Different Genres

How do ‘soaps’ differ from other genres?

Soap operas are different to other genres because there is not a set genre to them; this is why soap operas can go on for a very long time. This is because they can have different genres for each episode or for each strands. An example of this would be EastEnders right now; there is a strand about Lucy’s death which has its own genre of crime or horror. Then there’s the strand about Tina and Tosh which is a whole different genre of affairs or romance. These genres can be mixed around from one episode to the next. Another main genre for Soap Operas is family and relationships; this is a main focus because scriptwriters believe this will help the target audience feel a part of the soap.

Soap operas can change whenever they want or they can create a different strand all together, having this freedom means the audiences never get bored and are always interested onto the idea of something happening next. 

Examples:

Eastenders: Michael Moon's Death creates a crime and horror genre.

Eastenders: Kat and Alfie having a baby creates a family orientated and love genre.