DOUGLAS SNAUFFER is an accomplished scriptwriter and producer whose work has aired on the Sci-Fi Channel. He writes frequently on subjects related to television and film for several publications, including the Akron Beacon Journal and the magazines Starlog and Fangoria.

Using more sophisticated production techniques than their daytime equivalents, prime time soap operas have been a part of American television since 1946, though they did not hit their prime (no pun intended) until later. Following the history of these shows tells us much about the changing medium of television, the development of American entertainment and social tastes, and how the two inter-relate. Prime time soap operas have been both followers and leaders of television and cultural trends. This book will be of interest to media scholars, as well as those of us who just enjoy the weekly drama of these ongoing shows.

• PrefaceAcknowledgments1 The Road to Dallas, 1946–792 Catfights, Cul-de-Sacs, and Cliffhangers, 1980–893 Teens, Temptations, and Turmoil, 1990–994 Friends, Family, and the Folks Next Door, 2000–2009Index

DOUGLAS SNAUFFER is an accomplished scriptwriter and producer whose work has aired on the Sci-Fi Channel. He writes frequently on subjects related to television and film for several publications, including the Akron Beacon Journal and the magazines Starlog and Fangoria.

Using more sophisticated production techniques than their daytime equivalents, prime time soap operas have been a part of American television since 1946, though they did not hit their prime (no pun intended) until later. Following the history of these shows tells us much about the changing medium of television, the development of American entertainment and social tastes, and how the two inter-relate. Prime time soap operas have been both followers and leaders of television and cultural trends. This book will be of interest to media scholars, as well as those of us who just enjoy the weekly drama of these ongoing shows.

• PrefaceAcknowledgments1 The Road to Dallas, 1946–792 Catfights, Cul-de-Sacs, and Cliffhangers, 1980–893 Teens, Temptations, and Turmoil, 1990–994 Friends, Family, and the Folks Next Door, 2000–2009Index

DOUGLAS SNAUFFER is an accomplished scriptwriter and producer whose work has aired on the Sci-Fi Channel. He writes frequently on subjects related to television and film for several publications, including the Akron Beacon Journal and the magazines Starlog and Fangoria.

Using more sophisticated production techniques than their daytime equivalents, prime time soap operas have been a part of American television since 1946, though they did not hit their prime (no pun intended) until later. Following the history of these shows tells us much about the changing medium of television, the development of American entertainment and social tastes, and how the two inter-relate. Prime time soap operas have been both followers and leaders of television and cultural trends. This book will be of interest to media scholars, as well as those of us who just enjoy the weekly drama of these ongoing shows.

• PrefaceAcknowledgments1 The Road to Dallas, 1946–792 Catfights, Cul-de-Sacs, and Cliffhangers, 1980–893 Teens, Temptations, and Turmoil, 1990–994 Friends, Family, and the Folks Next Door, 2000–2009Index