2005 Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Series

The most exciting category of the night. Here are the nominees and the episodes they picked:

As the World Turns – Episode#1 Les terrorizes Lily and Carly and is revealed to be Julia's killer. Episode#2 Gwen and Jennifer go into labor at same time (beginning of baby switch).

General Hospital – Episode #1 Train crash Episode #2 More post-train crash drama, a few episodes after the first.

Guiding Light – Episode #1 Reveal of Alan as Philip's "killer". Episode#2 Sandy and Tammy's wedding.

Young and the Restless – Episode #1 Cassie dies. Episode #2 Lauren and Michael's wedding reception and the beginning of the Phyllis/Nick affair.


As the World Turns has a nice package in the first episode. There is no cliff-hanger and stands alone nicely. The beginning of the baby switch (as opposed to the conclusion) is quite a choice—but you see the beginning of the storm that is about to unfold and how it ties to many storylines.
General Hospital's episodes are heavy on special effects, which make for a win in directing but a crutch in series and maybe the reason why they are overlooked for writing. The good is that they use EVERYBODY in these episodes, which showcases some of the great acting talent that they have.
Guiding Light has a better second episode than first. This can work in their favor as it leaves the voter with a good "taste in their mouth."
Young and the Restless: pass the Kleenex, please.



Who will win: Young and the Restless
Who should win: Guiding Light


Guiding Light should win just on that beginning when the minister asks "does anyone object". The use of flashbacks from various characters' point-of-view is great. When this episode originally aired everyone was on the edge of their seat to see what would happen. And to eliminate the "Ew" factor, I don't believe it is mentioned that Tammy and Jon are cousins in that episode.
However, Young and the Restless has a killer first episode. The second episode is great in that it begins the Nick/Phyllis affair—however if voters are not full-time viewers and don't realize that impact….


Who could win: General Hospital could pull it off if there are a lot of male viewers who love the special effects that cloud over the actual story. If they do win, and after winning last year for the hotel fire, GH viewers should expect some major catastrophe each year, which will lessen their impact for viewers but be great Emmy bait.