As the holiday season wraps up, longtime daytime TV commentator Carolyn Hinsey shared her insights on how some of the biggest soap operas—General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, Days of Our Lives, Beyond the Gates, and The Bold and the Beautiful—captured the festive spirit while keeping fans hooked.
Hinsey, known for her deep knowledge of daytime storytelling, explained that holiday episodes are always a special opportunity for writers to blend heartwarming moments with drama that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. “The holidays are when soaps can show their most human side,” Hinsey said. “We get to see characters we’ve loved for decades in moments of vulnerability, joy, and sometimes heartbreak—all while still delivering the twists fans expect.”
General Hospital kicked off the season with a mix of romance, family drama, and suspense. Hinsey highlighted the way Port Charles’ residents navigated holiday chaos while setting up storylines that will ripple into 2026. “Whether it was a heartfelt reunion or a shocking betrayal,” she noted, “GH reminded us why it’s one of the most enduring soaps on daytime TV.”
Meanwhile, The Young and the Restless focused on family, legacy, and unexpected revelations. Hinsey praised the show for balancing warmth and intrigue: “It’s the perfect time to explore family ties, test loyalties, and drop the kind of cliffhangers that make fans impatient for January episodes.”
Over at Days of Our Lives, the holidays provided a backdrop for emotional highs and lows. Hinsey pointed out that the show cleverly used traditional celebrations—like Christmas and New Year’s Eve—as springboards for shocking twists and long-awaited confessions. “DOOL always finds a way to mix comfort with chaos, and the holiday episodes this year were no exception,” she said.
Newer series like Beyond the Gates also embraced the festive spirit while giving fans fresh mysteries. Hinsey observed, “It’s exciting to see how emerging soaps are blending holiday warmth with suspenseful storytelling. It’s a sign that daytime drama continues to innovate while honoring tradition.”
Finally, The Bold and the Beautiful delivered its trademark mix of romance, style, and family intrigue. Hinsey noted that even in glitzy, fashion-focused storylines, holiday episodes create space for genuine emotion. “B&B shows that the holidays are not just for gift-giving,” she said, “but also for giving audiences moments of real connection with characters they’ve followed for years.”
Hinsey concluded by emphasizing the broader impact of holiday episodes: “These shows don’t just entertain—they remind viewers of the power of storytelling, tradition, and connection. During the holidays, soaps bring fans together in a way that’s uniquely comforting yet thrilling.”
With the new year already underway, Hinsey says fans can expect that the seeds planted during these festive episodes will blossom into dramatic storylines that keep audiences tuning in all of 2026. For daytime drama lovers, the holiday season may be over, but the excitement is just beginning.
