As the World Turns is one of the longest running day time soap operas on CBS. The show tells the trials and tribulations of the residents of the fictitious town of Oakdale, Illinois. The primary families are the Snyder and the Hughes. Recent controversial story lines involve Luke Snyder, the oldest son of Lily and Holden Snyder, who happens to be gay. He's in the midst of a tumultuous love affair with his on again, off again boyfriend, Noah. In another major story line, Emmy winner Maura West plays the always conniving and always beloved Carly Tenney Snyder. Her long term love affair with her current ex-husband, Jack Snyder, has currently lead her into rehab after he marries another woman. She's turned to the arms of her ex-husband's detested rival, Craig Montgomery, played by top daytime actor, John Lindstrom, in a vicious yet tender portrayal of one of soap's best villains.

As the World Turns has picked up multiple Emmy Awards since it first aired in 1956. It has also launched the careers of some of Hollywood's biggest A-List stars, especially female leads, including: Meg Ryan, Julianne Moore, Marisa Tomei, Parker Posey, Ming Na, and Jordana Brewster.

Despite the Emmy wins, the show has been struggling to stay on the air and rumors persist that CBS and Procter and Gamble, who sponsors the show, might soon be canceling it. Fans of As the World Turns are worried that this long running treasure might disappear along with recent sister soap, Guiding Light, which aired its last episode September 18, 2009.