Jilted lovers, shocking crimes, juicy drama, and happy endings are all elements of riveting daytime television. This spring, join ABC and PEOPLE for a look at the unique serial genre during a two-hour prime-time special The Story of Soaps airing on Tuesday, May 19.
What’s happening:
- ABC and PEOPLE are exploring soap operas with their two-hour prime-time television event, The Story of Soaps
- The special program will highlight the iconic impact of the soap opera and will feature an incredible panel of experts.
- The Story of Soaps airs Tuesday, May 19 (9:00-11:00 pm EDT), on ABC.
About the special:
- The Story of Soaps takes a look at the unique genre of television that has laid deep roots into our cultural consciousness and serialized storytelling. In today’s shifting television landscape, The Story of Soaps traces how female creators migrated from radio to television to become the dominant force in daytime for more than three decades. Today, that legacy is alive and well all over prime time and reality, and much of what propels modern television traces its roots back to those first sprawling, steamy storylines.
Guest appearances:
- The Story of Soaps brings together nearly four dozen experts and familiar voices to help illustrate this remarkable story.
- Celebrity appearances include:
- Alec Baldwin
- Carol Burnett
- Andy Cohen
- Bryan Cranston
- Vivica A. Fox
- Jon Hamm
- Susan Lucci
- Denise Richards
- John Stamos
- Chandra Wilson
- Additional guest experts:
- Agnes Nixon, creator of All My Children
- Allan Sugarman, co-founder of Soap Opera Festivals Inc.
- David Jacobs, creator
- Jill Farren Phelps, executive producer
- Joyce Becker, co-founder of Soap Opera Festivals Inc.
- Ken Olin, executive producer
- Lorraine Broderick, head writer
- Marc Cherry, creator
- Mark Teschner, casting director
- Shelly Altman, head writer
- Yhane Smith, creator of “Harlem Queen”
- And many more!
ABC and PEOPLE:
- The Story of Soaps marks the third time that ABC and PEOPLE have partnered on a documentary event. Past television specials include:
- The Story of Diana, a two-night prime-time event that commemorated the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s tragic passing
- The Story of the Royals, a prime-time television event that documented the fascinating lives of the British royal family