soap opera

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A radio or television serial, typically broadcast in the afternoon or evening, about the lives of melodramatic characters, which are often filled with strong emotions, highly dramatic situations and suspense.
2. 2
   Such serials in general.
3. 3
   Any story that is like a soap opera, as by being convoluted or melodramatic.
4. 4
   Alternative form of soap opera.