If you’re a fan of the soap opera genre, you’ve likely enjoyed the long-running drama of General Hospital. This show has captivated audiences for decades with its blend of medical emergencies, romantic entanglements, and family secrets. Here are 12 other TV shows that will keep you glued to your screen with similar dramatic flair.
1. Days of Our Lives
Days of Our Lives is another iconic soap opera that has been on the air since 1965. It follows the lives, loves, and challenges of the residents of Salem. Starring Deidre Hall, Drake Hogestyn, and Alison Sweeney, this show is packed with emotional twists and turns.
2. The Young and the Restless
The Young and the Restless delves into the lives of the wealthy and powerful families in Genoa City. With a cast that includes Eric Braeden, Melody Thomas Scott, and Peter Bergman, this series is known for its gripping storylines and complex characters.
3. Bold and the Beautiful
Bold and the Beautiful centers around the glamorous fashion industry in Los Angeles. The Forrester family, led by patriarch Eric Forrester (John McCook), navigates personal and professional drama. Katherine Kelly Lang and Thorsten Kaye also star in this captivating series.
4. All My Children
All My Children is a classic soap opera that aired from 1970 to 2011. It follows the intertwining lives of residents in Pine Valley. Susan Lucci became a household name through her role as Erica Kane, alongside other notable actors like Michael E. Knight and David Canary.
5. One Life to Live
One Life to Live explores the diverse community of Llanview, Pennsylvania. The show, which ran for over 43 years, featured Erika Slezak as the iconic Victoria Lord. The series is known for addressing social issues alongside its dramatic plots.
6. As the World Turns
As the World Turns was a beloved soap opera that aired from 1956 to 2010. It focused on the lives of the Hughes family and other residents of the fictional town of Oakdale. Starring Helen Wagner, Don Hastings, and Eileen Fulton, this series was a staple of daytime TV.
7. Guiding Light
Guiding Light holds the record as the longest-running drama in television history, airing from 1952 to 2009. The show chronicled the lives of the Bauer, Spaulding, and Cooper families. Notable stars included Kim Zimmer, Robert Newman, and Beth Chamberlin.
8. Port Charles
Port Charles is a spin-off of General Hospital that aired from 1997 to 2003. The series focused on the medical staff and patients at General Hospital’s Port Charles branch. It starred Kelly Monaco, Michael Easton, and Lynn Herring, offering fans a familiar yet fresh take.
9. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara aired from 1984 to 1993 and revolved around the lives of the wealthy Capwell family. The show featured Marcy Walker, A Martinez, and Robin Wright in memorable roles. Its mix of romance, intrigue, and drama made it a fan favorite.
10. Passions
Passions brought a supernatural twist to the soap opera genre when it aired from 1999 to 2008. The series followed the lives of the residents of Harmony, including the Crane and Lopez-Fitzgerald families. Lindsay Hartley, Galen Gering, and Juliet Mills starred in this unique show.
11. Another World
Another World was a groundbreaking soap opera that ran from 1964 to 1999. It focused on the residents of Bay City and was known for its complex characters and storylines. Victoria Wyndham, Charles Keating, and Linda Dano were among the show’s notable stars.
12. Ryan’s Hope
Ryan’s Hope aired from 1975 to 1989 and centered around the Irish-American Ryan family in New York City. The show starred Helen Gallagher, Bernard Barrow, and Ilene Kristen. Its blend of family dynamics and urban setting made it a standout in the genre.
These 12 TV shows offer a rich tapestry of drama, romance, and intrigue, much like General Hospital. Whether you’re looking for classic soap operas or something with a unique twist, there’s something here for every fan of the genre.
