Which Daytime Soaps Are Still On

Current Status of U.S. Daytime Soaps

As of the most recent renewal information, four traditional half-hour soaps produced for U.S. broadcast television are still on the air: Days of Our Lives (Peacock/formerly NBC), The Young and the Restless (CBS), The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS), and General Hospital (ABC). One soap that ended its linear broadcast run in 2022, Days of Our Lives, continues through a primarily streaming-first model on Peacock while maintaining limited traditional over-the-air clearance in some markets. These programs remain core offerings in their respective network daytime lineups, although scheduling, episode counts, and release strategies can vary by platform.

Status Overview by Series

The following table summarizes the latest verified details on whether each long-running drama is currently producing new episodes, its traditional broadcast status, and the primary platform for new episodes. This reflects publicly available renewal information and network announcements through the most recent season.

Why Soaps Have Disappeared

Since the early 2000s, a long list of daytime dramas has ended due to a combination of high production costs, shifting audience habits, and the migration of viewers toward streaming. Networks have consistently prioritized low-cost, stable performers that reliably draw linear and digital viewers. In recent years, several shows ended after multi-decade runs as platforms moved away from daily broadcast models toward streaming-first or limited-run strategies. Industry consolidation, rebranding of linear networks, and changes in syndication economics have further reshaped which soaps can remain on traditional air schedules.

For Viewers: How to Watch New Episodes

• Check your local listings: If a soap still holds over-the-air clearances, your station schedule and local network website will list air times.
• Use network apps and streaming bundles: Most soaps that remain on linear TV are also available live or on delay through their network apps and services such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or DirecTV Stream.
• Consider platform-specific homes: New episodes of The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful typically appear on CBS app and Paramount+; General Hospital streams on Hulu as part of the Disney bundle; and new Days of Our Lives episodes are primarily found on Peacock.
• Verify local clearance: Even when a show is renewed, not every market retains its traditional time slot on local broadcast channels, so a quick check of your channel guide is recommended.

What to Expect Next

Renewal decisions for daytime series are generally made several months ahead of a new season, with announcements often tied to upfront presentations or network midseason updates. Continuing series adjust to audience trends; this can mean changes in episode frequency, hybrid release windows (linear plus streaming), or shifts in storytelling formats to maintain viewer engagement. Because broadcast landscapes and carriage agreements can change, checking network press releases or official app notifications is the most reliable way to confirm current availability.

Key Details at a Glance

The concise table below highlights primary air dates, traditional networks, and where new episodes are typically available digitally for each soap that remains in production. These points are accurate based on the latest publicly announced renewals and platform lineups.