As a child my childhood was built around my mom’s soap or as Charlie likes to call them Retro Soaps. Everyday my sister, brother and I knew we needed to get what we were going to want outside and take it out early.
When my mom’s soaps started the front door would be locked and we couldn’t get back inside until they were over. Not even to use the restroom. Was this child abuse I don’t know if it was back then, but it might be now. All I know was this is our life and we weren’t to question my mom.
I thought I would take us back in time today and share The Soaps That Raised Us, Shocked Us & Kept Us Coming Back.
Retro Soaps: The Shows That Raised Us, Shocked Us & Kept Us Coming Back
Before streaming. Before binge‑watching. Before DVRs…
There were soaps.
And for many of us, soaps weren’t just TV — they were a way of life. If you don’t believe me you should have asked my mom and grandmother before they passed away.
Soaps were the background music of our childhood homes. They were the shows our moms and grandmas refused to miss. They were the stories we grew up hearing whether we wanted to or not.
And in families like ours? They were practically a second religion.
💍 Luke & Laura’s Wedding — The Day America Stopped
If you grew up in the soap era, you remember this moment.
Luke & Laura’s wedding on General Hospital wasn’t just a TV episode — it was a national event.
People skipped work. Teachers rolled TVs into classrooms. Stores closed early. Families gathered around the TV like it was the Super Bowl.
And you? You were one of the lucky ones.
I was one of the lucky ones because I went across the street to my friend Rene’s apartment during lunch — because back then, kids could go off campus — and we watched it together like it was the royal wedding.
That’s the kind of memory soaps gave us.
👩👧👦 My Mom’s Soap Rules
My mom didn’t play around when her soaps came on the kids were locked outside. Not in a mean way — in a “Mama needs her hour of peace” way.
And every mom in America understood.
Soaps were:
- her break
- her escape
- her entertainment
- her sanity
And we all learned not to interrupt.
👵 Granny Doris & the Nighttime Soaps
When the sun went down, the drama didn’t stop.
Granny Dorie had her nighttime soaps just like Wrestling.
Her lineup was iconic:
- Dallas
- Dynasty
- Falcon Crest
- Knots Landing
She watched them faithfully, week after week, year after year.
And if you were in her house?
You watched them too — whether you wanted to or not.
If you watched Soaps, were you 🌟 Team Dallas or Team Dynasty?
If you were to ask me which one, I’d choose — here’s the truth:
⭐ Team Dallas– for Granny Dorie because Dallas was gritty, messy, Texas‑rooted, and full of family drama that felt real. It was oil, money, betrayal, and big personalities — but grounded. Plus, she liked JR, but I liked Bobby.
⭐ Dynasty: I was Team Dynasty because of the glamour, gowns, catfights, shoulder pads, and pure over‑the‑top fantasy. It was delicious, dramatic, and fabulous. I loved Alexes Joan Collins and Chrystal because they were and still are two of my favorite actresses.
🎭 Why Soaps Still Matter
Because they remind us of:
- our moms
- our grandmas
- our childhood homes
- simpler times
- family routines
- the women who raised us
- the stories that shaped us
Soaps were more than TV. They were connection.
And now I get to share those memories with C — so the stories live on and you can do the same with your children.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
