Grey’s Anatomy and Soap Operas share both; similarities and differences with each other, and have their own unique genres. Although, the line separating the two may not be as clear as we think it is, which leaves the question: is Grey’s Anatomy a primetime soap opera?
Soap Operas began in the 1930’s as radio shows, they were aired during the daytime hours and appealed to housewives who the advertisers targeted because they were responsible for most of the family’s shopping and were “charged with responsibilities for home maintenance and child rearing, house-wives spent the majority of their daytime hours at home, where, isolated from social contact with other adults,” (Lavin 77). Soap Operas then made their way to television in the late 1940’s and continue to strive today. They were…show more content… Over the years they have evolved greatly, dropping many of the stereotypes and picking up social issues, creating a much more diverse viewership. Although, they do still continue to air during the daytime, and follow similar plots, as well as the same characters and sets, overall keeping the original format that formed the genre’s popularity. Soaps have often been an escape for it’s viewers, while often providing a routine and characters that are easy to relate to. Grey’s Anatomy first premiered in 2005, starring a cast of young interns during their first days on the job, their messy love lives, and an overabundance of death. Like soap operas it’s following is predominantly female and Grey’s also tackles a large variety of social issues from LGBT equality and mass shootings to racial inequality and domestic abuse. The sets are often unchanging, almost always taking place in similar areas of the hospital or the main character’s households. Unlike soap operas it is seasonal, it premieres in the early fall and the finale is in late spring, and airs once a week on Thursday evenings. While there were many programs that were
