The Five Longest Running Soap Operas in the United States

Soap operas seem to have been around forever, but which ones have survived the passage of time? Here is a recap of the five longest soaps, including one that started out as a 15 minute soap on the radio.

Guiding Light started out on the radio in 1937 in 15 minute segments. In 1952 it was shown for the first time on television on CBS. It was the longest running soap opera until it ended on September 18, 2009. It holds the Guinness book record for the longest running drama, lasting 72 years before its demise. Kim Zimmer has won 4 Emmies for her acting on Guiding Light and Justin Deas has done 6 Emmies for his role.

As the World Turns now is the longest running soap still on the air, but not for long. The announcement was recently made that it will be canceled. The last show will air in September of 2010. As the World Turns began on April 02, 1956 and currently can be seen at 2 p.m. Eastern standard time on CBS. One of the main characters, Nancy Hughes, played by Helen Wagner, holds the record for the longest actress on a soap operation without a break, that is, not leaving the show for other acting jobs, etc., and resurfacing on the show later.

The third longest running soap opera is General Hospital, which began in 1963 and is still seen at 3 p.m. Eastern standard time on ABC. With the setting in fictional Port Charles, New York, many scenes are on the docks and in General Hospital. One of the most memorable story lines involved the romance and adventures of Luke and Laura in the 1970's.

Days of Our Lives began in 1965 and currently is seen at 1 p.m. Eastern standard time on NBC. It is set in the fictional town of Salem somewhere in the midwest. The Baby Switch story line got viewers involved by having them vote on line who they wanted the father of the baby to be.

The last in the review of the 5 longest soap operas is One Life to Live, which began on July 15, 1968 and airs at 2 p.m. Eastern standard time on ABC. The characters Victoria Lord and Larry Wolek have been with the show since its early years.