In the world of television, some shows come and go, and others endure for decades, becoming an integral part of our lives, such as the Soap opera. Originating in the 1930s in the US, these dramatic series whisked us away to alternative realities. Today, with their captivating storylines and unforgettable characters, they have continued to transverse continents and generations to entertain audiences across the globe. These shows make us laugh, cringe and cry—etching memories that endure.
Are you ready to dive into the world’s longest-running soap operas in TV history? Love or loathe them, these climatic, dramatic classics aren’t going anywhere, reruns and all.
All My Children (1970-2011)
Airing for 41 years, the show’s finale in 2011 triggered a few tears. Set within the fictional town of Pine Valley, Pennsylvania, societal issues ran hot, as did one of the soap’s most iconic characters — Erica Kane (played by Susan Lucci).
Garnering 21 Emmy nominations throughout the show’s history, Erica and the hit show were a favourite on screens across the US.
As The World Turns (1965-2010)
Staged in the fictional town of Oakdale, Illinois, CBS’s sister show to Guiding Light, ran for 54 years before its cancellation in 2010. Known for its more conservative plot lines, the show centered around medical and legal professionals and the everyday woes that befall them.
Adding a little spice in true soap opera fashion, the show made history by airing the first gay male kiss on US daytime television in 2007.
Coronation Street (1960-present)
With an astonishing 61+ years on British TV, this drama set in the fictional town of Weatherfield holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running soap opera.
The residents of Coronation Street have been involved in murders, mysteries, tram crashes and, of course, entangled in an affair or two.
Day of Our Lives (1965-present)
In its 56 years, Days of Our Lives has delivered it all—even the most unimaginable is tangible in this fictional town of Salem. The Bradys, Hortons and other families have been the source of sordid affairs, rapes, exorcisms, and even the supernatural has made a guest appearance.
This show has more twists and turns than a roller coaster and the emotional storylines to match—all set amongst sweeping mahogany staircases and the splendid grandeur of lavish mansions.
EastEnders (1985-present)
This BBC soap is as ingrained in British culture as going to the pub.
The residents of Albert Square in the fictional East End town of Walford deal with intense society-driven storylines such as domestic and sexual abuse and mental health—sprinkled with mysteries and murders and the odd love triangle.
Emmerdale (1972-present)
ITV’s Emmerdale is a rural farming soap from the UK. If you thought country towns were sleepy, boring places—think again! Emmerdale is full of fires, plane crashes, forbidden love trysts, and family dramas.
Fair City (1989-present)
Set in Dublin, Ireland, in the fictional suburb of Northside, over its 32 years, the show has been lauded for spotlighting societal issues not typically covered on Irish TV.
These topics include sensitive ones, such as sexual abuse in the catholic church, gangland crime, domestic violence, and sensitive topics like abortion.
General Hospital (1963- present)
Before Grey’s Anatomy was the IT hospital show, General Hospital delivered drama after drama from Port Charles, New York. This iconic American soap has been captivating audiences for 58 years. The Quatermaine and Spencer families fuel the storylines with juicy content that never gets old.
The wedding of Luke and Laura ((Anthony Geary and Genie Francis) raked in 30 million viewers, cementing the episode as the highest-rated hour in US soap opera history.
Guiding Light (1952-2009)
Taking place in the fictional mid-west town of Springfield, Guiding Light was one of the original “soap operas” of radio (1937-1956).
The central families of the Bauers, Norrises, Spauldings, Coopers, Lewises, Reardons, and Marlers graced our screens for 57 years before CBS cancelled the show in 2009.
Home And Away (1988-present)
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This quintessential Aussie drama is a national favourite. Over 33 years, the fictional residents of Summer Bay in New South Wales have seen it all.
Focusing on young characters and controversial topics, the show began the career of Chris Hemsworth and captured the hearts of celebrities like Ed Sheeran—who managed to snag himself a cameo in 2015.
Neighbours (1985-present)
After 36 years, no one is saying goodbye to these Ramsey Street residents anytime soon. Loved worldwide (particularly in the UK), this show launched Kylie Minogue’s and Margot Robbie’s careers.
Ask any Australian who grew up in the ’80s, and they would have watched the wedding of Scott and Charlene (Kylie and Jason Donovan), achieving the highest rating soap episodes in Australian history and 19.6 million views in the UK.
One Life To Live (1968-2012)
Over 44 years, this show made history with its cultural cast and memorable crossovers with other ABC soaps, such as General Hospital.
The storylines were as diverse as the characters, with the drama unfolding amongst wealthy, White Anglo-Saxon Protestant Lord families, the less wealthy Irish Catholics, the working-class Polish Americans, and the African Americans.
Pobol y Cwm (1974-present)
This BBC original Welsh-language soap has been running for 47 years. With the Welsh channel S4C taking the reins recently, this much-loved show follows the residents of the quaint fictional village of Cwmderi, Pobol y Cym (People of the Valley).
So much happens within the local pub, school, farm and businesses that this village never seems to live the idyllic, quiet village life
Search For Tomorrow (1951-1986)
This show was considered a pioneer in American daytime television, although it ended in 1986.
This show captivated audiences for 36 years, as did the main character Jo, played by Mary Stuart, who remained a constant on set for the entire series.
The Bold and The Beautiful (1987-present)
This CBS sister show to The Young and the Restless has won 77 Emmys over its 34-year reign.
Set amidst the glamour of haute culture in Los Angeles, the Forrester family continues to create storylines that spill from the seams with gossip and intrigue.
The Young and The Restless (1973-present)
With over 12,000+ episodes airing, this saucy CBS soap opera has redefined romance and sexuality on screen for the past 48 years.
Genoa City in Wisconsin is where all the action takes place. The fictional Brooks, Foster, Abbotts, and Williams families have become an integral part of US households. With consistently high ratings and 116 daytime Emmys, The Young and The Restless isn’t going to hang up its dramatic boots anytime soon.
