Do you think Dark Shadows can be considered a soap? seems to have the format and 3000 + episodes. The way the show moves is exactly like a soap but what do you think?
shareI bet it's probably had one of the longest runs in the UK. In the 80's they made an updated version that the Sci Fi channel showed. Great show in my opinion, a bore to others. Rock On Barnabas (Johnathan Frid)!!!!!
shareI believe the updated Dark Shadows (the one with Ben Cross from "Chariots of Fire" as Barnabas) ran on NBC in 1990.
(edit: it was 1991.)
What's really amazing with Dark Shadows is that every episode (except for one late in the run) survives. Sci-Fi channel used to rerun the entire series in the '90's two episodes a day. Who could not love Angelique? The NBC remake was good but didn't even last a complete season.
shareThe remake was also aired on the sci-fi channel. Both are very good but the black and white episodes were the best.
shareIf you're starting from the beginning, you have a long wait for Barnabas who did not appear the first year. But you eventually will encounter David's Mom, a very fiery blonde indeed. Don't expect great acting but the series will pull you in.
Yes, it was a soap opera! If a serialized melodrama 5 days a week (even with supernatural overtones) doesn't fit the bill, what does?
I've always been amused that much as I love Lara Parker and Jonathan Frid there exists ZERO chemistry between them. Be on the lookout for Joel Crothers who plays Joe Haskell. He continued his soap stardom on Secret Storm and Edge of Night. He was a very gracious man whom I did meet on the EoN set and sent me a very pleasant note in response to a fan letter. Also check out Grayson Hall who has killer roles in the various time periods. I best like her as Magda the Gypsy. You're going to love the show!