As stated earlier, the most important part of a soap is its story or theme. The theme must be something interesting and unique. It may not always be relevant to human life or society but it should always be something unique or if not unique, something strikingly interesting for an audience tot watch it over the full period of time it goes on air. One of the successful formulae for a theme may be family life which the soaps like Indian serials like “Kyoki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” or the hit American show “Friends” have successfully used and thus become a household name today.
Although a good theme is the basis of a good soap opera, a good theme may not always be the success formula. A good theme may be irrelevant if it is not directed well. There are several examples of shows which have good theme but are not successful like the bulk of television shows on air today in tens of channels. It is a funny fact that only a few out of those tens of shows make it to the safe zone where they enjoy a good audience week in and week out.
Another important aspect of a good or a successful soap opera is its actors, who are the tellers of the tale of the soap. A soap opera may not always need big name stars to make it, what a soap needs is good, skilled actors who can tell the tale and people don’t realize the show’s over, at least for that day. It is more often than not , the soaps that give rise to big name stars. Best example would be the rise of Shahrukh Khan popularly known as “King Khan” from a soap opera “Circus”.
Another important factor influencing the success of a soap is its relevance to time. A soap opera which could have been a hit a few years back may not enjoy the same success today. Thus, the theme of the soap must be unique, interesting and in keeping with the time.
Thus, a good/relevant theme, skillful direction and acting are the major factors that can make a soap opera good and successful.