What Makes You So Special?

Telenovelas and Soap Operas are very similar in some ways, and in others, drastically different in many others.  It is almost a misnomer to even compare the two entertainment types, but since they are so often compared, going as far as calling Telenovelas the "Mexican Soap Operas," it is important to understand where that comes from.

Let us start with the similarities.  Telenovelas and Soap Operas share a common origin, but that is discussed in some manner of detail at another time.  They both are also defined by their over-dramatic style.  When we think of Soap Operas, and by extension in most cases Telenovelas, we think of extreme drama in between somewhat ridiculous characters that are easy to grow attached to.  Aside from the origin and the overall tone, the two types of entertainment are quite different.  One of the largest differences between the two is the format of the shows themselves.  American Soap Operas are notorious for having never-ending drama, the seasons ending in cliffhangers that tie over until the next season.  Examples of this exist in the form of the top three longest running soap operas "Guiding Light" (having more than 15,000 episodes aired between 1952  through 2009), "As the World Turns" (more than 13,000 episodes from 1956 to 2010), and the still running "General Hospital" (which started in 1963).  Telenovelas on the other hand have a set ending point, so, when the story-line is concluded, the series comes to an end.  You could debate as to whether or not the obvious difference in length is a major reason for the decline in Soap Opera popularity when compared to Telenovelas, but that isn't for this post.  

During my research I've concluded that the overall budget of Telenovelas vs. that of Soap Operas is a pseudo disputed topic, and I decided to take my information from one source that seemed to agree with the somewhat general consensus of my overall findings.  Now, without further unneeded blabbering, let's get to it: According to this source “American prime-time scripted dramas, ... can cost as much as $3 million an episode,” while Telenovelas can cost as little as as $30,000 per episode. [Ordoñez] While these numbers may be wrong and/or outdated, I believe that they do provide a general idea for the difference in budget that Telenovelas have when compared to Soap Operas.  It would make sense that this would effect how Telenovelas are crafted in comparison to large Prime Time Dramas.  

It should also be stated that Telenovelas are typically more diverse in content than their Soap Opera cousins.  Soap Operas are typically quite similar in content, lots of family drama in a city or small town, etc... (General Hospital being a recent deviation from this), but Telenovelas are quite different is scope.  They are addressed to all different ages groups, cover all sorts of topics from the typical workplace drama to historical seated dramas, and have a large viewing outside of their country of origin, to name just a few reasons.

Maybe it is a combination of the above mentioned facts, maybe something else entirely, but, as it stands, the difference between Telenovelas and Soap Opera viewership in the United States is increasing drastically.  According to Nielsen data, Telenovelas have “5.6 million people tuning in across the country versus 2.9 million soap opera viewers.” [PBS] A change in the tide of public opinion shows just how cultural a product Telenovelas are.