The Conventions of the Soap Opera Genre with Reference to at Least Two Programmes

The Conventions of the Soap Opera Genre with Reference to at Least Two Programmes

The soap opera genre originated in America in the 1930s as a radio

programme. It was targeted at housewives who tuned in while doing

their household chores. Soaps included many domestic issues to keep

the audience interested. The name “soaps” came from advertising slots

between programmes. As the soaps were aimed at housewives, the

adverts mainly consisted of products of a domestic nature.

“Coronation Street” was Britain’s second soap, following “The

Groves”. It began in 1960 and is set in Weatherfield, Manchester. It

is a successful soap that has been running for over 40 years.

“Eastenders” is a more recent addition to the genre that first started

in Britain in 1982 and is set in Albert Square, London.

Both “Coronation Street” and “Eastenders” soaps are about day-to-day

life in the city for working class citizens. They refer to real life

issues but are very overdramatic and plots are exaggerated. These

qualities keep the audience interested and make the programme more

exciting, addictive and enjoyable to watch.

The soap opera genre has been a successful genre. This can be

measured by the very high audience figures that the leading soap

operas regularly achieve. The fact that for instance “Coronation

Street” has been running for 43 years also demonstrates the success of

the genre. In this essay I will address the conventions of the soap

opera in the context of this high level of success having determined a

set of common characteristics that have resulted in a winning formula

for success: it is exactly because of the demand for success t...

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...s are there to keep older viewers

involved in the action of the soap and to help keep them aware of what

is currently happening in the soap, especially if they have missed a

number of episodes.

Photographic style-

The photography in soaps helps the audience to see the setting at the

same time as the characters, making it all seem more realistic. Few

people in a shot at a time ensures that the audience do not become

confused with what is happening at any one time throughout the

episode. Close-up shots on a characters face show us what that

character is thinking through their facial expression, causing the

audience to feel as if they know the character.

All of these aspects have ensured viewers keep watching soaps and with

these successful conventions the soap opera genre will last for many

years to come.