411 on Soaps

The countdown until the last air date of Guiding Light has officially begun today as the cast and crew taped the last eppy. I think it is safe to assume that tears were shed and laughs were had, but also that the slamming of the proverbial door is close upon the actors and actresses we have been watching for decades.

This the end of a soap opera era. Even local media is paying attention! After 75 years on the air, someone should be. Maybe someone should have been paying attention to what the fans were saying and this wouldn’t be happening to GL at all. Chances are, the show jut ran its course and it was time to turn on the light. However, when the camera shots got weird and it became obvious even to fans that the GL budget was tight, we could all see the end was near.

I was a faithful viewer for 25 years when I stopped watching for the reasons mentioned above, along with thousands of other fans. After hearing about the shows cancellation, I decided to start watching again. The show is so good now, camera funk and all, it breaks my heart to see it go.

I also find myself pondering what plans the actors and actresses have for the future? Rumors are swirling! So far Crystal Chappell is the only actress coming from the cancellation that has inked a new deal with another show. This has me worried, soap fans. Is this also the end of our favorite vet’s careers? Is there room in the remaining soaps for this influx of not-so-fresh meat?

In addition, I fear for the future of all soaps. If the longest running daytime drama (75 years) can be canceled, what next?