Best of 2019 Soap Operas: The Best Storylines of The Year

Soap operas tell many stories over the years that involve many characters, but there are some that are truly standout, ones that are remembered years into the future for how well they’re crafted and how well they resonate.

Soap Operas: Riveting Stories

Here’s a look back at the Best Stories of 2019 on The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, and The Young and the Restless.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Baby Beth

Sure, it’s cynical to say that the kidnapping of baby Beth was BB’s only storyline last year, but it’s also actually far from true. The important thing is that the baby-swap saga, crafted by head writer Bradley Bell, was not only compelling but it toppled into the show’s other tales like well-placed dominoes.

Think about it. If Reese (Wayne Brady) hadn’t utilized Flo Fulton (Katrina Bowden) in his scheme, then she never would have come to Los Angeles, found her family (the Logans), and been able to donate a kidney to Katie (Heather Tom). The baby-swap saga eventually drew pretty much the entire cast of characters into its web.

Days of our Lives: The Time Jump

Perhaps most of us have been guilty of not paying 100% attention to storylines going on with our favorite soaps – especially if a scene is filled with a bit too much recap, granted that’s a necessary evil of the daytime world.

But DAYS blew the roof off when head writer Ron Carlivati came up with its much-talked-about “Time Jump” storyline that kicked off with Jennifer (Melissa Reeves) coming out of a year-long coma.

Viewers have had to pay special attention to the show to figure out why exactly Will (Chandler Massey) is in jail, how come Justin (Wally Kurth) is romancing Kayla (Mary Beth Evans), what led to Lani (Sal Stowers) and Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) becoming nuns, and so much more.

General Hospital: Nikolas Returns

We never really thought he was gone for good, but GH’s head writing team of Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor still shocked viewers bringing Nikolas Cassadine (Marcus Coloma) back to life and back to Port Charles. The saga is filled with secrets (not everyone knows he’s alive), sent Ava (Maura West) to Shadybrooke (temporarily), and caused tensions to rise between Lulu (Emme Rylan) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart).

In late 1983, viewers tuned in daily to see when Port Charles residents would learn that Laura (Genie Francis) was actually alive, having escaped from Cassadine Island. This time, it’ll be Laura’s turn to be overjoyed.

The Young and the Restless: Neil’s Death

Sadly, YR’s best story this past year was one born out of necessity. After the sudden passing of beloved Kristoff St. John, head writer Josh Griffith wrote Neil’s death into the show. YR brought back some of St. John’s past leading ladies like Julia Pace Mitchell (ex-Sofia) and Angell Conwell (ex-Leslie), and TV son Dax Randall (ex-Moses) to pay their on-air respects.

It was glaring not to have Tonya Lee Williams back as Olivia, not to mention Veronica Redd as Mamie, but Emmy-winner Shemar Moore reprised Malcolm to help lay to rest the man who was both his on and off-screen brother. Kudos to CBS Daytime and YR for producing a tribute show in which St. John’s co-stars, including Victoria Rowell (ex-Drucilla), shared their memories of and love for their late colleague.

The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless air weekdays on CBS. Days of our Lives airs weekdays on NBC. General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC. Check local listings for air times.