They say that all good things must eventually come to an end, and for the CBS daytime soap, “Guiding Light”, that end will come on September 18 of this year.

Guiding Light is not only the longest running drama in television history, but it also predates television altogether. The soap originally got its start on the radio, 15 years before moving to TV.

There have been over 15,700 episodes of the series, a record that will never be matched again.

The program was originally just 15 minutes long when it debut on television in 1952. It went to 30 minutes in 1968, and eventually wound up as a one hour show in 1977.

Why is Guiding Light being cancelled? CBS announced that the show has been losing ratings over the years and is just too expensive to produce, compared to lower cost alternatives like Judge Judy, Dr. Phil, etc.

Another show that may follow in being cancelled is “As The World Turns”. But no announcement has been made yet on that show.

According to Nancy Tellem, president of CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group. “This daytime icon will always be an indelible part of CBS’ history, with a legacy of innovation and reputation for quality and excellence at every step of the way.”

As of yet, CBS has not said what will be taking up the time slot left behind. Sources have speculated that it may be a talk show with Valerie Bertinelli or T.D. Jakes. Others are speculating on a new, more modern version of “Pyramid”.

One thing is for sure, Guiding Light will forever be remembered as a historic piece of television that will never be matched in the future. We wish the cast, crew, producers and all involved, only the best.