Dallas
Year: 1978 First Air: 1978-01-01
Overview
Set around the wealthy Ewing clan in Texas, this prime time soap mixes oil money, power plays, and family betrayal. Rivalries at Southfork spill into business, politics, and romance with high stakes cliffhangers
Synopsis
In modern day Texas, the Ewings run a sprawling oil empire while their private lives unravel under greed, jealousy, and ambition. J.R. Ewing’s ruthless tactics clash with relatives and rivals as deals are struck, broken, and weaponized. Marriages, affairs, and shifting loyalties keep the household in constant turmoil. The series leans on boardroom battles, scandal, and family secrets, often ending episodes with sharp twists. Over time, personal vendettas spread beyond the ranch into banks, elections, and corporate takeovers. Dallas helped define the glossy, cliffhanger driven prime time drama of its era
Cast
Trivia
Think of a TV phenomenon built around cliffhangers and water-cooler debate. One short question became an international catchphrase.
Q1: Which recurring mystery-question became a global pop-culture catchphrase tied to this series?
Answer: "Who shot J.R.?"
It’s a landmark example of how a cliffhanger can drive massive ratings and everyday conversation.
Q2: What is the name of the Ewing family’s ranch that serves as the show’s signature home base?
Answer: Southfork Ranch
The location became a recognizable icon and a tourism draw closely associated with the show’s brand.
Q3: Dallas is most commonly categorized as which type of TV drama format from its era?
Answer: Prime-time soap opera
Its format helped shape later serialized dramas that rely on ongoing arcs and weekly twists.
