TV & Video - Oct. 26, 1988

The daytime drama “Ryan’s Hope” has been canceled after 13 1/2 years, because too many affiliates pre-empt the noontime soap opera for local newscasts, ABC announced Tuesday. The series will have its last broadcast on Jan. 13. “ ‘Ryan’s Hope’ has not been rejected by the audience, it has simply been unavailable to viewers” because of pre-emptions, said Jo Ann Emmerich, vice president of daytime programs for ABC Entertainment. “Without sufficient stations to carry it, it has become a victim of audience erosion.” At its lowest ebb, the show was carried by only 75% percent of ABC’s affiliates. ABC said a replacement program would be announced soon.