Painted Dreams was a radio soap opera, generally recognized as the first soap opera program in the United States.

In 1930 radio station WGN asked Irna Phillips, who worked for them as an actress, to create a 15-minute daily show "about a family," to air during the day. Painted Dreams was the result. The show premiered October 20, 1930. Phillips continued to write and act in the show until 1932 when she asked WGN to sell the show to a national broadcaster. When they refused, Phillips sued, claiming the show was her property. The dispute was finally settled in 1938, and the show was acquired by CBS. Meanwhile, Phillips had left WGN in 1932, creating Today's Children for rival station WMAQ with virtually the same plot premises and characters.

The show was based on the relationship of Irish-American widow Mother Moynihan and her unmarried daughter. It was broadcast during the day, primarily to an audience of housewives, who would have heard this dialogue in episode 25 (1931):

KITCHEN. Irene and Sue arguing. Mrs. Moynihan preparing breakfast.

IRENE: I tell you, Sue, it won’t work. I’ve never worn that shade of orchid in all my life. I’d look like a perfect washout. Besides, that’s your very best special occasion dress. I wouldn’t think of taking it.

SUE: Don’t be silly. A wedding is a special occasion, isn’t it? And as long as I won’t need to wear it, you might just as well. If you’re a bridesmaid, you’ve got to look the part, kid.

IRENE: But I don’t look good in that color. I’d look faded or something.

SUE: Cracked ice! You can’t tell. You’ve never had it on. Gee, with gold slippers and a gold turban hat, you’d be a wow! Wouldn’t she, Mrs. Moynihan?