Current Daytime Soaps Still on TV
As of 2025, the legacy network daytime soap landscape is consolidated, but several long-running dramas remain on the air across broadcast and streaming platforms. The following American daytime serials are still producing new episodes and accessible to viewers, whether via live broadcast, cable, or official streaming. Details below reflect regularly scheduled programming that is currently accepting new episodes.
| Soap | Status | Network/Platform | Typical Air Day/Time (local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Young and the Restless | In production | CBS (streaming via Paramount+) | Weekdays, early afternoon (varies by market) |
| The Bold and the Beautiful | In production | CBS (streaming via Paramount+) | Weekdays, midday |
| Days of Our Lives | In production | Peacock (some recent episodes on NBC) | Peacock recent episodes; legacy repeats on NBC vary |
| General Hospital | In production | ABC (streaming via Hulu) | Weekdays, afternoon |
| Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem | Limited/periodic | Peacock | Episodic, no fixed daily schedule |
What Defines a Daytime Soap
Daytime soap operas are serialized dramas that typically air on weekdays during daytime and early fringe hours. They emphasize ongoing storylines, ensemble casts, and emotional continuity across years or decades. In the U.S., traditional broadcast networks once scheduled multiple soaps in both morning and early evening blocks. Cable and streaming now host some, while others remain anchor programs on ABC, CBS, and their affiliated stations.
Shift From Syndication to Streaming
Historically, syndicated repeats provided year-round access to soaps after their network runs concluded. Today, streaming services and network apps are the primary homes for recent episodes and archives. This transition affects how audiences discover new installments and how networks monetize legacy content. If you’re looking to watch, your best bets for consistently produced new episodes are CBS, ABC, and Peacock, with Paramount+ serving as a central hub for on-demand access.
Operational Status of Long-Running Series
Shows that premiered decades ago may continue due to stable audiences, digital revenue, and cross-platform strategies. Broadcasters weigh production costs against advertising and streaming value. Renewals now often align with multiplatform deals, merchandising, and licensing opportunities. Younger-skewing demographics and global streaming demand also factor into whether a show stays on the schedule or moves to limited events and premium streaming windows.
How to Watch New Episodes Legally
- Check your local station’s schedule for ABC, CBS, and NBC affiliates, as times vary by market.
- Use the network’s app or site with TV provider login to watch live and on demand.
- Subscribe to Paramount+, Peacock, or Hulu where indicated for current and recent episodes.
- Verify episode availability, as some services carry past seasons plus originals but not same-day broadcasts.
Comparison Snapshot
| Soap | Years on Air | Primary Home (2025) | New Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Young and the Restless | 1973–present | CBS/Paramount+ | Yes, weekdays |
| The Bold and the Beautiful | 1987–present | CBS/Paramount+ | Yes, weekdays |
| General Hospital | 1963–present | ABC/Hulu | Yes, weekdays |
| Days of Our Lives | 1965–present | Peacock/NBC | Yes, weekdays on Peacock; repeats on NBC |