The Young and the Restless (YR) Poll: Is Y&R the Greatest Soap Opera of All-Time?

This question about ‘The Young and the Restless’ is, arguably the most subjective that can be asked to daytime fans. Is Y&R the greatest soap opera of all-time?

Asking if one piece of entertainment is greater, more enjoyable, or whatever invokes taste, but can also be answered with supporting facts. Today’s four remaining broadcast network soaps have individual audiences that number in the millions, which proves that they are compelling.

William and Lee Phillip Bell were a husband and wife team. Their show, Y&R, premiered on CBS on March 23, 1973. Forty-five years is a strong historical mark but doesn’t top a handful of other soap’s extended runs.

‘Guiding Light’ is, factually, the longest-running drama in American television history, with its NBC radio origins dating back to 1937. Creator Irna Phillips’ initial 15-minute radio broadcast transitioned to CBS in the 1940’s and premiered on broadcast television in 1952.

From 1952 through 1956, GL had separate live radio and TV broadcasts. Its run ended in 2009, encompassing an astounding 72 years.

Phillips also created As the World Turns (CBS, 1956-2010). She and Bill Bell created Another World (NBC, 1964-1999).

Any mention of the greatest soap of all time must include ABC’s currently running General Hospital, which premiered in 1963. Fellow husband and wife team, Frank and Doris Hursley were its creators.

NBC’s currently running Days of Our Lives premiered in 1965. It was created by Ted and Betty Corday, who, like the Bell’s and Hursley’s were husband and wife. Interestingly and amazingly, when considering these points, Phillips was a story editor and Bill Bell wrote the show’s early storylines.

ABC’s One Life to Live ran from 1968 through 2012. The same network’s All My Children ran from 1970 through 2011. In 2013, the online network Prospect Park produced brief continuations of both shows.

Search for Tomorrow ran from 1951-1982 on CBS and continued on NBC through 1986. The Edge of Night ran from 1956-1975 on CBS and continued on ABC until 1984. And Love of Life ran from 1951 through 1980 on CBS.

The Bell’s Y&R spinoff, The Bold and the Beautiful, premiered on CBS in 1987 and is still running.

Fans of ‘The Young and the Restless’ rightfully express their opinions on a regular basis. So, is Y&R the greatest soap opera of all-time? Please vote in our poll below!

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As always, more detailed spoilers and a full collection of pictures for the week in question will appear here on Soap Opera Spy on Sunday, March 18, when there could be more clues and hints over exactly what’s going on.

The Young & The Restless airs weekdays on the ABC network.

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