Dallas (1978–1991)
- Apr 1, 1978
- 3 min read
Dallas is an American prime-time soap opera that became a cultural juggernaut of the late 1970s and 1980s, celebrated for its dramatic storytelling, complex family dynamics, and iconic “Who shot J.R.?” cliffhanger. Airing on CBS, the show stood out for its portrayal of wealth, power, and betrayal in the oil-rich Ewing family. Its lavish production and addictive plots made it a television landmark.
Created by David Jacobs, Dallas was developed with contributions from writers like Leonard Katzman. The series premiered on April 2, 1978, and its final episode aired on May 3, 1991. Jacobs’ vision of a serialized drama about a Texas oil dynasty, inspired by family sagas, resonated globally, spawning spin-offs, TV movies, and a 2012 revival.
Plot
Set in Dallas, Texas, Dallas follows the Ewing family, led by oil baron J.R. Ewing and his wife Sue Ellen, who run Ewing Oil and live at the Southfork Ranch. J.R.’s scheming clashes with his brother Bobby, his parents Jock and Miss Ellie, and rivals like Cliff Barnes. The show explores themes of greed, family loyalty, and power struggles, with drama driven by betrayals, romances, and business intrigues, often punctuated by shocking cliffhangers like J.R.’s shooting.
Cast
Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing
Patrick Duffy as Bobby Ewing
Linda Gray as Sue Ellen Ewing
Barbara Bel Geddes as Miss Ellie Ewing (seasons 1–7, 9–11)
Jim Davis as Jock Ewing (seasons 1–4)
Victoria Principal as Pamela Barnes Ewing (seasons 1–10)
Charlene Tilton as Lucy Ewing
Ken Kercheval as Cliff Barnes
Notable guest stars: Joan Collins, Donna Reed, Ted Shackelford
Seasons and Episodes
Season 1 (1978) – 5 episodes
Season 2 (1978–1979) – 24 episodes
Season 3 (1979–1980) – 25 episodes
Season 4 (1980–1981) – 23 episodes
Season 5 (1981–1982) – 26 episodes
Season 6 (1982–1983) – 28 episodes
Season 7 (1983–1984) – 30 episodes
Season 8 (1984–1985) – 30 episodes
Season 9 (1985–1986) – 31 episodes
Season 10 (1986–1987) – 29 episodes
Season 11 (1987–1988) – 30 episodes
Season 12 (1988–1989) – 26 episodes
Season 13 (1989–1990) – 27 episodes
Season 14 (1990–1991) – 23 episodes Total Episodes: 357
Cultural Impact
Dallas became a global phenomenon, with the “Who shot J.R.?” mystery in 1980 drawing 83 million viewers, one of the highest-rated TV episodes ever. Its theme song by Jerrold Immel and J.R.’s scheming persona became iconic, with Larry Hagman’s performance defining the TV villain. The show influenced soap operas like Dynasty and Falcon Crest and spawned a spin-off (Knots Landing), two TV movies (1996, 1998), and a TNT revival (2012–2014). Syndication on SoapNet and streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime keep it accessible, with merchandise like DVDs and fan discussions on platforms like X sustaining its legacy.
Honors and Recognition
Dallas won four Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Actress for Barbara Bel Geddes in 1980, and earned 21 nominations. Larry Hagman received two Golden Globe nominations, and the show won a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Prime Time Show in 1984. Its dramatic flair and ensemble cast were widely praised.
Conclusion
Dallas remains an iconic classic, celebrated for its addictive drama, larger-than-life characters, and cultural impact. Its influence on serialized storytelling and enduring popularity ensure its place as a timeless series that continues to captivate audiences across generations.
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