As of 2017, what is the longest running daytime soap opera still on the air?

Among the first major sponsors of these serials were soap manufacturers Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, and Lever Brothers leading to the sobriquet, Soap Opera.

Coronation Street first aired December 9, 1960.

Days of our Lives debuted in 1965.

Eastenders debuted in 1985.

General Hospital first aired April 1, 1963

Guiding Light had the longest run, June 30, 1952 to September 18, 2009 but is no longer on the air.

In a recent survey, 92% of respondents had heard of Coronation Street, 48% had watched the show, 25% watch it at least once per week.

9078 episodes have been aired as of January 13, 2017.

170 character deaths have occurred during its tenure.

In another landmark, 78 year old William Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the first episode, is now the world's longest-serving soap actor.

Back in 1960, Coronation Street was originally commissioned for just 13 episodes.

Therefore it truly is an extraordinary achievement that, 50 years later, the show which first aired just after The Beatles were formed remains hugely popular in Britain and around the world.