TV or radio serial

• Appear so excited about old TV show
• Everyday drama serial

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. a serialized program usually dealing with sentimentalized family matters that is broadcast on radio or television (frequently sponsored by a company advertising soap products)

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Soap Opera or The Kinks Present a Soap Opera is a 1975 concept album by The Kinks . It is the thirteenth studio album by The Kinks.

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
"melodramatic radio serial" (later extended to television), 1939; so-called because sponsors often were soap manufacturers, from earlier horse opera "a Western" (1927). Shortened form soap for this first attested 1943.

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. A radio or television serial, typically broadcast in the afternoon or evening, about the lives of melodramatic characters, which are often filled with strong emotions, highly dramatic situations and suspense.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Word definitions in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
noun EXAMPLES FROM CORPUS ▪ Career Girls never devolves into soap opera , but remains a focused, complex portrayal of a friendship. ▪ Glossy, high-powered soap opera about four black professional women helping one another through a bad year in Phoenix. ...