About the Show

"All My Children" revolves around the lives of the residents of fictional Pine Valley, a town which closely resembles the Philadelphia Main Line. Now in its 36th anniversary season, the show still includes two original actors among its cast, Susan Lucci (Erica Kane) and Ray McDonnell (Dr. Joe Martin).

In all, "All My Children" has received more than 30 Emmy Awards and consistently distinguishes itself in the field of daytime drama. The show has historically been committed to social issues, focusing on such topics as AIDS, abortion, teenage alcoholism, racial bias, acquaintance rape, spousal abuse, homosexuality, Reyes syndrome, Vietnam MIAs, drug abuse, the risks of motherhood over 40, safe sex, pet therapy and organ donations, among others. The show made television history by airing daytime television's first same-sex kiss between the characters of Bianca and Lena.

Created by Agnes Nixon, "All My Children" premiered on January 5, 1970, as a half-hour show; seven years later it expanded to an hour. Julie Hanan Carruthers is executive producer, Megan McTavish is head writer with Conal O'Brien, Casey Childs and Angela Tessinari direct.