more-follow/2013/03/07|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/prospect-park-finds-new-oltl-ep|title=Prospect Park Finds New OLTL EP|date=December 27, 2012|publisher=[[American Media (publisher)|American Media, Inc.]]|work=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|access-date=December 27, 2012|archive-date=September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908153754/http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/prospect-park-finds-new-oltl-ep/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://soapoperadigest.com/content/vincent-irizarry-signs-amc-reboot|title=Vincent Irizarry Signs on For AMC Reboot|date=December 28, 2012|publisher=[[American Media (publisher)|American Media, Inc.]]|work=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|access-date=December 28, 2012|archive-date=December 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231210754/http://soapoperadigest.com/content/vincent-irizarry-signs-amc-reboot|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Debbi Morgan signing">{{cite web|url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/debbi-morgan-new-amc|title=Debbi Morgan To New AMC|date=January 6, 2013|publisher=[[American Media (publisher)|American Media, Inc.]]|work=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|access-date=January 8, 2013|archive-date=January 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108065405/http://soapoperadigest.com/content/debbi-morgan-new-amc|url-status=live}}</ref> Along with the returning stars, a number of new actors were cast, including [[Ryan Bittle]] as [[JR Chandler]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Errol|url=http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2013/02/exclusive-ryan-bittle-is-new-jr-chandler-on-all-my-children|title=EXCLUSIVE! Ryan Bittle Is New JR Chandler on 'All My Children'|publisher=Soap Opera Network|date=2013-02-25|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=February 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227035118/http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2013/02/exclusive-ryan-bittle-is-new-jr-chandler-on-all-my-children|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Robert Scott Wilson]] as [[Pete Cortlandt]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Gore|first=Scotty|url=http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2013/02/robert-scott-wilson-officially-joins-all-my-children-2-0|title=Robert Scott Wilson Officially Joins 'All My Children' 2.0|publisher=Soap Opera Network|date=2013-02-25|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=February 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227035216/http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2013/02/robert-scott-wilson-officially-joins-all-my-children-2-0|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Eric Nelsen]] as an [[SORAS|aged]] [[AJ Chandler]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Errol|url=http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2013/02/exclusive-eric-nelsen-cast-as-aj-chandler-on-all-my-children|title=EXCLUSIVE! Eric Nelsen Cast as AJ Chandler on 'All My Children'|publisher=Soap Opera Network|date=2013-02-25|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=February 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227035302/http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2013/02/exclusive-eric-nelsen-cast-as-aj-chandler-on-all-my-children|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Denyse Tontz]] as an aged [[Miranda Montgomery]],<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Errol|url=http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2013/02/exclusive-jordan-lane-price-not-miranda-montgomery-soap-casts-denyse-tontz-in-role|title=EXCLUSIVE! Jordan Lane Price NOT Miranda Montgomery; Soap Casts Denyse Tontz in Role|publisher=Soap Opera Network|date=2013-02-25|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=February 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227035309/http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2013/02/exclusive-jordan-lane-price-not-miranda-montgomery-soap-casts-denyse-tontz-in-role|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Saleisha Stowers|Sal Stowers]] as Cassandra Foster,<ref>{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Errol|url=http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2013/02/exclusive-sal-stowers-is-cassandra-hubbard-on-all-my-children|title=EXCLUSIVE! Sal Stowers is Cassandra Foster on 'All My Children'|publisher=Soap Opera Network|date=2013-02-25|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=February 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227035143/http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2013/02/exclusive-sal-stowers-is-cassandra-hubbard-on-all-my-children|url-status=live}}</ref> and Jordan Lane Price as a newly created character, [[Celia Fitzgerald]].<ref name="ReferenceA" />

On January 7, 2013, Prospect Park released an official statement confirming plans to revive ''All My Children'' and ''One Life to Live'' on The Online Network, their internet production company.<ref name="Second attempt">{{cite news|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|url=https://deadline.com/2013/01/prospect-park-to-confirm-all-my-children-one-life-to-live-revival-approaches-wga-398028/|title=Prospect Park Confirms 'All My Children' & 'One Life To Live' Revivals, Production To Begin in February|date=January 7, 2013|access-date=February 18, 2020|archive-date=June 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619193303/http://www.deadline.com/2013/01/prospect-park-to-confirm-all-my-children-one-life-to-live-revival-approaches-wga/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Second revival NY Times">{{cite news|url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/07/canceled-abc-soaps-to-be-reborn-on-the-web|title=Canceled ABC Soaps to be Reborn on the Web|last=Barnes|first=Brooke|date=January 10, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=January 10, 2013|archive-date=January 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109074529/http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/07/canceled-abc-soaps-to-be-reborn-on-the-web/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Second revival (LA Times)">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-prospect-park-to-revive-all-my-children-one-life-to-live-20130107,0,4341174.story|title=Prospect Park to revive 'All My Children,' 'One Life to Live'|last=James|first=Meg|date=January 10, 2013|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=January 10, 2013|archive-date=January 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109115841/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-prospect-park-to-revive-all-my-children-one-life-to-live-20130107,0,4341174.story|url-status=live}}</ref> Prospect Park signed deals with [[SAG-AFTRA]] and [[Directors Guild of America|DGA]] for the soap opera's production.<ref name="Second attempt" />

Former ''All My Children'' writer and producer [[Ginger Smith]] returned as the new executive producer and creator Agnes Nixon served as consultant. The new episodes were 30 minutes long and aired on [[Hulu]], Hulu Plus, and [[iTunes]]. Initially, 220 episodes of the show were ordered. The production company planned to shop the reboot to cable distributors beginning September 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2013/tv/news/inside-the-online-revival-of-all-my-children-one-life-to-live-1200412961/#1/robert-scott-wilson-plays-petey-cortlandt|title=Inside the Online Revival of 'All My Children', 'One Life to Live'|magazine=Variety|date=April 25, 2013|access-date=April 26, 2013|archive-date=April 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427212947/http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/inside-the-online-revival-of-all-my-children-one-life-to-live-1200412961/#1/robert-scott-wilson-plays-petey-cortlandt|url-status=live}}</ref> The show schedule was four days a week (Monday-Thursday) with a Friday recap show, ''MORE All My Children'', to feature behind the scenes footage as well as interviews with the cast and to be hosted by Leslie Miller.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/04/17/one-life-to-live-and-all-my-children-to-stream-weekly-friday-recap-shows/178404/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421014239/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/04/17/one-life-to-live-and-all-my-children-to-stream-weekly-friday-recap-shows/178404/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 21, 2013|title='One Life to Live; and 'All My Children' to Stream Weekly Friday Recap Shows|publisher=TVByTheNumbers|date=April 17, 2013|access-date=April 17, 2013}}</ref> The revival show began on April 29, 2013, and production began on February 25, 2013, in Connecticut, with ''All My Children'' and ''One Life to Live'' taping in five-week rotations for 17 weeks.<ref name="perezhilton1">{{cite news|url=http://perezhilton.com/2013-02-12-all-my-children-one-life-to-live-get-production-dates-hulu|title=All My Children & One Life To Live Are Definitely Returning! Both Get Production Dates!|publisher=PerezHilton.com|date=2013-02-12|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=February 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215065205/http://perezhilton.com/2013-02-12-all-my-children-one-life-to-live-get-production-dates-hulu/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="atvtoday.co.uk">{{cite news|url=http://www.atvtoday.co.uk/p26846|title=UK " All My Children and One Life to Live Shooting Schedules Revealed|newspaper=ATV Today|date=2013-02-16|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=February 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221042908/http://www.atvtoday.co.uk/p26846/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/01/25/canceled-soaps-all-my-children-and-one-life-to-live-coming-back-from-the-dead-on-hulu-itunes|title=Canceled Soaps "All My Children" And "One Life To Live" Coming Back From The Dead On Hulu, iTunes|work=TechCrunch|date=2013-01-25|access-date=2013-12-04|archive-date=May 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507004138/http://techcrunch.com/2013/01/25/canceled-soaps-all-my-children-and-one-life-to-live-coming-back-from-the-dead-on-hulu-itunes/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 17, 2013, The Online Network announced that ''All My Children'' and ''One Life to Live'' would no longer air five days a week together, due to viewer ratings that reflect online viewing patterns rather than those of traditional television. Starting May 20, 2013, ''All My Children'' and ''One Life to Life'' will be presented in a new schedule, with AMC airing on Mondays and Wednesdays and OLTL airing Tuesdays and Thursdays. The recap shows ''MORE All My Children'' and ''MORE One Life to Life'' will also combine as one show airing on Fridays. The following day on May 18, 2013, both shows were noticeably missing from the FX Canada website and schedule, and although they subsequently became available on iTunes Canada, it was later revealed that FX Canada dropped ''All My Children'' and ''One Life to Live'' due to the reduction of episodes, as the carriage agreement had specifically called for the airing of four episodes per week of both shows. Due to the reduction, FX Canada stated that ''"the agreement is no longer valid"''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/fx-canada-no-longer-carrying-all-my-children-and-one-life-to-live-however-amc-oltl-are-now-available-in-canada-on-itunes/2013/05/20/|last=Fairman|first=Michael|title=FX Canada No Longer Carrying All My Children and One Life to Live! However, AMC & OLTL Are Now Available in Canada on iTunes!|publisher=[[Michael Fairman On-Air On-Soaps]]|date=May 20, 2013|access-date=May 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613002743/http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/fx-canada-no-longer-carrying-all-my-children-and-one-life-to-live-however-amc-oltl-are-now-available-in-canada-on-itunes/2013/05/20|archive-date=June 13, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc.soapsindepth.com/2013/05/amc-oltl-still-available-in-canada.html|title=AMC & OLTL Still Available in Canada|date=May 20, 2012|publisher=[[American Media (publisher)|American Media, Inc.]]|work=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|access-date=May 24, 2012|archive-date=June 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619140218/http://abc.soapsindepth.com/2013/05/amc-oltl-still-available-in-canada.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> On May 20, 2013, the first episodes of the new ''All My Children'' and ''One Life To Live'' were available worldwide on The Online Network's YouTube page, ''TOLNSoaps''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/all-my-children-and-one-life-to-live-premiere-episodes-now-up-on-you-tube-worldwide/2013/05/20|last=Fairman|first=Michael|title=All My Children and One Life to Live Premiere Episodes Now Up on You Tube Worldwide!|newspaper=[[Michael Fairman On-Air On-Soaps]]|date=May 20, 2013|access-date=May 24, 2013|archive-date=June 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613002718/http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/all-my-children-and-one-life-to-live-premiere-episodes-now-up-on-you-tube-worldwide/2013/05/20|url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 24, 2013, in a press release Prospect Park announced through Agnes Nixon that Snyder and McPherson will be out as co-head writers of ''All My Children'' and replaced by current [[script writers]] Lisa Connor and Chip Hayes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/breaking-news-agnes-nixon-reveals-prospect-park-names-new-head-writers-for-amc-and-oltl/2013/05/24/|last=Fairman|first=Michael|title=BREAKING NEWS: Agnes Nixon Reveals Prospect Park Names New Head Writers For AMC and OLTL!|publisher=[[Michael Fairman On-Air On-Soaps]]|date=May 24, 2013|access-date=May 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613002726/http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/breaking-news-agnes-nixon-reveals-prospect-park-names-new-head-writers-for-amc-and-oltl/2013/05/24|archive-date=June 13, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc.soapsindepth.com/2013/05/new-writers-at-amc-oltl.html|title=New Writers at AMC & OLTL!|date=May 24, 2012|publisher=[[American Media (publisher)|American Media, Inc.]]|work=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|access-date=May 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609074741/http://abc.soapsindepth.com/2013/05/new-writers-at-amc-oltl.html|archive-date=June 9, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On June 5, 2013, due to a labor dispute with the [[I.A.T.S.E.|International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees]] ''All My Children'' and ''One Life to Live'' were forced into an early [[Hiatus (television)|hiatus]] with the writers, directors and editors still working; there were talks of production being moved out of state, but those plans were later shelved.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/06/all-my-children-one-life-to-live-start-hiatus-early-because-of-i-a-t-s-e-dispute-shows-mull-move-to-new-location-514403/|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title='All My Children' & 'One Life To Live' Start Hiatus Early Because Of IATSE Dispute, Shows Mull Move To New Location|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=June 5, 2013|access-date=June 20, 2013|archive-date=June 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611212951/http://www.deadline.com/2013/06/all-my-children-one-life-to-live-start-hiatus-early-because-of-i-a-t-s-e-dispute-shows-mull-move-to-new-location/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/amidst-labor-dispute-amc-oltl-writers-have-been-told-to-keep-writing/2013/06/05|last=Fairman|first=Michael|title=Amidst Labor Dispute AMC & OLTL Writers Have Been Told To Keep Writing!|publisher=[[Michael Fairman On-Air On-Soaps]]|date=June 5, 2013|access-date=June 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613030736/http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/amidst-labor-dispute-amc-oltl-writers-have-been-told-to-keep-writing/2013/06/05/|archive-date=June 13, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

On June 20, 2013, a deal was reached between Prospect Park and the Union, and taping will resume on August 12, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/06/all-my-children-one-life-to-live-start-hiatus-early-because-of-i-a-t-s-e-dispute-shows-mull-move-to-new-location-514403/|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title=Prospect Park Resolves Dispute With IATSE Over 'All My Children' & 'One Life to Live'|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=June 20, 2013|access-date=June 20, 2013|archive-date=June 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611212951/http://www.deadline.com/2013/06/all-my-children-one-life-to-live-start-hiatus-early-because-of-i-a-t-s-e-dispute-shows-mull-move-to-new-location/|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 25, 2013, TOLN stated that there will be a scheduling switch for ''All My Children'' and ''One Life to Live''. Starting July 1, 2013, all episodes of the week for both shows would be released on Mondays.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/amcoltl-switch-programming-schedule|title=AMC/OLTL Switch Programming Schedule|date=June 25, 2013|access-date=June 26, 2013|archive-date=June 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629234359/http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/amcoltl-switch-programming-schedule|url-status=live}}</ref>

Beginning July 15, 2013, ''All My Children'' and ''One Life to Live'' aired for a 10-week limited engagement on the [[Oprah Winfrey Network]], Monday through Thursday at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/oprahs-network-picks-amc-and-oltl|title=Oprah's Network Picks Up AMC and OLTL!|date=June 26, 2013|work=SOD|access-date=June 27, 2013|archive-date=June 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629225918/http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/oprahs-network-picks-amc-and-oltl|url-status=live}}</ref> ''All My Children'' aired a season finale on September 2, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/amc-oltl-season-one-finales-set|title=AMC, OLTL Season One Finales Set|date=August 1, 2013|work=SOD|access-date=August 2, 2013|archive-date=August 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130804064457/http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/amc-oltl-season-one-finales-set|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2013, Prospect Park indicated it was suspending further production of both shows. No new episodes have been made since that time. In total, only 40 of each program were produced in the new online format.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://soapcentral.com/soapcentral/news/2013/1111-amc_oltl.php |title=Prospect Park closes the book on All My Children and One Life to Live |publisher=soapcentral.com |access-date=2018-01-18 |archive-date=February 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216155952/http://soapcentral.com/soapcentral/news/2013/1111-amc_oltl.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

ABC regained the rights to ''All My Children'' in December 2016 following the dismissal of a lawsuit from Prospect Park against the broadcast network.<ref name="ABC regain rights"/>

=== Aftermath primetime spin-offs ===
On December 17, 2020, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported a primetime revival of ''All My Children'' was in early development at ABC, under the executive production of [[Mark Consuelos]] and [[Kelly Ripa]]. Leo Richardson—who previously worked on British soap opera ''[[EastEnders]]''—is also attached as executive producer and writer of the project. Per the report, the primetime revival would center around a "young journalist with a secret agenda comes to expose the dark and murderous history of a town named Pine Valley only to become entangled in a feud between the Kane and Santos families."<ref>{{cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |title=''All My Children'' Primetime Version in the Works at ABC with Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos Producing |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/all-my-children-reboot-primetime-kelly-ripa-mark-consuelos-1234865152/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]] |access-date=December 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217184008/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/all-my-children-reboot-primetime-kelly-ripa-mark-consuelos-1234865152/ |archive-date=December 17, 2020 |location=United States |date=December 17, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> In another report, ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]'' revealed the spinoff, ''Pine Valley'' was first proposed by Andrew Stern, who pitched the project to ABC via his deal with [[ABC Signature]] in 2019; he will serve as executive producer, alongside Consuelos, Richardson, Ripa and, Nixon's son, Robert Nixon. ''Deadline Hollywood'' further reported plans to invite former cast from the daytime incarnation to the spinoff, as well as potential appearances from Consuelos and Ripa themselves.<ref>{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |title=''All My Children'' Eyes ABC Return with Primetime Sequel ''Pine Valley'' in the Works from Andrew Stearn, Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos |url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/all-my-children-abc-return-pine-valley-primetime-sequel-version-andrew-stearn-kelly-ripa-mark-consuelos-robert-nixon-1234658187/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]] |access-date=December 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217184656/https://deadline.com/2020/12/all-my-children-abc-return-pine-valley-primetime-sequel-version-andrew-stearn-kelly-ripa-mark-consuelos-robert-nixon-1234658187/ |archive-date=December 17, 2020 |location=United States |date=December 17, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 11th, 2024, [[A&E Networks]] announced that an ''All My Children'' holiday movie was in development for the [[Lifetime Network]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://people.com/all-my-children-to-be-reprised-as-lifetime-holiday-movie-8710564#:~:text=All%20My%20Children%20may%20be,Mark%20together%20every%20weekday%20morning | title='All My Children' to be Reprised as Lifetime Holiday Movie Set in Pine Valley | access-date=December 11, 2024 | archive-date=December 23, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223094613/https://people.com/all-my-children-to-be-reprised-as-lifetime-holiday-movie-8710564#:~:text=All%20My%20Children%20may%20be,Mark%20together%20every%20weekday%20morning | url-status=live }}</ref>