What is a soap opera?

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Media Essay

Soap Operas

What is a soap opera?

A soap opera is a long running television or radio programme that is shown regularly, based on the everyday lives of lots of different characters living in a close-knit community.  Soap operas always have a central meeting place (usually a pub) where the characters spend a lot of time, and most of the action takes place.  For example The Queen Vic in Eastenders, or The Rover’s Return in Coronation Street.

The name soap opera comes from the first soaps produced in America in the forties.  They were sponsored by advertisers, most commonly soap powder companies.  Nowadays all sorts of things, including chocolate brands, sponsor soaps.

Some of the most popular soaps in England are: Eastenders, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and The Archers.  Soap operas are made and imported all over the world, in places such as Spain, France and America, so different countries have different favourite soaps.  Some imported soaps we get are Neighbours and Home And Away, both from Australia.

Soaps appeal to a very wide audience, as there are stories to cater for all age groups: children to pensioners.  Also different soaps are aimed at different people.  Hollyoaks is aimed at young teenagers, whereas Emmerdale is aimed at an older audience.  Soaps centre on different lifestyles, farming and the country in rural Emmerdale, to urban life in Coronation Street; there is something that appeals to everyone.

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The popularity of soap operas, and what the critics say

From newborn babies, troublesome teenagers to grannies with dementia, all ages are presented in soaps.  They often focus on whole families including the youngest to the oldest.  For example baby Louise learning her first words, right up to Nana Moon, who is developing Alzheimer’s in Eastenders.

They represent real life, as the characters are shown going about their day-to-day activities: going to school, work, falling in love, and getting in and out of trouble.  There’s the laundrette in Eastenders, and the factory in Coronation Street, where half the town ...

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