'Guiding Light' Fades After 72 Years

Longest-Running TV Drama in History Ends as Soap Opera Prepares to Air Final Show

(CBS)  Before you mock "Guiding Light," consider this: When it debuted on the radio on Jan. 25, 1937, FDR's second term was just five days old, and Time magazine had just described television as "science which shows no serious signs yet of becoming an industry."

It hasn't been easy to keep the show and all its plotlines going for 72 years.

When it started on radio, the show centered around a minister who kept a light on in his study where his parishioners would come to seek guidance.

When television finally did become an industry, "The Guiding Light," as it was called then, made the jump and held on to become television's longest running drama. But after this Friday's show, there'll be no more cliffhangers - just a cliff. The ratings fell off.

For most of the last 28 years, Kim Zimmer and Robert Newman have carried on as Reva Shane and Josh Lewis. My, how they've carried on.

"Do you remember how many times you've been married?" CBS News Correspondent Richard Schlesinger asked Zimmer.

"I believe it's nine," Zimmer said.

"Josh has been married nine times," Newman said.

"Three times to the same man," Zimmer said. "To Joshua, the love of her life."

"He married Annie twice, Sunny twice," Newman said.

"I married every male member of one family," Zimmer said.

"Olivia once and Riva's sister once," Newman said.

And it's not just romance that is tangled in the could-be-anywhere town of Springfield. Josh, Reva and the others have led lives plagued by perils Pauline could never imagine. Memory loss, mystery diseases, miracles and misadventures are part of their everyday lives Several years back, Reva drove off a bridge in Florida and somehow washed ashore on a Caribbean island called San Cristobal.

"I became the princess there," Zimmer told Schlesinger. "I married the handsome prince. Then the bad brother threw me back into the water from whence I came, and that's when I floated up to Amish country, and I became Amish."

More about "Guiding Light" from "60 Minutes":
1937-2009: Saying Goodbye to Guiding Light
Meet Irna Phillips, The Mother of Daytime Drama

Despite the sometimes wacky plots, the show gave a serious boost to some actors you've heard of, including Billy Dee Williams, one of the first African Americans on network soaps, appearing in the '50s as Dr. Jim Frazier.

And Kevin Bacon played the troubled youth TJ Werner in the '80s.

By the time the show ends Friday, the various characters will have made it through 15,762 episodes.

Audrey Thaler has seen or heard almost all of them. She's 89 now and got hooked on the show when it started on the radio.

"It's become a part of my life," Thaler told Schlesinger. "When my children were young, they would be in the playpen watching it while I'd be ironing or doing something else. I just became accustomed to watching it all the time."

She remembers a simpler day when the raciest plot was about alcoholism.

"Oh, my goodness," Thaler told Schlesinger. "Now, they're all hopping into bed … Sometimes I have to close my eyes and then peek with the other eye to see if the scene is over."

(Left: Mallet (Robert Bogue) doesn't fall for Dinah's (Gina Tognoni) tricks.)

For the last several years there's been real-life drama behind the scenes of "Guiding Light." As game shows, reality shows and cable television siphoned off viewers, there was, as the soap writers might say, a desperate battle for survival.

"The show had been on the chopping block for 15 years," Ellen Wheeler, the show's executive producer, told Schlesinger. "We said, 'We're going to have to do this show for 35 percent less money. We're already doing it for less than anyone else. What can we do?'"

They started shooting with cheaper equipment not much fancier than home-movie cameras. They shot more scenes out of the studio in Peapack, N.J. Offices were made over to double as sets including the executive producer's office, which is seen on the air as a seedy motel room.

On the day we were there, they were shooting a sexy scene - a jewel thief with his female lawyer - and the plot called for a surprise ending, so the writers decided to have the bed collapse as the lovers fell on it.

But "Guiding Light" was fighting powerful forces. Its audience wasn't just shrinking. It was wrinkling. In television, youth sells mostly because youth buys, which is why advertisers look for young viewers, very few of whom were watching "Guiding Light."

For five years, Sheraton Kalouria was in charge of daytime programming for NBC, which cancelled a soap last year. He watched the decline of a lot of soap operas play out before his very eyes.

"Maybe its audience didn't survive," Kalouria said about "Guiding Light." "I mean that in the literal sense that this was an audience that, at 72 years of age, you can imagine the one way you age out of watching a show like that is to pass on."

"When you were in charge of daytime, when did you start noticing that you were in trouble?" Schlesinger asked.

"Every Thursday morning," Kalouria said laughing. "Thursday morning is when the national ratings come out. You could really see it week after week after week."

Soaps have tried to remain relevant by trying to become topical. They introduced stories about breast cancer and rape among other subjects once considered taboo.

"There are very few taboos left to be exploited from a dramatic standpoint because there are so many outlets chasing after that," Kalouria , told Schlesinger. "Whether it's daytime talk, whether it's news programming, whether it's the reality shows which bring some of these to life. I think we've gotten to the point where truth really is stranger than fiction.

And people who used to watch soaps - mostly women - have other things to do now like working.

But Audrey Thaler still has time for her story.

Like hundreds of other fans, she was at The Paley Center for Media in New York last month when a farewell party of sorts was held for the dearly departing program.

"These are the true believers, fans to the end," one devoted fan said.

When they finished shooting the final scenes last month for once there were at least as many tears off camera as on.

"You were the most important people in my life," Zimmer said once the cameras stopped rolling.

But some of the actors have already moved on. Robert Newman who played Josh is in an off-Broadway musical.

He plays a therapist who hears everyone's problems and has a secret love that is tormenting him, a perfect role for a now former soap star.

"What we've done on the soap opera, we've done goofy story lines on the soap, but, really the best of what we do really very much reflects what people experience in their own relationships, whether it's with their spouses or whether it's with their siblings," Newman (left) told Schlesinger. "You know, I think it's important that we sit and we sort of witness that. We laugh with them, and we cry with them. We heal with them. All those things happen sort of once removed. That won't be there. You know, you won't get that from a game show."

After this Friday when the show ends, it will in fact be replaced by a game show. And Audrey Thaler will have an extra free hour every weekday.

"What will you do when this ends?" Schlesinger asked Thaler.

"Well, I won't get involved in another soap opera because I don't have another 72 years to spare."

[daycaremommy]

I have watched both As the World Turns and Guiding Light for many years. I watch ATWT because my mother watched it. I actually think That GL is a far better show. Since it was cancelled I know longer watch CBS during that time. I wish I could stay away completely! I think they are going to realize that they made a mistake. The ratings will really drop for that time slot without GL!!!!!

[Muddled2]

I am beyond saddened. My 80+ year old mother has some dementia issues but knows who people are on GL. A lifelong listener and watcher of your show is devistated and CBS could care less. Ratings are so important then get rid of the Price is Right, that Drew Cary is killing that show. And I agree with many. you could have 1/2 houred the program and see how it went then. But getting rid of it all together was a unforgivable mistake. I hope the people who came up with this idea get fired and are tarred and feathered for even thinking to take away a icon of our society. You could always lose yourself to a soap opera. And Guiding Light was the best.

[Barbiedoll53]

I am so fighting MAD.I have watched this show since like the 60's. It's the ONLY soap I watch and tivoed it when I was on the road. I love each and everyone of the actors especially Reva..she is wild like me..She always made my day. We have got to do something to get our show back fans..You can take all the games shows and throw them away. They are worthless..never watch them at all..WE WANT GUIDING LIGHT..WE WANT GUIDING LIGHT......

[stumpy904]

we love you Guiding Light Hope the light comes back on love allyou guys love that you found Frank some one finally and you put Lizzy and Bill together.and you broght back Johnathan.

[stumpy904]

I hope Cbs Goes off the air and all yall lose your jobs

[stumpy904]

You lost a viewer You canceled wonderful show now I will not tune into your station no matter what I cant believe you would cancel Guiding light Especially for a stupid show lie deal or no deal who ever did that should be fired So long CBS you suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ldhasan]

I never realized the emotional pull this story line would have on me. In 1976 my Mother was dying of cancer I was only 18 years old and had absolutely no interest in any soap. Due to my Mothers condition and treatments she was unable to keep up with her show, so she ask me to please watch it and bring her up to speed at times. This was the worst for me. I first watched with no interest and could not remember much and what I did remember I mixed all up when trying to convey the information to her. Now, about two weeks into it I was already hooked and was able to relay it all to Mom. She laughed at me and said, ?I knew you would love it, now you are hooked too. You will no doubt watch this show from now on and every time you do you will think of me.? I did and have for years now, but never knew how much I loved it due to knowing I was still watching in a way for my Mom. I know that seems silly, but it was a connection I still need. I will miss that time of the day I spent filling the last request from my Mom, she died February 4th, 1977 at age 41, I am now 51 and hang on to any and all things I can that I shared with her. So, this was not just a show to me, it was a step back when I had my Mom with me. I of all people know that all good things will come to an end, but I cried knowing it was over. Thank you for giving me this outlet to voice my feelings.

Lisa,
Lebanon, TN

[gemini0524]

Cancelling guiding light is the biggest mistake CBS has ever done. I have watched this for 35 years and I do not believe that the Nielson ratings are correct. this rating system has to be upgraded to people who use DVR's and such. Such a sad day. Unforgivable. Big big mistake

[pmdelf]

I'm so disappointed in CBS for discontinuing this soap opera. I have watched this soap opera since I was a child, which has been 48 years. My mother watched it every day, this is the only soap opera I have recorded and now DVR over the years. Don't plan on watching any other soap operas, as none can replace The Guiding Light. Shame on you CBS and good luck to the cast, as the show will be missed.

[donna047]

i didn`t think CBS or Procter & Gamble could be so cruel!!! You have NO idea of how many people you are hurting and sending their health downhill with all the stress you have caused us by taking our entire Guiding Light family away from us!!! There was no good reason to put your loyal viewers through this or the cast of Guiding Light.They were loyal to CBS. I will never watch your silly game show. You could have went to 30 minutes or something,but you are replacing our family with a game show? Oh my gosh that is crazy and we will never forgive you for this!!! If my grandma were still alive she would be heartbroken also. God Bless the cast of Guiding Light. We love you all so much!!!

[bjm1955]

When I was a little girl it was a favorite thing to do watching GL with my mother. She would be as sadddddddddd as I am that it will no longer be on. I personally like the reality the show has portrayed lately. It makes it seem so real. I will miss seeing Reva and Josh and Beth, Phillip and Rick and the rest of the cast but I wish them all well and may God bless them on the new journey they will be going on. You all will truely be missed. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!

[khall42]

ok we all want gl back so what are we going to do about it, I am sure we can do something,if we all stand together and demand they bring this show back they'll half too.new york your mad we'll iam in kentucky and were mad too.this is one of the only decent shows there is left. like you all have said unless, someone takes a stand we loose.The actors loose too , loose there jobs. So why just complain why not through a hissy fit and demand they bring our show back.We can start pititions and call and anything we can think of to stop this.at first they gave some hope that lifetime would pick this show up , but that was a let down.whose with me on this , come on I really want my show back!!!!!!!

[donna047]

I am with you!!! I am so upset with CBS that after I watch the last of Guiding Light on Friday ,I will not watch CBS either if they do this to all of us. How cruel and mean CBS is!!! My health was already getting bad but this just pushed it over the edge. Give us our Guiding Light family back CBS!!!!!

[jrschloe1]

CBS IS OUT OF MY LIFE FOR ENDING THE GUIDING LIGHT...WILL NEVER WATCH CBS AGAIN!!!!

[jrschloe1]

i can't believe you are ending the guiding light! i watched the y&r, and the guiding light..sick of ridge and brook! and sick of as the world turns...now i won't watch any of your stations!!!who ever told you to cancel the GL must be really impaired in some WAY! we will find another channel to watch....CBS is no longer on our TV..i wish the best to all of the GL cast members! hope they know they made history!!! God bless all of them!!! I HATE CBS FOR DOING THIS!!

[lacalm]

I just found out about this tragic news. Everyone has their own opinion of likes and dislikes and I'm no different except that I've never commented on anything before this. I'm 47 yrs old and have been watching all soaps on ch 2 CBS since a child sitting on my grandma's lap at the age of 4 until now, calling long distance to family members each week to talk about our 2nd families, the soaps. I've not read the entire article so I don't know the reason behind this cancellation but I can't hear anything good enough. Especially if it's to add even more disgusting viewing such as game shows, reality TV and really bad sitcoms to replace a classic that many of us look forward to everyday. Yes I work but have tivo so I don't sit with my pile of goodies and eat watching daily. I was down for awhile with some changes but that?s normal, but with the return of Phillip and Jonathon, I was getting excited again. I use to get really upset when my show was interrupted during the day but this has me furious. Guiding Light cast members will be missed by millions and what a poor decision on CBS?s part. Already this week they?re interrupted by tennis, oh yeah, I love that??

[Avoorhees]

I have been watching GL for 30 years. I started watching with my Grandma when I was 8. She passed away this winter and I wonder when I watch the show, what she would think of this story or that one. I am sad to lose another connection to her. When I was younger I had the biggest crush on Philip. I was so happy to see him come back to the show. I am sad that CBS would let a show with this much history go. I plan to avoid watching CBS from this point on. If they aren't going to be loyal to their shows, why should I be loyal to them.

[RevaFan43]

I grew up watching Guiding Light with my mom, it bonded us when we didn't communicate so well. I'm now 43 and very saddened Guiding Light is ending.

I once met Kim Zimmer (Reva)in Boulder CO. I believe her daughter was attending school there. My mom was visiting from NY state and we were eating at Cheesecake Factory. They were sitting next to us. I don't seek "celebrities" and autographs...however, my mom had no problem asking her for an autograph! Kim wrote a note to my first child and told him what a beautiful baby he was. I did save it in his baby book. That was 8 years ago, (three kids, five dogs, three fishes, two cats and a chinese dwarf hamster since).

I had a lump removed from my breast a few years ago that turned out fine (thank God), but it was at the same time "Reva" had cancer. My mom's heart and health are now failing, and it saddens me to think Guiding Light is also fading into the memories of the past.

I wish the cast and staff of Guiding Light warm thoughts and best wishes as they move on to the next chapter in their lives. Thank you for all you did for the victims of Katrina. Thanks for the memories.

[maryida]

I too have been watching this show for many years when work schedule allowed. I started watching as a child with my mother and grandmother who are no longer living. Had the writing the last few years been of the quality of the last few weeks the show may have made it. I have remained loyal to CBS daytime shows for all these years and am disappointed CBS is not remaining loyal to its long time viewers. To the actors I feel like I am losing a part of my family. They were wonderful and brought me much joy and many tears over the years especially these past few weeks knowing the show was ending. God bless everyone involved with the show who will be unemployed and their families as they move in a new direction. Thanks to CBS for at least bringing back some of our favorites for the fianl shows. I Will Not be watching whatever replaces this show. I will be doing more reading. I say cancel The Bold and the Beautiful and continue The Guiding Light.

[jfjezzy]

Is there nothing to be done? It can't just go away! I love Guiding Light.

[springfieldfriend]

im 51 years old and started watching guilding light when i was in grade school,bert was on with grampa ed and mike,holly and roger,alan and elizabeth, philips mom... to the powersa that be wake up your going to lose a lot more $$$$$ IF YOU DON'T WATCH OUT.....VERY MAD IN NEW YORK...