Passions is an American television serial created by veteran writer James E. Reilly. It debuted on NBC on July 5, 1999, replacing the long running soap opera Another World, and its final airdate on NBC is now expected to be September 7, 2007. In the beginning, Passions centered largely around horror-oriented themes; it now routinely uses drama and comedy instead. Passions follows the various romantic and supernatural adventures of the residents of Harmony, a fictional New England hamlet.

On May 26, 2006, NBC announced it would renew the program for its eighth season, but the renewal also brought along significant budget cuts. The serial faced a dramatic $4-5 million slashing of its annual budget, most of which affected behind-the-scenes crew and expenses, though a few actors were released from their contracts. Passions will not be renewed for a ninth season as a result of NBC's decision to extend The Today Show to a fourth hour.