What Writers can Learn from Hollyoaks
Hollyoaks is an English serial soap aimed at teens. Hollyoaks has been running for just over ten years but it is as popular now as its launch. So what lessons can writers learn from Hollyoaks?
Overload of drama
Yes it is a soap and soaps are supposed to be dramatic. But Hollyoaks takes the motherfucking biscuit. How dramatic I hear you ask? One character, Sienna Blake is a prime example. Sienna is a victim of parental abuse at the hands of her father who locks her in a basement for a year while she gives birth to a baby girl fathered by her own twin brother (she didn't know), is told the baby girl Nico is dead, reunites with said brother and kidnaps him to start a new family along with the newly returned Nico, scams a married man into thinking she is pregnant, kidnaps his nephew when he found out and threatened to tell, tries to kill the guy's wife and kids, her daughter tries to kill her and half the cast and then returns after faking her death to kill Sienna. (*takes pull off inhaler*) Overload of drama can swamp your reader's disbelief and it can also cheapen a story line because or over troping.
Realism
Hollyoaks is unrealistic. I love it but it could almost be considered fantasy. At one point in time, there were at least three active serial killers within walking distance of each other: Nico Blake, Silas and Lindsay Butterfield. Death is a flimsy concept here. Nico Blake gets no less an two ex machinas.
Handling of Massive Themes
Hollyoaks does not shy from tackling heavy themes. In recent years, they have tackled rape, abuse, eating disorders, self-harm, cancer and suicide. Their #don'tfilterfeelings campaign was their most successful storyline. You must be able to tackle tough subjects using: respect, research and realism.
Time
The storylines of Hollyoaks take ages. Nothing ever has a short life. They are guilty of milking their storylines for as long as possible. Cleo's abuse storyline took over a year to even begin and then went on for months. The storyline of John Paul McQueen and Finn was one of my favourites but dear god they dragged it out. The whole Gloved Killer storyline when on and on until I wanted to head to Hollyoaks University Hospital to end it. Sometimes the side storylines can go on too long in a story. Know when to end them and don't milk them.
A call back
This one is not exactly a reoccurring tool used but Hollyoaks used it once and oh boy, was that just amazing.
So a bit of background: Ruby and Johnny are in love. They were planning on getting married but a bus crash stalled them. Thankful of their survival, they chill out on a pier looking at the stars above. Johnny lies in Ruby's arms. Ruby is talking about the life they will have. She looks down and sees that Johnny has died in her arms due to the head injury he sustained during the crash.
More recently, Alfie and Jade were going out. Both of them had cancer and had survived. Jade fell ill again. To comfort her, Alfie lays in her hospital bed with her. He begins talking to her, about stars, their love and a future they will not have. Jade dies in his arms.
So similar points:
Young tragic teens in love
Starry nights
Lingering threat
Dying in the arms of the one you love
Subtle callbacks can make a story more enjoyable and be a good reward for eagle eyed readers.











