Guiding Light

Guiding Light, Broadcasted on CBS, is the longest running American soap opera in production as well as the longest running drama in history. Guiding Light debuted in 1937 on the NBC network and moved to CBS in 1952. The title, Guiding Light, is based on a lamp in the study of Reverend Dr. John Ruthledge, which symbolized that you could always find help. Since Guiding Light has been on air for over eight decades there are obviously many different segments of the show that have their own unique style, writing, vision, as well as the ever changing character and plot lines. Guiding Light has changed and adapted with the times and has proven that it can carry on regardless of the situation and environment at hand. The series was ultimately created by Irna Phillips, and was based off of her personal experienced. Guiding light first took form as a radio show on NBC in 1937. This format of the show lasted until the show maybe its transition into television in 1952. The transition into television was not easy, however with advancing technologies and the invention of the TV, this was the obvious next step. When Guiding Light first aired on CBS as a television program, the segments only lasted 15 minutes long. In 1958 Irna Phillips made the move to As the World Turns and her protégé, Agnes Nixon, took over as head writer. In the 60’s the show was lead by Nixon and also transitioned into color in 1967. Guiding Light had many other transition periods including shifting to younger character and more adventurous plot lines. Attracting a younger fan base was also another strategy that the show took to gain and retain new viewers. New writers were hired to try to introduce a younger feel to the show that would resonate among loyal fans and gain new ones. The core families were also established including the Bauers, Spauldings, Lewises, and the Coopers. There was also another transition into making the show more realistic looking and less like a taped show. Of course there were ups and downs along the years however, Guiding Light managed to find loyal viewers that would tune into their show on a daily basis. Recently Guiding Light has split itself into two different locals including Springfield and San Cristobel Island. Guiding Light also celebrated its 70th broadcast in 2007 despite all of the associated rumors going around. It was announced that the 2009 season would be its last, as Guiding Light was not picked up for the 2010 season due to underperforming ratings. CBS has stated that the Guiding Light’s last episode is going to air on September 21, 2009. However the show is going to continue on in a new form on YouTube starting January 4, 2010. The show has also been reported that it is considering other avenues of broadcasting from cable networks and other Internet broadcasts. Guiding Light has proven time and time again that its plot lines, character dynamics, and production quality has entertained viewers for over 70 years.

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