The All Time Greatest Daytime Soap Operas
- 1Suzanne Rogers, Lauren Koslow, Josh Taylor
Watch This Show If You Love: The Bold and the Beautiful, General Hospital, As the World Turns, The Young and the Restless, Guiding Light
Why Should I Stream? Days of Our Lives is a long-running, beloved soap opera that has captivated millions since 1965 with its intricate web of complex characters and relationships. Audiences are drawn to the show's compelling storylines involving love, betrayal, and family dynamics, offering an addictive escape from reality that resonates across generations. Moreover, the iconic status of this drama in pop culture has led to countless parodies and references, highlighting its enduring influence.The lives, loves, triumphs and tragedies of families in a Midwestern town.More Days of Our Lives
- #7 of 29 onThe 25+ Best Current Daytime Talk Shows
- #6 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #1 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- 2Maurice Benard, Steve Burton, Michael Easton
Watch This Show If You Love: Days of Our Lives, One Life to Live, All My Children, Port Charles, Ryan's Hope
Why Should I Stream? As one of the longest-running soap operas in history, General Hospital boasts an impressive list of accolades including multiple Emmy Awards for outstanding drama series. The skillfully crafted storytelling explores diverse themes such as romance, crime, and medical intrigue – keeping viewers enthralled for decades. This cultural touchstone proudly showcases groundbreaking content that has paved the way for many other successful TV dramas.A long-standing daytime television staple, General Hospital has garnered numerous awards and nominations throughout its decades-long run. Set in the fictional city of Port Charles, this soap opera intricately weaves together stories of love, betrayal, and suspense, all set against the backdrop of a bustling medical center. Dr. Monica Quartermaine (Leslie Charleson) and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) are just two of the many characters whose lives intertwine in this complex narrative. The show's ever-evolving plotlines and memorable performances have made it an enduring favorite among viewers, securing its status as a beloved fixture in the world of televised entertainment. - 3Hayden Panettiere, Kourtney Kardashian, Marcia Cross
Watch This Show If You Love: All My Children, General Hospital, Another World, Search for Tomorrow, As the World Turns
Why Should I Stream? Setting itself apart from other soap operas, One Life to Live emphasizes social issues while garnering critical acclaim throughout its run from 1968 to 2013. Its captivating storylines tackle topics like racial tension and drug addiction—bringing much-needed representation and awareness to daytime television. Hailed for its innovation in storytelling techniques and character development, this cherished soap opera continues to be relevant even after its conclusion.One Life to Live is an American soap opera broadcast on the ABC television network for more than 43 years, from July 15, 1968, to January 13, 2012, and then on the internet as a web series on Hulu and iTunes via The Online Network from April 29, 2013 to August 19, 2013. Created by Agnes Nixon, the series was the first daytime drama to primarily feature ethnically and socioeconomically diverse characters and consistently emphasize social issues. One Life to Live was expanded from 30 minutes to 45 minutes on July 26, 1976, and then to an hour on January 16, 1978. One Life to Live heavily focuses on the members and relationships of the Lord family. Actress Erika Slezak began portraying original and central heroine Victoria "Viki" Lord in March 1971 and played the character continuously for the rest of the show's run on ABC Daytime, winning a record six Daytime Emmy Awards for the role. In 2002, the series won an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. One Life to Live was the last American daytime soap opera taped in New York City. After nearly 43 years on the air, ABC canceled One Life to Live on April 11, 2011.More One Life to Live- #17 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #7 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- #1 of 15 onBest American Day Time Soap Operas of All Time
- 4Cameron Mathison, Michael E. Knight, Alicia Minshew
Watch This Show If You Love: One Life to Live, General Hospital, Loving, The Bold and the Beautiful, Guiding Light
Why Should I Stream? All My Children is renowned for pushing boundaries by addressing timely social issues and presenting characters who break stereotypes. With a legacy spanning over four decades (1970-2011), it remains popular among fans due to its engaging stories featuring romance, family drama, and suspenseful twists around every corner. In addition to captivating plotlines, the show boasts numerous awards recognizing its exceptional writing and acting talent.All My Children is an American television soap opera that aired on ABC for 41 years, from January 5, 1970, to September 23, 2011, and on The Online Network from April 29, 2013, to September 2, 2013, via Hulu, Hulu Plus, and iTunes. Created by Agnes Nixon, All My Children is set in Pine Valley, Pennsylvania, a fictional suburb of Philadelphia, which is modeled on the actual Philadelphia suburb of Rosemont. The original series featured Susan Lucci as Erica Kane, one of daytime's most popular characters. The title of the series refers to the bonds of humanity. All My Children was the first new network daytime drama to debut in the 1970s. Originally owned by Creative Horizons, Inc., the company created by Nixon and her husband, Bob, the show was sold to ABC in January 1975. The series started at a half-hour in per-installment length, then was expanded to a full hour on April 25, 1977. Earlier, the show had experimented with the full-hour format for one week starting on June 30, 1975, after which Ryan's Hope premiered. From 1970 to 1990, All My Children was recorded at ABC's TV18 at 101 West 67th St, now a 50-story apartment tower.More All My Children- #9 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #10 of 12 on12 Must-Know Facts About Our Favorite 'Must See TV' Sitcoms
- #5 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- 5Hayden Panettiere, Matt Bomer, Brittany Snow
Watch This Show If You Love: As the World Turns, Days of Our Lives, Santa Barbara, Another World, The Edge of Night
Why Should I Stream? Having made history as the longest-running soap opera on American television (1937-2009), Guiding Light is nothing short of a TV legend worth watching. With well-developed characters and a multi-generational fan base, it brings together intriguing storylines that explore love, loss, ambition, and family intrigue. Not only has this groundbreaking series received critical acclaim, but its impact on the genre has also inspired other successful programs.Guiding Light is an American television soap opera that is listed in Guinness World Records as the longest-running drama in television in American history, broadcast on CBS for 57 years from June 30, 1952 until September 18, 2009, preceded by a 15-year broadcast on radio. Guiding Light stands as the fourth longest-running program in all of broadcast history; only the American country music radio program Grand Ole Opry, the BBC religious program The Daily Service, and the Norwegian children's radio program Lørdagsbarnetimen have been on the air longer. Guiding Light was created by Irna Phillips, and began as an NBC Radio serial on January 25, 1937. On June 2, 1947, the series was transferred to CBS Radio, before starting on June 30, 1952, on CBS Television. It continued to be broadcast concomitantly on radio until June 29, 1956. The series was expanded from 15 minutes to a half-hour during 1968, and then to a full hour on November 7, 1977. The series broadcast its 15,000th CBS episode on September 6, 2006. On April 1, 2009, it was announced that CBS canceled Guiding Light after a 72-year run due to low ratings.More Guiding Light- #45 of 56 onThe Best CBS Dramas of All Time
- #15 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #10 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- 6Julianne Moore, Sarah Hyland, Ming-Na Wen
Watch This Show If You Love: Guiding Light, Another World, Somerset, The Edge of Night, Search for Tomorrow
Why Should I Stream? As a cornerstone of American daytime television for over half a century (1956-2010), As the World Turns holds an eminent place in pop culture history. Known for its exceptional writing and character development, the show weaves captivating stories that resonate with fans through complex relationships and compelling emotional journeys. Its numerous accolades and enduring appeal make this soap opera an indispensable part of television history.As the World Turns is an American television soap opera that aired on CBS for 54 years from April 2, 1956 to September 17, 2010. Irna Phillips created As the World Turns as a sister show to her other soap opera The Guiding Light. Running for 54 years, As the World Turns holds the second-longest continuous run of any daytime network soap opera in American history, surpassed only by Guiding Light. As the World Turns was produced in New York City for all of its time. Set in the fictional town of Oakdale, Illinois, the show debuted on April 2, 1956, at 1:30 pm EST. Prior to that date, all serials had been fifteen minutes in length. As the World Turns and The Edge of Night, which premiered on the same day at 4:30 pm EST, were the first two to be thirty minutes in length from their premiere. At first, viewers did not respond to the new half-hour serial, but ratings picked up in its second year, eventually reaching the top spot in the daytime Nielsen ratings by fall 1958. In 1959, the show started a streak of weekly ratings wins that would not be interrupted for over twelve years.More As the World Turns- #53 of 56 onThe Best CBS Dramas of All Time
- #28 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #9 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- 7Jonathan Frid, Grayson Hall, Alexandra Isles
Watch This Show If You Love: Passions, Port Charles, Twin Peaks, Sunset Beach, American Gothic
Why Should I Stream? Dark Shadows is a cult classic that transcends the boundaries of traditional daytime drama by introducing supernatural elements such as vampires, werewolves, and witches into its plotlines. The show's unique blend of Gothic horror and romance keeps viewers intrigued while connecting with relatable themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. As a pioneering force in serialized television storytelling, this iconic soap opera from the late 1960s continues to captivate audiences with its timeless charm.Dark Shadows, a gothic soap opera, intertwines the supernatural with the mundane in a small coastal town named Collinsport. The series' eerie atmosphere and compelling narrative have garnered a dedicated fan base since its inception in the 1960s. With a myriad of peculiar characters, such as the mysterious vampire Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid), Dark Shadows has been nominated for numerous awards, even earning an Emmy nod for its innovative storytelling. While the show delves into the lives of its distinct protagonists, it skillfully avoids revealing too much, maintaining an air of suspense that keeps viewers enthralled.More Dark Shadows- #187 of 657 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- #122 of 218 onThe 220 Best Cult TV Shows
- #249 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- 8Victoria Wyndham, Constance Ford, Hugh Marlowe
Watch This Show If You Love: As the World Turns, Guiding Light, Texas, Somerset, Search for Tomorrow
Why Should I Stream? Another World is celebrated for breaking new ground in daytime drama by being one of the first shows to tackle controversial topics like abortion during its run from 1964-1999. With a strong focus on character-driven stories, this engaging soap opera explores themes of love, ambition, and betrayal that continue to resonate with audiences. Its enduring legacy has not only influenced subsequent television dramas but also immortalized it as an iconic piece of pop culture history.Another World is an American television soap opera that ran on NBC for 35 years from May 4, 1964 to June 25, 1999. It was created by Irna Phillips along with William J. Bell, and was produced by Procter & Gamble Productions at NBC Studios, 1268 East 14th Street in Brooklyn. Set in the fictional town of Bay City, the show in its early years opens with announcer Bill Wolff intoning its epigram, “We do not live in this world alone, but in a thousand other worlds,” which Phillips said represented the difference between “the world of events we live in, and the world of feelings and dreams that we strive for.” Another World focused less on the conventional drama of domestic life as seen in other soap operas, and more on exotic melodrama between families of different classes and philosophies. In 1964, Another World was the first soap opera to talk about abortion when such subjects were taboo. It was the first soap opera to do a crossover, with the character of Mike Bauer from Guiding Light, which was also created by Irna Phillips, coming from Springfield to Bay City. It was also the first to expand to one hour, then to ninety minutes, and then back to an hour.More Another World- #23 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #8 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- #10 of 15 onBest American Day Time Soap Operas of All Time
- 9Peter Bergman, Eric Braeden, Christel Khalil
Watch This Show If You Love: Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, As the World Turns, Another World
Why Should I Stream? Since its debut in 1973, The Young and the Restless has consistently entertained millions of viewers with emotionally charged storytelling centered around family dynamics and unforgettable romances. With an impressive list of awards attesting to its high-quality production values – including multiple Emmy wins – this popular soap opera remains a must-watch for any fan seeking enthralling plotlines backed by stellar acting performances. Its powerful impact on pop culture has also made it a fixture in daily conversations among loyal viewers around the world.Drama revolves around three families in Genoa City.- #4 of 29 onThe 25+ Best Current Daytime Talk Shows
- #21 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #84 of 168 onThe Best TV Shows You Can Watch On Paramount Plus
- 10Martin Sheen, Marcia Cross, Lori Loughlin
Watch This Show If You Love: Perry Mason, Matlock, Guiding Light, Search for Tomorrow, The Streets of San Francisco
Why Should I Stream? The Edge of Night stands out in the world of soap operas due to its unique fusion of crime drama and romance during its run from 1956-1984. Backed by excellent writing and memorable performances, this groundbreaking show pushed boundaries by exploring complex legal plots and delving into the darker side of human nature. As a trailblazer in serialized storytelling, The Edge of Night remains an essential watch for those interested in the evolution of daytime television.The Edge of Night is an American television mystery series/soap opera produced by Procter & Gamble. It debuted on CBS on April 2, 1956, and ran as a live broadcast on that network for most of its run until November 28, 1975; the series then moved to ABC, where it aired from December 1, 1975, until December 28, 1984. 7,420 episodes were produced, of which some 1,800 are available for syndication.More The Edge of Night- #27 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #17 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- #15 of 15 onBest American Day Time Soap Operas of All Time
- 11Morgan Freeman, Angela Bassett, Mary-Louise Parker
Watch This Show If You Love: General Hospital, One Life to Live, Santa Barbara, As the World Turns, Capitol
Why Should I Stream? Ryan's Hope captivated viewers from 1975 to 1989 with its richly textured narratives revolving around family dynamics, romance, and moral dilemmas set against the backdrop of New York City's gritty working-class neighborhoods. This well-loved soap opera earned critical acclaim for tackling tough social issues while showcasing exceptional acting talent within its ensemble cast. In addition to making an indelible mark on television history, the show's realistic approach continues to be celebrated by devoted fans today.Ryan's Hope is an American soap opera created by Claire Labine and Paul Avila Mayer, originally airing for 13 years on ABC from July 7, 1975 to January 13, 1989. It revolves around the trials and tribulations within a large Irish-American family in the Riverside district of New York City.More Ryan's Hope- #26 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #20 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- #5 of 15 onBest American Day Time Soap Operas of All Time
- 12Katherine Kelly Lang, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, Thorsten Kaye
Watch This Show If You Love: Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, All My Children, Guiding Light
Why Should I Stream? The Bold and the Beautiful is revered among fans for its stylish portrayal of love triangles, betrayals, and high-stakes business intrigue since its premiere in 1987. Boasting international popularity along with numerous accolades – including multiple Emmy Awards – this glamorous soap opera offers enthralling storylines featuring captivating characters who keep viewers hooked time after time. Furthermore, its cultural significance has made it a household name synonymous with riveting daytime drama.Past history links two Los Angeles families.- #11 of 29 onThe 25+ Best Current Daytime Talk Shows
- #24 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #15 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- 13Leonardo DiCaprio, Robin Wright, Judith Anderson
Watch This Show If You Love: Falcon Crest, Dynasty, Dallas, Knots Landing, Melrose Place
Why Should I Stream? Santa Barbara offered a fresh take on the traditional soap opera formula during its run from 1984-1993 by incorporating elements of comedy and satire alongside its dramatic storylines. The show's innovative approach to character development and plot twists helped it stand apart from its contemporaries, earning critical praise and a loyal fanbase. With multiple Emmy Awards under its belt, Santa Barbara remains a must-watch for anyone seeking a distinctive spin on daytime drama.Santa Barbara is an American television soap opera, first broadcast in the United States on NBC on July 30, 1984, and last aired on January 15, 1993. The show revolves around the eventful lives of the wealthy Capwell family of Santa Barbara, California. Other prominent families featured on the soap were the rival Lockridge family, and the more modest Andrade and Perkins families. The serial was produced by Dobson Productions & New World Television, who also served as distributor for the show in international markets. Santa Barbara was New World Television's first series. Due to the buyout of New World by News Corp in 1997, current rights to the series reside with 20th Television. Santa Barbara aired in over 40 countries around the world. Santa Barbara won 24 Daytime Emmy Awards and was nominated 30 times for the same award. The show also won 18 Soap Opera Digest Awards, and won various other awards. Santa Barbara aired at 3:00 PM Eastern on NBC in the same time slot as General Hospital on ABC and Guiding Light on CBS and right after Another World. In 1993, NBC replaced Santa Barbara with game shows Scrabble and Scattergories.More Santa Barbara- #34 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #13 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- #34 of 107 on100+ Movies And Shows With Santa In The Title
- 14Susan Sarandon, Viggo Mortensen, Kevin Bacon
Watch This Show If You Love: Another World, As the World Turns, Somerset, One Life to Live, The Edge of Night
Why Should I Stream? Search for Tomorrow made history as one of the first soap operas on television when it premiered in 1951, running until 1986. Its engaging storylines – centered around love, loss, and family dynamics – resonated with viewers over multiple generations while offering an intriguing glimpse into the changing social landscape of America during its three-decade run. As an influential forerunner within the genre, this groundbreaking show warrants appreciation by any fan of serialized storytelling.Search for Tomorrow is an American soap opera that aired on CBS from September 3, 1951 to March 26, 1982, and on NBC from March 29, 1982 to December 26, 1986. At the time of its final broadcast, it was the longest-running non-news program on television. This record would later be broken by Hallmark Hall of Fame, which premiered on Christmas Eve 1951 and still airs occasionally. The show was created by Roy Winsor and was first written by Agnes Nixon for thirteen weeks and, later, by Irving Vendig. The program was one of several packaged from the 1950s through the 1980s by Procter & Gamble Productions, the broadcasting arm of the famed household products corporation, who were also responsible for the likes of Guiding Light, As the World Turns, The Edge of Night, and Another World.More Search for Tomorrow- #37 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #24 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- #3 of 15 onBest American Day Time Soap Operas of All Time
- 15Mia Farrow, Leslie Nielsen, Ryan O'Neal
Watch This Show If You Love: Dark Shadows, Days of Our Lives, Twin Peaks, Sunset Beach, American Gothic
Why Should I Stream? Peyton Place is an iconic soap opera that tackled controversial subjects like adultery, murder, and mental illness during its prime-time run from 1964-1969. Based on Grace Metalious' best-selling novel, this groundbreaking series pushed boundaries with its daring content while capturing audiences with engrossing character-driven narratives. Often hailed as a pioneer within the realm of televised dramas, the impact of Peyton Place reverberates throughout pop culture even today.Peyton Place is an American prime-time soap opera which aired on ABC in half-hour episodes from September 15, 1964 to June 2, 1969. Based upon the 1956 novel of the same name by Grace Metalious, the series was preceded by a 1957 film adaptation. A total of 514 episodes were broadcast, in black-and-white from 1964 to 1966 and in color from 1966 to 1969. At the show's peak, ABC ran three new episodes a week. Produced by 20th Century Fox Television. A number of guest stars appeared in the series for extended periods, among them Dan Duryea, Susan Oliver, Leslie Nielsen, Gena Rowlands, and Lee Grant, who won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Drama for her role of tough-as-nails Stella Chernak. The series served as the springboard for such performers as Mia Farrow, Ryan O'Neal, Barbara Parkins, Chris Connelly, David Canary, Mariette Hartley, and Lana Wood.More Peyton Place- #12 of 47 onThe All-Time Best Primetime Soap Operas
- #22 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- #32 of 34 onThe Best 1960s TV Dramas, Ranked
- 16Kelly Monaco, Amy Weber, Linda Purl
Watch This Show If You Love: General Hospital, Dark Shadows, Passions, Days of our Lives, One Life to Live
Why Should I Stream? Port Charles enlivened the soap opera genre from 1997-2003 by blending supernatural elements into its emotionally charged narratives centered around family dynamics and romance. This innovative spin-off to General Hospital garnered a dedicated fanbase due to its unique approach that combined modern fantasy with traditional daytime drama. Though short-lived compared to some of its contemporaries, Port Charles remains memorable for delivering an intriguing twist on the classic soap opera format.Port Charles is an American television soap opera which aired on ABC from June 1, 1997 to October 3, 2003. It is a spin-off of the serial General Hospital, which had been running since 1963 and takes place in the fictional city of Port Charles, New York. The new show features longtime General Hospital characters Lucy Coe, Kevin Collins, Scott Baldwin, and Karen Wexler, along with several new characters, most of whom were interns in a competitive medical school program. In the first episode, tenured nurse Audrey Hardy was injured and an intern had to operate on her with a power drill to save her life. In the first few years, Port Charles got a reputation for focusing most of its energies on the medical school program, setting more of its main action at Port Charles' General Hospital than was seen on the parent show, General Hospital. As it evolved, it turned its focus to stories with gothic intrigue that included themes such as forbidden love, vampires, and life after death. It also abandoned the basic open-ended writing style used on all other daytime dramas in December 2000, instead creating thirteen-week story arcs. This type of storytelling is a staple of Latin telenovelas.More Port Charles- #45 of 50 onThe Top 50 Vampire Shows, Ranked
- #26 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- #19 of 26 onThe Best 1990s Soap Operas
- 17Teri Hatcher, Kelly Preston, Carol Alt
Watch This Show If You Love: Falcon Crest, Dallas, Dynasty, Knots Landing, Melrose Place
Why Should I Stream? Capitol aired from 1982 to 1987 and provided audiences with a captivating blend of romance and political intrigue set against the backdrop of Washington D.C.'s power elite. This compelling soap opera explored themes such as ambition, betrayal, and loyalty through well-crafted narratives that kept fans tuning in week after week. While Capitol may have had a shorter run than some of its peers, it remains notable for offering viewers a unique perspective on life inside America's political capital.Capitol is an American soap opera which aired on CBS from March 29, 1982 to March 20, 1987 for 1,270 episodes. As its name suggests, the storyline usually revolves around the political intrigues of people whose lives are intertwined in Washington, D.C. - 18Lindsay Hartley, McKenzie Westmore, Galen Gering
Watch This Show If You Love: Dark Shadows, Port Charles, Days of our Lives, Sunset Beach, Desperate Housewives
Why Should I Stream? Passions took audiences on a wild ride from 1999-2008 as it boldly integrated elements such as witchcraft, time-travel, and talking dolls into conventional soap opera tropes like love affairs and family rivalries. This unforgettable series delighted fans with its offbeat sense of humor and campy style while embracing the unconventional within daytime television. Its endearing blend of fantastical adventures combined with heartrending emotional journeys has cemented Passions as a cult classic among soap lovers.Passions is an American soap opera which aired on NBC from July 5, 1999 to September 7, 2007 and on The 101 Network from September 17, 2007 to August 7, 2008. Passions follows the lives and loves, and various romantic and paranormal adventures of the residents of Harmony. Story-lines center on the interactions among members of its multi-racial core families — the African American Russells, white Cranes and Bennetts, and half-Mexican half-Irish Lopez-Fitzgeralds — as well as the supernatural, including town witch Tabitha Lenox. Created by writer James E. Reilly and produced by NBC Studios, the series was subsequently picked up by direct broadcast satellite service DirecTV, which broadcast new episodes airing on its exclusive channel The 101. In December 2007, DirecTV decided not to renew its contract for the series, and the studio was unable to sell the show elsewhere. The final episode aired on DirecTV on August 7, 2008.More Passions- #39 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #21 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- #12 of 26 onThe Best 1990s Soap Operas
- 19
Love of Life
Dana Delany, Christopher Reeve, Roy ScheiderWatch This Show If You Love: As the World Turns, Guiding Light, The Young and the Restless, Somerset, Where the Heart Is
Why Should I Stream? Love of Life carved out a place in television history as one of the earliest soap operas to hit screens in 1951 before ending in 1980. The show's character-driven storylines, which examined themes of love, loss, and ambition, struck a chord with viewers who appreciated its realistic depiction of human emotions. As an early trailblazer in serialized storytelling, Love of Life holds a special place in the hearts of soap opera aficionados.Love of Life is an American soap opera which aired on CBS from September 24, 1951, to February 1, 1980. It was created by Roy Winsor, whose previous creation Search for Tomorrow had premiered three weeks before Love of Life, and who would go on to create The Secret Storm two and a half years later.More Love of Life- #58 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #2 of 15 onBest American Day Time Soap Operas of All Time
- #11 of 27 onThe Best 1960s Soap Operas
- 20Amy Yasbeck, Kelly Rutherford, Richard Roundtree
Watch This Show If You Love: Loving, All My Children, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital
Why Should I Stream? Generations broke new ground during its run from 1989-1991 by being one of the first soap operas to prominently feature African-American characters within its ensemble cast. The show's captivating storylines delved into themes of love, family, and ambition while also addressing social issues like racial prejudice and community activism. As a pioneering force in promoting diversity on daytime television, Generations holds an important place in the annals of TV history.Generations is an American soap opera that aired on NBC from March 27, 1989, to January 25, 1991. The show was groundbreaking in that it was the first soap opera to feature from its inception an African-American family.More Generations- #40 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- #18 of 26 onThe Best 1990s Soap Operas
- #15 of 23 onThe Best 1980s Soap Operas
- 21Morgan Freeman, James Rebhorn, Catherine Hickland
Watch This Show If You Love: Another World, As the World Turns, Somerset, Guiding Light, Search for Tomorrow
Why Should I Stream? Texas offered viewers a refreshing change of pace when it aired from 1980-1982 with its western-themed stories set against the backdrop of Houston's oil industry boom. With engaging plotlines focused on family sagas, forbidden romances, and power struggles – this captivating drama showcased iconic characters who struck a chord with audiences nationwide. Despite lasting only two years, Texas left an indelible impact on pop culture history through its distinct take on serialized storytelling.Texas is an American daytime soap opera which aired on NBC from August 4, 1980, until December 31, 1982, sponsored and produced by Procter & Gamble Productions at NBC Studios in Brooklyn, New York City. It is a spinoff of Another World, co-created by head writers John William Corrington, Joyce Hooper Corrington, and executive producer Paul Rauch of Another World. Rauch would hold the title of executive producer for the parent series and its spin-off until 1981. - 22Joan Crawford, Roy Scheider, Audrey Landers
Watch This Show If You Love: Love of Life, Guiding Light, As the World Turns, Edge of Night, Search for Tomorrow
Why Should I Stream? The Secret Storm captured the hearts of viewers from 1954-1974 with its poignant narratives centered around family dynamics, romance, and personal struggles. This long-running soap opera showcased emotionally charged performances by a talented ensemble cast who brought their characters' heartrending journeys to life on screen. With enduring appeal attributed to its realistic portrayal of relatable human experiences, The Secret Storm remains a cherished classic among fans.The Secret Storm is a soap opera which the CBS television network transmitted from February 1, 1954, to February 8, 1974. It was created by Roy Winsor, who also created the long-running soap operas Search for Tomorrow and Love of Life. Gloria Monty, of General Hospital fame, was a longtime director of the series. Like most CBS soap operas of the time, such as The Guiding Light and As the World Turns, The Secret Storm was broadcast live, and later taped, in New York at the CBS Broadcast Center on West 52nd Street.More The Secret Storm- #57 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #13 of 15 onBest American Day Time Soap Operas of All Time
- #10 of 27 onThe Best 1960s Soap Operas
- 23
Sunset Beach
Kelly Hu, Susan Ward, Laura HarringWatch This Show If You Love: Passions, Port Charles, Dark Shadows, Days of Our Lives, Santa Barbara
Why Should I Stream? Sunset Beach entertained audiences from 1997-1999 with its melodramatic tales of romance, betrayal, and suspense set against the picturesque backdrop of a coastal California town. Produced by legendary creator Aaron Spelling, this cult favorite soap opera infused elements of mystery and intrigue alongside traditional daytime drama tropes – resulting in a unique viewing experience that continues to captivate fans today. Though short-lived compared to other soaps, Sunset Beach garnered critical acclaim for its distinctive storytelling approach and remains a beloved part of television history.Sunset Beach is an American television soap opera that aired on NBC from January 6, 1997 to December 31, 1999. The show follows the loves and lives of the people living in the Orange County coastal area named Sunset Beach, on the coast of California. Although there is a town in California called Sunset Beach, the show's beach scenes were shot on nearby Seal Beach. The show was co-produced by NBC and Spelling Television. Sunset Beach won two Daytime Emmy Awards and was nominated another eleven times. The show also received twenty-two nominations for various other awards. - 24Julie Bowen, Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Mitchell
Watch This Show If You Love: All My Children, General Hospital, One Life to Live, The Young and the Restless, Generations
Why Should I Stream? Loving offered soap opera enthusiasts engaging stories featuring complex relationships, romantic entanglements, and emotional upheaval during its run from 1983-1995. Set in the fictional town of Corinth, Pennsylvania – this well-loved series explored themes such as love triangles, long-lost siblings, and murder mysteries that kept viewers guessing until the very end. Loving's legacy lives on through fond memories shared by devoted fans who appreciated the show's skillful blend of relatable emotions underpinned by suspenseful storytelling.Loving is an American television soap opera that ran on ABC from June 26, 1983, to November 10, 1995, a total of 3,169 episodes. The serial, set in the fictional town of Corinth, Pennsylvania, was co-created by Agnes Nixon and former actor Douglas Marland. The show was broadcast in France under the title Amoureusement Votre, in Croatia as Ljubav, in Germany as Loving - Wege der Liebe, and in Italy as Quando si ama.More Loving- #29 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #31 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- #41 of 56 onThe Best ABC '80s Shows, Ranked
- 25Sigourney Weaver, Ted Danson, JoBeth Williams
Watch This Show If You Love: Another World, Search for Tomorrow, As the World Turns, Guiding Light, Texas
Why Should I Stream? Somerset captivated viewers from 1970-1976 as a spin-off to the popular soap opera Another World. This engaging drama followed the trials and tribulations of residents in the fictional town of Somerset – weaving intricate tales of love, heartbreak, and intrigue that kept fans coming back for more. Though it had a shorter run than its parent series, Somerset remains fondly remembered by many for providing an emotionally charged escape from everyday life.Somerset is an American television soap opera which ran on NBC from March 30, 1970, until December 31, 1976. The show was a spin-off of another NBC serial, Another World. - 26Alec Baldwin, Kathleen Turner, Terry O'Quinn
Watch This Show If You Love: General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, As the World Turns, Guiding Light, The Young and the Restless
Why Should I Stream? The Doctors brought medical drama to daytime television when it premiered in 1963, running until 1982. Its character-driven narratives centered around the lives of medical professionals at a metropolitan hospital – exploring themes of love, ambition, and ethical dilemmas that resonated with viewers. As an influential pioneer in the realm of soap operas, The Doctors left a lasting impact on the genre while entertaining audiences with captivating stories grounded in human emotions.The Doctors is an American television soap opera which aired on NBC Daytime from April 1, 1963, to December 31, 1982. There were 5280 episodes produced, with the 5000th episode airing in November 1981. The series was set in Hope Memorial Hospital in the fictional "Madison," located somewhere in New England.More The Doctors- #35 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #37 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- #8 of 15 onBest American Day Time Soap Operas of All Time
- 27Susan Lucci, Donna Mills, Paul Michael Glaser
Watch This Show If You Love: Where the Heart Is, From These Roots, Bright Promise, Ryan's Hope, Peyton Place
Why Should I Stream? Love Is a Many Splendored Thing stood out among other soap operas during its run from 1967-1973 by focusing on progressive social issues alongside traditional love stories and family dramas. Based on the Oscar-winning film and best-selling novel, this groundbreaking series tackled topics such as racial prejudice and women's liberation – earning critical acclaim for its thought-provoking content. As an early trailblazer in pushing boundaries within daytime television, Love Is a Many Splendored Thing is worth watching for anyone interested in the evolution of serialized storytelling.Love Is a Many Splendored Thing is an American daytime soap opera which aired on CBS from September 18, 1967 to March 23, 1973. The series was created by Irna Phillips, who served as the first head writer. She was replaced by Jane Avery and Ira Avery in 1968, who were followed by Don Ettlinger, James Lipton, and finally Ann Marcus. John Conboy was the producer for most of the show's run. - 28Rue McClanahan, Marsha Mason, James Mitchell
Watch This Show If You Love: Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, From These Roots, The Brighter Day, Bright Promise, Peyton Place
Why Should I Stream? Where the Heart Is offered audiences compelling melodrama set against the backdrop of suburban Connecticut when it aired from 1969-1973. Its character-driven stories explored themes like love triangles, betrayals, and emotional turmoil while showcasing exceptional performances by talented cast members who brought their characters' journeys to life on screen. Although short-lived compared to other soaps from its era, Where the Heart Is remains cherished among fans for delivering memorable narratives imbued with authentic human emotions.Where the Heart Is is an American soap opera telecast on the CBS television network from September 8, 1969 to March 23, 1973. Created by Lou Scofield and Margaret DePriest, the program ran for 25 minutes, the remaining five minutes of its timeslot ceded to a CBS news break. Scofield and DePriest were the original head writers. A year after the soap’s premiere, they were succeeded by Pat Falken Smith. In 1972, Smith was replaced by Claire Labine and Paul Avila Mayer. The series was produced by Tom Donovan and directed by Richard Dunlap. - 29Hal Holbrook, Patty Duke, Lois Nettleton
Watch This Show If You Love: Love of Life, From These Roots, As the World Turns, Guiding Light, Where the Heart Is
Why Should I Stream? The Brighter Day was an early pioneer in serialized storytelling when it aired from 1954-1962, offering viewers emotional drama centered around the lives of a minister's family. This groundbreaking soap opera combined traditional elements of love and heartache with religious themes, providing a unique perspective on everyday life that resonated with audiences. As one of the first shows to explore faith-based storylines within daytime television, The Brighter Day holds a special place in TV history.The Brighter Day is an American daytime soap opera which aired on CBS from January 4, 1954 to September 28, 1962. Originally created for NBC radio by Irna Phillips in 1948, the radio and television versions ran simultaneously from 1954-1956. Set in New Hope, Wisconsin, the series revolved around Reverend Richard Dennis and his four children, Althea, Patsy, Babby and Grayling. The Brighter Day was the first soap opera to air on network television with an explicitly religious theme. Another soap opera created by Phillips, The Guiding Light, initially had a religious theme as a radio show but dropped it by the time the series moved to television. - 30Audra Lindley, Robert Mandan, Frank Marth
Watch This Show If You Love: The Brighter Day, Love of Life, Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, Where the Heart Is, Search for Tomorrow
Why Should I Stream? From These Roots engaged viewers from 1958-1961 with its captivating narratives revolving around the lives of residents in the fictional New England town of Strathfield. With engrossing plotlines focused on romantic entanglements and small-town intrigue – this well-loved soap opera offered audiences an emotionally charged escape from reality that left a lasting impression on fans. Though relatively short-lived compared to other daytime dramas from its era, From These Roots remains notable for its skillful blending of personal relationships and suspenseful storytelling.From These Roots is an American soap opera that aired from June 30, 1958, to December 29, 1961. It was created and written by Frank Provo and John Pickard. The show was seen on NBC and was the first successful soap opera vehicle for Ann Flood, who later spent the better part of two decades as Nancy Karr on The Edge of Night, for which she became well known.
