Soaps are ridiculously popular. The classic format has faded a bit into other slash genres like "reality" or "dating" shows but the overall formula is the same. They are still soap operas. I bolded that, not to shit on them (even though I do) but to admit with a sigh that they are theater. Maybe not classy theater but popular at least.
I suppose I should also add some random thoughts to contribute: Why are sandals so shitty when dealing with sand? Why can't I get a portable electric heater that blows hot air more than four inches away? And what's with airline food!? No, not Seinfeld, I mean they clearly have a microwave somewhere can I just ask them to heat up some Ramen I brought instead?