Daytime television in the United States
Daytime TV in the US: court shows, soaps, game shows, news.
Daytime television in the United States refers to television programs produced for broadcast during weekday daytime hours, historically programmed to appeal to a female audience. The daytime slot typically runs Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time, though a broader definition includes programs aired between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. This entry focuses on genres common in American daytime television, primarily on national over-the-air networks and in syndication.
- field
- Television broadcasting
- country
- United States
- typical_hours
- 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time (weekdays)
- broader_definition
- 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET/PT
- key_genres
- Court shows, soap operas, game shows, news programs
Lore & Background
Daytime television in the United States has been a staple of broadcast programming since the 1950s, with soap operas being among the most popular programs. These dramatic serials tell ongoing stories of large casts, originally sponsored by detergent and soap companies. Court shows, another major genre, feature real judges or attorneys presiding over binding arbitration cases, often occupying morning and late-afternoon slots. Game shows, a long-time mainstay, involve contestants playing for prizes, with a 'Golden Age' from 1972 to 1985 when all three major networks carried several such shows. News programs provide in-depth coverage, often including cooking segments, health information, and celebrity guests.
Reader's Guide
Daytime television in the United States has shaped American viewing habits for decades, offering low-budget, high-volume programming that appeals to a broad audience. Court shows like 'Divorce Court' and 'Hot Bench' provide unscripted legal drama, while soap operas such as 'General Hospital' and 'The Young and the Restless' continue long-running narratives. Game shows like 'The Price Is Right' and 'Jeopardy!' have become cultural institutions, transitioning between network and syndication. News programs like 'Good Morning America' blend hard news with lifestyle features. The genre's significance lies in its ability to produce five new episodes per week for most of the year, making it a reliable source of content for local stations and networks. Daytime TV remains a key part of the broadcast landscape, adapting to streaming platforms as seen with 'Days of Our Lives' moving to Peacock.
Did You Know?
- Daytime television historically has been programmed to appeal to a female audience.
- The term 'soap opera' originated from early radio and TV sponsorship by detergent and soap companies like Procter & Gamble.
- The Price Is Right has aired continuously on daytime network television since 1972.
- Court shows are generally unscripted and feature actual litigants with cases pending in court.
More in Lists of American television series 1-24
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