Soap operas on radio [2] These early radio serials were Feb 22, 2020 · By today’s standards, the radio soap opera would be considered sexist and classist, although analysts insist that a certain amount of sophistication was needed on the part of the audience to follow some of the intricate story lines and plots. The main actress, Virginia Payne, played Ma Perkins in all 7,065 episodes over 27 years, never missing even one of them. Geared more towards action than courtroom drama, it mixed mystery and soap opera, with attorney Perry Mason sometimes even exchanging gunfire with criminals. Painted Dreams message was, "marriage is a women's finest career". In Australia, as in most other developed countries, from the early years of the medium almost every radio network and station featured drama, serials, and soap operas as staples of their programming; during the so-called "Golden Years" of radio these were hugely popular. Jane Morgan (not to be confused with singer Jane Morgan) starred as Aunt Mary. The show was created by Frank and Anne Hummert, who were among the most prolific producers during the radio soap era. “Painted Dreams” is considered the first, and it premiered on Radio historians Frank Buxton and Bill Owen, in The Big Broadcast 1920–1950, noted that The Goldbergs, which they considered a soap opera as much as a comedy, "differed from most of the other 'soaps' in that its leading characters lived through relatively normal situations. When a Girl Marries is an American daytime radio drama that was broadcast on three major radio networks from 1939 to 1957. + Guiding Light (known as The Guiding Light before 1975, or simply GL) is an American daytime television drama that is credited by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest running drama in te Apr 8, 2025 · What’s old is new again, but with a modern twist! Coming April 22nd, an all-new audio soap opera featuring many notable stars, and an incredible sound design, marks a bold reinvention of the American soap opera. Why "Opera" If operas are known for one thing (besides the singing, acting, costume, lighting, production, orchestral playing, and being the most complete art form), it would have The Road of Life: Inside the Golden Age of Radio Soaps - Classic Soap Operas Podcast May 18, 2019 · After the Revolution, Cuban emigrés in Miami began making original Spanish-language radio soap operas — better known as radionovelas — that reportedly ran on more than 200 stations worldwide. Enjoy from a wide selection of Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Suspense, Sci-Fi. Feb 10, 2021 · The Soap Opera Company Robert Wehling, a former senior executive who joined the company in the late 1970s, explains the origins of the company’s involvement in the genre. She appeared in the serial in addition to writing it. 1. List of radio soap operas Radio daytime drama serials were broadcast for decades, and some expanded to television. The Romance of Helen Trent was a radio soap opera which aired on CBS from October 30, 1933 to June 24, 1960 for a total of 7,222 episodes. Originally airing in the evenings, the first radio dramas included a variety of genres to entertain families. , on June 16, 1930. List of soap operas The following is a list of soap operas that have been broadcast in various countries, including previous and current soap operas. Jan 28, 2020 · By Bruce Frassinelli Email: bruce@cny55. A soap opera is an ongoing, episodic work of fiction, usually broadcast on television or radio. Oct 30, 2020 · A soap opera is a serialized TV or radio drama series dealing intricate plots, cliffhangers, and a focus on emotional relationships. It began as a 15 minute old time radio show in 1937, running until 1947. Matt Crowley, and later Donald McLaughlin, starred as the doctor, and Virginia Dwyer his disease-prone wife. Soap Operas Serials populated by 'ordinary Australian families’ were the most popular entertainment on radio in the 1950s. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers such as Procter and Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, and What Are Some Of The Most Influential Radio Soap Operas Of All Time? In this engaging video, we take a closer look at the fascinating history of radio soap operas and their impact on the genre as Backstage Wife is an American soap opera radio program that details the travails of Mary Noble, a girl from a small town in Iowa who came to New York seeking her future. Created by Elaine Sterne Carrington (who also was responsible for Pepper Young's Family and Rosemary), it was the highest rated soap opera during the mid-1940s. The program offered an alternative to the afternoon soap operas and demonstrated that women's interests ranged beyond cleaning tips and recipes. [1] Its network debut occurred on NBC on Daytime soap operas on television became a major part of 20th-century women’s entertainment and American culture. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell created the soap opera in 1987, introducing glitz and glamour to daytime dramas. "Just Plain Bill" was a popular radio show that was broadcast in the United States in the 1930s and 1940s. [1] From the pages of pulp fiction to an early soap opera, Stella Dallas is a tale of motherly love in the face of class differences. Episodes were 15 minutes long, running Monday through Friday. Airing daily on BBC Radio 4, it is the world’s longest running soap opera in any format, with the first episode broadcast on May 29th, 1950! Known as “an everyday story of country folk,” The Archers is set in the fictional village of Ambridge, in the fictional county of Borsetshire in the English Midlands. What were the Soap Operas that started on radio and made the transition to TV? "Guiding Light" was one. Within nine years after the debut of the first network radio soap opera in 1932, the soap The buzz-term for Old Time Radio is 'OTR'. A contrast of these 14 programs with today's television “soaps” is rather noteworthy. This upload contains 582 episodes of the old time radio soap opera, Aunt Mary, sometimes also referred to as The Story of Aunt Mary. Daytime Emmys 2025: See the full list of winners as they’re announced live, including soap opera honors for GH, Y&R, DAYS, and B&B. cm. The phrase "soap opera" came about in the late 1930s to describe serial radio dramas that often ran with advertisements for detergent or soap companies. These hours represent the unfolding of nearly two hun-dred different fictive worlds, many of them over the course of decades. [1] It was also broadcast in Canada, and Radio Luxembourg carried it in Europe. Soap operas have been a staple of television programming for decades, captivating audiences with their dramatic storylines, complex characters, and cliffhanger endings. to try its hand Explore a collection of classic soap operas available on YouTube, offering timeless stories and unforgettable characters for fans of the genre. The term "soap opera" emerged in the mid-1930s, reflecting the genre's commercial ties to companies like Procter & Gamble, which sponsored shows to target female audiences. Jerry Malone). This focus on household settings is a key part of the etymology of soap opera, as it made them a perfect vehicle for advertising cleaning products. In 1927 Anne (originally Anne Schumacher) began working as a copywriter for the Chicago advertising agency co-owned by Frank; they married in 1934. Jettabee Anne Hopkins *Adopted Daughter (1939 1941) Frank and Anne Huumert *Amanda Of Honeymoon Hill (1940 1946) *Backstage Wife (1935 1959) *Betty and Bob (1932 1940) *Central City (1938 1939)… GOLD TIME RADIO BEGINS ITS EIGHTH YEAR with a long look at weekday dramas, (aka Soap Operas), the 15 minute serials that proliferated Network Radio from the mid 1930's until 1960, peaking in 1938 when 48 separate quarter-hour serials were broadcast every Monday through Friday. 95 #DBS401(6 hours on 6 Compact Discs) RADIO’S BEST SOAP OPERAS– 24 selected episodes of Mom’s favorite daytime dramas: Big Sister (9-21-39); Aunt Jenny’s True Life Stories (9-21-39); Lorenzo Jones (9-1-48); Just Plain Bill (8-10-45); Stella Dallas (2-22-49); David Harum (1-19-45); Road of Life (6-7-44); Romance of Helen Trent (9-21-39); Front Page Farrell (8-10-45); Guiding Light Jul 5, 2020 · Why Are They Called 'Soap Operas'? Guiding Light, one of the most notable daytime dramas, or soap operas, went from a radio drama to the longest-running TV drama (or soap opera). Here's an overview of the narrative and genre conventions, as well as audience expectations, of the soap opera genre: Narrative Conventions Serialized Storytelling: Unlike episodic TV shows where each episode stands on its The Archers is a British radio soap opera currently broadcast on BBC Radio 4, the corporation's main spoken-word channel. However, it wasn’t until the 50s that soaps really took off. The soap opera emerged in the US radio industry of the early 1930s when the advertising agencies of the soap, toiletry, and foodstuff industries took on the role of developing programs that could attract a female audience. Soap operas, also known simply as "soaps," have been a mainstay in entertainment for nearly a century. . Here are some things you may not have known about American soap operas. [3] Erle Stanley Gardner's literary success with the Perry Mason novels convinced Warner Bros. Indeed, the very first soap operas were created for radio. But while soaps once ruled the Painted Dreams is an American radio soap opera that premiered on WGN radio, Chicago, on October 20, 1930 [1] and last aired in July 1943. Old Time Radio Legends features the superstars and classic radio shows of the 30’s, 40’s & 50’s. The show started a radio-to-TV transition at that point and audiences fell in love with the idea of tuning in daily to see what their favorite soap characters were up to. This reference work contains exhaustive histories of 31 of network radio’s most durable soap operas on the air between 1930 and 1960. Jun 6, 2016 · Today's column is a glance back to August 1954 when 15-minute soap operas filled the weekday airways of radio and television. While once considered an avenue for public These soap stories will thrill you with their sudsy contents! Read more about the exciting world of radio soap operas Apr 8, 2025 · Soap operas are the foundation of American television storytelling — and their roots sprouted right here in Chicago. " [2] The series was created and produced by the husband and wife team of Frank and Anne Hummert, based on the 1923 novel Stella Dallas by Olive For The Museum of Television & Radio: Director of Publications: Ellen O'Neill Curator: Ron Simon Photograph Editor: Roberta Panjwani Art Director: Lou Dorfsman Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Worlds without end: the art and history of the soap opera / the Museum of Television & Radio. These dramas are often referred to as "soaps", a shortening from "soap opera". William J. It then ran through its metamorphosis into a television drama until 1956. Sep 9, 2008 · This reference work contains exhaustive histories of 31 of network radio's most durable soap operas on the air between 1930 and 1960. Old Time Radio Throughout the 20th century, one of the dominant forms of mass media and entertainment was Radio Shows: Drama, Comedy, Mystery and Horror, as well as news and information, all presented in a purely audio format. Having aired over 20,000 episodes, it is the world's longest-running present-day drama by number of episodes. S. This collection is also part of the Rare Soap Operas Collection. She tried presented the serial series for airing over Mar 5, 2018 · Each week Dennis Humphrey takes you back to the early days of Radio by presenting the best of the Soap Operas, from Ma Perkins, One Man's Family, and Dr. Be sure to bring along your tissues and bonbons. 3 days ago · Here, Soap Hub brings you the latest B&B news, spoilers, information on cast members, and more. Shows that made the transition to television included Young Doctor Malone, The Guiding Light, The Road of Life, and The Brighter Day. Guiding Light (known as The Guiding Light before 1975) is an American radio and television soap opera. For more rags to riches wives also see Linda's First Love, and Lora Lawton. The Brighter Day is an American daytime soap opera which aired on CBS from January 4, 1954, to September 28, 1962. Painted Dreams is considered to be the earliest "soap opera", the show debuted on 20th October 1930 on Chicago radio station WGN. We did various things like that In "Radio Guide" surveys of the 40s, it always ranked in the top ten of the "soap operas", which it certainly was not. The genre termed 'Soap Operas’ originated in American radio serials of the 1930s, and owes the name to the sponsorship of programs by major soap powder manufacturers. McBride maintained complete editorial and commercial control over her program and in doing so made lasting changes in the style of radio talk shows. Was "Guiding Light" the longest running soap when you One of television's first daytime serial dramas (which soon moved to an early-evening slot), this was a creative serial-within-a-serial about the actors and crew on a fictitious radio soap opera, portraying both their behind-the-scenes and on-air interactions. During radio's "Golden Age" from 1929 through the end of World War II, radio's comedy-variety, soap opera, and drama programs were a part of the daily lives of most Americans. As radio entered its golden age, the Hummerts began to write soap operas. A number of soap operas premiered in the Fifties and lasted multiple decades including the following (with links to video excerpts): Search for Tomorrow (1951–1986) Jo Gardner lived in Henderson where she wed many times. [1] The New York Times described the title character as "the beautiful daughter of an impoverished farmhand who had married above her station in life. Soap Operas, Mysteries and more! Hear the amazing original Broadcasts of Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Arthur Godfrey, Baby Snooks, Edgar Bergen, Mel Blanc, Burns The 15-minute continuing series Perry Mason aired weekdays October 18, 1943 – December 30, 1955, on CBS Radio. The soap opera is characterized by a permanent cast of actors, a continuing story, emphasis on dialogue instead of action, a Come along with Soap Opera queen Morgan Fairchild to discover a story of mystery and intrigue in exotic Jamaica while staring into The Faces of Love. For about seven years, until I Rare Soap Operas Collection Packed with more sudsey value for your dollar, OTRCat is proud to present this compilation of rare soaps series and including some programs that are the last surviving recordings of their shows. The Gook family of Vic, Sade, and Rush chatted on in a dead-pan style about the most outrageous and inane topics every day. The shows typically revolved around a large, middle Notes on the Soap Opera Genre Soap operas, known for their serialized storytelling and emotional drama, have been a staple of television and radio programming for decades. May 25, 2025 · Soap opera comings and goings for the week of May 26 reveal surprise returns, big recast and a possible mystery debut. [2][1] The first to be broadcast in daytime over a radio network would be Clara, Lu 'n Em Mar 20, 2024 · From ‘Port Charles’ to ‘Santa Barbara,’ EW is remembering the best soap operas that we have loved and lost over the years. Soap Operas - Encyclopedia of Chicago Soap Operas Jun 5, 2016 · Today’s column is a nostalgic glance back to August 1954 when 15-minute soap operas filled the weekday airways of radio and television. During this decade America's radio programming, advertising and influence over the American public flourished since ownership of radios increased dramatically. Ma Perkins (sometimes called Oxydol's Own Ma Perkins) is an American radio soap opera that was heard on NBC from 1933 to 1949 and on CBS from 1942 to 1960. Created with the American housewife in mind, radio soap operas, also known as “washboard weepers,” were sponsored by manufacturers of household products like facial soap or soap powders and broadcast during the daytime. Anne and Frank Hummert were American radio producers. In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 longest-running soap operas of all time. We also offer commentary, cast bios, and more. Unlike the hour long programs viewed today, these radio broadcasts lasted a mere 15 minutes with the commercials in between the shows largely focused on selling laundry detergent and cleaning solutions. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture dictionary. Their primary audience were housewives, thus most of the sponsors were linked to the Jan 11, 2020 · Soap Opera Additions by Old Time Radio Researchers Publication date 2020-01-11 Topics Old Time Radio Researchers, Soap Operas Language English Item Size 2. Relive the drama of classic old time radio soap operas. Their mix of romance, betrayal, and long-running family sagas helped define a unique genre. Our Gal Sunday is an American soap opera produced by Frank and Anne Hummert, network broadcast via CBS from March 29, 1937, to January 2, 1959, [1] starring Dorothy Lowell and, after Lowell's 1944 death, Vivian Smolen in the title role. [1] On television, the title role was portrayed by Kathleen Murray. The soap opera originated on radio in the United States in the early 1930s, as short, domestic dramas sponsored by the manufacturers of soaps, medicines, foods and other household goods. + The Faces of Love, comes from its opening: “L A soap opera is a melodrama with a large cast experiencing dramatic emotional events in their day-to-day lives, usually broadcast five days a week. From the Newmans to the Abbotts to the Chancellors to the Winters, we have all the latest details. They feature continuous storylines, large ensemble casts, and dramatic cliffhangers, captivating audiences with complex character relationships and social issues. Radio DramaBefore the advent of television in the late 1940s, radio was the most popular mass medium in America. [1] With 72 years of radio and television runs, Guiding Light is the longest-running American soap opera, ahead of Radio daytime drama serials were broadcast for decades, and some expanded to television. Debuting on April 1, 1963, GH is the second-longest-running daytime soap opera in American history. The program was a soap opera centered on newlyweds David and Claudia Naughton. The show began with regional broadcasts on the West Coast, but it eventually was distributed more widely. When I was growing up in a small coal-mining community in Eastern Pennsylvania, I was fascinated with soap operas on radio. Originally created for NBC Radio by Irna Phillips in 1948, the radio and television versions ran simultaneously from 1954–56. 3 days ago · Did you know Suzanne Rogers' road to soap operas started at Radio City Music Hall? Hear more about her incredible journey through the industry on the #Soapy podcast #soapopera #BoldandBeautiful (05 Episodes) The Right to Happiness, an American Old Time Radio Soap Opera created by Irna Phillips, was broadcasted across the country from its creation in Soap operas The television serial format as known today originated in radio, in the form of children's adventure shows and daily 15-minute programs known as soap operas (so-called because many of these shows were sponsored by soap companies, such as Colgate-Palmolive and Procter & Gamble). [2] The series was Painted Dreams is generally considered radio's first soap opera. Radio Soap Opera 1937-1956 Irna Phillips, originator of the show Guiding Light is the longest running drama of all time. Both McLaughlin and Dwyer went on to success in television soap operas. Jun 28, 2006 · A history of our soap operas. Many of the plots are about sexual relationships, family issues, and occasional topical issues … Relive the drama and intrigue of classic JBC soap operas. This series was on network radio from 1932 to 1946 and the two hundred plus episodes that survived are $29. p. [1] The program opened with: + Our Gal Sunday was an American soap opera produced by Frank and Anne Hummert and heard on CBS from 1937 to 1959. These shows from the pre-television age include adventure, comedies, mystery shows, western dramas and shows from World War II. Created by Irna Phillips in 1930, it was aired by WGN Chicago where Miss Phillips had landed after abandoning a teaching career. There also is a listing of research archives with prominent collections of soap opera related materials. The series entitled Montecito is set to make its debut when it drops its first two of its 10-episode audio-only […] The Golden age of radio can still be enjoyed. 2G Dec 8, 2011 · 1930's Radio Soap Operas Radio emerged as a vehicle for mass communication and entertainment during the 1920s but did not begin to dominate and influence American culture until the 1930s. com “Ma Perkins” was one of the most popular radio soap operas of its era. 2 days ago · Get the latest soap opera GH news, spoilers, recaps, commentary, and more. Guiding Light aired on CBS for 57 years between June 30, 1952, and September 18, 2009, overlapping a 19-year broadcast on radio between January 25, 1937, and June 29, 1956. Road of Life was a radio soap opera that ran from 1937 to 1959. Phillips went on to turn her successful radio drama “Guiding Light” into a TV soap opera in 1952 and also launched “As the World Turns” (1956) and “Another World” (1964). 3 days ago · Soap Hub brings you the latest Beyond The Gates spoilers, recaps, and news. 4 days ago · The Bold and the Beautiful News and Rumors page for the latest news and all the latest in baby news, character twists and turns of your soap stars 2 days ago · Soap Opera Comings and Goings: Big Family Returns, New Baby, Special Guest From Y&R weddings to DAYS reunions and GH bombshells, here’s who’s in and out on your favorite soaps the week of October 6. Burton and The Right to Happiness. Programs described as soap operas have existed as an entertainment long enough for audiences to recognize them simply by the term "soap". They’re called soap operas because soap companies were common early sponsors of the shows. [2] These early radio serials were Mirror Yiddish Soap Opera 4 episodes Miss Hattie 1 episode Monticello Party Line 53 episodes Mrs Dales Diary 4 episodes Myrt And Marge 114 episodes Nona From Nowhere 5 episodes Office Wife 205 episodes One Mans Family 381 episodes Originals By Bennett 1 episode Our Gal Sunday 5 episodes Pepper Youngs Family 95 episodes Portia Faces Life 7 episodes Radio daytime drama serials were broadcast for decades, and some expanded to television. While on rounds, the intercom would sound Category:American radio soap operas Pages in category "American radio soap operas" The following 74 pages are in this category, out of 74 total. Hear timeless stories and emotional performances from radio's golden age. Jim Brent. Soap operas that are currently being broadcast are listed in bold if they are not in a table. Here are 14 episodes of "Cecil & Sally," a 15-minute soap opera, ranging from 1928 to 1929. Listen now only on Spotify: With Round Ron Virgin, Gin Blossoms, Matthew Good Band and more Introduction Since the early 1930s nearly one hundred thousand hours of daytime dra-matic serials—soap operas—have been broadcast on radio and television in the United States. These narratives Jun 30, 2023 · Today in 1952, the first TV episode of the soap opera Guiding Light. OTR usually means radio broadcasting from the golden age of radio, mostly before 1964. Pictured from left: Elspeth Eric (Lucia Standish), Barbara Weeks (Anne Malone), Sandy Becker (Dr. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The program originally starred Julie Stevens in the title role of Kitty Foyle on radio. BBC Radio 's The Archers, first broadcast in 1950, is the world's longest-running radio soap opera. Information is provided on several useful Internet websites. A list celebrating daytime soap operas from the past and present. We look at this field in our post, Soft Soap & Hard Sell. Nov 14, 2012 · CLAUDIA Claudia, which is perhaps better known as Claudia and David, was an old time radio show based on a series of short stories written by Rose Franken and William Brown Meloney, which appeared in Redbook magazine. The first soap operas appeared on radio. The shows have a much different mix of sponsors than those from the beginning days, but they have those early soap advertisers to thank for giving them the name soap operas. Jun 24, 2025 · What is a soap opera? Learn the definition, history, traits, and how these serialized dramas evolved from radio to global TV formats. From multi-camera This old time radio soap opera lasted from 1934 until 1959, a quarter of a century! This collection contains three rare episodes of the few remaining episodes known to be in existence. From the Ewings of Dallas to the Capwells of Santa Barbara, these shows captivated audiences for decades. Before television, radio provided entertainment by presenting radio plays and programs of mystery, intrigue, and comedy. [1][2] Starring Betty Winkler as Rosemary Dawson Roberts, the program's only sponsor was Procter & Gamble, primarily for Ivory Snow dishwashing liquid, Camay soap, Dash and Tide laundry detergents and Prell shampoo. This is a list of radio soap operas by creator. It was a soap opera that followed the life of its eponymous protagonist, Bill Baker, as he navigated the ups and downs of everyday life. [1] Becker also Soap operas are a genre of serialized storytelling that originated from a blend of nineteenth-century serial novels, early film dramas, comic strips, and radio programs aimed at women in the 1920s. This list may not reflect recent changes. For the next 6 decades, American soap operas Jun 27, 2013 · For example, Radio 4’s The Archers (an everyday story of country folk) has been going since 1950. The soap operas covered are Aunt Jenny's Real Life Stories, Backstage Wife, Big Sister, The Brighter Day, David Harum, Front Page Farrell, The Guiding Light, Hilltop House, Just Plain Bill, Life Can Be Beautiful, The Light of the World, Lora Lawton, Lorenzo Kitty Foyle was created by soap opera mogul Irna Phillips of Guiding Light fame and produced by daytime radio monarchs Frank and Anne Hummert of Helen Trent recognition. Some of these shows have become iconic in the world of television, running for years and even decades. After working as a writer on a day-time talk show, Irna Phillips penned the soap opera , Painted Dreams . Radio’s first soap opera aired over WGN-AM Chicago, Ill. The Guiding Light (TGL) was an American radio series which became a television soap opera. They were all broadcast in the daytime and mainly targeted housewives because at the time, a whopping three out of every four women in the United States did not work. Davis, Eve Arden 's Pages in category "British radio soap operas" The following 8 pages are in this category, out of 8 total. Aug 28, 2025 · Early radio soap operas focused on the dramatic trials and tribulations of domestic life, targeting stay-at-home wives. Nov 9, 2005 · The Bibliography contains much more content than just standard citations of reference works and periodicals dealing with radio and soap operas. Their Just Plain Bill Discover the fascinating history of The Guiding Light, America's longest-running soap opera, from its 1937 radio debut to television success. " Unheard and unseen for eight decades, Lady of the Press was an entertaining CBS radio show which followed newspaper reporter Sandra Soap operas began in the early 1930s in Chicago. Many of the most popular soap operas from the 50s first began as radio programs. Radio Soaps Tim Bentinck, aka David Archer from The Archers, with the history of BBC radio soaps BBC Radio 4 Extra Free Old Time Radio Shows from "The Golden Age of Radio" Welcome to Old Radio World! Here you will find some of the most popular radio programs of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. These shows have shaped TV production techniques, narrative structures, and audience engagement. [1] Rosemary is an American radio soap opera broadcast on NBC Radio from October 2, 1944 to March 23, 1945, and on CBS Radio from March 26, 1945 to July 1, 1955. [2] Soap opera, broadcast dramatic serial program, so called in the United States because most of its major sponsors for many years were manufacturers of soap and detergents. The format is simple, as were most radio shows at the time, consi ‘ Soap operas ’ are daytime serials with a dramatic content aimed primarily at a female audience. The buzz-term for Old Time Radio is 'OTR'. Nov 21, 2024 · Soap Operas Started on the Radio Soap operas trace their roots to the early days of radio in the 1920s. It followed the problems and the successes, big and small, of an average newly-married couple Apr 18, 2011 · As we watch the dying or at least shrinking of the TV soap opera, please reminisce about radio soaps and answer a few questions. Mar 30, 2021 · Road of Life was a popular radio soap opera, produced by Procter and Gamble, featuring the story of Dr. Soap operas Soap operas were not invented for television audience, they were in the radio networks since early 1930s showing the life of other people through the medium of radio. Oct 8, 2025 · From daytime to primetime, soap operas have been a staple of television since Faraway Hill first aired in 1946. Originally created for radio, these serialized dramas transitioned to television and became daytime staples for millions of viewers. These dramas were often referred to as soaps, a shortening from the earlier label, soap opera. It was the first daytime radio soap to make the jump to the small screen, and it was one of many hit shows led by a writer and producer sometimes called the “queen of soaps,” Irna Phillips. Join us each week as we continue these great stories. “Guiding Light” (57 years One Man's Family is an American radio soap opera, heard for almost three decades, from 1932 to 1959. Kildare. The two programs captured the hearts (and ears) of audiences until the early 1940's. Many soap operas were played for a while on both radio and television, but the small screen eventually won the day. The radio program ended on November 25, 1960, known as "the last day of radio soap opera" because CBS cancelled several other series on that day, including Ma Perkins, The Second Mrs. Soap operas have been a staple of television since the 1950s, evolving from radio serials to become a unique genre. television in late June 1952 and when it did soap operas were born. [2] The program began on WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio, where it was broadcast from August 14, 1933 to December 1, 1933. This was during American radio’s ‘golden age’ which roughly coincides with Hollywood’s Studio System – the 1920s to the 1950s. Source for information on Radio Drama: St. Mar 21, 2025 · The “opera” part of the phrase soap opera refers to these over-the-top plot lines, channeling the similar melodrama of traditional theatre-based operas. Life Can Be Beautiful was a daytime radio drama broadcast on NBC and CBS during its 16-year run. When the last daytime serials left radio in the early 1960s, they were Mar 1, 2017 · Soap Opera Stars Who Are Seriously Undervalued Guiding Light was the very first daytime drama to air on U. From the mid-1930s until the mid-1950s, it is estimated that about 50 percent of American women were active listeners. It began in syndication on April 1, 1940, and was broadcast on some stations that carried NBC programs, although it does not seem to have been an official part of that network's programming. I was just shy of my 13th birthday. [4] The longest-running existing television soap is Coronation Street, which was first broadcast on ITV in 1960. Additional sources of information on prominent soap opera figures are listed. Portia Faces Life is an American soap opera first broadcast as a radio series from 1940 to 1953, and then on television for a single season in the mid-1950s. “We started in radio with what I’d call ‘cooking and recipe shows’ back in the 1920s. 3 days ago · Soap Hub brings soap opera fans the latest in The Young and The Restless spoilers, providing daily details for all things Genoa City. That term stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers such as Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, and Lever Brothers as sponsors [1] and producers. The program was also facetiously known to many as Elsie Beebe, a contrived acronym based on the show's initials. There was also news and soap operas. 2 days ago · Soap Opera Comings and Goings: Big Family Returns, New Baby, Special Guest From Y&R weddings to DAYS reunions and GH bombshells, here’s who’s in and out on your favorite soaps the week of October 6. From its early radio days in the 1930s to streaming today, soaps have endured Dec 21, 2024 · May 15, 1933: Scripted and produced by Irna Phillips, the radio soap opera ‘ Today's Children ’ debuted on NBC. Sep 30, 2010 · Radio Soap Operas Radio daytime drama series were broadcast for decades and some expanded to television for even more decades. [5]Guiding Light, which began on radio in 1937, transitioned to television in 1952, and ended in 2009, holds the record for the longest-running soap opera of any kind. Clara, Lu, and Em was a series that began as a sorority sketch by three friends: Louise Starkey (Clara), Isobel Carothers (Lu) and Helen King (Em). [1] The actress is perhaps best remembered for her role as Mrs. Malone, Against the Storm, Guiding Light, and Eternal Light. Creditted for writing many of the first American soap operas , Irna Phillips was a talented American actress and writer. The dates and episodes Aunt Mary is a 1944-1961 radio soap opera in the United States. Feb 21, 2023 · Soap operas were born in the 1930s, reports Brittanica, with radio broadcasts of 15-minute episodes full of drama and interesting characters. Broadcast since 1951, it was famously billed as "an everyday story of country folk" and is now promoted as "a contemporary drama in a rural setting". Created by Carlton E. On this date in 1949, the first daytime television soap opera was broadcast. Nov 10, 2025 · Soap opera spoilers, news, and exclusive updates for The Young and The Restless, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Beyond The Gates. Contained in these archives are thousands of hours recorded from these well-funded and talent-filled works. The origin of this radio series was a 1904 Broadway production, Sunday, which starre Did you know Suzanne Rogers' road to soap operas started at Radio City Music Hall? Hear more about her incredible journey through the industry on the #Soapy podcast #soapopera #BoldandBeautiful A scene from “Days of Our Lives” on NBC. + Ma Perkins (sometimes called Oxydol's Own Ma Perkins) is an American radio soap opera which was heard on NBC from 1933 to 1949 and on CBS from 1942 to 1960. Apr 11, 2022 · Only four soap operas remain on television today; The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS), Days of Our Lives (NBC), General Hospital (ABC), and The Young and the Restless (CBS). In 1923, the company did something called Crisco Cooking Talks on radio where recipes were read. At the time, they were simply called “serial dramas” or “radio dramas” because of their recurring nature. It was about a woman who caught one new disease after another, and her doctor husband had to cure her, over and over. That term stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that Oct 10, 2013 · October 10, 1932: The birth of Judy and Jane (sponsored by Folger's Coffee), and Betty and Bob (sponsored by General Mills), two programs that were among radio's earliest venture into radio soap operas. It is widely considered by scholars of the genre to be the first daytime soap opera or drama-by-installment serial. It's probably imitative of the earlier phrase "horse opera," used to describe western radio (and later, television) dramas from the 1920s onward that often featured singing cowboy characters like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. Originally, daytime drama could be heard across the USA via radio. Between 1942 and 1949, the show was heard Soap opera is a dramatic genre characterized by serialized storytelling, emotional conflicts, and interpersonal relationships, often aired on television or radio. from the generic radio workshop's archives, a collection of vintage scripts We're thrilled to introduce you to a script collection from a show you've never heard of, but which makes delightful reading: 1944's soap opera / detective drama "Lady of the Press. For more Old Time Radio soap opera drama, you might want to try Doctor' s Wife, Young Dr. The show was known for its relatable and down-to-earth storyline, which centered around Bill's relationships with his family, friends, and co-workers Stella Dallas was an American radio soap opera that ran from October 25, 1937, to December 23, 1955. [1] Television versions of the series aired in prime time from 1949 to 1952 and in daytime from 1954 to 1955. Morse, it was the longest-running uninterrupted dramatic serial in the history of American radio. The origin of this radio series was a 1904 Broadway production, Sunday, which starred Ethel Barrymore. Scripted by Don Becker and Carl Bixby, it was billed as "an inspiring message of faith drawn from life" and remained one of the leading soap operas through the 1940s.