Soap Operas TV Shows
The best ever quiz on Soap Operas! Enjoy!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Soap operas were intended for and consumed by whom?
- A.
Office workers
- B.
Factory workers
- C.
Housewives
- D.
Teens
Correct Answer
C. HousewivesExplanation
Soap operas were intended for and consumed by housewives. Soap operas gained popularity during the mid-20th century when many women were homemakers and stayed at home. These television dramas provided a form of entertainment and escapism for housewives who often had limited social interactions and relied on television for entertainment during the day. Soap operas typically focused on domestic and relationship issues, which resonated with the experiences and interests of housewives. Therefore, it can be inferred that housewives were the primary target audience for soap operas.Rate this question:
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- 2.
How is it understood that every soap opera episode ends?
- A.
Happily
- B.
Badly
- C.
To be continued
- D.
Mysteriously
Correct Answer
C. To be continuedExplanation
Soap operas are known for their ongoing storylines and cliffhangers, which keep viewers engaged and wanting more. Therefore, it is commonly understood that every soap opera episode ends with the phrase "To be continued," indicating that the story will continue in the next episode. This creates suspense and anticipation for the viewers, ensuring that they will tune in for the next installment.Rate this question:
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- 3.
How often do daytime soap operas air?
- A.
Three days a week
- B.
Five days a week
- C.
On the weekends
- D.
Mondays and Fridays
Correct Answer
B. Five days a weekExplanation
Daytime soap operas air five days a week. This means that they are broadcasted from Monday to Friday. Soap operas are known for their daily episodes, which often follow ongoing storylines and character developments. Airing five days a week allows viewers to follow the narrative consistently and stay engaged with the show's plot.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Why are daytime serial dramas called "soap operas"?
- A.
The original sponsors were soap companies
- B.
The stories are fun and bubbly
- C.
People watched in laundromats
- D.
The stories include cleaning tips
Correct Answer
A. The original sponsors were soap companiesExplanation
Daytime serial dramas are called "soap operas" because the original sponsors of these shows were soap companies. These companies would advertise their soap products during the show, hence the term "soap opera" was coined.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What do evening soaps have that daytime soaps do not?
- A.
Commercial breaks
- B.
End-of-season cliffhangers
- C.
Subtitles
- D.
Guest stars
Correct Answer
B. End-of-season cliffhangersExplanation
Evening soaps have end-of-season cliffhangers that daytime soaps do not. End-of-season cliffhangers are dramatic plot twists or unresolved storylines that occur at the end of a season, leaving viewers in suspense until the next season begins. Daytime soaps, on the other hand, typically have ongoing storylines that continue without major breaks or cliffhangers between seasons.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What sitcom ran from 1977 to 1981 and poked fun at soap operas?
- A.
Dallas
- B.
Soap
- C.
All In The Family
- D.
The Cosby Show
Correct Answer
B. SoapExplanation
The correct answer is "Soap" because it ran from 1977 to 1981 and was a sitcom that specifically parodied and made fun of soap operas.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What role does Susan Lucci play on "All My Children?"
- A.
Taylor Fargate
- B.
Colby Chandler
- C.
Erica Kane
- D.
Ava Benton
Correct Answer
C. Erica KaneExplanation
Susan Lucci plays the role of Erica Kane on "All My Children."Rate this question:
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- 8.
What primetime soap opera featured John Forsythe as Blake Carrington?
- A.
Dallas
- B.
Dynasty
- C.
Knots Landing
- D.
Falcon Crest
Correct Answer
B. DynastyExplanation
Dynasty is the correct answer because it is the primetime soap opera that featured John Forsythe as Blake Carrington. Dallas, Knots Landing, and Falcon Crest are other popular primetime soap operas, but they do not feature John Forsythe as the character Blake Carrington.Rate this question:
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- 9.
In 1940, what percent of commercially-sponsored daytime radio broadcast hours was soaps?
- A.
20
- B.
90
- C.
50
- D.
10
Correct Answer
B. 90Explanation
In 1940, the correct answer is 90. This means that 90% of commercially-sponsored daytime radio broadcast hours were dedicated to soap operas. This suggests that soap operas were extremely popular during that time and were a significant part of the radio broadcast industry.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What primetime cliffhanger inspired the "Who shot J.R?" tagline for the next season?
- A.
Falcon Crest
- B.
Desperate Housewives
- C.
Dallas
- D.
Knot's Landing
Correct Answer
C. DallasExplanation
The correct answer is Dallas. The primetime cliffhanger that inspired the "Who shot J.R?" tagline for the next season was from the TV show Dallas. The show's character J.R. Ewing was shot in the season finale, leaving viewers in suspense over the summer break. This cliffhanger became a cultural phenomenon and sparked widespread speculation and anticipation for the next season.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Originally, how long were radio soap opera broadcasts before they were 30 minutes?
- A.
One hour
- B.
15 minutes
- C.
60 seconds
- D.
90 minutes
Correct Answer
B. 15 minutesExplanation
Before radio soap opera broadcasts became 30 minutes long, they were originally 15 minutes long. This means that the broadcasts were shorter in duration compared to the current standard length. The shift to a longer duration could have been influenced by various factors such as audience demand, storytelling requirements, or advertising considerations.Rate this question:
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- 12.
In what medium did soap operas begin?
- A.
Television
- B.
Newspapers
- C.
Magazines
- D.
Radio
Correct Answer
D. RadioExplanation
Soap operas began in the medium of radio. This is because radio was one of the earliest forms of mass media and provided a platform for storytelling through audio dramas. Soap operas got their name from the soap advertisements that were often featured during these radio programs. The format of daily or weekly serialized dramas with ongoing storylines and recurring characters became popular on radio and eventually transitioned to other mediums such as television.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Why were there no television soaps in the UK until 1970?
- A.
Government restrictions
- B.
There was no daytime television
- C.
People work all day
- D.
There were no advertisers
Correct Answer
B. There was no daytime televisionExplanation
The absence of daytime television in the UK until 1970 is the reason why there were no television soaps during that time. Since there was no programming during the day, there was no opportunity for soap operas to be broadcasted. Soap operas typically air during daytime hours, targeting primarily stay-at-home viewers, and without daytime television, there was no suitable time slot for these shows to be aired.Rate this question:
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- 14.
In what year did Susan Lucci begin her career on "All My Children"?
- A.
1960
- B.
1970
- C.
1958
- D.
1977
Correct Answer
B. 1970Explanation
Susan Lucci began her career on "All My Children" in 1970. This means that she started working on the show during this year.Rate this question:
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- 15.
From 1977 through 1983, what special awards honored soap operas?
- A.
Soapy Awards
- B.
Procter & Gamble Awards
- C.
Lever Brothers Awards
- D.
Daytime Emmys
Correct Answer
A. Soapy AwardsExplanation
The correct answer is the Soapy Awards. From 1977 through 1983, these awards specifically recognized and honored soap operas.Rate this question:
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- 16.
"Knots Landing" was a spinoff of what popular primetime soap?
- A.
Falcon Crest
- B.
Dallas
- C.
Dynasty
- D.
The Carringtons
Correct Answer
B. DallasExplanation
"Knots Landing" was a spinoff of the popular primetime soap "Dallas." This spinoff focused on the lives of characters living in a fictional coastal suburb of Los Angeles, while "Dallas" centered around the Ewing family and their oil empire in Texas. The success of "Dallas" prompted the creation of "Knots Landing," which went on to become one of the longest-running primetime dramas in American television history.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What is the world's longest running radio soap opera?
- A.
As The World Turns
- B.
Days Of Our Lives
- C.
Crossroads
- D.
The Archers
Correct Answer
D. The ArchersExplanation
The Archers is the correct answer because it is the world's longest running radio soap opera. It first aired in 1950 and is still being broadcasted today, making it one of the longest running radio programs in history. The show is set in the fictional village of Ambridge and follows the lives of the residents, exploring various storylines and issues. The Archers has gained a dedicated fan base over the years and continues to be a popular and enduring radio drama.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What soap was the highest-rated program in the UK during the 1980s?
- A.
EastEnders
- B.
The Archers
- C.
The Doctors
- D.
Brookside
Correct Answer
A. EastEndersExplanation
During the 1980s, EastEnders was the highest-rated soap opera in the UK. It gained immense popularity for its realistic portrayal of working-class life in the fictional borough of Walford, East London. The show tackled various social issues and featured compelling storylines that resonated with audiences. Its engaging characters and dramatic plot twists captivated viewers, making it a favorite among British households and earning it the title of the highest-rated program of the decade.Rate this question:
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- 19.
For how many years was actress Helen Wagnerpart of the cast of "As the World Turns"?
- A.
54
- B.
18
- C.
28
- D.
29
Correct Answer
A. 54Explanation
Helen Wagner was part of the cast of "As the World Turns" for 54 years.Rate this question:
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- 20.
On what soap did actress Rachel Ames play the role of Audrey Hardy?
- A.
Days Of Our Lives
- B.
All My Children
- C.
General Hospital
- D.
Ryan's Hope
Correct Answer
C. General HospitalExplanation
Rachel Ames played the role of Audrey Hardy on the soap opera General Hospital.Rate this question:
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- 21.
On "Dallas," who played the part of Jenna Wade?
- A.
Barbara Bel Geddes
- B.
Priscilla Presley
- C.
Victoria Principal
- D.
Charlene Tilton
Correct Answer
B. Priscilla PresleyExplanation
Priscilla Presley played the part of Jenna Wade on the TV show "Dallas." She joined the cast in 1983 and portrayed the character until 1988. Priscilla Presley is an American actress and businesswoman, best known for her marriage to Elvis Presley. Her portrayal of Jenna Wade was well-received by audiences and contributed to the success of the show.Rate this question:
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- 22.
What radio soap was the first to make the transition to television?
- A.
The Guiding Light
- B.
Search For Tomorrow
- C.
As The World Turns
- D.
Days Of Our Lives
Correct Answer
A. The Guiding LightExplanation
The Guiding Light was the first radio soap to make the transition to television. This show originally aired on the radio in 1937 and then made its television debut in 1952. It was a popular soap opera that followed the lives of the Bauer family and their friends in the fictional town of Springfield. The transition to television allowed the show to reach a wider audience and paved the way for other radio soaps to make the same transition.Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Feb 16, 2015Quiz Created by
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