space opera

Meaning

Noun

• A subgenre of speculative fiction or science fiction that emphasizes space travel, romantic adventure, and larger-than-life characters often set against vast exotic settings.
• A subgenre of speculative fiction or science fiction that utilises serialisation.
• A work or production in this style.

Origin

• Coined by fan and writer Wilson "Bob" Tucker in 1941. The term was originally derived from the term horse opera and thus indirectly from soap opera, to describe a specific, hackneyed science fiction writing style.