In the past I've had my phases with Eastenders, Corrie and Neighbours. I found them all entertaining in the 00s but in the last 10 years or so I've found them all lacking soul, prioritising storylines over characterisation, having wooden dialogues instead of more dynamic scenes, and generally feeling serious and depressing.
About a year ago I was getting desperate for a soap fix, and suddenly remembered Pobol y Cwm. I'd never watched it properly, merely aware of it. I started by searching scenes on YouTube, and soon quite enjoyed the characters and the scenes. I then started watching it on iplayer and a year later I'm still a regular viewer.
What I like most about it is the breathing space they give the characters. A chance to be themselves in the pub, dabbling in petty dramas and generally being quite humorous. There is of course still real drama but it's well balanced and doesn't feel so oppressive. The acting is great and you can tell they enjoy doing it.
If there's any negatives I have to mention, it will probably be that some storylines seem to skip or be abandoned, for example some characters resolving tensions off-screen. But all in all a very enjoyable watch.
About a year ago I was getting desperate for a soap fix, and suddenly remembered Pobol y Cwm. I'd never watched it properly, merely aware of it. I started by searching scenes on YouTube, and soon quite enjoyed the characters and the scenes. I then started watching it on iplayer and a year later I'm still a regular viewer.
What I like most about it is the breathing space they give the characters. A chance to be themselves in the pub, dabbling in petty dramas and generally being quite humorous. There is of course still real drama but it's well balanced and doesn't feel so oppressive. The acting is great and you can tell they enjoy doing it.
If there's any negatives I have to mention, it will probably be that some storylines seem to skip or be abandoned, for example some characters resolving tensions off-screen. But all in all a very enjoyable watch.