The Guiding Light is a television soap opera that is credited by the Guinness
Book of World Records as the longest-running television drama in history, airing
from 1952 until 2009, preceded by a 15-year broadcast on radio. It stands as
the third longest-running program in all of broadcast history.

On April 1, 2009, CBS canceled Guiding Light due to low ratings, ending its 72-
year run. The show taped the last scenes on August 11, 2009, and its final
episode was broadcast September 18, 2009.

Cast members from the early days of ‘The Guiding Light’ are from left:
Ellen Demming, Theo Goetz, and Charita Bauer.  

March 4, 1953