Changes

A '''soap opera''' is a [[television]] or [[radio]] program that dramatises the lives of a community of ordinary people. Unlike most television programs, soap operas tend to run continuously instead of in series or seasons, and some continue for years or even decades.  

A '''soap opera''' is a [[television]] or [[radio]] program that dramatises the lives of a community of ordinary people. Unlike most television programs, soap operas tend to run continuously instead of in series or seasons, and some continue for years or even decades.  

In the [[United States]], soap operas are usually shown during the daytime, acting as diverting televisual 'fluff' that fills much the same role as 'real-life' magazines. In the [[United Kingdom]], several soap operas are shown in the evening and are taken more seriously, often dealing with important issues of the time (for example,''Eastenders'' contributed significantly to public awareness of [[HIV]] through the character of Mark Fowler). Imported [[Australia]]n soaps are also popular in Britain; these tend to be more lightweight than their homegrown equivalents.

In the [[United States]], soap operas are usually shown during the daytime, acting as diverting televisual 'fluff' that fills much the same role as 'real-life' magazines. In the [[United Kingdom]], several soap operas are shown in the evening and are taken more seriously, often dealing with important issues of the time (for example, ''Eastenders'' contributed significantly to public awareness of [[HIV]] through the character of Mark Fowler). Imported [[Australia]]n soaps are also popular in Britain; these tend to be more lightweight than their homegrown equivalents.

Soap operas tend to be among television channels' highest-rated programs, and so soap opera actors can often achieve a high level of fame, particularly if they are young and attractive. Many have used this fame as a springboard to other careers in [[pop music]] or [[Hollywood]] (eg Kylie Minogue and Isla Fisher respectively).

Soap operas tend to be among television channels' highest-rated programs, and so soap opera actors can often achieve a high level of fame, particularly if they are young and attractive. Many have used this fame as a springboard to other careers in [[pop music]] or [[Hollywood]] (eg Kylie Minogue and Isla Fisher respectively).