Why is it called a Soap Opera?
Have you ever wondered why we call drama serials like Eastenders and Coronation Street Soap Operas? It seems strange as Soap rarely features in any prominent way in the shows, and there isn’t any opera. It comes from the USA, where every program is advertised or sponsored by a product. In some cases, this is very evident. The sponsor’s product is mentioned and clearly seen in many scenes. Characters will drink or use the product and then put it down on a table so that its name can be seen on camera. It’s known as product placement. The other is where the sponsor is announced at the start and the end of each episode.
