The Light has gone out

Now, I don't pay attention to soaps. Not at all.

But it did catch my eye that CBS is canceling the oldest running drama series in television history, Guiding Light.

The only reason I care? The show has been on TV almost since its inception - it premiered on television in 1952 - and was first broadcast on radio in 1937. That's 72 years this thing has been on the air.

Can you imagine what a big deal it would be if TV executives cancelled 60 Minutes (first on in 1968) or The Simpsons (1989)? Well, this is an even bigger deal. CBS has pledged to replace the show with a game or talk show in the fall.

I never watched Guiding Light but its cancellation will alter television history.