Why Do People Watch Soaps

[nailit]

I just don't get it...
I don't currently own a tv but even when I did, I just NEVER understood the reason WHY people (mainly women) got so involved in the lives of fictional characters?...
Please enlighten me.

[-SharonA-]

Escapism!

[rockyracoon]

The same reason that I read books by the same author, about the same characters, I suppose. It's entertainment for some people.

I can't stand them, myself

[237SJ]

You don't have to get involved in the lives of fictional characters if you watch soaps. I don't know why you would think that.

[chrissa1]

I live alone and I enjoy Corrie, Emmerdale and Neighbours. It’s company. I like the fact that they are on each night.

[nailit]

Are there any men on here who watch soaps? or is it a ladies thing?

[diddlydo]

For the same reason that some of us watch documentaries/costume dramas/the news/quiz progs etc etc etc. Answer - because those who watch them like them. Chacun a son gout.

[sherrardk]

I watch Corrie and EE (EE since the first episode) - they’re on in the background rather than watched intently. It’s just habit really.

[Patsy33]

Years ago, I used to watch Coronation Street. Don't watch any soaps now. The kids used to watch Eastenders ages ago and I used to catch bits of it. How depressing! Awful story lines, always shouting at each other. No thank you.

[gingejbee]

Call "soaps" by their real (less derogatory) name - continuing dramas - and you'll see that there's little difference between them and any other drama.

[-Talbot-]

Are there any men on here who watch soaps? or is it a ladies thing?


Yes pal (he says in his deepest manliest voice)

[aelmpvw]

you might get a better response in twenty minutes when eastenders finishes

[retrocop]

Just as an insight to see how the hoi poloi live I suppose. Not my cup of tea but I fancied our Elsie something rotten as a 13 year old. :-)

[gingejbee]

You could ask the same about most types of programme....horse racing, motor sport, X-factor etc....things that I never watch but have no trouble accepting that lots of people watch and enjoy.
Sad world if we were all the same!

[237SJ]

Do you catch up with the soaps on iplayer?

[nailit]

//Just as an insight to see how the hoi poloi live I suppose. Not my cup of tea but I fancied our Elsie something rotten as a 13 year old. :-)//
So glad it wasn't just me then JD ;-)

defo in the running for best answer...

[nailit]

//Do you catch up with the soaps on iplayer?//
Don't watch anything on iPlayer.

[237SJ]

Good answer ;)

[nailit]

//Good answer ;) //
Its the only one I could give. You never know if the BBC are looking in ;-)

[ummmm]

I only watch EE and like Sher I've watched it since day one, I also don't watch it intensely and never watch it on catch up if I miss an episode.

I like Holby and Casualty too.

[andres]

It's a bit like reading a book. If it's a good story you can't put it down until you've read it. Unlike books though, a Soap is never ending . But just like we get engrossed and have to read chapter after chapter of the book lots of us keep watching episode after episode of a tv. soap.