What Were the Primetime Soaps of the ‘80s?
‘80s Primetime Soaps
During the ‘80s, the popularity of daytime soaps (All My Children, General Hospital) carried over to evening. Networks launched dramas that had the characteristics of daytime soaps: romance, drama, mystery, snarky people and some ridiculousness. The genre was so successful it carried on to the ‘90s with Melrose Place and others.
What Were the Primetime Soaps?
The main primetime soaps during the ‘80s were Dallas, Dynasty, Falcon Crest, Knots Landing and The Colbys. Dallas, Falcon Crest and Knots Landing were on CBS. Dynasty and the spinoff The Colbys were on ABC.
Was Dallas the Most Successful Primetime Soap?
Dynasty fans might disagree, but I’d say Dallas is king when it comes to ‘80s primetime soaps. At the time I preferred Knots Landing and Falcon Crest and I’d still say Dallas was #1. I did like Dallas (I was a kid so I’m sure much of it was lost on me) and I proudly wore an “I Shot J.R.” button to school.
Dallas starred Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, Victoria Principal and Barbara Bel Geddes. It ran from 1978 - 1991. The episode that revealed who shot J.R. is one of the most watched episodes in TV history. Dallas is one of the longest running hour long primetime dramas in history.
Was Dallas the First Primetime Soap?
No, Dallas was not the first primetime soap in the US. The success of Dallas made the genre of primetime more popular, but there were soaps before it like Peyton Place.
Was Dallas or Dynasty First?
When we think of ‘80s nighttime soaps Dallas and Dynasty most likely come to mind, but which one was first? Dallas was on the air before Dynasty. Dallas first aired in 1978, Dynasty premiered in 1981.
Dynasty Was Created to Compete With Dallas
Cat fights! Big hair! Shoulder pads! That was Dynasty. Dynasty aired from 1981 - 1989 and featured John Forsythe, Linda Evans and Joan Collins. I’ve never seen Dynasty (and just now learned it was set in Denver, CO). In 1985 it was the #1 show in the country.
Was Dynasty a Spinoff of Dallas?
No, Dynasty was not a spinoff of Dallas. Dynasty was a competitor to Dallas on ABC.
Was Knots Landing a Spinoff of Dallas?
Yes, Knots Landing was related to Dallas. Knots Landing was set in a California coastal town that was fictional. It ran from 1979 - 1993. Though it never had Dallas or Dynasty-level ratings, it was a successful show that launched the careers of Alec Baldwin, Nicolette Sheridan and Lisa Hartman.
Who From Dallas Was on Knots Landing?
Gary Ewing (Ted Shackelford) was J.R. and Bobby Ewing’s brother. Gary was married to Valene (Joan Van Ark) and they had a daughter, Lucy, who was on Dallas (played by Charlene Tilton).
