Watch The Story of Soaps

The Story of Soaps is a captivating six-part documentary series that explores the impact and evolution of soap operas on American television culture. The show is hosted by renowned personalities from the soap opera industry, including Shelly Altman, a head writer for General Hospital, producer and actor Alec Baldwin, and executive producer and head writer for The Bold and the Beautiful, Bradley Bell.

The series chronicles the history of soap operas from their inception to their peak in the 80s and their continued popularity to this day. The documentary examines the role that soap operas have played in shaping American culture and society and features interviews with some of the most popular actors and writers from the genre, including Deidre Hall, Maurice Benard, and Susan Lucci.

The first episode, "Love and Romance," explores the origins of soap opera storytelling and its focus on love and relationships. Through interviews with soap opera writers and historians, the episode explains how the soap opera format, with its daily serialized storytelling, created a unique space for exploring complex interpersonal relationships that was not found in other genres. The episode also features the iconic love scenes and dramatic moments from shows such as General Hospital, All My Children, and Days of Our Lives.

The second episode, "Sinners and Saints," delves into the "bad guy" characters that have been integral to the soap opera genre. The episode examines how the portrayal of villains has evolved over time, from the over-the-top evil-doers of early soap operas to the more nuanced and complex characters of modern-day shows. The episode also explores the impact that villains have had on audience engagement and features interviews with notable soap opera actors who have made their mark playing these characters.

The third episode, "Families and Friends," explores the importance of family as a central theme in soap opera storytelling. The episode highlights the iconic family dynamics that have been a staple of shows such as The Young and the Restless and As the World Turns. The episode also delves into the relationship between soap opera fans and the families and characters they follow and features interviews with fans who describe the impact these shows have had on their lives.

The fourth episode, "Births and Deaths," examines how soap operas have tackled difficult subjects such as illness, death, and childbirth. The episode explores how these storylines have evolved over time and how they have been used as a way to raise awareness about important social topics. The episode also features interviews with actors who have portrayed characters dealing with these issues on-screen and reflects on the impact of these storylines on real-life issues.

The fifth episode, "Real Life to Reel Life," explores the crossover between real life and the fictional worlds of soap operas. The episode features segments on real-life events that influenced soap opera storylines, such as the Vietnam War and the AIDS crisis. The episode also examines how soap operas address current events and the impact that these storylines have on public opinion.

The final episode, "Game Changers," focuses on the legacy of soap operas on American television and society. The episode reflects on the groundbreaking shows and moments that have shaped the genre, including the Luke and Laura storyline on General Hospital and the introduction of LGBTQ+ characters to daytime television. The episode also explores the continued popularity of soap operas in the age of streaming and reflects on the future of the genre.

Overall, The Story of Soaps is a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of one of the most enduring and beloved genres in television history. The series is a must-watch for soap opera fans and anyone interested in the role that television plays in shaping American culture.