SOAPnet To Stay Longer — But What Will Air?

Early next year, the Disney/ABC Television Group plans to transition SOAPnet into Disney Junior, a new cable channel aimed at preschoolers. But according to a Deadline report, issues with getting the cable contracts hammered out means that Disney Junior’s launch has been pushed back — and that SOAPnet will remain on the air past the January target date for the new channel. A spokesperson for ABC confirms to Soaps In Depth that SOAPnet will remain on the air a little longer, and that the plan is still for Disney Junior to launch in the early part of 2012.

But with ALL MY CHILDREN going off the air in September, followed by ONE LIFE TO LIVE in January of next year, how will SOAPnet fill its schedule without the two beloved soaps to show same-day episodes at night? The ABC rep promises that they will “absolutely have programming” for SOAPnet, but adds that since it is still over half a year away, it is too early to comment on what that programming will be. We’ll keep you posted!