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Guiding Light switching off

53 years on television, and 72 years including its radio run, but the world's longest running soap is about to be snuffed out.

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guidinglightLooks like CBS just got the concept of Earth Hour. They are switching off the lights at Guiding Light. Permanantly.

Guiding Light, a soapie which started on radio in 1937 and later on television in 1956, looks set to end its 72 year combined run.

Ratings have fallen 25% in the past year following a radical change in production model designed to make the series more cost-effective.

“Guiding Light has achieved a piece of television history that will never be matched; it has crossed mediums, adapted its stories to decades of social change and woven its way through generations of audiences like no other,” said Nancy Tellem, president, CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group.

“This daytime icon will always be an indelible part of CBS’ history, with a legacy of innovation and reputation for quality and excellence at every step of the way. While its presence will be missed, its contributions will always be celebrated and never be forgotten.”

Barbara Bloom, head of daytime for CBS, added, “No show in daytime or primetime, or any time, has touched so many millions of viewers across so many years.”

Many successful actors got their start on the soap including James Earl Jones, Calista Flockhart, Hayden Panettiere, Kevin Bacon and Taye Diggs.

Procter & Gamble, which produces the show, is not giving up on Light, however. The company said it will explore other possibilities for keeping the show alive. An online version and a cable network are both possibilities.

Daytime soaps in the US are struggling as a genre and far more expensive than talk or chat shows to produce.

Bizarrely, CBS announced the cancellation on April 1st.

Source: TV Week

9 Responses

  1. I used to watch Guiding Light on Foxtel and would still be if it aired .I enjoyed it .It screened along with many other soaps and I knew it was the longest running .I remember the promos recorded for Australian audiences only. It was a good stage of Foxtel programming .not like it is these days. They care much more about GL in America and one of the many channels will save the show .
    But what about here ???

  2. Most fans wouldn’t have cared as much if this happened a few months ago, but GL has had the most amazing turn around in the last month. The new production model is still an issue, but storyline wise, it’s right up there in terms of quality.

    On the topic of Days, it’s doing quite well and is actually gaining viewers, so it’s looking good right now.

  3. That whole era of the 40s and 50s where radio serals became tv shows facinates me. Ofcouse this show was rearley seen here, but still sad to hears it eneded. i used to watch Search for Tomorrow, which was made by the same company and was the longest running show to end when it ended, then Guilding Light took up the mantle. I think ,now that mantle will be passed to As the World Turns.

  6. Wow, I never thought I would see the day when GL was cancelled. This does not bode well for any of the other US daytime soaps. It’s a shame, GL lost it’s way there for a while but has really picked up again recently.

  8. Geez, that’s a real shock considering how long it went on for.

    Although one wonders how many times they could repeat the same plots non stop – especially after many decades.

    The outlook for Daytime soaps isn’t good…..I’ve heard many rumours that Days of Our Lives will go when their contract finishes next year.

    If that’s the case then daytime tv in Australia will sink into a black hole considering the massive fan base that show has here.

    I think the only 2 shows that have really weathered the storm over the years are The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful – both made by the same company and both have stuck to their story strengths.

    Wouldn’t surprise me if another long running show goes very soon..watch this space!

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