The world will no longer turn as of September 2010. CBS announced this week the cancellation of the long running soap, "As The World Turns". The show will come to a close next year after airing over 13,000 episodes spanning 54 years.
Beginning in the 1930s, Procter and Gamble popularized the "soap opera", 15 minute radio dramas designed to sell their products, most prominently Ivory Soap, (99 and 44/100 % pure!). As television service expanded in the 50s, several radio shows were moved over to TV with great success. In 1956, As The World Turns premiered as the first soap to run for 30 minutes. Critics were not sure if a show that long could succeed, but in 1958 ATWT took the number one daytime spot and held that position for the next 20 years, a record that will likely never be broken.
The show centered on the Hughes family in fictional Oakdale, Illinois; Chris, a lawyer, his wife Nancy, and Grandpa Hughes. Helen Wagner, now 91, has portrayed Nancy Hughes since the show's beginning and is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the longest running character played by one actor on television. On November 22,1963, CBS viewers first learned of the Kennedy assassination when Walter Cronkite interrupted the live broadcast of ATWT with the first bulletin. The actors continued with the show and did not learn of the tragedy until the end of the broadcast.
As The World Turns introduced one of television's most popular "bad girls", Lisa, portrayed by Eileen Fulton. Beginning in 1960, most of the drama in Oakdale centered around Lisa, She was married eight times, divorced three times, and widowed four times. Her main foil was the kindly Dr. Bob Hughes of Memorial Hospital who would later become one of Lisa's many husbands. Actor Don Hastings has been Dr. Bob since 1960, after getting his start playing the teenaged video ranger on the DuMont "Captain Video" series.
The show has evolved with the times, adding many new characters but still featuring the original family from time to time. Recently, the show even featured the first gay kiss on daytime TV. The cancellation of As The World Turns brings to an end the era of sponsor owned daytime television. In its heyday, Procter and Gamble owned 20 different daytime soaps, and with changes in society, the audience has gradually disappeared. Housewives are no longer sitting around watching TV to figure out to get their laundry whiter than white. CBS has not yet said what will replace the show, but it is widely assumed to be another game show.
Comments
This is crazy first Guiding Light and now As The world Turns. I have watched both of these soaps for over 30 years. This was the only thing on that is good during the day and now CBS has cancelled both of my favorate stories to put game shows on i will not be tuning in to CBS anymore they have lost me as an everyday viewer. so i say so long As the world turns and Guiding Light i will miss you. One of your favorate fans..........
No wonder ratings are down. I have loved it for years but think the storyline re Brad's ghost is ridiculous!
Granted that I have not watched Daytime soaps since college, some 20 years ago - it always brings sadness when I hear things like this - it's always that "end of an era" feeling. The world has changed so much, from moms that used to stay home (or college kids in those days) and watch soaps...now with the advent of technology and different mindsets - it seems like what is still enjoyed by many has become obsolete. Though I rarely watch daytime tv...I too will mourn the loss of yet another daytime icon. Great article!!!
the ratings are said to have gone down. Hmmm should anyone mention to the broadcast station that most poeple in today's lifestyle has a DVR to record their favs during the day while they work. Also should someone mention by doing this, everyone who records their shows does not get counted as watching through the ratings. maybe if they were counted then maybe perhaps they would see the ratings are much higher than before instead of the other way around. Wake up before it is too late people.
I have only been watching this soap for about 5 years, but it has been my favorite of all and I hate to see it go. Like others I don't watch it during the day, but I do DVR the program and watch it later that evening. Maybe will be get lucky and they will change their minds!!!!
I am a working woman and have been recording ATWT for the last 25 years. I remember watching it as a teenager growing up occasionally...my mom watched all the time.
I am so sad that it is going to be cancelled. I look forward to winding down before bed and watching my ATWT. Even hubby's been a pretty big watcher as well over those 25 years.
It's just been a staple in my household for over half my life. It was my "serenity" at the end of a hectic day.
I have been taping As The World Turns for over 25 years and I am so sad it will be over soon!!! It has always been there as a part of my life no matter what was happening. It took me through good and bad times. I shed many tears and laughed a lot all while watching this show. I can't believe that so many great shows get cancelled especially when I know so many people watch!!!!! It just stinks so bad and I am not ready to lose it!
DVR viewing will be counted under new Nielsen ratings guidelines starting January 1st. The numbers will be added to the ratings for same day DVR playbacks, we'll see if that results in a ratings increase. Here in Washington, As The World Turns is the weakest show in the CBS daytime lineup.
I have been watching ATWT for over 40 years. I am retired now, but taped it all the time I was working. I always looked forward to getting home from work, and relaxing in front of my favorite soap. Many people tape and DVR; I have enjoyed episodes on the computer when I was gone, also. I don't care for game shows at all, so CBS will lose my viewership completely. Is there anything we can do to stop this?
I am so saddened to hear about As The world Turns. It has been my favorite soap since I was a little girl watching it with my Mother
I feel like I know the Hughes very well. I know when The Guiding Light went off the air I never turned on Let's Make A Deal & that sure is the same when ATWT ended. It's a pity that CBS has went to HELL.
I have watching ATWT and GL since I was 11 years old. This is a sad day. I won't be setting the DVR to watch Game Shows thats 100% for sure.
the ratings are said to have gone down. Hmmm should anyone mention to the broadcast station that most poeple in today's lifestyle has a DVR to record their favs during the day while they work. Also should someone mention by doing this, everyone who records their shows does not get counted as watching through the ratings. maybe if they were counted then maybe perhaps they would see the ratings are much higher than before instead of the other way around. Wake up before it is too late people.
CBS has gone crazy. First GL, now ATWT. Please reconsider. CBS and Procter & Gamble should have a meeting and fire the headwriter Jean Passanante since she is in charge of the latest writing of ATWT. ATWT is a great soap. She should have kept the storylines of our beloved charecters like Bob, Kim, Nancy, Barbara, Susan, Emily, Holden, Lily [Martha Byrne], Emma, Jack and Carly and other Snyder family members. Oh how nice ATWT was for the Holidays, it just gave you that warm feeling. We want the Hughes family, the Stewarts and the Snyders. But all she does is give airtime to the new characters, characters that we do not care to see. How we miss Bob and Kim's home. Take the soryline when Bob was sick; it could have been written better. That is what the fans want. Please don't give up on ATWT. Christmas is ten days away, don't spoil our Christmas, please save our show and that will be the best gift we, the fans,j and all the people of ATWT could have.
My mother (84 yrs. old) has been watching (listening) to As the World Turns and Guiding Light since they were 15 minute radio shows! She has to be their biggest fan!
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