What Is The Longest-Running Soap Opera On TV?

Soap Operas began on radio in the 1930s as short, 15-minute episodes. Soap Operas moved to television in the 1950s and expanded to 30 minutes. Soap Operas have been a staple of the American television lineup during the late morning and early afternoon ever since. However, the amount of soap opera still on American daytime has dwindled over the years. What is the longest-running soap opera on tv today?

What Was The Largest Number Of Daytime Soap Operas?

In the 1969-1970 Season there were 19 soap operas on television. Fans have loved soap operas for decades. Unfortunately, over the years, the amount of daytime soap operas has diminished dramatically. By 1980 there were 13 soap operas on the air and between then and 1994 soaps remained steady between 13 and 14 during this time. However, that was about to drastically change.

By the early 2000s, the number of soaps had dropped to between 10 and 11. Over the next decade, several soaps would fall victim to cancellation leaving only five remaining daytime dramas. Between the drop in viewership and sponsorships as well as executive decision-making, in 2012 four soap operas are remaining.

Days Of Our Lives Goes Streaming Only

On September 12, 2022, Days of Our Lives moved to Peacock and became available through streaming only. Day of Our Lives has been on television for 57 years before making this move. However, as of this date, there was only three soap operas left on network television. This means NBC no longer carries any daytime soap operas anymore.

Currently, CBS network airs two of the three remaining soap operas. The Young and the Restless, which airs from 12:30 to 1:30 pm EDT, and The Bold and The Beautiful which airs from 1:30 to 2:00 pm EDT. ABC Network airs the remaining of the three current soap operas on TV which is General Hospital. GH airs from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm EDT.

What Is The Longest Running Soap Opera?

The longest-running soap opera on network tv in the US is General Hospital. GH debuted on April 1, 1960, and was originally set on the seventh floor of the hospital. By 1978 cancellation was looming so the show dramatically changed focus. The WSB, the DVX, and mobsters arrived in Port Charles. This along with the introduction of super couples is credited with saving the soap.

Currently, General Hospital is in the middle of Season 60 making it the longest-running soap opera on American television. General Hospital is followed by The Young and The Restless which is celebrating 50 years and The Bold and The Beautiful has been on for 36 years. Unfortunately, although GH is the longest-running show, it is also usually the lowest-rated of the three remaining soap operas as well.

Soap operas have been a staple of American television for decades but with only three remaining, fans cannot help but worry that the last three could be lost at some point. However, soap fans are among the most loyal fans around and will be there until the end.