Exploring My First Soap Opera at Age 27: A Heartfelt Reflection

Yasmin Rufo

I spent eight hours glued to soap operas this week. I admit that before diving into these shows, I had no prior experience with them. But once I got started, it was hard to pull away.

To begin with, there were plenty of plot twists and unexpected turns in the storylines. For instance, Phil Mitchell’s depression storyline left me curious about how it would unfold by the end of the week. And seeing characters like Betsy from Coronation Street go through their teenage angst was quite relatable.

The longevity of these shows is also something to admire. From Emmerdales 10,000th episode marking a milestone in May 2024 to EastEnders celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, it’s clear that the soap opera genre has stood the test of time.

However, there are also aspects that make soaps challenging for modern audiences. For example, some young viewers like Ryan prefer shows with more positive storylines and less doom-and-gloom content compared to EastEnders. Moreover, he appreciates how Emmerdale reflects rural life rather than focusing solely on London.

In conclusion, while I might not continue watching soaps after this week, it’s fascinating to see the appeal they have for long-time viewers. The ability of these shows to keep evolving and resonating with audiences over decades is indeed impressive.