As longtime television viewers know, there used to be a lot more soap operas on the air. Today, only four of them remain — The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS), Days of Our Lives (NBC), General Hospital (ABC), and The Young and the Restless (CBS). Their ratings are a fraction of what they used to be, even a few years ago, so it can feel like they’re on borrowed time. How long will these four survive? That will likely have a lot to do with the ratings. Stay tuned.
Note: Each network measures the success of its own programming. Still, it’s fun to see how the four remaining soap operas rank against each other.
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Season-to-date averages are compared to previous season averages. Raw data courtesy Soap Opera Network.
What do you think? Are you surprised by any of the ratings? Which shows should be doing better? Which one do you think will be cancelled next?
My mother, grandmother and aunts religiously watched the daytime soaps back in the day, but not me. I am offended by the racism which is inherent in the 4 remaining soaps. Despite having a predominantly African American audience, none of the soaps have a Black executive producer, casting director or head writer. The few Black actors that are hired are marginalized, and restricted to having segregated storylines, and acting with each other. It is a modern day example of Jim Crow. I do not believe that this is accidental. The powers that be behind these shows, the networks, and the… Read more »
I’d rather see ANYTHING from General Hospital than nothing at all.
But I’d like to see, for example, the storyline about Brenda from the start.
I’ve loved the ABC Soaps forever. Please don’t cancel.
I have enjoyed all of these soap operas over the years. General Hospital is my favorite. We recently cancelled our tv/cable subscription and went the way of Netflix via Firestick. It’s great. But my concern was not having access to my must see show. I learned it was accessible on Hulu. We subscribed and I was in heaven…until about 2 weeks ago when there were no current episodes showing. I just read production was suspended due to COVID-19. I’m sad. Please bring back General Hospital!!! It’s my escape and way to wind down.
Renew all of them
I sure hope that ABC renews General Hospital. I have watched the show, since the early 70’s. They are like family to us. If I happen to miss a show, I have Hulu on my ROKU. So I can always watch what I missed anytime. My friend and I put DO NOT DISTURB on our phones when we watch General Hospital also. That’s how we show that we are so devoted to the show n all our favorite Characters/Actors.
So please don’t cancel our favorite show!
Bring Them Back!
I really enjoy the soaps especially Young and the Restless and Bold and Beautiful. These shows need to stay on the air. I hate it that sometimes I cant see them because of the President or news.
WOW It just blew my mind !!!! All those Soap’s from the 70s and 80s that are gone. The rich tapestry of writer’s actor’s story lines.
Thinking back to shows such as.. The Edge of Night, Search for Tomorrow,, Guiding Light, etc
Growing old sucks some times ✌️
I really miss those old shows too!
WE ARE SO TIRED OF LOVE MAKING ON THE
SOAPS ARE SO UNNECESSARY. WHAT DOES
THAT PROVE. WITH THIS VIRUS NOW WE
ARE ALL AT HOME TEENAGERS PLUS LITTLE
ONES. YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS AND BOLD
AND THE BEAUTIFUL ESPECIALLY.
I HAVE BEEN WATCHING FOR 16 YEARS.
I’M GOING TO STOP WATCHING NOW.
MY GROUP OF 12 WOMEN WE WILL
STOP WATCHING AND SISTER SLEEPING
WITH EACH OTHER HUSBAND NEEDS
TO STOP TOO. THIS IS GETTING OLD.
WE ARE SO TIRED OF IT.
WE NEED ACTION AND DRAMA. NOT
SEEING THEM IN BED OR SLEEPING
AROUND WITH EACH OTHER MAN
OR WOMEN.
STOP STOP STOP
WE’RE DONE WATCHING.
Gee and broken heart women
Well with the corona virus that put an end to all the sexual scenes and I’m glad about it
Daytime soap ratings are down due to corona-virus. People are working from home, having to take care of their kids who are out of school, governors are having daily speeches during the time the soaps are on, and Trump is often making a speech at that time as well. I watch EVERY SINGLE ONE of the daytime dramas – but I watch on demand or stream them, which I don’t think counts in the ratings. And lots of folks do not have access to on demand OR streaming. So they are not only unable to watch, but they are not… Read more »
One thing that I learned over the years is that all series come to an end at some point in time.
I agree with MOM. I am in my 50’s and watch General Hospital every day! I record every episode just in case I might miss one. Like she said, we grew up watching theses shows with our moms and grandmas and we need them. Please don’t take it off! I need my GH
You guys better not be getting days of our lives off the air
Y&R is by far the best have watched for decades. I have been part of the fan club, met actors and actresses at luncheons , been part of silent auctions
Unfortunately I think day time ratings have to do with how the world is going! Having to have a two family income. Adults are out having to make a paycheck to survive, that unfortunately was why I had to stop watching but alway will be a fan
Some people say that MOM is unrealistic, but the show aired around the same time I found my sobriety! I can relate and it has very funny things that can help me forgive myself for stuff I did when drinking. It is realistic to more people than you can imagine. Not proud of my past decisions but it makes me proud of my sobriety. It helps lighten my mistakes in my head and keeps me or helps me stay sober with the support of love ones. It helps me understand that that good can come out of bad!!
This is not about the show MOM – it’s about the daytime dramas Bold & Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital and Young & Restless. We need to keep these programs going. They are the on;y thing worth watching on daytime. And SO MANY of us have watched them all of our lives, and would be devastated if they were to end.