“Bold & the Beautiful” Star Don Diamont Says Taylor Sheridan’s Hit Show “Yellowstone” is ‘for All Intents and Purposes’ a Soap Opera (Exclusive)

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, actor Don Diamont shared his insights on the current television landscape and its roots in the vibrant world of soap operas. With a career spanning several decades in iconic daytime dramas such as ‘Days of Our Lives’, ‘The Young and the Restless’, and ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’, Diamont’s perspective on viewer loyalty reflects both nostalgia and an evolving industry.

Diamont drew parallels between the popularity of contemporary series like ‘Yellowstone’ and the soap opera boom of the 1990s. He recalled a time when there were approximately 15 soap operas airing simultaneously, illustrating the genre’s former prominence. Although the number of daytime dramas has dwindled over the years, he insists that soap operas maintain a robust fan base that remains devoted to the genre.

The actor emphasized that the unique relationship viewers cultivate with soap opera characters is distinct from that of viewers of primetime dramas. “The audience builds relationships with daytime characters that are different than nighttime, than film,” Diamont remarked. He categorised hits like ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ as akin to soap operas, expressing that, despite being broadcast at night, they exhibit similar storytelling qualities and audience engagement.

Illustrating this point, Diamont mentioned how many viewers have shared their love for soap operas across generations, creating a familial bond with these shows. “I started watching the show with my mom,” he noted, capturing the essence of how these narratives resonate through families. It is not uncommon for the same households to share the tradition of watching soap operas together, cultivating a sense of community and continuity that transcends time.

After his initial role as Carlo Forenza on ‘Days of Our Lives’ in 1984, Diamont joined ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Brad Carlton the following year. His tenure on the show was marked by both departures and returns, with the character being killed off in 2009. Shortly after, he transitioned to ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’, where he continues to portray Bill Spencer Jr. His extensive experience across multiple soap operas has provided him with a deep understanding of their unique format and enduring appeal.

In Diamont’s view, the soap opera format endures because it is consistent, airing five days a week throughout the year without interruption. This regularity fosters a habit among viewers and allows for deeper character development, enriching the audience’s emotional investment. “That’s really, I think, the thing,” he said, citing the impact of continuous storytelling on viewer loyalty.

The continued success of the soap opera genre, according to Diamont, demonstrates its adaptability and resilience, even with the rise of new forms of entertainment such as streaming services. He suggested that daytime soaps have paved the way for dramatic storytelling in other formats, implying that many modern series owe part of their success to the groundwork laid by traditional soap operas.

As the television landscape evolves, the essence of soap operas remains a vital part of the cultural fabric. The ability to create a familial relationship between viewers and characters is a powerful aspect that many modern programmes strive to emulate.

With shows like ‘Yellowstone’ experiencing immense popularity, it’s clear that storytelling rich in emotion and character development continues to resonate with audiences. The Queen of daytime television, as Diamont describes the genre, has not lost her crown but rather transformed in a myriad of ways, sustaining a unique place in the hearts of viewers both young and old.