The Longest Running Soap Operas of All Time

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Soap operas are known for their dramatic storylines and overly sentimental moments, but they consistently attract large audiences. This popularity encourages television networks to keep these shows running for years. Famous examples, like the wedding of Marlena to the priest who saved her on Days of Our Lives, or the shooting of J.R. on Dallas, demonstrate the genre’s captivating appeal and why viewers keep tuning in.

The name “soap opera” comes from the early days of radio, when dramas were often sponsored by companies making soap. Before that, people called similar, predictable Westerns “horse operas.” Today, countless soap operas have been created, and despite covering so many storylines, they always seem to have more to explore.

Which TV show has been on the air the longest? While The Bold and the Beautiful feels like it’s been on forever, it hasn’t been around quite long enough to make the top spot. Instead, the longest-running shows are mostly American and British series.

10
‘All My Children’ (1970–2011)

41 Years


The soap opera All My Children centers on the lives of several families in the made-up town of Pine Valley, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. Some of the show’s most memorable characters include Erica Kane (played by Susan Lucci), a kind-hearted woman constantly involved in dramatic events, Adam Chandler (David Canary), a dishonest businessman who always bends the rules, and Jackson Montgomery (Walt Willey), a lawyer who once won Erica’s affection.

This show remains captivating even after multiple viewings. The writing is consistently sharp, and the entire cast delivers outstanding performances. Back in the 1970s, it stood out by bravely tackling subjects others avoided. It was groundbreaking as the first soap opera to prominently feature working-class families, as well as Black and Hispanic characters. The show also wasn’t afraid to explore controversial topics, including depicting the first legal abortion on television, a storyline about protesting the Vietnam War, and a character’s struggle with HIV. Throughout its run, it continued to adapt to changing times, remaining relevant until the early 2010s.

9
‘One Life to Live’ (1968–2012)

44 Years

The soap opera One Life to Live tackles relevant issues without being preachy, choosing instead to deeply explore the emotional struggles of Victoria “Vicki” Lord (played by Erika Sleza). Erika Sleza gives a fantastic performance as Vicki, a woman who, despite her privileged background as a member of the wealthy Lord family, constantly battles unhappiness. The show also features compelling stories centered around the Buchanan and Riley families.

The long run of One Life to Live can be credited to its dramatic and often unbelievable storylines. Instead of relying on typical romantic declarations, the show featured wild plots – like Vicki’s journey to heaven and Clint Buchanan traveling back in time to the 1800s. The main character, Vicki, was also someone viewers could connect with, as she faced a series of serious health challenges, including heart disease, breast cancer, a stroke, Dissociative Identity Disorder, and being shot.

8
‘Pobol y Cwm’ (1974–Present)

52 Years


BBC

Pobol y Cwm is a Welsh-language TV show with English subtitles that focuses on the lives of people in a small town. It’s set in the made-up village of Cwmderi in the Gwendraeth Valley. While the show originally centered around a care home, most of the drama now happens at the local pub, Y Deri, and on the farms, in the shops, and in people’s houses around the village. The comprehensive school, Ysgol y Mynach, is also a frequent location.

Welsh soap operas are rare, and Pobol y Cwm has been popular since it first aired because of its availability. Broadcast five nights a week, it consistently brings in viewers for the small Welsh-language channel, S4C. The show’s success comes from its compelling stories, written by Gwenlyn Parry and John Hefin, and its memorable, often dramatic, characters. It tackles tough issues like cheating, financial hardship, and the conflict between old and new, attracting a wide range of viewers.

7
‘The Young and the Restless’ (1973–Present)

53 Years


CBS

While The Young and the Restless doesn’t feature as many teenage characters as it once did, the show is still full of drama and conflict. This long-running soap opera, often considered a classic, is set in Genoa City, Wisconsin, and originally focused on the lives of two families – the wealthy Brooks and the working-class Fosters – before expanding to include many others. Through all the changes over the years, one thing has remained constant: a decades-long rivalry between Katherine Chancellor and Jill Abbott.

Created by William J. Bell, who also worked on Days of Our Lives, this CBS soap opera was famous for its scandalous mix of passion and betrayal. It stood out from other shows at the time by openly depicting intimacy. While previous soap operas generally avoided showing the physical side of relationships, this one tackled subjects like sex before marriage, forbidden relationships, sexual dysfunction, and even assault. These themes are now more common, but this show was a pioneer in bringing them to daytime television and continues to evolve.

The soap opera has remained popular by consistently featuring diverse characters and addressing current social issues. This commitment to relevance is likely why it’s stayed the number one daytime drama for an impressive 35 years.

6
‘As the World Turns’ (1956–2010)

54 Years


CBS

As the World Turns follows the lives of the wealthy Hughes and Stewart families in the town of Oakdale, Illinois. Over time, the Stewart family gradually disappears, replaced by the more traditional Snyder family and the scheming Lucinda Walsh. The show is also historically significant, as it was broadcasting on CBS when news of John F. Kennedy’s assassination was first reported.

With over 10 million viewers each episode, As the World Turns pioneered the modern daytime soap opera. It stood out by centering on families of doctors and lawyers – professions highly respected at the time – which helped it stay popular for many years. This was a new approach, and other soap operas quickly began to follow its lead. The show also differed from others by prioritizing realistic characters and emotional depth over exaggerated drama. Buy on Amazon.

5
‘Emmerdale’ (1972–Present)

54 Years


ITV

Emmerdale, an ITV soap opera, is set in the peaceful, made-up village of Emmerdale in Yorkshire. The show highlights both the calm and the drama of life in the English countryside. It follows several different storylines involving the villagers, and because much of the action takes place on farms, it’s mostly filmed outside.

Although Emmerdale might seem like a slow-paced drama at first, it’s become one of Britain’s longest-running shows for a reason. It consistently delivers shocking twists that keep people watching. A prime example is when a plane crash suddenly killed four of the show’s main characters.

The show also includes many fresh and creative episodes, like one with an all-female cast discussing the widespread problem of gender inequality. A key part of its success came from a new producer hired in the 1980s, who brought in quirky characters and more exciting storylines.

4
‘Guiding Light’ (1952–2009)

57 Years


CBS

Guiding Light began as a radio program centered around Reverend John Ruthledge and his community. When it moved to television, the storyline changed to follow the Bauers, a German immigrant family building a life in America. The show also featured several other key families, including the Norrises, Marlers, Spauldings, Coopers, Lewises, and Reardons.

As a huge fan, I’ve always been captivated by how this show was filmed – the handheld cameras really drew me in. And honestly, every single actor is incredible, you really feel their emotions. But what truly sets it apart, and what I think made it so groundbreaking – earning that Emmy – is how honestly it portrayed life. It wasn’t afraid to tackle tough subjects and really made you think. It really ushered in a new era for daytime dramas!

To stay competitive, the creators of Guiding Light consistently updated the show’s style every ten years. The 1950s and 60s focused on stories that included a wide range of people, while the 1970s became known for intense drama and frequent character deaths. The 1980s highlighted younger characters, and the 1990s featured outlandish storylines involving things like cloning and time travel. Considering its origins as a radio program in 1937, Guiding Light holds the record as the longest-running show of all time, lasting for 72 years.

3
‘Days of Our Lives’ (1965–Present)

61 Years


Peacock

Days of Our Lives was created by Ted and Betty Corday, and their son Ken has overseen the show since Betty passed away. The series follows the love lives and careers of people living in Salem, a fictional Midwestern city. Initially, the show focused on the Horton family, many of whom were doctors. Over time, the central drama shifted to the ongoing rivalry between the Brady and DiMera families, though the Hortons have remained important characters throughout the show’s run.

When Days of Our Lives first started, it stayed popular by following whatever TV genres were trending at the time. This led to storylines with everything from aliens and ghosts to super-spies and mad scientists. Even now, the show tries to blend different styles, but it also incorporates current events to keep the stories feeling realistic.

To please its dedicated fans, the show continues to feature familiar faces by bringing back many original cast members for occasional appearances. Several well-known actors, including Jensen Ackles and Vivica Fox, started their careers on this soap opera.

2
‘General Hospital’ (1963–Present)

63 Years


ABC

General Hospital is a long-running medical drama focused on the lives of patients and staff at a hospital in Port Charles, New York. Some of the show’s earliest and most memorable characters included Dr. Steve Hardy, his wife, Nurse Audrey Hardy, Dr. Lesley Webber, Nurse Jessie Brewer, and lawyer Lee Baldwin. Many characters on the show today are related to these original figures.

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While the show’s earlier episodes definitely feel like a product of their time, it steadily improved and became something truly special. The recent seasons are a lot of fun to watch, and it’s always kept audiences hooked with compelling storylines – from intense mysteries like murder and assault to larger, international plots involving spies and global politics.

The show’s recent creative team deserves praise for handling sensitive issues with skill and walking the fine line of modern sensitivities. Beyond that, the show features incredibly charming couples, especially Luke and Laura, whose 1981 wedding was watched by over 30 million people. Combined with the unforgettable theme song by Jack Urbont, Paul Glass, and Steve Hopkins, it’s a show that’s truly captivating.

1
‘Coronation Street’ (1960-Present)

66 Seasons


CBC

Starting to watch Coronation Street now might seem daunting – there are over 11,000 episodes and lots of related films! Luckily, there are documentaries available that recap the show’s history. This long-running British soap opera focuses on the everyday lives of ordinary people living in the fictional town of Weatherfield, England.

Barb says that Coronation Street still gets around 5 million viewers each time it airs. So, what keeps people watching? It started with a realistic portrayal of everyday life, but the show has largely stayed popular by being funny and cheerful. A big part of its success is the lovable and natural charm of its characters.

The characters in this show are ordinary people dealing with tough financial and social problems, but they handle these difficulties with a surprising amount of hope and composure. The series is also known for addressing important and current issues, both personal ones like abuse and infidelity, and broader societal problems like racism and political conflicts.

These soap operas have been on television for a long time, and many are still popular with viewers of all ages. For those who enjoy them, what are some of your favorite shows – whether they’ve been on the air for years or just a short time?

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2026-01-21 22:24