I have a confession to make: I have never tuned in to a soap opera before. It’s a bit puzzling, considering my penchant for binge-watching shows with long episode counts and a love for dramatic series. In my teenage years, I was glued to programs like Waterloo Road and Skins, which, much like soaps, delved into the intertwined lives of a community grappling with increasingly sensational plot twists.
Despite their current ratings being a far cry from the pinnacle they reached in the 1980s, EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale consistently secure spots in the top 20 most-watched shows on UK television channels each week. With EastEnders marking its 40th anniversary and ITV scaling back on soap opera programming, I felt it was high time to dip my toes into the world of soaps. I dedicated a week to watching EastEnders, Emmerdale, and Coronation Street to explore whether these shows have a place in the lives of Generation Z.
Reflecting on my mum’s recollections of the late 1980s, she remembered how her university’s student union buzzed with activity at lunchtimes as students huddled together for their daily dose of the Australian soap opera, Neighbours. While her soap opera encounter was reminiscent of mine, my friends and I opted for cozy sofa gatherings, eagerly anticipating the latest developments at Casa Amor or the next Bushtucker trial featuring a group of daring celebrities.
Sitting down to view a soap opera for the first time, I was uncertain about what lay ahead. It struck me that discussions around soaps were scarce among people my age, and navigating the world of ITVX, complete with enduring through three minutes of commercials, was a novel experience for me.
Preferring not to delve too deeply into background information about the shows, I sought a brief overview from my soap-loving parents. As the opening credits rolled accompanied by iconic theme tunes that even I recognized, I was taken aback by how swiftly the drama unfolded. There was no easing into the narrative; I found myself thrust into the midst of some tense, passive-aggressive exchanges across all three shows.
While the escalating drama veered towards the outlandish, the sheer volume of plotting and conflict packed into a brief episode had me captivated for the majority of the viewing. Yet, I harbored numerous queries about the shows’ authenticity in reflecting real-life scenarios.
Despite being drawn into the theatrics, I initially struggled to form an emotional connection with the characters. Coming from a background of reality TV consumption, I couldn’t help but wonder: Why watch scripted drama when there are programs showcasing ordinary individuals grappling with intense situations?
It became challenging to invest in the turbulent relationship between Cindy and Ian Beale on EastEnders when I could witness a genuine couple parting ways due to the unexpected arrival of a captivating contestant on Love Island. Just
The shift towards gritty realism in soap operas is noticeable, but modern audiences have become accustomed to high-budget, high-stakes dramas featuring cinematic visuals and star-studded casts. In just 12 episodes spread across three soaps, a multitude of plotlines unfolded, covering topics ranging from depression to infidelity to knife crime.
In the past, these storylines may have sparked national conversations, but for me, they seemed heavy-handed and forced into the narratives. In comparison to contemporary shows like Sex Education, Euphoria, and Top Boy, which resonate with younger viewers by authentically addressing themes like mental health, identity, and social justice with visually compelling storytelling, the teenage dramas in soaps like Coronation Street feel contrived.
It may be unfair to compare soap operas to big-budget streaming hits. For instance, the first season of Euphoria reportedly cost $165 million to produce, far exceeding soap budgets. Even when compared to shows like Made in Chelsea, which likely share a similar budget, soaps struggle to engage younger audiences. Approximately a quarter of Made in Chelsea’s viewers are aged 16 to 34.
Acknowledging my bias as a newcomer to these long-running shows, I found it challenging to connect with characters whose histories I knew little about. While some viewers, like Natalie Altman, find solace and authenticity in soaps, others like Ryan prefer soaps that blend positive and negative storylines based on diverse life experiences.
While I found myself drawn to EastEnders, possibly due to my London upbringing, the lack of definitive conclusions to ongoing storylines left me wanting more closure. I appreciate multi-episode series, but I seek resolution in narratives. With soaps, the continuous storytelling leaves viewers hanging, craving a sense of finality.
In the world of soap operas, the drama never truly ends. Plotlines persist even when they seem concluded, with characters resurfacing years later or long-lost relatives resurfacing to stir up trouble once more.
While my personal soap opera viewing may be coming to a close this week, I can appreciate the enduring appeal these shows hold for dedicated fans. There’s a certain allure to the longevity of soap operas, making one wonder if shows like Love Island will still be captivating audiences on its 40th anniversary in 2055. Will I, as a senior citizen, find myself tuning in to witness a 21-year-old lad calling out someone for their “muggy” behavior? It’s doubtful.
The world of soap operas is a realm where time seems to stand still, yet characters and storylines evolve in ways that captivate audiences for generations. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring allure of melodrama that keeps viewers hooked episode after episode.
As the curtain falls on one chapter of my soap opera viewing journey, I can’t help but marvel at the intricate web of relationships, scandals, and secrets that have kept me glued to the screen. While my own soap opera saga may be reaching its conclusion, the legacy of these beloved shows lives on, weaving tales of love, betrayal, and redemption that resonate with audiences around the world.
So, as I bid adieu to the world of soap operas, I do so with a mixture of nostalgia and anticipation for what the future holds. Whether it’s a long-lost sibling returning from the dead or a shocking reveal that changes everything, the drama of soap operas will continue to enthrall viewers for years to come.
In a world where reality seems increasingly uncertain, the predictability of a good old-fashioned soap opera provides a comforting escape into a realm where the impossible becomes possible, and the drama never truly ends. As one chapter closes, another begins, and the enduring legacy of soap operas continues to captivate audiences with its timeless tales of love, loss, and the never-ending quest for happily ever after.
