Soap -

Premise

“Soap” is a satirical sitcom that parodies the conventions of daytime soap operas. Set in the fictional town of Dunn’s River, the series follows the scandalous lives of two interconnected families, the wealthy Tates and the working-class Campbells. The show’s humor derives from its exaggerated soap opera tropes, including infidelity, secret identities, amnesia, and murder mysteries, all presented with a comedic twist.

Main Characters

Jessica Tate (Katherine Helmond): The matriarch of the Tate family, known for her eccentricities and tumultuous relationships.
Chester Tate (Robert Mandan): Jessica’s philandering husband, whose infidelity sparks much of the show’s drama.
Mary Campbell (Cathryn Damon): The level-headed matriarch of the Campbell family, often caught up in the chaos surrounding the Tates.
Burt Campbell (Richard Mulligan): Mary’s husband, a bumbling handyman who inadvertently finds himself in absurd situations.

Themes

“Soap” explores themes of family dynamics, social class, and the absurdity of soap opera conventions. The series satirizes the melodramatic storytelling of traditional soap operas while also delving into deeper issues such as love, betrayal, and morality. Through its humorous approach, “Soap” offers commentary on the exaggerated nature of television dramas and the often surreal nature of everyday life.

Critical Consensus Rating: 4.5/5 Critics praised “Soap” for its innovative blend of satire and comedy, clever writing, and memorable characters. The series was lauded for its ability to tackle serious themes with humor while also providing sharp social commentary. Some critics found the show’s humor to be divisive, with its controversial subject matter and irreverent approach not appealing to all viewers.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-PG “Soap” is rated TV-PG (Parental Guidance Suggested). The show contains content that may not be suitable for young children, including adult themes, sexual humor, and some language.

Original Network and Years: The series originally aired on ABC (American Broadcasting Company) from 1977 to 1981.