The one thing no one has ever figured out is exactly how much income is lost each year due to Spanish soap operas. At seven oclock every weeknight all work ceases for millions of Hispanics and Latinos that are addicted to Spanish soap operas. Whatever is going on will just have to wait while these millions and millions of faithful viewers stop to watch their favorite Telenovelas. Watching novellas daily is practically a religious experience for these rabid and loyal fans and nothing will get in the way of their watching. Not work, not making dinner, nothing. Just try and get in their way and you could find yourself getting hurt. These viewers know all the story lines and are gabbing about them all day whenever they get the chance with their friends. It is kind of like a guilty pleasure that everyone relishes.
These viewers are not just women either, though that is the predominant gender that watches Spanish soap operas. Men are increasingly drawn to these elaborate night time serials with multiple chapters and sub plots. Many men just get into it because that is the only quality time they can have all day with their wives. Personally, I admit to watching a few of these, though most do not suit my tastes. If you are a single guy, you definitely watch them for the gorgeous girls and sexy content. Spanish soap operas dont have the same restrictions that American made shows have and they definitely show more skin.
Spanish soap operas are different from their American counterparts in several ways. The most important difference is that they have beginnings and endings, though it can take many months for a telenovela to run its course. The more popular novellas are extended in order to get more advertising dollars. These Spanish soap operas are ridiculously lucrative money makers for their creators and for the networks that run them. They also are the springboard for many future stars such as Salma Hayek, Ana de la Regeira, and many others.
Another difference is that Spanish soap operas air during prime time. This is done because most Hispanics and Latinos work during the day and are only home during the evening hours.
Spanish soap operas have been around a long time. Some of the best ones ever aired include Los Ricos Tambien Lloran (The Rich Cry Too), El Clon (The Clone), Betty La Fea (Ugly Betty, which later became a hit ABC primetime show) and more recently Mas Sabe el Diablo. Some of the best Spanish soap operas are not even filmed in the Spanish language. For example La Esclava Isaura (Isaura the Slave), America, El Clon and many others were produced in Brazil where they speak predominantly Portuguese language.
One thing is for sure, when Telenovelas start at night, all work ceases.