We have chosen to investigate the genre of Soap opera, this is a 30 minute serial (ongoing) programme which, in today's society, is increasing popular with television viewers

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For our current piece of coursework, we have chosen to investigate the genre of Soap opera, this is a 30 minute serial (ongoing) programme which, in today’s society, is increasing popular with television viewers. I think this is because as a programme they offer complete escapism, even if it is for just 30 minutes, and allow people to identify or enjoy with any characters or storylines that are occurring. There are many other genres of television, these includes things such as drama, comedy, sitcom, news or information programmes, music television and even children’s’ television.

Soap operas first started in the 1950’s in America. But the first British soap opera was aired in 1959, it was called ‘The Archers’, and was a much listened to radio soap. Shortly after this, in 1960, the very first television Soap opera, ‘Coronation Street’ was aired, both became immensely popular and soon became common place in every household. Over the years, Soap opera has evolved dramatically. The public fascination with fictitious characters and made up storylines has only increased, and the television companies are only to happy to continue making them. Although the public generally loves soap operas, be it ‘Hollyoaks’ to ‘Eastenders’, certain soaps do have their shelf life. Should a soaps ratings plummet or their costs of production soar, then television companies cease funding, and the soap is ultimately doomed. This was the case with the now defunct channel 4 soap ‘Brookside.’

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 However, the costs of the modern day soap opera is much more than it was in the earliest days of the genre. This is because of the increased production prices, and continual paying of the cast members, this has always been the case, but now the pay has increased, causing the overall costs of production to increase with it.

In each genre and programme on television, there are certain stereotypical characters, or characters that are represented in a certain way (although some programmes may occasionally challenge these for example by having a female villain or such like.) A ...

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