Do you watch TVsoaps?

[Teddy_boy]

They seem to be very popular. What is it about them that draws the viewers?
I dont find them remotely realistic, but still they are the most popular programmes on TV.

[firewatch]

they give us a little escapism, i dont watch them but theya re the only thing to soothe my toddler when shes having a bad night

[Teddy_boy]

I think they are a bit OTT.

[vodkancoke]

I watch most of them, and I love them. My job can be stressful and it takes my mind off it for a while.

[boxtops]

No - I used to until they became very samey and predictable - I've not watched any now for about 15 years.

[cazzz1975]

no, but I dont begrudge others who love watching the soaps

A lot of hollywood films are not remotely realistic but people continue to watch them for entertainment value.

[B00]

Same as Boxy, I used to watch, now I don't. Not sure how it finally dawned on me that the storylines were just tooooooooo far fetched, but it did about 2 or 3 years ago?

[EvianBaby]

I watch eastenders and I hate it when it's not on. I actually can't tell you why I love it so much, I just do.

[seadogg]

Guess they have to be now. When Coronation Street first started it was relatively gentle both in is humour and the behaviour of it's characters. As time passed and the competition for ratings increased, soaps had to resort to more exreme plots and behaviour.

[weecalf]

Forget but think I once know why they are called soaps. soap operas .Dont think it was because they a lot of old flannelLux okay ,Im FAIRY sure ts wrong but thats LIFEBOUY not going to get me an the COUSINs in IMPERIAL LATHER over it

[Teddy_boy]

They are harmless esapism i suppose.

[hc4361]

Coronation Street. Watched it for over 40 years and I enjoy the familiarity, the routine, the characters, the history of it. Yesterday, for example, there was mention of Mavis who hasn't been in it for years but was a major character. I knew who they were talking about.
I love that it is on week in, week out, regardless of what is going on in the world or my life.

I don't want it to be realistic. I watch documentaries and the news for realism and if it were realistic nothing one happen from one year to the next. I want characters I can love, hate and feel empathy with.

In a way it's like watching a family who live far away, who I have never met.

(I know it's not real).

[Prudie]

I used to plan my life round Eastenders but one day I stopped watching and lost interest overnight about 3 years ago. There was something comforting almost about the routine of it all I suppose.

[Teddy_boy]

Habit forming?

[China Doll]

Can't stand them but then I am a masterchef addict and get very excited when it's on telly, especially if Michel Roux is on... different strokes and all that.

[vodkancoke]

My other form of escapism are the cookery programmes, I love Monsieur Roux jnr! :)

[Eve]

Mindless escapism I guess. I'm not addicted to them, watch Eastenders and Hollyoaks but don't bother too much about missing them unless something major is happening.

[funnygirl]

It is escapism for me too!

[carrust]

Watching Houdini is escapism for me :-)

[Teddy_boy]

Isnt he dead? Or did he escape his coffin?

[jason.p]

The only soap I'd ever be persuaded to watch would be Acorn Antiques.
(just loved Mrs Overall)