The Appeal of Soap Opera.

This paper provides a framework for developing an approach to understanding soap opera's appeal as a direct function of both the genre's form and of its fans' viewing behavior. The paper suggests that while this analysis is largely critical, other studies from both critical and social scientific approaches can be based upon the framework and assumptions developed here. The paper is divided into the following sections: (1) a relational approach to understanding television viewing; (2) the dramatic serial gratification process; (3) the cumulative function of the gratification process; and (4) the further impact of time upon the viewing relationship. It is concluded that continued critical analysis of the generic structure of the serials is needed to detail more completely and accurately the soap opera events that provide continuous gratification to serial viewers. One table of data is included and 24 notes are attached. (MG)