CBS announced that Guiding Light, the longest-running soap opera on TV, would air its last episode Sept. 18.

After 72 years and more than 15,700 episodes, it appears low ratings rung the death knoll for the series, thought CBS has not offered an official reason for the shows cancellation.

Though CBS has not said what might replace Guiding Light in the daytime slot, Entertainment Weekly foresees a talk show as a "logical replacement."

Created by Irna Phillips, "The Guiding Light" first aired as a 15-minute radio serial on NBC radio Jan. 25, 1937. It made the leap to TV in 1952 on CBS, retaining the 15-minute format. In 1977, the show took on its current hour-long format. The series has been dubbed "The Longest-Running Television Drama" by The Guinness Book of World Records," according to a statement from CBS.

"Guiding Light has achieved a piece of television history that will never be matched; it has crossed mediums, adapted its stories to decades of social change and woven its way through generations of audiences like no other," Nancy Tellem, President, CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group, said in the statement. "This daytime icon will always be an indelible part of CBS's history, with a legacy of innovation and reputation for quality and excellence at every step of the way. While its presence will be missed, its contributions will always be celebrated and never be forgotten."