Textual Analysis- Popular Existing Soaps

UK-

Coronation Street/ ITV (1960-)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronation_Street
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053494/

USP (Unique Selling Point): the working class of Manchester.

Main Locations:
- Rover's Return pub
- Roy's Rolls cafe
- D&S Alahan's shop
- Underworld factory

Longest Running Character:
-Ken Barlow played by William Roache (1960-)

Recent Plot Line:
The tram crash, marking the soap's 50th anniversary.

Most Watched Episode:
-26.65 million veiwers (25 December 1987)

Eastenders/ BBC (1985-)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastenders
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088512/



USP: life in the notorious east end of London.

Main Locations:
- Albert Square
- The Old Victoria Pub

Longest Running Character:
-Ian Beale played by Adam Woodyatt (1985-)

Recent Plot Line:
Ronnie stealing Kat's baby.

Most Watched Episode:
30.10 million veiwers (25 December 1986)

Emmerdale/ ITV (1972-)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmerdale
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068069/



USP: Life in a small Yorkshire village.

Main Locations:
- Farms
- The Grange B&B
- The Woolpack pub
- Cafe Hope

Longest Running Character:
-Alan Turner played by Richard Thorp (1982-)

Recent Plot Line:
Katie being held hostage by the deranged detective Henshall.

Most Watched Episode:
27.3 million viewers (New Years Day 2004)

Hollyoaks/ Channel 4 (1995-)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollyoaks
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112004/



USP: Youth culture in Chester, north west England.

Main Locations:
- The SU bar
- The Dog in the Pond pub
- Chez Chez nightclub
- MOBS juice bar

Longest Running Character:
- Tony Hutchinson played by Nick Pickard (1995-)

Recent Plot Line:
Jacqui accuses Gilly of rape.

USA

Dallas/ CBS (1978-1991)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_(TV_series)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077000/

USP: follows the lives of a wealthy oil family in Texas.

Main Locations:
-Cloyce Box Ranch
-Southfork Ranch

Longest Running Character:
- J.R Ewing played by Larry Hagman (entire duration of the show)

Memorable Plot Line:
Who shot J.R? (1980)

Most Watched Episode:
41.47 million (21 November 1980)

Days of our Lives/ NBC (1965-)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Days_of_our_Lives
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058796/



USP: Focuses on middle class family life in New England.

Main Locations:
-Chez Rouge Restaurant

Longest Running Character:
- Alice Horton played by Frances Reid (1965-2007)

Dynasty/ ABC (1981-1989)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynasty
http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=dynasty



USP: revolves around the Carringtons, a wealthy oil family living in Denver, Colorado.

Main Locations:
- Carrington mansion

Longest Running Character:
-Blake Carrington played by Blake Forsythe (1981-1989)

Memorable Plot Line:
-The Moldavian Massacre (1985)

AUSTRAILIA-

Neighbours/ Channel 5 (UK) (1985-)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neighbours
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088580/



USP: neighbours living on a cul-de-sac near Melbourne.

Main Locations:
- Ramsay Street
- Erinsborough High School
- Lassiter's Hotel
- Charlie's Bar and Coffre Shop
- Harold's Store

Longest Running Character:
-Paul Robinson played by Stefan Dennis (1985-1993, 2004-)

Recent Plot Line:
The fire has left Natasha scarred whilst Janet hits rock bottom.

Most Watched Episode:
21.12 millions veiwers (26 February 1990)

Home and Away/ Channel 5 (UK) (1988-)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_and_away
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094481/



USP: A family running Summer Bay Caravan Park near Sydney.

Main Locations:
-Palm Beach

Longest Running Character:
Alf Stewart played by Ray Meagher (1988-)

Recent Plot Line:
Lily grows weak as Will continures to hide from the law.