Venice: The Series

Overview

Venice is one actress’ commitment to telling a gay story the “right way.” The series was born out of Crystal Chappell’s popular character, “Olivia Spencer,” on the longest running daytime series in US history, “Guiding Light.” Olivia was a heterosexual businesswomen and mother who realized love is not confined to traditional paths. Chappell and co-star Jessica Leccia sparked passionate fan and media attention when their storyline, nicknamed “Otalia,” became one of the United States “it” romances.

Chappell was overwhelmed by letters and emails from people around the world reaching out to share their own stories and journeys. “The fans are what inspired this concept. There have been such great people who have come into my life because of this experience. The fans have shared their stories with me honestly and openly. I want to keep telling their story. That is why we are doing this. That is why this is so important.”

Yes, you read that right. An actress decided to make a soap for lesbians.

Venice the Series centers on the life of Gina Brogno – a single, gay, successful interior designer, living, loving and working in Venice Beach, California. It tells a diverse story through her family, friends and professional life. Gina is a strong, confident, and complex woman who navigates her relations with people through an intense yet thoughtful prism. Venice follows her experiences with her Ex-Love Ani, brother Owen, father The Colonel and myriad other characters that make up Gina’s network of relationships. The storyline offers the best of traditional soap romance, love stories, tragic happenings, and hairpin turns. But it is done in a new, savvy, and edgy format with unique character development, diversity of character, and tantalizing plot portrayal.

The show seems to never die and just keeps popping out a short season without warning.