Sri Rao's One on One With Nelson Branco
TVG: Are you a soap fan? You clearly understand the genre.
SR: I grew up on General Hospital. It is the show I’ve watched the most in my life. I started watching at eight years old, and religiously tuned in for 15 years. In recent years, I’ve drifted in and out, but I always kept tabs on it.
When ABC approached me, I was surprised, because this gig wasn’t something I sought out. I never considered writing for daytime TV, but when they called, it was perfect. It really was a dream come true. As a fan, it’s like being given the keys to the candy store. I think every fan head-writes a soap in their head at one point or another. And I actually got to do it. It was a huge thrill. And a lot of fun.
Doesn't anyone else want to just kiss that man? Maybe give a fist bump to Nelson while we're at it.
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"In recent years, I’ve drifted in and out, but I always kept tabs on it."
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That calls for one of Nelson's translations! LOL!
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//**It's the writing, stupid!**\\
Jillian's translation: The show was great until the mob ca-ca and I decided to read recaps because I just can't take the foolishness!
Ok. I love him already. Imagine having a head writer that is actually a fan of the show. Well a fan of the show when it was a good show. Guza, I'd be keeping my office clean just in case you have to move all of the sudden
I forgot to mention that I loved last nights Night Shift. I got chills with the opening sequence. I jsut wish they had Frisco and Felicia there as well, but hey I will take Night shift over this awful GH anyday. Sri come on over baby....
I haven't seen it yet....I totally forgot, I thought today was Tues. LOL!!! Yeh I SO want to kiss Sri!!!
If he became headwriter or any kinda writer at GH I would totally kiss the ground he walked on and I'd help Guza pack. 
Nelson, thank you for this interview! I'm been really curious about Sri Rao's background and it's great to see such a talented Indian get a chance to pen NS2. Looking forward to seeing whatever other projects he has in the work on the big and small screen.
NS2 has been just amazing...like a dream come true for old time GH viewers who have grown weary of all the mob violence and tune in to see our old faves.
Sri has paid meticulous attention to detail in the episodes and stayed so true to the original characters. The shows are moving, heartwarming, engaging and move at a good pace.
Plus, there are no Zacharras or Corinthos family members and it's not the Lulu & Carly show.
Love that Jagger & Saira finally got together in this episode.
I would love to see Sri come and write the overall arcs for GH, and guide the storyline. THAT would pull GH out of its ratings slump.
The last 2 days of GH have been more painful to watch than usual and NS2 provides such a stark contrast and reminds me of what GH used to be and the potential it has!
And all the vets & JT have given amazing performances.
And thanks to Brian Frons for giving Sri Rao the NS2 reins.
Whether or not there is a NS3 and whether or not Sri Rao is ever affiliated with GH again, he has made hundreds of thousands of fans very happy - which is no easy feat!
Can't wait to see the season finale!
Last night's episode of NS was fabulous! To actually see Robert, Anna, Robin, Luke, Mac, Sean, and Tiffany all in the same room! OMG! I thought I died and went to heaven! The only thing missing was Laura...they really should have grabbed Genie for that episode...that would have made it complete. But still, I loved it! And it was so well done with Robin talking to Robert at his bedside while in the coma. I swear I cry every time Robin talks to Robert. This season of NS has absolutely been true to the characters of Robin and Robert ... nothing like the crap they tried to pull on the daytime show when Robert returned! I have loved having Jagger back on my screen and the Stone storyline. I like the new character of Saira...and I'm so glad that she and Jagger finally hooked up...he's much better for her than Leo. GH daytime would be absolutely fabulous if Sri came over to write the daytime show...he is obviously a fan and obviously actually knows how to write the characters based on the history of this show. Can you imagine what he would do with the Quartermaines! It would be fabulous! I'm so sad that NS2 is almost done...it has been the best soap to watch on tv these days. I loved that it was focused on the hospital, I love that there were actual hospital cases they worked on, I love that one of the real stars of the old GH returned and made it great. Tristan Rogers did a bang up job with this show...throughout the whole season he has been absolutely fantastic! He played his illness perfectly...he played his role as a father to Robin perfectly...he was just amazing throughout! Yep, NS2 totally rocked and mopped the floor with daytime GH in my opinion. I haven't even been watching daytime GH for the past couple of weeks...it's so awful these days. So sad that what once was a great show is so bad now. And NS2 just reminded me of how great the old GH used to be....a real soap opera that actually made me feel invested in the characters. Too bad the idiots in charge over at ABC just don't get it.
LovinLiason
I sure wish TPTB at GH would offer Sri Rao a job to write for the daytime storylines of General Hospital.. I bet the ratings would be up in no time.
Thanx for the interview, intresting read. By all the coments I must be the only who loaths Night Shift, I can't sit threw a whole episode of it. GH may need new writers, but please not the ones on Night Shift.
I think it's funny that people are saying the only people that are missing are Laura, Frisco or Felicia. What about HOLLY who LIVED in the townhouse? Oh, well. She got a mention. And I loved Anna's reaction to her name.
Tune into Suds Friday for more Sri Rao news about Emma Samms!
I just finished watching NS....that was SUCH a powerful episode. I laughed, I cried...I mean I really cried..LOVED seeing the old faves, the old opening. I totally forgot THAT was Roberts house, for some reason I was thinking about Seans (my memory is kinda bad lately LOL)...I LOVED Roberts house, I always thought the design was cool..funky. Watching NS took me back to a better GH from long ago...loved seeing Sean and Tiff. Luke was funny as all he**. LOL!! Best ep hands down. I cannot wait til next wk, except that it's the last one.
sob sob........
You can't do that Nelson! You can't throw in Rao and Emma Samms in the same sentence and leave us dangling until Friday. No one likes a tease!
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//**It's the writing, stupid!**\\
Maybe she's coming back to GH: NS.....
Just so long as Sri keeps her away from any future Dynasty reunions! I want a REAL FALLON campaign!
--Just so long as Sri keeps her away from any future Dynasty reunions! I want a REAL FALLON campaign! --
Jamey, a man after my own neart, ;0. I'm on that band wagon.
Okay, we need to step up the "Vote for Sri to Save General Hospital" Campaign - STAT!!!!
I loved the interview! As a gay man I'm so proud of Sri Rao. The Kyle/Eric story was wonderful! Everything Luke & Noah on ATWT should have been! My only gripe? Genie's Laura should have been in Robert's dream too on Luke's arm!