Santa Barbara was a quirky, often comedic American soapie that ran from 1984 to 1993. The show covered the eventful lives of the wealthy Capwell family of Santa Barbara, California. Around the Capwells are several other families, from the rival Lockridge family to the more modest Andrade and Perkins families, whose lives know the same torments.
The final shot consisted of executive producer Paul Rauch standing in front of the camera, smashing a cigar under his shoe, and walking away. Some soap critics were deeply angered by what they and described it as “crass”.