SoapNet to viewers: Hey, we're still here!

The unfortunate timing of Disney's Disney Junior announcement -- in which it was also announced that SoapNet would shut down in 2012 -- means that poor SoapNet is stuck being a lame duck network for two more years.

For now, that means business as usual, as the channel's not going anywhere until then.

Today, for example, SoapNet announced a "Star Spangled Marathon," a ten-hour "Beverly Hills, 90210" stunt featuring famous faces before they were stars:

Everyone had to start somewhere, whether it was big or small. Some celebrities launched their careers thanks to the show, such as Vanessa Marcil, who played Gina for three seasons, and Academy Award® winner Hilary Swank, who portrayed single mom Carly. Others were already famous when they dropped by to make an appearance, like Christina Aguilera, Babyface and Wild Orchid (featuring a pre-Black Eyed Peas Fergie). Ryan Seacrest, Daniel Dae Kim, Jessica Alba, Matthew Perry, Vivica A. Fox, Denise Richards and Eva Longoria also appear. Many of today's hottest celebrities visited "Beverly Hills, 90210". Pull up your couch and come get star-struck! The marathon airs Memorial Day, Monday, May 31 from 8AM – 6PM (EST/PST).

Meanwhile, Temple Street Productions announced that it had started production on season three of "Being Erica," the CBC Television series that airs here in the U.S. on SoapNet.

Fans of the show wondered whether the SoapNet shutdown would affect "Erica" -- but again, the channel won't be going off the air for another two years, so who knows if "Erica" will even be around at that point. (Besides, it's a Canadian series that could always find a home elsewhere, like ABC Family.)