“Soap” ran from 1977 to 1981 on ABC. The night-time parody of daytime soap operas created a lot of controversy as details about its first episodes leaked in the media.
The show’s sexual content provoked protests from many religious groups, even before it aired. Even some gay-rights groups were concerned about the show’s portrayal of a gay character’s storyline. Advertisers began cancelling in advance of “Soap’s” debut.
By the time it debuted, 18 of ABC’s 195 affiliates refused to air the show. Others chose to broadcast it after 11 p.m. so children wouldn’t be as likely watch it.
The publicity helped the first episode win its time slot. A University of Richmond poll found that 26 percent of viewers found it offensive and half of them planned to watch it the next week.
“Soap” earned mixed reviews early on, but critics turned positive in later seasons. Today, it is considered one of the best series in TV history. The show also launched the spinoff series “Benson.”
“The Munsters Today” aired from 1988 to 1991. It was a sequel to the classic sitcom “The Munsters,” which aired from 1964 to 1966. The pilot explains the family was involved in an accident and went to sleep for 20 years.
The show ran for three seasons in syndication, resulting in 72 episodes. Here’s an episode:
My Third Parent 