Could Erica Kane return? Susan Lucci teases ‘All My Children’ comeback
For many South Africans, television used to follow a rhythm: SABC 1, 2, 3, and e.tv, with beloved soaps becoming part of daily life. American dramas like All My Children, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Santa Barbara weren’t just shows, they were routines. Fans tuned in religiously, week after week, to witness every twist and turn, long before streaming and social media spoilers changed how we watch.
Now, decades later, Susan Lucci, the 78-year-old actress who became synonymous with Erica Kane, hints that Pine Valley might stir again.
Erica Kane: unforgettable, unapologetic
Playing Erica Kane for over forty years, Lucci transformed the character into a television icon. Erica wasn’t meant to be liked—she was designed to be unforgettable. Multiple marriages, scandal, professional ambition, and unapologetic self-confidence made her a blueprint for strong, complicated female leads in a genre that often pigeonholed women into predictable roles.
“Still to this day, people ask me, ‘Do you miss it?’” Lucci shared on CBS’s Soapy podcast. “Yeah, I miss the character, of course. And I miss being part of that fantastic team.”
Even after the soap ended in 2013, Lucci admits there was a grieving period—not just for the job, but for Erica’s layered journey, which had captivated audiences for decades.
Behind the scenes: a family on set
Lucci credits much of the show’s magic to the environment behind the camera. Cast, crew, writers, and production staff became a family, working long hours under pressure but always supporting each other. She recalls the production team’s respect for her role as a working mother, ensuring she could balance the demanding schedule with family life—a rare level of consideration in television at the time.
“It was a new play every day,” Lucci said. “I remember walking into the building. I was always happy walking into the building.”
Revival whispers grow louder
Rumors of an All My Children reboot have swirled for years. Lucci reveals the interest hasn’t waned. Former co-stars Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have openly expressed enthusiasm, and Lucci says the project is “bubbling… as we speak.”
A revival wouldn’t just cater to longtime fans. Streaming platforms, social media, and a new generation of binge-watchers could discover Erica Kane and the town of Pine Valley for the first time—complete with all the rivalry, romance, and chaos that made the show iconic.
“With the right mix of old-school flair and modern storytelling, All My Children could fit seamlessly into today’s entertainment world,” Lucci says.
Pine Valley isn’t done yet
Erica Kane’s story ended with drama, heartbreak, and a touch of chaos, just as it always had. Now, with the chance of a revival, Pine Valley could once again become a stage where the new meets the familiar—introducing a legendary character to a fresh audience while giving long-time fans the return they’ve been dreaming of.
Because in the world of soaps, some stories and some women are simply timeless.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@IrishStarUS}