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By Mark Edward Wilows

This Friday, January 23, 2015, The Bold and the Beautiful is celebrating a milestone. It will air its 7000th episode. The show has been on the air since 1987 bringing the high fashion industry of Los Angeles to the airwaves along with all the trials and tribulations of some of the hottest characters on daytime TV. The show centers around the Forrester family, headed by patriarch, Eric Forrester (John McCook).

And who would have thought the show would still be going strong 28 years later and dominating in the ratings? "Certainly not I," said Lee Phillip Bell, co-creator of the show with her husband the late great William J. Bell. "I never thought the show would go as long as it has, and I am thrilled that people enjoy watching it."

Bell said when her husband had a moment of time, which was rare because he also created The Young and The Restless, the number one drama that has topped the ratings for decades, he looked at her and said that maybe we should do another show. The idea was born. She also shared that the whole family, including the children, wanted to be a part of this. (Their son, William Bell, is President of Bell-Phillip Productions.)

Lauralee Bell (Christine, Y&R) and daughter of Lee and Bill, whole heartily agrees. "I think our family can't believe that the fans have kept the shows going for so long. We are really grateful." Bell added that her dad did what he did best when starting B&B, he created families and dynamics that people can relate to and escape with. Bradley P. Bell (Executive Producer, Head Writer) stepped in seamlessly and has taken the show to even higher and exciting heights.

"Life around the Bell home when B&B started was very busy, but my parents never made it seem that way, " Lauralee Bell said. "They were always there for us, " adding that "our parents have always loved what they've done professionally and the fact that we are all involved in the family business has been wonderful and we are forever grateful to all those that watch the both shows every single day."

In honor of this monumental occasion Stage 31 at CBS at Television City has been named the Bradley P. Bell stage, and this Friday's 7000th episode will be dedicated to Bell, the show's Executive Producer and Head-Writer.

John McCook, who has played Eric Forester, the head of the Forester dynasty since the inception of the show, is thrilled and excited to be a part of the show all these years.

"As an actor like all actors I have played many roles, but playing Eric has been a great joy," McCook said. "It is fun to watch how he reacts to things. He is the father figure, the disciplinarian, but today has a little more humor. He is just an absolute joy."

McCook said that when he took the role along with Susan Flannery (ex-Stephanie), they both had a relationship with Lee and Bill Bell from previous shows. "When Susan and I looked at the script and talked it over, we just knew that Bold and Beautiful would be a success. I knew with the Bells, it already had good genes," McCook said.

McCook added that in show business, nothing lasts. He figured even if the show will fail at least it will run for five years, thanks to the Bells being attached.  

McCook attributes the long term success to Brad Bell and described his "lean and mean" attitude. "Brad has a way of telling stories. He inherited that from his dad. This is a family show and family run, which is rare, and that is what makes the show the success it is. I'm so happy Brad honors his dad's legacy."

Bold and Beautiful is a half hour show, and it moves fast. Much story goes by, and McCook feels that if you miss an episode you miss a lot. "I always hear fans say on shows that they missed their show for a few months and didn't lose any story, but in the case of B&B that is not true. We move fast and much story is told in each episode."

McCook also likes the fact that B&B has many older characters and that is very important. "I know Bill Bell felt the same. It's needed. The older characters have a generated quality. Many characters as well as staff come and go on other shows, but here staying in place is what makes this show. We have a consistency of writers', producers, the show has a strong identification. Here's to another 7000!"

Bold and Beautiful is the most watched daily serial. It is seen in over 100 countries, and in Monte Carlo at the International TV Audience Awards, The Bold and the Beautiful wins the Golden Nymph Award just about every year. In June 2014, B&B received its eighth consecutive Golden Nymph.  It has also won a considerable amount of Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series in 2009, 2010, 2011.

Be sure to set your DVRs this Friday, January 23 and tune in to see a very special half hour Bold and Beautiful that will be filled with surprise, flashbacks, interviews with the stars and more.

Soapdom congratulates the cast, crew, producers and the entire Bell family on reaching this milestone with Bold and the Beautiful.  

MORE ON THIS STORY

Bold and the Beautiful 7000th episode network promo

The Bold and the Beautiful 7000th episode

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