Origins and History of soap

Origins & History of Soap Operas

Where and when did Soap Operas originate? 

Soaps originally started on the radio in America in the 1930s called ‘continuing dramas’. Shortly after they made it to British radio. The name ‘soap opera’ originates from the fact that soap manufactures would advertise their products on radio sets at the same time as the ‘continuing dramas’ were broadcasted.

Who are they traditionally aimed at?

Soaps were traditionally aimed at housewives who, in the 1950s would stay in and tend to the house and children whilst their husbands were at work.


Why were they nick-named ‘Soaps’?

A lot of the time, the companies selling washing powder would advertise their products at times when these dramas were on. They were sponsored by soap and detergent companies like Proctor and Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive and Lever brothers.


What is the longest running British Soap?

Coronation Street, it was first aired in 1960.

Facts:
- Coronation Street is Britain’s longest running soap
- British soap is different to American/Mexican soaps; British soap is based on day-to-day life
- Soap Operas are called “continuing dramas” because the episodes are not grouped into series, but run week-in week-out, all year round and the storylines carry on from one episode to the next
- Scenes tend to be quite short; two minutes or so is considered the maximum viewing time for one scene to avoid the audience becoming bored
- Plots are open ended with seven stories running at the same time

How many British Soaps can you name?

Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Eastenders, Hollyoaks, Heartbeat, The Bill, Holby City, Casualty, Waterloo Road, Doctors, Crossroads

Current Affairs in Soaps now:

-Divorce

-Marriage

-Death

-Affairs

-Love triangles

-Domestic abuse

(They try to base them on things the audience will be able to relate to)

Typical Soap roles:
- The loveable rogue
- The ‘tart’ with a heart
- The gossip
- The gangster
- The bully