Summer on a soap opera usually means an influx of teenage characters, hoping to catch that elusive age group as viewers.
Over the years, there have been some tawdry, shallow teen stories on your favorite shows or simply love on the run — but once in a while, there is a real gem that can touch people of all age groups.
The Young and the Restless
Victoria (Amelia Heinle) may seem a bit overbearing now about son Reed’s teenage sexual activity, but she has a very good reason. When she was a teenager (played then by B&B’s Heather Tom), she had a lot of issues because she wasn’t emotionally ready for it.
She wanted to prove she could keep up with older man Ryan. It led to a very poignant story with stepmother Ashley (then played by Brenda Epperson) taking her to the doctor to get tested for HIV and pregnancy.
The story was handled like none other on daytime and informs who Victoria is to this day.
General Hospital
In 1998, teenager Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) was hopelessly infatuated with Lucky Spencer, who was in turn infatuated with her sister, Sarah.
Liz was walking through the park on her way home from the Valentine’s Day dance when she was violently raped by a stranger. It was Lucky who stood by her side and helped her to recover, both physically and emotionally. The two fell deeply in love in the process.
Days of Our Lives
Theo (Kyler Pettis) was 5-years-old when he was diagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). His parents, Abe and Lexie, did everything they could to give him the best shot of having a great life.
Becoming a teenager with those hormones kicking in has added another layer to this complex teen. He spent much of this year torn between to girls – Ciara (Vivian Jovanni), whom he’s known most of his life and his current girlfriend, Claire (Olivia Rose Keegan) who treats…continue reading on the next page —>
Becoming a teenager with those hormones kicking in has added another layer to this complex teen. He is torn between to girls – Ciara (Vivian Jovanni), whom he’s known most of his life and his current girlfriend, Claire (Olivia Rose Keegan) who treats him like he’s a normal guy she’s fallen for – which Theo appreciates.
But, now he may be jealous of Claire’s friendship with Tripp (Lucas Adams). It’s a refreshing story for a show not known for its deep character development.
The Bold and the Beautiful
Katie (Heather Tom) may look picture perfect now, but when she was a teenager (and played by Nancy Sloan), she had to deal with something no other soap opera character has really ever had to deal with – acne breakouts.
Yep, you read that right. Of all shows, B&B decided to have a realistic teen in Los Angeles who had to deal with her gorgeous sisters while she battled zits on her face.
It was a subtle, underplayed story but appreciated by many teens who finally found something to relate to on the show.
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