CBS has set an end date for its long-running soap opera Guiding Light. The ongoing serial is set to end after 72 years and more than 15,700 installments on television and radio. It’s listed in The Guinness Book of World Records as “The Longest-Running Television Drama,” a record that’s not likely to be beaten.
Light began as a 15-minute network program in 1952 and expanded to a half-hour in 1968. It became an hour program in 1977 and has continued at that length ever since.
Like all soap operas, Light’s ratings have been in decline for some time. Light and CBS’ other venerable soap, As the World Turns, have both been outshined by less expensive daytime options like Judge Judy and Dr. Phil.
Awhile back, CBS and producers tried to modernize Lights by integrating digital cameras as well as cut costs by downsizing crew sizes and production schedules. The changes weren’t a big hit with many viewers and apparently they weren’t enough to save the venerable series.
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In a statement, Barbara Bloom, Senior Vice President, of CBS’ Daytime Programs, said “We thank the cast, crew and producers — past and present — who delivered this entertainment institution, the beloved characters and the time-honored stories to our audience every day for seven decades. It’s been a privilege to work with such an extraordinarily talented group of people.”
Though CBS has cancelled the series, there may still be hope. Procter & Gamble, the owner of the show, is exploring other possibilities for keeping it alive — including online or a cable outlet.
Brian T. Cahill of P&G’s TeleNext Media said, “We are working hard to find the show a new home, and we are exploring all our options to continue to bring loyal fans the characters and stories they love.”
For now, it looks like the series finale will be broadcast on Friday, September 18, 2009. CBS has yet to announce what will fill Light’s daily timeslot but possibilities include a revamped version of game show $25,000 Pyramid or talk shows led by Valerie Bertinelli, Leah Remini or T.D. Jakes.
We Trust P&G Productions They Will Find A Very nice Home For All Of The cancelled Soaps And Get A New Channel For It. Goodluck. P&G Wish You All The Very Best looking For Word To Having All Of The Soaps Come Back On The Air With Old Episodes And New Episodes To.
Hello I watched guilding Light since 1993 and i love it. The story lines were great. I really got into it and love the actors. I want it to come back on tv. thank you
I was very upset to find out my favorite show had been canceled ,all the cast were great,they made you think, smile, laugh, cryand get angry just covering all the issue of everyday life so if the show isn,t put back on the air ,Iwish everyone the best you all have left us in awe so
I to was VERY upset the show was canceled. Iam 36 and watched the show with my grandma and my mom. Guiding Light was the ONLY show during the day I watched and now they have a game show on which is not interesting to watch. I REALLY wish they would put it back on. My grandson is 3 and he would also look forward to watching with me even though his favorite part was the song in the begining. We would sing it together. PLEASE PUT IT BACK ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nicole
i been a fan of day time soap since i cant even remember i love them all, but i love guiding the best please find a way to get it back on tv even thou i watch the rest still its not the same without guiding light, i use to look forward to that one most of all
please put guide light back on the air. I love that show very much, It was one of my best show. Think you very
i ahve watched guilding light since i was 15 i am now 58 my mom my aunts my dad and my friends have been faithful viewers so find a way to bring the soap back………
I have been looking for weeks to see where it went. Did you take a poll to save it? I have been watching since I was 5. I am 46 now. I am greatly saddened!!! Please save it.
please put it back on i been watching this show for over 20 years,its not right and you got price and right on in its place not right
Ive started watching all the CBS soaps at age five,Iam now 46 years of age, the guiding light was my favorite please put it back on the air.
I am very upset with you at CBS you have know idea what people want. You keep shows like The Bold and the Beautiful and As The World Turns on the air and take a show like the Guilding Light off the air. To me its the only soap that is not sleazy and is good for the family. I have watched this show for 30 years, my grandmother got me started and I taped it everyday, never missed a show. The worst part of all there was no warning on tv about the show ending i found out on… Read more »
i love guiding light so can u put it back on the air please leave all of the soaps on cbs channel 8 thank you very much
i am 30 years old and i remember as a kid watching it with my mom and great grandmother i am a huge fan of gl and i hated to see it go i almost cried after i work 8 hrs a day i would come home and watch it why did you guys take it off the air yes im a soaps addict especially gl i hope that you guys put it back on the air go figure it starts gettin good and interresting you guys take it away and put some stupid show in its place you have… Read more »
to the characters on guiding light our heart goez out to all of you , we are all just sadden sadden that the GL is not gona be shown any more, words cant explane how we all fell right now.iv been watching GL senice i was 13 yrs , and im am now 44 yrs how sad, cant bekive it,GL made my day,i always made time every day at 1:00 pm on chanel 2 .very very unhappy with the descision to cancel GL,to all the characters i will miss youll so so much my dream was to one day met… Read more »
add this to my ststement. I have signed a petition and wrote to CBS what else to I need to do to help to keep GL on the air? Let me know and I will do it.