Soap Opera Questions

Why were they nicknamed ‘soaps’?

The term “soap opera" originated from the fact that when these serial dramas were aired on daytime radio, the commercials aired during the shows were largely aimed at housewives. Many of the products sold during these commercials were laundry and cleaning items, and included a jingle praising the product. This specific type of radio drama came to be associated with these particular commercials, and this gave rise to the term "soap opera" — a melodramatic story that aired commercials for soap products.

Who are they traditionally aimed at?

They are mainly aimed at housewives who would stay at home and it is based around the certain time that housewives would be at home to be able to watch the programmes.

Where and when did soap operas originate?

‘Soap operas’ originated from the radio, and then it got turned into a tv show which was aimed at housewives. They started airing soap operas on the tv in the 1950-60’s. ‘The Guilding Light’ was the first soap opera to be aired on tv in 1953.

What is the longest running british soap and when did it start?

Coronation Street - first broadcast on 9th December 1960, so has been running for almost 47 years.