Daytime Serials were very popular in the 60s, 70s, and even today- although many have been cancelled with a product from the 'reality' show phenomenon. However, the replacements of a talk show or cooking show have a lot to be desired.
Soap Operas, similar to radio serials such as The Lone Ranger, had much to offer their audiences. They were basic with their story telling. When I was a kid, I couldn't wait to see either All My Children or One Life to Live. I'd hop on my bike and ride to the home of a neighborhood housewife where I knew she would let me watch them with her, complete with a plate of cookies and hot tea.
I learned a lot from the stories. There were elements of all good story construction unfolding everyday. The plot was a series of cause and effect, the characters had flaws, and the themes were universal. They were all encompassing of the human condition: secrets, lies, joy, love, passion, greed and power. What wouldn't a ten year old who loved books not like about seeing a story splayed out through theatrics and drama?
Many followed soaps to the extent of having a loyal connection with those living in a fictional small town, not unlike the one you'd live in yourself. My grandpa Holton, who was a gruff man and rough around the edges, would insist that you not call him when his "story" was on. To interrupt his Days of Our Lives meant a terse response over the phone.
If studied, the daytime serials were rather groundbreaking, both in their place in television history and being the first to broach controversial issues. In the 1970s and 80s, social issues of the time were not portrayed so much in the forefront of main stream media. Such current issues that were developed in the storylines of daytime soap operas opened up discussion and dialogue. Women characters were actually lawyers and doctors and not just housewives. Teenagers were confronted with the temptation of drugs and the destructive implications for the entire family. The first HIV/AIDS story line ( a woman who contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion) was introduced on All My Children. Ultimately, the good and bad of being human was on display for everyone's entertainment and conversation.
I comfortably connected with those serials. I think the simple, effective way they presented a story sunk into my literary psyche of what it took to tell and write a story myself. For the most part, throughout the ages, people just plain like and purely enjoy a good story...which sure beats a cooking show on how to make a breakfast cereal of bran and raisins any day.