The Most Popular Daytime Soap Opera, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the daytime soap opera you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:34
Daytime soap operas have long been a staple in television entertainment, offering ongoing drama, romance, and intrigue that captivate millions. Viewers often develop strong attachments to specific shows, driven by compelling storylines and relatable characters. Establishing which soap opera stands out in popularity helps new viewers decide where to start and invites long-time fans to support their favorite.
This dynamic ranking collects and reflects the preferences of a diverse audience, providing a snapshot of what is currently resonating with people. As you contribute your vote, you are not only participating in a larger community of soap opera enthusiasts but also influencing which shows gain recognition for their storytelling prowess. It's a unique opportunity to see how your personal favorite compares on a broader scale.
What Is the Most Popular Daytime Soap Opera?
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164votesThis soap opera has been on the air since 1973 and is known for its iconic characters, dramatic storylines, and talented cast. It is consistently one of the highest-rated daytime dramas and has won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.The Young and the Restless is an American daytime soap opera that first premiered on March 26, 1973. Created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell, it revolves around the wealthy residents of the fictional Midwestern town of Genoa City. Known for its captivating storylines, dramatic plot twists, and compelling characters, the show has remained a favorite among audiences for over four decades.
- Genre: Drama
- Original Network: CBS
- Number of Seasons: 48
- Number of Episodes: 12,000+
- Average Episode Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
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245votes
General Hospital
Frank and Doris HursleyThis soap opera has been on the air since 1963 and has a loyal following of fans who appreciate the show's blend of romance, drama, and suspense. The show has a reputation for tackling important social issues and has won numerous awards over the years.General Hospital is a long-running American daytime soap opera that first premiered on April 1, 1963. The show is set in the fictional town of Port Charles, New York, and primarily focuses on the lives, loves, and dramas of the staff and patients at General Hospital. It is known for its intertwining storylines, intense relationships, and dramatic plot twists.- Genre: Drama
- Country of Origin: United States
- Language: English
- Original Network: ABC
- Running Time: Approximately 36 minutes per episode
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315votesThis soap opera debuted in 1987 and quickly became a hit with viewers. It is known for its glamorous setting, complex characters, and compelling storylines. The show has won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and has been praised for its innovative use of technology.The Bold and the Beautiful is a popular daytime soap opera that first premiered on March 23, 1987. It is set in Los Angeles and focuses on the glamorous and tumultuous lives of the wealthy Forrester family. The show explores themes of love, betrayal, family drama, and intrigue within the fashion industry.
- Year of First Premiere: 1987
- Setting: Los Angeles
- Genre: Soap Opera
- Theme: Love, Betrayal, Family Drama, Fashion Industry
- Duration: Approximately 30 minutes per episode
The Bold and the Beautiful in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular soap opera in Australia
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414votes
Days of Our Lives
Ted Corday and Betty CordayThis soap opera has been on the air since 1965 and is known for its iconic characters and dramatic plot twists. It has won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and has a dedicated fan base that has followed the show for decades.Days of Our Lives is a long-running American daytime soap opera that has been airing on NBC since November 8, 1965. Created by Ted Corday and Betty Corday, the show revolves around the lives, loves, and conflicts of the residents of the fictional town of Salem.- Genre: Soap opera
- First Aired: November 8, 1965
- Network: NBC
- Country of Origin: United States
- Language: English
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512votesThis soap opera aired from 1970 to 2011 and was a favorite among viewers for its compelling storylines and talented cast. The show tackled important social issues and won numerous awards over the years.
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611votes
One Life to Live
Agnes NixonThis soap opera aired from 1968 to 2013 and was known for its strong female characters and groundbreaking storylines. It won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and was praised for its portrayal of social issues such as drug addiction and interracial relationships.One Life to Live is an American daytime soap opera that first aired on July 15, 1968. Created by Agnes Nixon, it follows the dramatic lives of the fictional residents in the town of Llanview, Pennsylvania. The show has gained a massive following over the years for its compelling storylines, intriguing characters, and gripping plot twists.- First aired: July 15, 1968
- Genre: Soap opera
- Setting: Llanview, Pennsylvania
- Number of episodes: 11,095
- Network: ABC
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79votes
As the World Turns
Irna PhillipsThis soap opera aired from 1956 to 2010 and was known for its talented cast and compelling storylines. It won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and tackled important issues such as mental illness and AIDS.As the World Turns is a classic American daytime soap opera that aired for over 50 years. It revolves around the lives of families residing in the fictional town of Oakdale, focusing on their love, betrayals, rivalries, and scandals. The show follows a serialized format with intertwined storylines and dramatic plot twists.- First Aired: April 2, 1956
- Last Aired: September 17, 2010
- Genre: Soap opera
- Setting: Oakdale, Illinois
- Total Episodes: 13,858
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810votes
CBS · Public domainGuiding Light
Irna PhillipsThis soap opera aired from 1952 to 2009 and was known for its iconic characters and groundbreaking storylines. It won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and was the longest-running soap opera in history until it was surpassed by General Hospital.The Guiding Light is a beloved daytime soap opera that aired on television for an impressive 72 years. It first premiered on January 25, 1937, and ended its run on September 18, 2009. Created by Irna Phillips, the show gained a massive following during its long and successful tenure. The Guiding Light was renowned for its captivating storytelling, rich character development, and dramatic plotlines that kept viewers hooked for decades. Here are ten important specs about The Guiding Light:- Premiere Date: January 25, 1937
- Final Episode Date: September 18, 2009
- Genre: Soap opera
- Running Time: Approximately 30 minutes per episode
- Total Episodes: 15,762
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95votes
Another World
Irna PhillipsThis soap opera aired from 1964 to 1999 and was known for its talented cast and complex storylines. It won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and was praised for its portrayal of social issues such as racism and drug addiction.Another World is a popular American daytime soap opera that aired from May 4, 1964, to June 25, 1999. It focused on the lives and relationships of the residents of the fictional town of Bay City, primarily centered around the wealthy Matthews family and the working-class Cory family. The show explored various themes of love, betrayal, family drama, and intrigue.- Original Air Date: May 4, 1964
- Final Air Date: June 25, 1999
- Genre: Drama, Soap Opera
- Country of Origin: United States
- Language: English
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105votes
Jw4nvc · CC BY 3.0This soap opera aired from 1984 to 1993 and was known for its glamorous setting and talented cast. It won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and was praised for its portrayal of social issues such as domestic violence and mental illness.Santa Barbara is a coastal city in California known for its stunning beaches, Mediterranean-inspired architecture, and vibrant culinary scene. It is often referred to as the 'American Riviera' for its resemblance to the French Riviera. With its pleasant year-round climate and breathtaking scenery, Santa Barbara is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.- Location: Santa Barbara is located on the central coast of California, approximately 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
- Weather: The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
- Beaches: Santa Barbara is home to several beautiful beaches, including Butterfly Beach, East Beach, and West Beach, which offer various recreational activities.
- Architecture: The city showcases vibrant Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, with many buildings featuring red-tiled roofs, white stucco walls, and colorful tile work.
- Wine Country: Santa Barbara is renowned for its nearby wine regions, such as Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley, where visitors can indulge in wine tasting and vineyard tours.
Santa Barbara in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular cities in California
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular daytime soap opera
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RatingsOne of the primary factors for ranking the popularity of a daytime soap opera is its television ratings. This indicates the viewership of the show, and higher ratings suggest a larger and more engaged audience.
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LongevityThe duration of a soap opera on air is another key factor. A longer-running show implies that it has maintained a dedicated viewer base and sustained interest over the years.
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Awards and RecognitionThe number of awards and nominations received by a soap opera, such as Daytime Emmy Awards, is another important factor that reflects its popularity and quality.
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Social Media PresenceA strong social media presence, including the number of followers, engagement, and fan clubs, is an indication of the show's popularity among its viewers.
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CastThe popularity of the show's cast members can be a significant factor, as well-known actors and actresses can attract a larger audience.
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Storylines and Character DevelopmentPopular soap operas often have engaging storylines and well-developed characters that keep audiences invested in the show.
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Cultural ImpactA soap opera's influence on popular culture, including catchphrases, fashion trends, or memorable moments, can be an indicator of its popularity.
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International ReachThe popularity of a soap opera may not be limited to its home country; shows that have been successfully syndicated or adapted in other markets could be considered more popular.
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Viewer OpinionsConducting surveys or analyzing audience feedback and reviews can provide valuable insights into the popularity of a soap opera among its viewers.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular daytime soap opera. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or soap opera is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2901 views
- 177 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each soap opera once every 24 hours. The rank of each soap opera is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular daytime soap opera
Daytime soap operas have been a staple of television programming for decades, captivating audiences with their dramatic storylines and larger-than-life characters. These shows typically air during the daytime hours, targeting stay-at-home parents, retirees, and other viewers who are able to tune in during the day.
Some of the most popular daytime soap operas over the years have included classics like "Days of Our Lives," "General Hospital," "The Young and the Restless," and "The Bold and the Beautiful." These shows have drawn in audiences with their intricate plots, romantic entanglements, and unexpected twists and turns.
Despite the rise of streaming services and other forms of entertainment, daytime soap operas continue to hold a special place in the hearts of many viewers. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just tuning in for the first time, there's no denying the lasting appeal of these beloved shows. So, what is the most popular daytime soap opera? Let's find out!
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