What's your all-time favorite soap opera?

Mine is "All My Children."

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http://www.ultimatedallas.com/dallasnews/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dallas-tnt-2012-title-preview.jpg

Day: Days of our Lives
Night: Desperate Housewives

Days of Our Lives

Daytime: Santa Barbara

Night: Melrose Place

Since the thread specifically stated one, I'll go with...

http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo283/tzgames/7a10a44b-6402-4673-ab7f-310a69c3e522_zps9b4cdea1.jpg

The Young and The Restless

Daytime: Santa Barbara

Night: Melrose Place

SB had SO many great couples - Cruz and Eden (of course), Kelly and Joe (and I'm talking about their original portrayers, who were in love off-screen as well as on at the time, Robin Wright and Dane Witherspoon), Amy and Brick, Mason and Mary, Mason and Julia, CC and Sophia, Lionel and Augusta, etc. Plus, not only was the show romantic as could be, it was also FUNNY. SB's takes on everything from The Christmas Carol to The Twilight Zone were golden.

SB and MP also have an interesting connection - remember Marcia Cross' Kimberly being terrorized by a listener on her radio show by the name of Vic Munson? Vic was played by none other than Page Moseley, who is best known to SB viewers as Dylan Hartley, whose departure opened up the storyline to get Kelly out of town (so her portrayer, Robin Wright, could get time off from the show to go to London and film some movie called The Princess Bride - ;)). Vic didn't fare any better than Dylan!!! :eek: :crazy: :lol:

For me it's a tie between General Hospital and One Life To Live.

The Edge of Night. I still miss watching it every day and it will soon have been gone for 30 years.

Day: Days of our Lives (the only daytime serial I ever followed)

Night: Dynasty & The Colbys, also Melrose Place Loved psycho Kimberly!

The Edge of Night. I still miss watching it every day and it will soon have been gone for 30 years.
Speaking of EON:

http://lavender.fortunecity.com//casino/403/flubs.html

*In an early 70's episode, a sleepy Mike Karr joined his wife Nancy (Ann Flood) at the breakfast table. Actor Forrest Compton, as Mike, was supposed to say, "Sometimes you just can't get up." Instead, Compton accidentally remarked , "Sometimes you just can't get it up." Still in character, actress Ann Flood ad-libbed, "Yes, I noticed that particularly this morning."

*During a 1960's telecast, announcer Harry Kramer made a Freudian slip by saying, "Join us each weekday afternoon for The Urge of Night."

*At the height of the Keith Whitney story, Keith was supposed to trap Nancy in a garage with a car's exhaust filling the room. The scene was videotaped and dropped into the live broadcast. However, the show didn't check the scene first, and when it aired, stage manager Howard Lenters could be heard barking offscreen, "More smoke...more smoke!".

*When Nicole and Adam were married in September 1973, a prop man smeared old coffee grounds on crackers to make them look like caviar. Actress Maeve McGuire didn't know the difference and popped a whole cracker into her mouth during the live telecast. She had to chew the foul food with a big smile on her face and remain in character.

*In a 1977 scene, Donald May as Adam was speaking his Nicole's unborn child. May was supposed to refer to it as the "baby fetus", but instead, May said the "baby feces", forcing a retake of the scene.

*Val Dufour, playing villain Andre Lazar in the mid-1960's, often referred to Phil Capice as "Ray", because Phil was played by Dufour's good friend Ray MacDonnell.

*Don Hastings (Jack Lane) was once supposed to say to John Larkin, "But you know I love Betty-Jean and Bud". However, during the live telecast, Hastings went up on his lines saying, " But you know I love Betty-Jean in bed."

*In a September 1979 episode, Draper Scott went upstairs at the end of a Friday episode. When actor Tony Craig descended the stairs on Monday, his hair was half-inch shorter.

*When Nicole was arrested for the murder of Stephanie Martin, the actor playing the arresting officer was so nervous about working with Maeve MCGuire and Donald May, that he stumbled over his lines. Instead of saying, "I'm arresting you for homicide", the actor barked, "I'm arresting you for homosexualicide."

*Once during a live broadcast, Teri Keane (Martha Marceau) began to cough violently and used a prop glass of water to soothe her throat. When the scene ended, Keane took the glass off-camera and forgot it. Later, back on camera, Mandel Kramer reached for his own glass of water. Keane, fearing that she might suffer another coughing fit, grabbed the glass from his hand and snapped, "That's mine. Get your own!" Mandel Kramer was so shocked that he forgot his lines.

*Lois Kibbee had a 1970's scene in which she was supposed to telephone a man named Horace and inquire about a criminal investigation. The actor playing Horace was black, and when Kibbee was supposed to say, "Horace, do as you're told and go back where you belong," the actress got tongue-tied and said, "go black where you belong!" After the scene ended, Kibbee rushed to apologize to the actor who had collapsed in laughter.

*During the Andre Lazar story, actor Val Dufour was supposed to tell Anthony Ponzini (Tony Wyatt) that one of their accomplices had died from an obscure illness. On air, Dufour couldn't recall the name of the disease and ad-libbed, "He died of aplacia of the gastronomy." Ponzini, who had to repeat the line, muttered, "What?". Dufour couldn't recall what he'd said and snapped back, "Well go look it up in the medical dictionary, Dummy!"

*Lori Loughlin played a scene in which she accidentally reversed the order of her lines. As the scene faded to black, Loughlin could be heard asking, "I screwed that up, didn't I?"

Stage manager Bud Gowen recalled the time an actor rehearsed a scene in which he was required to speak on the telephone. During rehearsal, the actor simply cupped an imaginary phone to ear and spoke. Later, during the live telecast, the actor forgot to pick up the practical phone and was horrified to learn that he'd played the live show with an imaginary phone.

In a 1974 episode, Adam Drake returned to his hotel room and found his suitcase and clothes in disarray. When the scene was replayed the next day, Drake's clothes and suitcase were amazingly neat and orderly.

Actor Larry Hagman, playing Ed Gibson, insisted on doing all of his own stunt work. But in one episode, Hagman fell over a lamp while performing a stunt, resulting in 20 stitches.

In the January 2, 1975 telecast actress Dixie Carter, playing Asst. DA Brandy Henderson, had a scene with Bernard Barrow. Carter referred to Barrow's character as "Bernie", rather than the actual name Ira.

Here's GH vs. EON in a 1983 Family Feud:

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Dallas

My favorite daytime soap was Guiding Light ( at least until the late 1990's).

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Another World

The Guiding Light. The final two years were extremely painful, the show was a shell of its former self and I didn't watch as often during that period. The beginning of the end for me was in oct 2005 when Jerry ver Dorn left after being bumped down to recurring earlier that year. In addition to other fave being written out or marginalized, I knew that there would be no light at the end of the tunnel for the show so to speak.

This is a hard one b/c I had three all time favorites; GH, Days and OLTL.

I have a three way tie.......another world, santa barbara and one life to live...

Have a hippie day:)

Does "Dark Shadows" count? We used to run home from school to see that!

The Guiding Light. The final two years were extremely painful, the show was a shell of its former self and I didn't watch as often during that period. The beginning of the end for me was in oct 2005 when Jerry ver Dorn left after being bumped down to recurring earlier that year. In addition to other fave being written out or marginalized, I knew that there would be no light at the end of the tunnel for the show so to speak.

Mr Awesome, I think the same could be applied to The Bold and the Beautiful. This show is a complete shadow of its former self and has been for the past 2-3 years. Susan Flannery's departure was pretty much the final nail in the coffin.

Does "Dark Shadows" count? We used to run home from school to see that!

Yes it does. That's my pick too.

Since all my faves have been cancelled or shelved.....I tuned into y&r and b&b.....they are good shows......I tried gh but it cant hold my intrest....

I don't really get into soap operas. I guess "Soap" and "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" (and "Fernwood 2Night") are pretty funny as parodies of them. I kinda like "Dark Shadows" (except the concept of a fantasy soap opera series kinda weirded me out a bit...)- I could say the same for "Passions", but I have to admit I kinda liked that show some for the few times I saw it.
Other than that- I remember watching some of "The Young & The Restless", "The Bold & The Beautiful" and "Another World" when I was a kid- never really got into them or anything. It was just something that was on TV- lol. Actually, one that I maybe did get a bit more into was "Neighbours". I love the theme song to that show.:) :cool:

Without a doubt, "As The World Turns". That show had the most talented cast I've ever seen. From Larry Bryggman (John Dixon) to Maura West (Carly) to Ben Hendrickson (Hal) to Martha Byrne (Lily/Rose), I've never seen any better.

Daytime: Dark Shadows (though I wasn't born when it originally aired; I first saw it in reruns on the Sci-Fi channel and then later on via VHS releases and now DVD)

Nighttime: Dallas

Another World

That's hard since I was addicted to GH, OLTL and Days at one point or another. I guess my all time favorite would have to be Days since I watched it the longest.

The Guiding Light.

My favorite long-running show is The Secret Storm.
(I wish, though, that I had seen From These Roots.)
My favorite short-run show is A World Apart.

Dark Shadows

Night time probably Dallas. Daytime OLTL and GH although I watch all the soaps except Days.

Days of Our Lives. It's the only soap I've ever watched.

Daytime: One Life To Live

Primetime: Beverly Hills, 90210

thanks to youtube i have gotten into this soap
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b195/excuseyou77/Guiding%20Light/GuidingLight1974-75.jpg
and this one
https://i0.wp.com/www.ourhonordefend.com/wp-content/uploads/atwt87.jpg

might also add this one
http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20121130002720/logopedia/images/thumb/2/2f/Another_World_Video_Close_From_Early_1981.jpg/185px-Another_World_Video_Close_From_Early_1981.jpg

I never got into As the World Turns but I thought it had the best theme song. The theme I'm talking about was from the mid 1980s.

I just loved Guiding Light!!!!!

I was so heavy into it when Brent Lawrence, with his crazy self, raped Lucy.

Daytime-OLTL.

Nighttime-Dallas (original and reunions, but no to TNT version)

The Bold and the Beautiful during 1993. Many fans say this was THE year for the soap with all the good story lines happening. Daytime Soap villain Sheila Carter crossover from Y & R. Brooke Logan gains 51% controlling stock of Forrester creations.

Dark Shadows

http://i.imgur.com/hN5bHXc.jpg

I don't really get into soap operas. I guess "Soap" and "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" (and "Fernwood 2Night") are pretty funny as parodies of them. I kinda like "Dark Shadows" (except the concept of a fantasy soap opera series kinda weirded me out a bit...)- I could say the same for "Passions", but I have to admit I kinda liked that show some for the few times I saw it.
Other than that- I remember watching some of "The Young & The Restless", "The Bold & The Beautiful" and "Another World" when I was a kid- never really got into them or anything. It was just something that was on TV- lol. Actually, one that I maybe did get a bit more into was "Neighbours". I love the theme song to that show.:) :cool:

Fernwood 2Night was a parody of talk shows.

General Hospital before Cartini took over. They destroyed that show. Absolutely failed it.

General Hospital before Cartini took over. They destroyed that show. Absolutely failed it.


GH hasn't been good since they got rid of Wendy Riche... Jill Farren Phelps is to blame for the destruction of GH.

GH hasn't been good since they got rid of Wendy Riche... Jill Farren Phelps is to blame for the destruction of GH.

JFP is to blame for the destruction of SB, GL, AW, OLTL, GH and now she is trying to destroy Y&R from what I hear.

JFP is to blame for the destruction of SB, GL, AW, OLTL, GH and now she is trying to destroy Y&R from what I hear.


Well, I'm not fan of JFP but I need to defend her on a few counts:

SB was pretty much doomed once the Dobson's were essentially removed from the series. I don't think any show could have survived having their creators banned from the show...

With GL, I don't think Jill did much damage, and in fact from what I hear, her stint at GL was for the most part well received. She didn't hurt GL as much as Ellen Wheeler did, that woman basically destroyed GL. I also think that P&G wanted OUT of the soap business.

AW yes, she is pretty much to blame here.

OLTL, I actually really enjoyed her stint at OLTL. I think she took some risks, many of which paid off. I think the big problem for OLTL is that nobody at ABC was ever really invested in the show and saw it as the ugly stepchild of AMC and GH.

Well, I'm not fan of JFP but I need to defend her on a few counts:

SB was pretty much doomed once the Dobson's were essentially removed from the series. I don't think any show could have survived having their creators banned from the show...

With GL, I don't think Jill did much damage, and in fact from what I hear, her stint at GL was for the most part well received. She didn't hurt GL as much as Ellen Wheeler did, that woman basically destroyed GL. I also think that P&G wanted OUT of the soap business.

AW yes, she is pretty much to blame here.

OLTL, I actually really enjoyed her stint at OLTL. I think she took some risks, many of which paid off. I think the big problem for OLTL is that nobody at ABC was ever really invested in the show and saw it as the ugly stepchild of AMC and GH.


Ok I will agree with you about SB. I don't think anyone could have saved the show after the Dobsons left.

With GL, JFP was the beginning of the end. The death of Maureen Bauer was a major mistake and that is when the ratings went into decline. Longtime producers and writers (John Conboy, Paul Rauch, Claire Labine) who were successful on other shows couldn't stop the declining ratings. Yes, Ellen Wheeler put the nail in the coffin but to me the downward spiral started with JFP.

Ok I will agree with you about SB. I don't think anyone could have saved the show after the Dobsons left.

With GL, JFP was the beginning of the end. The death of Maureen Bauer was a major mistake and that is when the ratings went into decline. Longtime producers and writers (John Conboy, Paul Rauch, Claire Labine) who were successful on other shows couldn't stop the declining ratings. Yes, Ellen Wheeler put the nail in the coffin but to me the downward spiral started with JFP.
what made me cry about Maureens death is when Vanessa cried "OH MAUREEN MAUREEEN!" that was very sad

Days of our Lives! I practically grew up with that soap since my mom would not want to miss an episode.

Melba, welcome to the board. :wave:


I dont mind GH now. I mean is it somewhat over the top? Yes. Does it have to many back from the dead stories as well as too many doppleganger's? Yes. But I think the show has some good writing as opposed to Y&R where the writing is bad and the stories make no sense.

General Hospital followed by Days Of Our Lives

One Life to Live. I got hooked on it during the Karen Wolek (Judith Light) days. Judith did a marvelous job in that role.

I also liked Ryan's Hope, probably because I identified with the Irish Catholic clan although my family never owned a bar. ;)

As The World Turns

Y&R Always and Forever!

General Hospital

I used to watch Secret Storm , Guiding Light and Return to Peyton Place with my Mom and Grand mom when I was young! So I have fond memories of them. And of course Dark Shadows!

Daytime: All My Children. Gotta love Billy Clyde Tuggle - may Matthew Cowles RIP.

Night: Knot's Landing

OLTL is my favorite from daytime but to be fair it's also the only one I saw from a young age. I grew up on and loved the Paul Rauch stuff which is still my favorite Era although I loved the others later and now earlier thanks to YouTube. I loved the Buchanans and everyone else, whe ther in the old west or Badderly Island or where ever. Viki, Clint, Asa, Bo, Dr Larry, the list goes on. .. that one will always be where it's at for me.

Have to agree with an earlier post-JFP was underrated on oltl, it always got red headed stepchild treatment from abc. However, this also allowed it to be something special I think-under the radar sometimes allows for more risks and often more interesting results.

Days of Our Lives.

Also ranking near it:
As The World Turns
Guiding Light
Another World
All My Children

Days of our Lives

"As The World Turns"

Guilty Pleasure: "Dark Shadows"

My favorite is a tie between General Hospital and All My Children.

HM:

Generations
The Edge of Night
One Life to Live

I got hooked on Santa Barbara during the 1988 Olympics. That was also when Eden was raped, and that was one of the most scariest storylines i've seen. it had me frightened for sure. my mom liked "GH" but i liked "SB" better so that's what i stuck with until 1993(i idn't hurt that "Santa Barbara" came on after i came home from school in the last few years it was on.)

General Hospital. I religiously watched it from the late 70s until the early 90s. It's a completely different show now and I don't like it at all. But 80s GH was the best!

I remember in the summer of 98 i got hooked on a soap opera. it had the "Shockwave" storyline, but it also appealed to me because i was a teenager. i hate to admit it but i preferred this show to The Price is Right. Also it was younger skewing. the soap opera was called Sunset Beach and it became a favorite of mine.

I'm going to say "One Life To Live" because I got to meet the cast two years in a row and most of them were just the nicest people imaginable. I just love Kathy Brier. She's a sweetheart.

All My Children

https://media.giphy.com/media/3o7buhErOKS0mk4j5u/giphy.gif

Days of Our Lives

I remember in the summer of 98 i got hooked on a soap opera. it had the "Shockwave" storyline, but it also appealed to me because i was a teenager. i hate to admit it but i preferred this show to The Price is Right. Also it was younger skewing. the soap opera was called Sunset Beach and it became a favorite of mine.

I also really liked SB. It was fun and campy but not as far fetched as Passions.

My favorite is still DAYS. I have a sincere fondness for the series.