A Look At The Four Remaining Soap Operas

NBC

Soap opera fans can rest a little easier knowing that "Days of our Lives" will be renewed.

Fans were worried about the show's fate when months ago it was revealed that the entire cast had been released from their contracts. It was also announced that the show would be going on hiatus.

While the recent announcement of a renewal is great, it hasn't stopped the fears of soap opera viewers.

Years ago, soap operas were once daytime's most popular shows. At one time, there were 10 soap operas on the air. With declining ratings and budget costs, many soap operas were canceled.

Now, there are only 4 shows left and let's take a look at these daytime serials, and if they could end up on the chopping block.

"The Young and the Restless" has been the most popular soap opera for the CBS Network.

Since its debut in 1973, the shows has gained millions of viewers and worked its way into the number 1 spot in the ratings.

The show has introduced us to the Newman, Abbott, Winters, and Chancellor families. One of its most iconic characters is businessman Victor Newman. Victor's love story with wife Nikki, and his rivalry with Jack Abbott, made Y&R a must-watch soap opera.

Y&R has been renewed through 2020, however for the past few years the show has seen a regime chance with new writers and producers coming and going.

This past year, fans of Y&R were very critical of the storylines. Many thought the plots were boring and didn't make sense.

With the recent rumors that head writer Josh Griffith is about to be fired, maybe a new writer is what the show needs to get back on track.

CBS

"The Bold and the Beautiful" is considered the sister soap of The Young and the Restless.

The half-hour soap opera was also created by William Bell, who was considered a pioneer in daytime television.

The Bold and the Beautiful is set in Los Angeles, and follows the lives of The Forrester and the Logan families as they work in the fashion industry.

Throughout the years, B&B has given viewers plenty of memorable moments. One of their most recent memorable moments is when they revealed that model Maya Avant was transgender.

That storyline caused a sensation and brought some much needed attention to the show.

However, since then things haven't been the same at B&B. Many cast members have left or been bumped to recurring status.

Fans have also blasted the show for constantly focusing on the love triangle between Steffy, Liam, and Hope.

The Bold and the Beautiful has also been renewed until 2020, but if the show wants to continue they need to develop more stories and start showcasing other characters.

ABC

Making its debut in 1963, "General Hospital" is the longest-running soap opera in daytime television. It's also the ABC Network's only surviving soap series.

General Hospital was a huge hit in the 80s and 90s. One of its most popular couples was Luke and Laura. Their 1981 wedding was one of the most-watched events in television history.

However, these days it seems more viewers are checking out of General Hospital than checking in.

Like other soap operas, General Hospital has come under criticism for its lack of compelling storylines and favoritism towards certain characters.

General Hospital is set to run through 2020, although its fate afterwards is unknown.

NBC

Since its debut in 1965, "Days of our Lives" has been the NBC Network's most popular soap opera.

The series introduced us to the Horton and Brady families. Plus, it gave us the epic love stories of John Black and Marlena Evans, along with Bo Brady and Hope Williams.

While Days of our Lives may not have gotten the same amount of recognition as the other soaps, it was a hit with daytime viewers.

The recent news regarding a hiatus and the cast being released from their contracts caused lots of panic. Yet, Days fans can rest knowing they'll get to enjoy their favorite soap a little while longer.