1951    The first long-running American television soap opera, ''Search for Tomorrow'', airs its first episode on the CBS network.

1960    The first episode of Britain's longest running television soap opera ''Coronation Street'' is broadcast.

1980    On the season finale of the soap opera ''Dallas'', the infamous character J.R. Ewing is shot by an unseen assailant, leading to the catchphrase "Who shot J.R.?"

1986    The first long-running American television soap opera, ''Search for Tomorrow'', airs its final episode after thirty-five years on the air.