A soap opera is a dramatic programme that is broadcast on TV or radio as a series of programmes. They are called soap operas because in the United States, where 'soaps' began, most of the major sponsors for many years were manufacturers of soap and detergents. The soap operas began in the early 1930s with 15 minute radio episodes and was inherited by television in the early 1950s and expanded to 30 mins. By the mid 1950s soap operas dominated late morning and early afternoon weekend television programming.

Most soaps in the States during the 50s were about middle-class families living in small towns - good always triumphed. By the 1970s soap operas had reached this country and the style and content had undergone a revolution. There was open discussion about abortion, drug abuse, wife abuse etc. Characters of various racial and ethnic backgrounds were introduced to a previous all-white Anglo-Saxon population.  

The traditional emphasis on romantic and marital problems remained, but promiscuous behaviour, violence and criminal activity came to be treated more directly. Soap operas on British TV today are the most watched programmes on TV, attracting audiences of 17 million. They are broadcast at peak viewing times and have huge appeal to all ages, sexes and religions.  

Click on any of the logos / pictures to get a storyline on what has happened in different soaps from a religious / moral point of view.