Why are soaps popular?

Soaps are programmes defined as being a serial drama on television or radio that features
related storylines about the lives of multiple characters. The stories typically focus on
emotional relationships to the point of melodrama, and are therefore entertaining to watch.
One reason soaps are so popular is due to their focussed storylines on usually small groups
or families. This domestic centralisation allows the screenwriter to create a sense of
comparability to our own lives as the events seen in the soap transpire in areas we are
accustomed to, allowing the viewer to connect more intuitively to the characters and their
surroundings. In addition the smaller group focus produces the ability to have multiple plots
for separate characters, creating a diverse and intriguing story for the viewer. Furthermore
soaps present perhaps dull environments in fun and creative lights. For example, ‘The
Office’ takes a serious working office setting, yet actively creates a comedic atmosphere with
friendly and sometimes awkward interactions which makes a dull environment in reality into
an exciting and active place on TV.
Soaps also, although having sometimes many individual sub-plots, are not intrinsically
difficult to follow, in regards of understanding the way the events transpire. The screen play
is purposefully offering undemanding entertainment, whereby an apparently small amount of
concentration is needed to follow the story. If viewers are forced to miss their favourite soap
for a couple of weeks, there is no definitive need to go back and watch the missed episodes.
They only need to watch one or two episodes to catch up again. This is because the script
constantly refers back to past events, and because each storyline takes a long time to
develop.
Love interests are commonly experienced in soap dramas. These can be in multitude and
therefore create controversy and intrigue among viewers. Sparking debates and discussions
and thereby interest in more people, and thus more viewers. Love is a very subjective idea
when shown on TV. Especially when characters are often unfaithful, which creates suspense
and drama for the viewers. However it can cause a divide between reality and the lives of TV
characters. The almost unnatural way love and relationships are portrayed can create
disparity between the viewer and the characters. However the intrigue is still there on how it
plays out on screen and therefore the viewership grows as a result.
Another reason is the primetime slot in programming schedules which soaps usually
allocate. After a day of work, viewers typically eat food and then unwind in front of the TV on
the sofa with a beverage and family members. Soaps have been purposefully placed in the
time between 7-9pm whereby the can ascertain the maximum amount of viewers that may
watch their show. Encouraging maximum viewers allows for wider audiences and greater
ability to further develop the popularity of this type of programme.
Furthermore soaps typically tend to have, what has been come to known as a ‘’cliff-hanger
endings’’ after each individual episode. This technique is used to portray a pivotal plot event
at the end of the show, yet not show the ending which would carry over to the next episode.
This will add the suspense and force viewers to wait for the next episode in order to find out
the climax of the sequence. This may form a habit after a few episodes and thus create a
permanent audience, fixed on the plot and now too involved not to miss the next ‘cliff-hanger’
and thus continue watching soaps, adding to their popularity.