The last episode of Guiding Light airs on CBS today. The show, which has been on the air for 72 years, has weathered every change and enhancement in technology over the years. Originally starting on the radio before graduating to television, the legacy is impressive. The show leaves the air having won 70 Emmy awards over its broadcast tenure, including Outstanding Drama Series. Many fans will be celebrating the show’s finale with live blogs, Internet chats, and live Twitter feeds.
The show has a great history that has been passed on for generations. “It’s been reflecting American life back at America since before World War II,” said “Guiding Light” executive producer Ellen Wheeler in the Washington Post.
Their replacement is a remake of the popular game show ‘Let’s Make a Deal’ with host Wayne Brady premiering Oct. 5. Repeats of “The Price Is Right” will air in their time slot in the mean time.
Guiding Light was created by soap icon Irma Phillips. It debuted on NBC radio in 1937 as a 15-minute serial, then came to CBS television on June 30, 1952. In 1968, “Guiding Light” expanded to 30 minutes and, in 1977, it became a full hour.
The show was the training ground for many of today’s superstars, including Kevin Bacon, JoBeth Williams, James Earl Jones, Allison Janney, Brittany Snow, Hayden Panettiere and Melina Kanakaredes.
Guiding Light airs its final episode on September 22 on CBS.
