Take a Look at Some of the First Soap Operas

October 2, 1946 to December 18, 1946

This was the first daytime soap opera to air on Dumont Television Network. The show focused on recently widowed, Karen St. John, played by Flora Campbell. Karen returned to her family's farm and fell madly in love with her adopted relative. The show aired for 30 minutes in black and white.

"The Guiding Light"

June 30, 1952 to Present

Owned by Proctor and Gamble Productions, this daytime soap is the longest-running soap opera on radio and on television. It is also the longest-running scripted show in history. Furthermore, it was announced that "Guiding Light" was renewed into its 72nd season through September 2009, with an option for September 2010. The soap airs weekdays on CBS. This soap is set in the mid-western town of Springfield and it centers on the middle class Bauer family. The serial originally aired for 15 minutes but now airs for 60 minutes.

"As The World Turns"

April 2, 1956 to Present

Created by Ima Phillips, this second longest-running daytime soap is set in the mid-western town of Oakdale and airs weekdays on CBS. Starting as a half-hour serial, this soap now airs in 60 minute segments. The storyline focuses on the lives of the Hughes, the Munsons, and the rest of the residents. Did you know that Nancy Hughes, played by Helen Wagner is the show's sole cast member and currently holds the "Guinness Book of World Record" for the "Longest Time in the Same TV Role?"

"General Hospital"

April 1, 1963 to Present

Created by Frank and Doris Hursley, this daytime soap is broadcast on ABC and is the longest-running soap produced in Hollywood. It is also the long-running entertainment program in ABC history. "General Hospital" holds the record for the Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series. The soap is set in the town of Port Charles, New York. The show originally aired for 30 minutes, now it airs for 60 minutes.

"Peyton Place"

September 15, 1964 to June 2, 1969

Based on the 1957 movie, starring Lana Turner and Hope Lange, this soap aired on ABC with storylines centering around Betty Anderson, played by Barbara Perkins, who was pregnant by Rodney Harrington, played by Ryan O'Neal. Betty miscarried due to a car accident but did not tell Rodney until after they were married. Now, Allison McKenzie, played by Mia Farrow, was also in love with Rodney. Rita Jacks, played by Patricia Morrow, was involved with the other Harrington brother, Norman, played by Christopher Connelly. The Peyton family was led by Martin Peyton, played by George Macready (later, played by Wilfrid Hyde-White). Martin also had a daughter, Catherine Peyton, played by Mary Anderson, who died in 1965. Catherine was married to Leslie, played by Paul Langton. Catherine and Leslie had two sons, Rodney and Norman. It also later revealed that Catherine had two children from an affair with Professor Brian Howard; Steven Cord, played by James Douglas and Ann Colby, played by Susan Oliver. Hannah Cord, played by "All My Children" actress Ruth Warrick, was Brian's wife and maid to the Peyton family.

"The Long Hot Summer"

September 16, 1965 to April 13, 1966

Broadcast on ABC, this soap focused on the small town, wealthy Varner family. It also focused on a drifter, Ben Quick, played by "The Invaders" actor, Roy Thinnes. Will Varner, played by Edmond O'Brien (later, played by Dan O'Herlihy) took Quick's father land, which eventually made Quick angry and full of revenge. He returned to this small, Mississippi after 13 years to make his revenge known. It seems that Varner was having an affair with Minnie Littlejohn, the postmaster's daughter. The show aired for 60 minutes in black and white.

"Dark Shadows"

June 27, 1966 to April 2, 1971

Created by Dan Curtis, this Gothic soap opera aired weekdays on ABC. The show did not become popular until legendary vampire Barnabas Collins, played by Jonathan Frid, came to Collinwood. This show also featured werewolves, witches, monsters, warlocks, zombies, and time travel. This show was way before it's time. The show was different because of its melodrama, memorable storylines, and its haunting music score. Other stars included Joan Bennett, Grayson Hall, Louis Edmonds, Roger Davis, David Shelby, and Kate Jackson (of Charlie's Angels" fame). A feature film entitled, "House of Dark Shadows" was released in 1970, where many of the cast members reprised their roles. In 1971, another film entitled, "Night of Dark Shadows" was released. Both films were directed by Dan Curtis. "Dark Shadows" is an original and definitely one of my all-time favorites.

"Beacon Hill"

August 25, 1975 to November 4, 1975

This soap was called "an expensive rip-off" of the British soap, "Upstairs, Downstairs." Unlike most soap operas, Beacon Hill, was an actual neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts. The CBS show focused on a wealthy Irish family and their servants living on Beacon Hill in Boston in the 1920s. The soap did, however, win a daytime Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction or Scenic Design - Single Episode of a Comedy, Drama or Limited Series. It was also nominated for a daytime Emmy for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series. Unfortunately, the serial lasted only one season.

"Dallas"

April 2, 1978 to May 3, 1991

Created by David Jacobs, this saga of the Ewing family and their larger than life oil empire aired weekly on CBS. This primetime soap is one of the most successful drama series ever made and one of the longest-running shows in American prime-time television history. Jock Ewing, played by legendary actor Jim Davis, and his wife, Ms. Ellie, played by Barbara Bel Geddes, had three sons. The eldest and relentless CEO of Ewing Oil, J. R. Ewing, played by Larry Hagman (of "I Dream of Jeannie" fame); all around good guy and younger brother, Bobby Ewing, played by Patrick Duffy; and black sheep of the family, Gary Ewing, played by Ted Shackelford. Other stars included Donna Reed, George Kennedy, Ian McShane, actress Susan Lucci of "All My Children," Barbara Eden of "I Dream of Jeanie." and Priscilla Pressley. Remember the most popular season finale, "Who Shot J. R.?" It was the highest rated single episode for a television series, until "M*A*S*H*."

"Knots Landing"

December 27, 1979 to May 13, 1993

Also, created by David Jacobs, this primetime soap was a spin-off of "Dallas," which also aired weekly on CBS. Set in a small beach community on the California coast, it focused on the lives of four married couples, who all lived in a cul-de-sac called, "Knots Landing." It began with Gary and Valene Ewing, who moved from Texas to California. It also starred Broadway actress and singer, Michele Lee as Karen Fairgate MacKenzie, the feisty matriarch. This fantastic soap was the second longest-running primetime drama on American television, after "Gunsmoke." Cast and crew reunited for a two-part television movie called "Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac." In 2005, they reunited again for a nonfiction special called "Knots Landing Reunion: Together Again."

"Dynasty"

January 12, 1981 to May 11, 1989

Created by RIchard and Esther Shapico, "Dynasty" aired weekly on ABC, which centered on the Carringtons, a wealthy oil family in Denver, Colorado. John Forsythe (of "Charlie's Angels" fame) as Blake Carrington, Linda Evans (of "Big Valley" fame) as Krystle Carrington, and Joan Collins as Alexis Carrington and Blake's ex-wife headed the cast. Krystle soon found hostile territory at the Carrington household. The staff patronized her, Blake's daughter, Fallen, played by Pamela Sue Martin (later, played by Emma Samms) resented her, and her husband, Blake, was too preoccupied with his work. Krystle's only ally in the Carrington house was her stepson and homosexual, Steven, played by Jack Coleman.

"Falcon Crest"

December 4, 1981 to May 17, 1990

Created by Earl Hamner, this primetime soap aired weekly on CBS and centered around the feuds of the wealthy Channing and the honorable Gioberti families in the California wine industry, which was set in the Tuscany Valley. Angela Channing, played by Academy Award-winning actress, Jane Wyman, was the show's focal point. She was a corrupt, despotic matriarch, who ruled with an iron fist over the Falcon Crest vineyards. Her nephew Chase Gioberti, played by Robert Foxworth, inherited a portion of the Falcon Crest vineyards and winery from his father and Ms. Channing's brother, Jason Gioberti, who died after a fall in the winery during the premiere episode. Other stars included Lorenzo Lamas, Ana Alicia, Abby Dalton, Margaret Ladd, Susan Sullivan, and David Shelby (of "Dark Shadows" fame).

"Beverly Hills 90210"

October 4, 1990 to May 17, 2000

Created by Aaron Spelling Productions, this primetime soap followed the lives of Brandon and Brenda Walsh and their friends from high school to adulthood. This show made sideburns seem cool again. Check out Brandon and Dylan! The show dealt with serious issues such as rape, kidnapping, drug addiction, murder, and more. It was a hit with young audiences.

"Melrose Place"

July 8, 1992 to May 24, 1999

Created by Aaron Spelling and Darren Star, this primetime soap was a "Beverly Hills 90210" spin-off. It centered on the lives and loves of young adults in an apartment complex in Los Angeles. Original cast members included Josie Bissett as fashion designer, Jane Mancini, and Thomas Calabro as Jane's husband, Michael Mancini. Amy Locane portrayed actress/waitress at Shooters, Sandy Harling, who lived with Rhonda, played by Vanessa Williams, aerobics instructor, Doug Savant (of "Desperate Housewives" fame) portrayed social worker, Matt Fielding, who worked with runaway teenagers. He was gay and friends with Rhonda. Grant Show portrayed mechanic, Jake Hanson, who lived alone and helped with repairs. He also used to date Sandy. Andrew Shue portrayed writer, Billy Campbell, who moved out of his parent's house and in with Allison Parker, receptionist, played by Courtney Thorn-Smith, who worked for D&D Advertising.