The 15 Longest-Running Soap Operas That Keep Us Glued to Our Screens -Timeless Tales

In the world of television, some shows come and go, and others endure for decades, becoming an integral part of our lives, such as the Soap opera. Originating in the 1930s in the US, these dramatic series whisked us away to alternative realities. Today, with their captivating storylines and unforgettable characters, they have continued to transverse continents and generations to entertain audiences across the globe. These shows make us laugh, cringe and cry—etching memories that endure.

Airing for 41 years, the show’s finale in 2011 triggered a few tears. Set within the fictional town of Pine Valley, Pennsylvania, societal issues ran hot, as did one of the soap’s most iconic characters — Erica Kane (played by Susan Lucci).

Staged in the fictional town of Oakdale, Illinois, CBS’s sister show to Guiding Light, ran for 54 years before its cancellation in 2010. Known for its more conservative plot lines, the show centered around medical and legal professionals and the everyday woes that befall them.

With an astonishing 61+ years on British TV, this drama set in the fictional town of Weatherfield holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running soap opera.

In its 56 years, Days of Our Lives has delivered it all—even the most unimaginable is tangible in this fictional town of Salem. The Bradys, Hortons and other families have been the source of sordid affairs, rapes, exorcisms, and even the supernatural has made a guest appearance.

This BBC soap is as ingrained in British culture as going to the pub.

ITV’s Emmerdale is a rural farming soap from the UK. If you thought country towns were sleepy, boring places—think again! Emmerdale is full of fires, plane crashes, forbidden love trysts, and family dramas.

Set in Dublin, Ireland, in the fictional suburb of Northside, over its 32 years, the show has been lauded for spotlighting societal issues not typically covered on Irish TV.

Before Grey’s Anatomy was the IT hospital show, General Hospital delivered drama after drama from Port Charles, New York. This iconic American soap has been captivating audiences for 58 years. The Quatermaine and Spencer families fuel the storylines with juicy content that never gets old.

Taking place in the fictional mid-west town of Springfield, Guiding Light was one of the original “soap operas” of radio (1937-1956).

This quintessential Aussie drama is a national favourite. Over 33 years, the fictional residents of Summer Bay in New South Wales have seen it all.

After 36 years, no one is saying goodbye to these Ramsey Street residents anytime soon. Loved worldwide (particularly in the UK), this show launched Kylie Minogue’s and Margot Robbie’s careers.

Over 44 years, this show made history with its cultural cast and memorable crossovers with other ABC soaps, such as General Hospital.

This BBC original Welsh-language soap has been running for 47 years. With the Welsh channel S4C taking the reins recently, this much-loved show follows the residents of the quaint fictional village of Cwmderi, Pobol y Cym (People of the Valley).

This show was considered a pioneer in American daytime television, although it ended in 1986.

This CBS sister show to The Young and the Restless has won 77 Emmys over its 34-year reign.

With over 12,000+ episodes airing, this saucy CBS soap opera has redefined romance and sexuality on screen for the past 48 years.