In 2008, NBC announced they were planning to layoff two of the biggest stars on their daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives. The popular lead characters Marlena (Deidre Hall) and John (Drake Hogestyn). Fans of the beloved show were crushed.
The cause of the sudden departure was due to major budget cuts starting with the highest paid actors on the show. This sacrifice was made to help maintain the series for an additional 18 months. Hopefully, the firing of Hall and Hogestyn is the only downsizing necessary to save the soap.
US Soaps are Downsizing by Losing Characters
Fabricated by married duo Ted and Betty Corday in 1964 Days of Our Lives has been a staple among soaps. The series used a familiar daytime theme revolving around a hospital and focused on the suburban family named the Hortons. Acclaimed writer William J. Bell also contributed his imagination to make Days of Our Lives stand out from other soaps. During the years beloved characters have faced an assortment of emotional storms and sacrifices. Most memorable for their torrid affairs and love triangles viewers around the world has fallen in love with Days of Our Lives. Interesting story lines like the infamous 'Salem Strangler' and Marlena's possession which led to an exorcism that kept audiences engaged.
Fans and even some celebrities like Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman) tune in to see the escalating lives of the citizens in Salem. The series has received incredible recognition across the globe. Days of Our Lives airs in numerous countries including Germany, Sweden, Ireland, and the Middle East. It was mentioned in Variety as one of the most widely broadcast soap operas in America. The popular sitcom Friends did a parody of the drama when the character Joey snagged a job on the soap. Other series such as the long-running Simpsons, Scrubs, and The Nanny all mention the seasoned daytime drama.
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to save Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn's job.
Is Poor Economy to Blame or Society Overall?
Is the suffering economy to blame for the problems soap operas are having now? The traditional audience for daytime dramas are stay-at-home mothers and middle-age women. Unfortunately, with the amount of women forced to work to keep their household afloat ratings are steadily dropping. The saying, "I can't miss my stories" is becoming a remark of the past. The average mother works outside the home. As worries of a depression approach more women simply do not have time for 'their daytime stories.' Homemakers are packing up and heading out into the work force in droves. Soap operas are adjusting story lines to fit our changing society to gain new viewers. Some fans believe the change is too much. Plots reflect major issues current in the world instead of the typical fantasy themes. The cancellation of the long-running soap opera Guiding Light is a sign that soaps are struggling to stay on air.
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