Guiding Light premiered on June 30, 1952 on the CBS network in the United States. The series was created by Irna Phillips and Emmons Carlson.

The series is the world's longest running daytime drama serial and aired on the radio for fifteen years before it's television debut. The Bauer family have been on the series from the beginning.

Guiding Light was created by Irna Phillips as a radio show. On January 25, 1937 Guiding Light's first episode aired with rave reviews. Originally this radio show was called The Guiding Light and was starred German-Jewis immigrants all trying to achieve the American Dream. Reverend John Ruthledge gave the immigrants hope of a new life in America. On the desk near his window, the minister placed an old lantern, a “guiding light” to those parishioners passing in the cold, hopeless night. From Guiding Lights eariler days until the presence family bonding has played a large roll in the series. From the Coopers to the Spauldings family life was a very precious thing.

In an attempt to reach more viewers Guiding Light has revamped their theme song, and the first portion of the show is in widescreen. Many younger characters have been casted on the show in an attempt of bring the ratings up. Cancellation rumors have been spreading about the show for over the past decade, but if the ratings do not pick up Spring Field will no longer be in exsistence (Except for the other thousand towns with this name)

Many have objected the current change in characters actions such as Beth's marriage to Alan. In fact since Beth arrived on the show in the early 80's this has been the biggest character devolopment of her in the series.