Guiding Light to fade after seven decades on air
Last Updated: Wednesday, April 1, 2009 | 6:59 PM ET
CBC News
In this TV production image released by CBS, Kim Zimmer, who plays Reva, second right, and Bradley Cole, who plays Jeffrey, right, are filmed during the production of the long-running daytime drama, "Guiding Light," in New York. (George de Sota,CBS/AP Photo)Emmy Award-winning soap opera Guiding Light, on the air for more than 70 years, will go dark this September, CBS announced on Wednesday.
The daytime drama, shot in New York and New Jersey, which initially got its start on radio in 1937, will not be renewed for the 2009-2010 season, the network said.
"Being on the air for more than seven decades is truly remarkable, and it will be difficult for all of us at the show to say goodbye," executive producer Ellen Wheeler said in a statement.
"I'm proud of everything we've been able to do.…This show has such a rich history, wonderful fans, and I'm honoured to have been a part of the GL legacy."
Guiding Light began as a 15-minute radio show in January 1937, before eventually shifting to television in 1952. It became a half-hour series in 1968 and extended to a full-hour in 1977.
Actors who graduated from the longtime series into more prominent film, television and stage roles have included James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson, Allison Janney, Kevin Bacon, Calista Flockhart, Taye Diggs, Hayden Panettiere and Brittany Snow.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Guiding Light is the longest-running television drama. However, the show, like other daytime dramas, has suffered from declining ratings in recent years.
The final episode is slated to air Sept. 18.
