Guiding Light

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CBS (ended 2009)
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Show Summary

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The late soap journalist Christopher Schemering once wrote that soap operas are not just dramas; "they're little pockets of American history." So it's only fitting to consider that at one time, "The Guiding Light,"-the longest running program in broadcast history, spanning 71 years-- brought fifteen-minute bits of escapism to war-weary housewives, as their men trudged off to fight the indignities of WWII. It brought social awareness to a nation that began to think about the big picture beyond their picket fences and suburban streets. Soap opera is a truly dynamic genre that reflects life as it is lived, the quintessential American art form. Although berated and belittled, the soap opera has an illustrious lineage, with no less than the books of Charles Dickins as an inspiration. Created by the legendary, if not iron-fisted Irna Phillips, "The Guiding Light" began its life on January 25, 1937. Originally, the show focused on the Chicagoan suburb of Five Points, a bustling enclave of German-Jewish immigrants hoping to find their own piece of the American dream. Giving them the hope and inspiration they needed was a kindly minister named Reverend John Ruthledge (voiced by Arthur Peterson of "Soap" fame). The Reverend's sermons of hope and forgiveness made such an impression that a bestselling book was published of his most popular homilies. The Reverend's message could be summed up by his favorite mantra from Edwin Markum "There is a destiny that makes us brothers, none goes his way alone, all that we send into the lives of others, comes back into our own." On the desk near his window, the minister placed an old lantern, a "guiding light" to those parishioners passing in the cold, hopeless night. In the 1940's the Reverend Ruthledge enrolled as a chaplain to do his part of the war effort. However, when the production of the show moved to the west coast, Peterson refused to join them, so Irna Phillips had the minister die when his plane was shot down overseas. His "friendship lamp" went too with the production move to the town of Selby Flats, California. Reverend Matthews took over for the late Rev. Ruthledge as the center of hope and inspiration. However, by the time that the show was slated to move to television, the religious undertones of the show were virtually gone and the focus was moved yet again to the family Bauer. * Guiding Light was cancelled on April 1, 2009 and the last episode aired on September 18, 2009.moreless
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Episode Guide

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S 71 :  Ep 15515 Aired 1/25/37
S 71 :  Ep 15514 Aired 1/25/37
S 71 :  Ep 15513 Aired 1/25/37
S 71 :  Ep 15512 Aired 1/25/37
S 71 :  Ep 15511 Aired 1/25/37

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Fan Reviews (67)

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  • Normally I would go, "TURN OFF THAT LIGHT!" but...

    7.0
    "Good"
    By MadameCat, Feb 11, 2011
    ...there's something about this light that's...special. It isn't a crappy teenage drama, it isn't a boring teen show like SWAC, it's been on for many graceful years, and it excited me when I saw bits and pieces of it while channel surfing. I'm wondering how it kept so many fans and still had somewhat good of a following, made it to the Guinness Book, and STILL is a household name after all these years on air. Trust me, at first glance I wanted to extinguish it, but after seeing a few episodes, I love it. Please, if you're sick of the teen drama stuff, watch Guiding Light instead...moreless

  • Please someone plug the Light back in???!!!

    10
    "Perfect"
    By tv_junkie_12, Jan 25, 2010
    It has only been a little over 4 months since the Light was turned out. I say, why doesn't someone turn it back on?!! Can't one of the actors take over the show? (I.E. Crystal Chappel - Venice The Series) It can be written again, just change the name of the title, buy it, something. Not having this show that was so much a part of my everyday life since birth is really hard to take. CBS has lost my viewmanship, and my respect!

    As to the show, it was a constant companion since my Mother's death 20 years ago. I feel so lost without it, empty, numb. It was my contact with her. It became 'reality' tv to me, and a lot of other women, families in this country. We shared this show with our families. Everyone got involved. I NEVER thought it would end.

    I feel though, if someone does restore GL to tv, can they concentrate on the families more, and not make it about just 3 families? The Spauldings, Coopers, and Bauers are great, but what about the Reardons, the Santos, and some new families? Towns have more than just a few families in them, with more than just a few businesses. I would like to see the show made more real, but still have the history of the original. This is just my opinion, what's yours? I would like to say to all the actors of the show, you are missed! You are in our hearts, and keep smiling, maybe the Light will come back. God bless you all!moreless

  • I'm PO CBS you get rid of GL for as the price is right come on guys...I would rather go stick my head in the sand than to sit here and watch as the price is right...Come on...Bring GL back...moreless

    10
    "Perfect"
    By MistyClarkson, Sep 21, 2009
    I can remember watching this show as a little girl... Being 25 almost 26, this is the only show I like watching...Now I have nothing to do being a sahm, my children love this show as well...I love seeing all of them...They are like my family...I very sad about seeing this show go...So maybe down the line here in about a couple of months you rating will go down so just maybe you guys will bring it back to us...PLEASE... Im heart broken... Reba we love you and Gosh (josh) we love you as well too... I cried when Alan died :( cant believe that happen what so ever...moreless

  • The zeal of the writers and sponsors for the young, audience spells the death knell for GL. I have enjoyed you since watching with my Grandmother during the 50's on into the 80's with my own children. Oh I wished to share you with my grandchildren.moreless

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By CindySivula, Sep 17, 2009
    I am deeply disappointed that CBS is pulling GL. I have watched during good writing and bad for just over 50 years. I was watching it devotedly in the late 60's,70's, and early 80's losing interest when the younger (I was only 20) audiences were sought. My children have continued to watch (they're in their late 20's and 30's) and have the same complaint I had then,story lines were deleting the older, well loved/hated characters and very rarely looked back into the old stories for historical data (who was barren and miraculously gives birth etc.) The actors in most cases were excellent, the writing suffered greatly and thus killed GL. Killing Alan and sending Josh off are just two examples.moreless

  • "Will Be Missed"

    8.0
    "Great"
    By jerseyjones, Sep 14, 2009
    Yeah well this show will end on Friday September 18, 2009 and it will be missed by me and other fans it shouldn't be taken off the air they should keep it on and just change a few things but anyway I think this show is great alot better than Y&R + B&B right now because there kind of dumb at this moment in time. Unlike those two shows I really liked all the characters except for Harley but she left a year ago. Loved this little quote they did to: "There is a destiny that makes us brothers
    None goes it's way alone And all that we send into the light of others Comes back into our own."
    Just had to add thatmoreless
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back from the dead, beautiful people, catfights, characters with hidden agendas, extraordinary situations

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