The origin of the term "soap" in this context can be traced back to the early days of radio and television broadcasting in the United States. In the 1930s and 1940s, many daytime radio dramas were sponsored by soap manufacturers, which led to the popularization of the term "soap opera." These radio shows often featured melodramatic storylines and cliffhanger endings to keep listeners tuned in.
Over time, the term "soap opera" was shortened to simply "soap," and it came to be applied to television dramas that shared similar characteristics to the earlier radio programs. These shows typically featured a large ensemble cast, intertwined personal relationships, and ongoing storylines that spanned multiple seasons.
Eastenders, a British soap opera that first aired in 1985, fits into this category of television dramas. It follows the lives of a diverse group of characters living in the fictional London borough of Walford. The show is known for its dramatic storylines, which often explore social and cultural issues such as poverty, addiction, and family dynamics.
While the term "soap" can sometimes be used in a derogatory way to describe certain television shows that are perceived to be overly melodramatic or lacking in artistic merit, it is also widely used as a neutral or even affectionate term to refer to this popular genre of television drama.