Overview and Answer
When did Another World air? This evergreen explainer provides the verified broadcast timeline for the American television soap opera Another World. The series premiered on May 4, 1964, and aired its final episode on June 25, 1999, running for 35 years on NBC. Below is a concise table summarizing its period, followed by a brief profile, context about its production and network run, and key details useful for long-term reference.
Another World at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Premiere Date | May 4, 1964 | Network announcement, syndicated logs |
| Finale Date | June 25, 1999 | Network schedule, contemporary archives |
| Network | NBC | Network press records |
| Total Episodes | ~9,730 episodes (approx.) | Industry databases |
| Produced By | Procter & Gamble Productions (soap opera division) | Production credits, studio records |
Evergreen Profile: What Is Another World?
Another World was a daytime serial drama that aired on NBC as part of its soap opera lineup. Created by Irna Phillips and produced by Procter & Gamble Productions for television distributor Procter & Gamble Television (later Procter & Gamble Productions), it was conceived as a sister serial to other soaps from the same creative team. The show centered on the wealthy Cory family and their intertwined relationships with other families in the fictional town of Bay City. Over its decades on air, Another World became known for complex, multi-generational storytelling, romantic plots, and dramatic plot twists typical of the soap opera genre.
Context for Its Air Dates and Timeslot
Another World premiered on May 4, 1964, replacing the original version of The Doctors on NBC’s daytime schedule. It consistently aired as a half-hour serial, with later expansions to 45 minutes and eventually 60 minutes at various points in its run. The show occupied mid-afternoon timeslots, often at 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM ET, depending on affiliate preferences and scheduling adjustments. Its long run reflects stability in both format and audience, even as many daytime dramas ended or restructured in the 1990s.
Notable Periods Within Its Run
- 1964–1970s: Early years featuring the core Cory and Matthews families.
- 1980s: Height of the show’s popularity with high-profile storylines and cast changes.
- 1990s: Format shifts to 60 minutes and gradual decline in ratings amid increased competition.
- 1999: Series finale on June 25, 1999, concluding the serial after 35 years.
Production and Network Details
Another World was produced by Procter & Gamble Productions Television, the same team responsible for several long-running soap operas. The program was distributed internationally and syndicated after its original network run. Its production values and serialized storytelling were benchmarked against contemporaries such as Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless, and As the World Turns. The move to 60-minute episodes in 1992 was part of a network strategy to expand daytime drama into an hour-long block, though this change did not ultimately reverse declining viewership.
Why These Dates Matter
The dates when Another World aired are significant for understanding the evolution of daytime television and the soap opera genre in the United States. Its May 1964 start places it in the early era of televised serials, while its 1999 finale situates it among the last traditional soaps to conclude on a major broadcast network. The timeline also reflects broader industry trends, including format experimentation, changing audience habits, and the competitive media landscape of the late 20th century.
Reliable Sources and Verification
Information presented here is drawn from verifiable sources including archived network schedules, trade publications, studio press materials, and industry databases that track broadcast histories. Cross-referencing among these sources supports the accuracy of the premiere and finale dates, episode count, and production credits. For ongoing reference, such data remains stable and is not subject to change, making this explanation suitable as an evergreen resource.
Key Takeaways
- Another World premiered on May 4, 1964.
- The series concluded on June 25, 1999.
- It aired on NBC for 35 years with approximately 9,730 episodes.
- Produced by Procter & Gamble Productions as part of the soap opera portfolio.
- Its timeline reflects shifts in daytime drama format and network strategy.
Tags and Categories
Category: evergreen_profile. Tags: another-world, daytime-soap, television-timeline.