TELEVISION

A glance back at soap operas--and the meta-soap sendups that have kept the American fanny on the American sofa for half a century and counting.

Peyton Place
ABC (1964-1969)
The first hit prime-time soap, based on Grace Metalious's novel. Rich- boy Rodney Harrington (Ryan O'Neal) romanced Allison Mackenzie (Mia Farrow). And many others.

Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman
Syndicated (1975-1977)
Norman Lear's soap parody with an over-the-top-typical housewife (Louise Lasser) and country-singin' pal Loretta Haggers (Mary Kay Place)

Rich Man, Poor Man
ABC (1976)
A six-parter from Irwin Shaw's novel. Rudy Jordache (Peter Strauss) built an empire; poor brother Tom (Nick Nolte) was finally murdered. Coolest guest star: Gloria Grahame.

Soap
ABC (1977-1981)
This satirical half-hour sitcom about the upper-crust Tates and the blue-collar Campbells drew pickets and protest letters. Billy Crystal played the bisexual Campbell stepson.

Dallas
CBS (1978-1991)
The big daddy of prime-time soaps, thanks largely to J. R. Ewing (Larry Hagman), a Shakespeare villain turned oil tycoon. We forget now who shot J.R., but he'll never die.