Another milestone in broadcast history was cast on 18 September 2009 when The Guiding Light aired its final episode, the last one of more than 15,000 produced. Created as radio serial, the title refers to a lamp in the study of Reverend Dr. John Ruthledge, a major character when The Guiding Light debuted in 1937, that family and residents could see as a sign for them to find help when needed.