Soap Opera History: Why the TV Shows are Called "Soap Operas"

Onemargaret, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Oct 29, 2008 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

In the 1920s, radio desperately wanted advertisers to take part in increasing station ratings and profits. It managed to convince businesses that sold household goods to sponsor its radio shows. Thus, the daytime serial drama format was created. The motive here was to appeal to the main consumers of household goods. Since most wives and mothers stayed at home, female homemakers fit the bill. It didn't take long for all the networks to get in on the deal. Proctor & Gamble's Oxydol soap powder sponsored a popular daytime serial drama in 1933. In 1939, these daytime serial dramas became, "Soap Operas."

The move from radio to television in the 1950s was imminent. Gilbert Seides was right when he said, "The daytime serial was the great invention of radio." Soap operas centered on evil twins, presumed-dead spouses, romance, betrayal, dark family secrets, incest, and more. Just normal everyday life. Right? Well, the definition of a soap opera is, "A drama, typically performed as a serial on daytime television or radio, which is characterized by stock characters and situations, sentimentality, and melodrama." Even though Procter & Gamble and Colgate-Palmolive were the top sponsors, today, that list has grown considerably. And, advertising is no longer geared toward the typical female homemaker. More and more men are electing to stay at home, thus expanding its viewing audience even more.

Primetime soaps and daytime soaps reach more and more people each day. Men, women, teenagers, old, and young are drawn to the day-to-day events surrounding their favorite soap opera. People even watch them while waiting for their appointment in the doctor's office or hospital clinic area. People watch them, while eating lunch in the break room. Soaps are no longer just broadcast in the typical weekday daytime slots. Primetime soaps draw in more sponsors. But, one thing is certain, soap operas, primetime or daytime, continue to focus storylines on family life; personal relationships; sexual dramas; emotional and moral conflicts; political issues; and more. Books, perfume, CDs, and more are being created, largely due to certain storylines in a soap opera. And several of the soaps are even cashing in on the "Go Green" campaign. Everyone wants to do their part to save the environment, which, of course, is a good thing.

Not to mention the fact that many of the characters are attractive, seductive, glamorous, and wealthy. Thus, sponsors want to generate products that make the audience look and feel the same way. So, it's not just about soap powder and dishwashing liquid anymore. Today, you see advertisements sponsored by General Mills, Stayfree, Maybelline, Hanes, Mattel, Honda, and more. Everyone is getting in on the act.

Sources:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071013012135AAnNsxs

en.wikipedia.org

Published by Onemargaret

50-something, single, black female, who loves to write and edit short stories, poems, articles, travel stories, and more. View profile

Soap Opera History: Why the TV Shows are Called "Soap Operas"

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