Daytime soap operas, also known as daytime dramas, are a staple of daytime television. However, there are several synonyms used to describe this type of programming. "Daytime drama" is perhaps the most common synonym, as it accurately describes the genre's emphasis on long-term story arcs, emotional turmoil, and melodrama. Other synonyms include "daytime serial," a nod to the serialized nature of the shows, and "soap opera," a term derived from the sponsorship of early daytime dramas by soap manufacturers. No matter what you choose to call them, one thing is certain: daytime soaps offer an escape from reality and a chance to get lost in the lives of fictional characters.