Soap Opera Bosses Address Nuke Concerns
Anyone familiar with As the World Turns knows recent Nuke concerns are not related to any sort of WMDs. Unless we're talking about Weapons of Mass Deliciousness, that is, in actors Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann.
But, seriously, folks. Legions angered soap fans have spammed the media with complaints about bias against Luke and Noah on the show, with many calling for a viewer boycott because this gay couple hasn't kissed in months.
TV Guide contacted CBS daytime chief Barbara Bloom to get her view on the controversy.
"I can assure you there is no homophobia on the part of the network, nor are we pandering to any group," Bloom said. "We have not censored As the World Turns or asked them to hold back in any way."
Bloom is all for having the two boys go all the way, eventually.
"I really hope the show will continue to evolve the Luke and Noah story, and that they culminate their relationship the way all couples in love do."
But in the meantime, the show has thrown yet another roadblock in the couple's path: Earlier this month Noah married Iraqi refugee Ameera (Tala Ashe) to keep her from getting deported.
"I understand why all this makes people scream," Bloom admits. "The only thing you're going to get out of me is that the pacing is slower with Luke and Noah than it is with other romances on As the World Turns. But that's good storytelling. We're in the business of getting people to watch more."

April 2nd, 2008 7:15 PM
How long do we wait?
April 2nd, 2008 11:00 PM
More importantly, will we get to see Casey and Luke smooch to maintain their cover as a (fake) gay couple? And if so, will this make Noah jealous?