#20: Primetime Soaps
Many recall daytime staples like Days of Our Lives when considering soap operas. Yet, in the 1980s, soaps morphed into primetime attractions, emerging as pivotal teen/family dramas shaping mainstream media.

Pioneers like Dynasty and Dallas introduced character-driven drama, setting a precedent for ’90s and 2000s cult favorites like The O.C. and Beverly Hills 90210. These primetime soaps greatly influenced pop culture, paving the way for future hits.