The network is ending the show after 72 years and more than 15,700 episodes on television and radio. The series will broadcast its final episode Friday, Sept. 18.
" 'Guiding Light' has achieved a piece of television history that will never be matched; it has crossed mediums, adapted its stories to decades of social change and woven its way through generations of audiences like no other," said Nancy Tellem, president of CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group. "This daytime icon will always be an indelible part of CBS' history, with a legacy of innovation and reputation for quality and excellence at every step of the way. While its presence will be missed, its contributions will always be celebrated and never be forgotten."
"Light" launched as a 15-minute network program in 1952, expanded to 30 minutes in 1968, then went to an hour in 1977. In recent years, however, "Light" and partner “As the World Turns" have long become a drag on the ticket in CBS' daytime lineup. Two years ago CBS worked with producers of both shows to try to modernize the "Light" production process while cutting costs, using smaller crews shooting with nimble digital cameras.
CBS has not yet announced what will replace "Light."
"No show in daytime or primetime or any time has touched so many millions of viewers across so many years as 'Guiding Light,' " said Barbara Bloom, senior vp daytime programs at CBS. "We thank the cast, crew and producers -- past and present -- who delivered this entertainment institution, the beloved characters and the time-honored stories to our audience every day for seven decades. It's been a privilege to work with such an extraordinarily talented group of people."
The radio show's original story line centered on minister Rev. John Ruthledge and the fictional Chicago suburb Five Points. Today's show is set in the fictional town of Springfield, and revolves around several families.
" 'Guiding Light' has achieved a piece of television history that will never be matched; it has crossed mediums, adapted its stories to decades of social change and woven its way through generations of audiences like no other," said Nancy Tellem, president of CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group. "This daytime icon will always be an indelible part of CBS' history, with a legacy of innovation and reputation for quality and excellence at every step of the way. While its presence will be missed, its contributions will always be celebrated and never be forgotten."
"Light" launched as a 15-minute network program in 1952, expanded to 30 minutes in 1968, then went to an hour in 1977. In recent years, however, "Light" and partner “As the World Turns" have long become a drag on the ticket in CBS' daytime lineup. Two years ago CBS worked with producers of both shows to try to modernize the "Light" production process while cutting costs, using smaller crews shooting with nimble digital cameras.
CBS has not yet announced what will replace "Light."
"No show in daytime or primetime or any time has touched so many millions of viewers across so many years as 'Guiding Light,' " said Barbara Bloom, senior vp daytime programs at CBS. "We thank the cast, crew and producers -- past and present -- who delivered this entertainment institution, the beloved characters and the time-honored stories to our audience every day for seven decades. It's been a privilege to work with such an extraordinarily talented group of people."
The radio show's original story line centered on minister Rev. John Ruthledge and the fictional Chicago suburb Five Points. Today's show is set in the fictional town of Springfield, and revolves around several families.
