Despite many variations in the genre, it is however important to note that the term 'soap opera' in Britain, North America and Australia invariably denotes a continuous programme, set in the present with open-ended episodes in which a number of different storylines alternate with each other.
From the very beginning, soap operas have been one of the most watched genres. According to Nora Mazziotti: “several countries have records on its impact, which speak not only of its commercial importance but also about its cultural and social significance". This is a phenomenon that goes beyond social classes. Moreover, the audience feels a very strong bond with soap operas. The audience can easily relate to the characters’ miseries, perhaps that is the reason why they can adopt a new behavior in a natural way, without feeling they are doing something far away from their realities. Therefore, experts in public health and communication try to insert messages of healthy lifestyles in tears, betrayal and impossible love stories.
Among other topics addressed, soap operas also included domestic violence issues with the purpose of encouraging the reporting of these cases. Moreover, a common but not frequently tackled situation was rescued: the situation of women who are madly in love in a pathological way. It can be said that soap operas are a product that actively participates in the viewer’s reality. They have an invaluable educational quality: their message goes beyond the precise time of reception and they impact in various spheres of the viewer’s life. Consequently, soap operas should be appreciated as an excellent tool for transmitting values, knowledge and experiences, and for encouraging thoughtful reflection.