Best of Daytime Soap Operas in 2024

Check out my thoughts below on the Best of Daytime Soap Operas in 2024.

BEST SOAP
General Hospital

The average episode of GH was typically somewhere between good and very good during 2024. From the dramatic and poignant deaths of Spencer, Gregory and Sam to the excellent returns of Lucky, Ric and Lulu, the stories were the most "must-B&B in the genre.

MOST CONSISTENTLY INCONSISTENT SOAP
The Bold and the Beautiful

B&B continued to revolve around Ridge, Brooke, Steffy and Hope in 2024. The characters were sometimes maddening but mostly consistent with their histories. The stories made us invest in watching the show every day but you never knew when an about-face might happen. Like Luna, the innocent young heroine who we later learned was a mudererer. Or Thomas suddently being over Hope after years of obsessing. The turns felt jarring, and like the writers changed course mid-stream. But tune in any day and it feels like you were watching B&B, your story, and that's a win after 37 years.

BEST PERFORMANCES
Sharon Case (Sharon, The Young and the Restless)
Case delivered one riveting performance after another leading up to Heather's death and then the fallout.

Today in Soap Opera History (September 1)

1976: Ryan's Hope's Jack was annoyed with Little John.
1981: The Edge of Night's Nadine called out her daughter, Raven.
1981: General Hospital's Heather defended herself to Burt.
2004: As the World Turns' Barbara was determined to get her son.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Joe Haskell (Joel Crothers) told Carolyn Stoddard (Nancy Barrett) about David Collins' crystal ball's prediction. Burke Devline (Mitchell Ryan) investigated Bill Malloys' disappearance, certain that he had incriminating evidence against Roger Collins and Sam Evans (David Ford). Sam believed everyone in the entire town was headed towards death.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 27)

1976: Ryan's Hope's Frank realized his campaign was over.
1992: All My Children's Nick returned.
1996: Another World's Fax was ready to kill again.
2010: As the World Turns' Henry and Barbara married.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On The Doctors, Dr. Nick Bellini (Gerald Gordon) and Dr. Althea Davis (Elizabeth Hubbard) talked about marrying. Both spoke of the changing times-Nick the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy; Althea the 1967 death of her son, Buddy Davis. Meanwhile, Steve (David O'Brien) and Karen (Laryssa Lauret) also headed towards marriage, if not a romantic one.

Thanks to Scott for sending in the item above.

1974: On Another World, Steve (George Reinholt) talked Janice (Victoria Thompson) into staying in Bay City.

1976: On Ryan's Hope, Frank Ryan's family tried to console him with his campaign likely in shambles.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 23)

1960: Alan was unhappy with Susan on The Secret Storm.
1984: Jonathan had Nola Star Trek style fantasy on Guiding Light.
2000: Jensen Ackles made his last appearance on Days of our Lives.
2006: Jeffrey Carlson debuted as Zarf on All My Children.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1960: On The Secret Storm, Bryan Fuller (Carl King) was invited over for dinner with Susan (Mary Foskett) and Alan Dunbar (James Vickery), who was less than thrilled about it.

Find out more about The Secret Storm in Remembering Woodbridge: A History of the Late, Great 'Secret Storm'.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 22)

1960: As the World Turns' Grace wanted to help her son.
1979: Guiding Light's Holly received a marriage proposal.
1986: Young and Restless aired the "It's OK to Say No" concert.
1986: Days of our Lives' Marlena and "Roman" were remarried.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1955: On The Brighter Day, Lydia's (Murial Williams) romantic life suffered as she became more stressed over her desire to confess that she had taken the silver clock.

1960: On As the World Turns, Dr. Cassen (Nat Polen) explained to Penny Hughes Baker (Rosemary Prinz) that he couldn't keep her husband, Jeff, at the hospital against his will. Meanwhile, Jeff's mother, Grace Baker (Frances Reid), was upset that she wasn't allowed to see her son, and wasn't convinced Jeff needed to be hospitalized, but Chris Hughes (Don MacLaughlin) put her in her place.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 18)

1980: Edge of Night's Draper saw himself in the newspaper.
1980: General Hospital's Monica goaded Lesley into a slap.
1981: Guiding Light's Morgan and Kelly married at Laurel Falls.
1988: As the World Turns' Hank came out to Iva.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1899: Actress and writer Bess Flynn was born. She was on the writing team of Irna Phillips' Painted Dreams, the first ever daytime soap opera in 1930. Both Flynn and Phillips played the role of Mother Moynihan. Flynn went on to wrote for three other soaps: We The Abbotts, Bachelor's Children and Martha Webster (she also played the title role).

1978: On One Life to Live, Richard (David Reilly) and Becky (Jill Voight) were trapped at the lake during a storm.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 16)

1957: CBS aired the last episode of daytime soap Valiant Lady.
1985: General Hospital's Celia and Jimmy Lee married.
2007: Guiding Light's Olivia ran into Reva during Josh's wedding.
2007: One Life to Live's Asa Buchanan died.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1957: The final episode of daytime soap opera Valiant Lady aired on CBS radio and television. The show, which debuted in 1953, was a follow up to the radio soap opera of the same name that ran from 1938 to 1952. Flora Campbell starred as Helen Emerson during the show's final three years.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 13)

1982: Days of our Lives' Jessica and Joshua were married.
1984: A Martinez debuted as Cruz on Santa Barbara.
1993: Maurice Benard debuted as Sonny on General Hospital.
2001: Bold and the Beautiful's Tony told Kristen he was HIV+.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Adam (Robert Rodan) vowed to kill Victoria, the woman Barnabas loved, unless Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) made someone for him to love.

1980: On The Edge of Night, April (Terry Davis) confronted Emily (Margo McKenna) with the fact that "Kirk Michaels" was dead.

'The Bold and the Beautiful' Spoilers (August 12-16, 2019)

What's happening on The Bold and the Beautiful this week? Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out.

Monday, August 12
Wyatt makes a heartfelt apology to Sally after filling her in on Flo's deceit; a distraught Steffy is in disbelief that Phoebe is being taken away from her.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 11)

1986: Another World's Zane Lindquist died after being shot.
1998: Guiding Light's Dolly the clone after taking an aging formula.
1999: Sunset Beach's Ricardo vowed to get revenge.
2010: General Hospital's Brenda returned.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1967: ABC broadcast Dark Shadows in black and while for the final time. The episode was actually the first one taped in color but ABC aired it in black and white (a Friday episode). Having fainted at the sight of Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid), Maggie (Kathryn Leigh Scott) began to remember what happened to her. Before she could reveal Barnabas' vampiric activity, she was placed under a hypnotic spell by Julia Hoffman (Grayson Hall).

Soap of the Week Poll (August 5-9, 2019)

It is time to vote in our new Soap of the Week reader poll! Vote for the daytime drama, actor, actress and couple that were your favorites this week. In our last poll, Days of our Lives was voted the favorite show by our readers for the 31st week in a row. Days' Robert Scott Wilson (Ben) and Victoria Konefal (Ciara) were favorite actor and actress, while Days' Ciara & Ben were favorite couple.

You can vote for your favorites below (one vote per person per day). This week's poll closes on Tuesday, August 13 at 4 p.m. ET.

Soap of the Week Results (July 15-19, 2019): 'Days of our Lives' Tops Poll for 31st Consecutive Week

The results are in from the We Love Soaps "Soap of the Week" poll for July 15-19, 2019. NBC's Days of our Lives was voted favorite soap opera for the 31st week in a row.

ABC's General Hospital came in second, followed by CBS' The Young and the Restless.

The Favorite Couple this week was Days' Ciara & Ben. Day's Robert Scott Wilson (Ben) and Victoria Konefal (Ciara) were Favorite Actor and Favorite Actress.

Check out the complete show rankings below as well as the Top 15 favorite couples, actors and actresses.

RANK	SHOW	LAST WEEK	TOP 3
1	Days of our Lives (NBC)	1	441
2	General Hospital (ABC)	2	344
3	The Young and the Restless (CBS)	3	201
4	The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)	4	175

Daytime Nielsen Ratings: Week of July 15-19. 2019

The Live + Same Day daytime Nielsen ratings are in for the week of July 15-19, 2019. Despite some uptick in the demos, The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful and Days of our Lives all gained viewers week over week, though Y&R and B&B hit new all-time lows in Women 18-49 demo. B&B also hit a new low in Women 18-34.

Check out a breakdown below of the daytime soap opera Nielsen ratings by category:

Total Viewers (versus previous week/versus same week last year)
1. The Young and the Restless 3,769,000 (+10,000/-356,000)
2. The Bold and the Beautiful 3,120,000 (+36,000/-274,000)
3. General Hospital 2,101,000 (-84,000/-346,000)
4. Days of our Lives 2,000,000 (+21,000/-129,000)

Today in Soap Opera History (August 1)

1980: Another World's Tracey and Russ married.
1984: Santa Barbara's Joe spotted his true love, Kelly.
1997: Rebecca Herbst debuted as Elizabeth on General Hospital.
2001: Spyder Games' Gretel performed.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) asked David (David Henesy) why he attempted to murder Roger and showed him the bleeder valve. He attacked her and she locked it in a dresser drawer. Later, Victoria went to show the bleeder valve to Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) it was missing.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 30)

On the same day (and time slot), Guiding Light's Reva Shayne declared herself "The Slut of Springfield" and Santa Barbara premiered.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1957: NBC Radio aired the final episode of Hilltop House. The show had run on and off since November 1, 1937.

1968: On Dark Shadows, after trying and failing to kill Barnabas (Jonathan Frid), Cassandra (Lara Parker) continued to age rapidly, thanks to Nicholas.

1973: On The Doctors, Dr. Mike Powers (Peter Burnell) assured Penny Davis (Julia Duffy) that she did not cause any of his troubles.

'The Bold and the Beautiful' Spoilers (July 29-August 2, 2019)

What's happening on The Bold and the Beautiful this week? Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out.

Monday, July 29
Thomas becomes agitated when Hope waxes on about Douglas on their honeymoon; Douglas gives Liam startling information about Beth.

Today in Soap Opera History (July 25)

1988: Days of our Lives' Kayla and Steve got married.
1991: Another World's Felicia married Lucas.
1991: Jensen Buchanan debuted as Vicky on Another World.
1994: A tornado hit All My Children's Pine Valley.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On Dark Shadows, Victoria (Alexandra Moltke) accused Elizabeth (Joan Bennett) of knowing something about her past.

1968: On Peyton Place, Rodney Harrington (Ryan O'Neal) was brought into the emergency room following his motorcycle crash.

Daytime Nielsen Ratings: New Lows for 'The Young and the Restless,' 'General Hospital' and 'The Bold and the Beautiful'

The Live + Same Day daytime Nielsen ratings are in for the week of July 1-5, 2019. Despite some uptick in the demos, The Young and the Restless hit a new all-time low for the second week in a row with an average of 3.849 million viewers. General Hospital also reached new record lows with only 2.073 million viewers and 285,000 women ages 18-49 tuning in. The Bold and the Beautiful also hit a new women 18-49 low with an average of 298,000. Days of our Lives made slight gains in viewers and the demos.

Check out a breakdown below of the daytime soap opera Nielsen ratings by category:

Total Viewers (versus previous week/versus same week last year)
1. The Young and the Restless 3,849,000 (-57,000/-261,000)
2. The Bold and the Beautiful 3,085,000 (-222,000/-312,000)
3. General Hospital 2,073,000 (-122,000/-317,000)
4. Days of our Lives 1,988,000 (+13,000/-174,000)

'The Bold and the Beautiful' Spoilers (July 22-26, 2019)

What's happening on The Bold and the Beautiful next week? Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out.

Monday, July 22
Hope contemplates her next move after Phoebe interrupts her vows with Thomas; Liam becomes alarmed after overhearing a private conversation between Thomas and Flo.

Soap of the Week Poll (July 15-19, 2019)

It is time to vote in our new Soap of the Week reader poll! Vote for the daytime drama, actor, actress and couple that were your favorites this week. In our last poll, Days of our Lives was voted the favorite show by our readers for the 30th week in a row. Days' Chandler Massey (Will) and Camila Banus (Gabi) were favorite actor and actress, while Days' Will & Sonny were favorite couple.

You can vote for your favorites below (one vote per person per day). This week's poll closes on Monday, July 22 at 4 p.m. ET.