History of Soap Operas

Soap operas originated from the UK, the first soap opera ‘The Archers’ was first broadcast on 29^th may 1950 on the BBC radio. Consequently it is the longest running soap opera that is broadcast on the radio and still airs today.

Soap operas are called so because the original dramas that used to be broadcast on radio had soap manufacturers as sponsors, the term ‘opera’ was added because these dramas focus on dramatic situations and dilemmas.

According to critic Albert Moran the convention that makes a soap opera is: "that form of television that works with a continuous open narrative. Each episode ends with a promise that the storyline is to be continued in another episode".

Many soaps have passed for example Brookside and crossroads. However through high viewer ratings the popularity of mainstream soaps has increased the four biggest competitors that are still running today.

Coronation Street was first broadcast on the 9^th of December in 1960 therefore being the longest running soap. The soap has had great success for ITV

Eastenders was first broadcast on the 19^th of February 1985 on BBC.

Hollyoaks was first broadcast on 23 October 1995 on Channel 4

Emmerdale was first broadcast on 16 October 1972 Emmerdale was known as Emmerdale Farm until 1989.

Quote and information from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soap_opera