The Three Main Reasons I Love Soap Operas

The way soaps can be a part of people’s families over generations is amazing. I love how almost everyone has watched them at some point or other. I cannot recall a single conversation where the person I’m expressing my passion to didn’t say something like “Oh, I watched Days of our Lives in college! Is so-and-so still on it?” or “My nanny watched Guiding Light every day and I loved watching it with her.” Etc. The way soaps can be a part of people’s families over generations is amazing. 

I love how soaps can showcase (and be at the forefront) of social movements. The fact that the characters become part of families gives soaps a unique ability to push the boundaries. Viewers feel such an attachment that they will go on a journey with a character they might otherwise never consider. Abortion, Civil Rights, Gay Rights, AIDS: Soaps have been there. 

I love the little moments between characters that soaps have time to feature. Conversations that don’t necessarily drive the plot, but build relationships and history. Such rich history. There’s no thrill like listening to two characters refer to something they’ve been through together and thinking “I remember that! I was there for that.” Soaps can give such meaning and attention to relationships between people, which is something the world needs, but often neglects. Epic is awesome, but little moments make up our lives. Epic films are awesome, but soaps are filled with the beauty and detail that can infuse the smallest interactions.