The situation comedy, "Soap," television's first prime-time sex farce, stirred controversy months before its premiere, and subsequent pressure on advertisers forced the network to change the show's concept from an adult comedy to a "whodunit." This report summarizes the controversy, recounts reactions to the series, and lists the implications of the controversy. Criticisms of "Soap" include the following: it seems to condone immoral behavior, is insensitive toward controversial issues, and is not suitable for prime-time scheduling. The television network, on the other hand, defends the series as "sophisticated adult farce" and asserts that none of the themes presented in the show is new to television programming. The report concludes that the apparent influence that pressure groups have had on advertisers approaches censorship and presents serious implications for future programming. (MAI)