Soap Operas

Soap Operas

What is a soap opera?

A soap opera is a long running television or radio programme that is

shown regularly, based on the everyday lives of lots of different

characters living in a close-knit community. Soap operas always have a

central meeting place (usually a pub) where the characters spend a lot

of time, and most of the action takes place. For example The Queen Vic

in Eastenders, or The Rover's Return in Coronation Street.

The name soap opera comes from the first soaps produced in America in

the forties. They were sponsored by advertisers, most commonly soap

powder companies. Nowadays all sorts of things, including chocolate

brands, sponsor soaps.

Some of the most popular soaps in England are: Eastenders, Coronation

Street, Hollyoaks and The Archers. Soap operas are made and imported

all over the world, in places such as Spain, France and America, so

different countries have different favourite soaps. Some imported

soaps we get are Neighbours and Home And Away, both from Australia.

Soaps appeal to a very wide audience, as there are stories to cater

for all age groups: children to pensioners. Also different soaps are

aimed at different people. Hollyoaks is aimed at young teenagers,

whereas Emmerdale is aimed at an older audience. Soaps centre on

different lifestyles, farming and the country in rural Emmerdale, to

urban life in Coronation Street; there is something that appeals to

everyone.

The popularity of soap operas, and what the critics say

From newborn babies, troublesome teenagers to grannies with dementia,

all ages are presented in soaps. They often focus on whole families

including the youngest to the oldest. For example baby Louise learning

her first words, right up to Nana Moon, who is developing Alzheimer's

in Eastenders.

They represent real life, as the characters are shown going about

their day-to-day activities: going to school, work, falling in love,

and getting in and out of trouble. There's the laundrette in

Eastenders, and the factory in Coronation Street, where half the town

seems to work.