Just the other day, ABC announced it is ending two long-running soap operas, “All My Children” and “One Life to Live”.

At the same time, Oprah Winfrey and Regis Philbin are gearing up to leave daytime television this year.

“All My Children,” airing since 1970, and “One Life to Live,” on air since 1968, launched the careers of some of today’s biggest stars, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michelle Trachtenberg, Melissa Leo, Josh Duhamel, Eva LaRue, Christian Slater, Rosie O’Donnell, Kim Delaney and Amanda Seyfried.

It was the beginning of the end in 2009 when “The Guiding Light”, the longest running soap area (57 years), was cancelled.  “As the World Turns”, on air for 54 years, shortly followed.

Once a source of major entertainment for tens of millions of women, the soap opera genre is quickly fading.  Daytime TV has taken a backseat to cable TV networks, lifestyle programs and the internet. Television drama has been replaced by reality shows, GTL and the Kardashians.

ABC is replacing AMC and OLTL with lower-cost lifestyle shows.

Really? Do we really need more lifestyle shows?  Do we need more reality TV?

I’ve been a fan of The Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives for years. Victor Newman has been living part-time in my living room since I can remember.  My crush for Nick Newman has sadly faded over the years, but my heart grows fondly of Cane and Billy.  I’m still amazed that Bo and Hope are still going strong. I grew alongside Sammi. And I drool over E.J.

These characters have been part of my daily life (on and off) for years! The storylines, although many crazy, have also taught me a thing or two…  Soaps have dealt with topical issues such as abortion, HIV, teen pregnancy, infidelity, illness and death. 

But the most important thing soaps have done is create a wonderful escape for millions of women!  That much-needed escape, getting caught in someone else’s “life” even temporarily, is what will be missed the most.

What do you think is happening to daytime and primetime drama?