“The Bold and the Beautiful” named most popular daytime soap

The Bold and the Beautiful has been named the Most Popular Daytime TV Soap by Guinness World Records. The CBS drama triumphed over rivals The Young and the Restless and General Hospital to secure the honour in recognition of its international success.

A Guinness World Records adjudicator this week presented the soap’s cast and crew with a special certificate confirming the achievement. The team gathered at the show’s base on Stage 31 of CBS Television City to receive the accolade.

The Bold and the Beautiful airs in over 110 countries. In the 66 where ratings are measured, the serial had a total of 24.5 million viewers in 2008 – higher than any other soap opera.

Speaking after receiving the honour, executive producer Bradley Bell commented: “We would like to thank our millions of viewers around the world who watch us every day, whether they are in Paris, Texas, or Paris, France; Duluth, Minnesota or United Arab Emirates. They are the reason this is happening here today. We never lose sight of that.”

The Bold and the Beautiful has been running since 1987 and has aired almost 6,000 episodes.