Dallas

'Dallas' is one of the most iconic television series in the United States and one of the first modern soap operas aimed primarily at a female audience. It was created by David Jacobs and produced by Lorimar Productions, debuted in 1978, and remained on air until 1991, with a total of 14 seasons and 357 episodes. In addition to its enormous success during the original run, the series generated several spin-offs, miniseries, and a reboot in 2012, which included 3 more seasons, expanding its television legacy.

The series follows the powerful Ewing family, whose empire centers on the oil business with Ewing Oil and the management of the Southfork ranch. At the heart of the story is J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman), the ambitious and manipulative eldest son, whose capacity for intrigue and betrayal will mark the lives of his entire family. His younger brother Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy) represents honesty and morality against J.R.'s shady dealings, while Sue Ellen Ewing (Linda Gray), J.R.'s wife, grapples with her own personal conflicts. Other important cast members include Miss Ellie Ewing (Barbara Bel Geddes), the family matriarch, and John Ross Ewing III and Christopher Ewing in later versions.

The impact of 'Dallas' was enormous both in the United States and internationally. Its influence is due not only to the dramatic cliffhangers but also to the way it portrayed wealth, power, and family conflicts, making it a cultural reference of the late 70s and 80s. The series reached massive audiences, and moments like the famous “Who shot J.R.?” became global phenomena, generating anticipation and debate even in countries where it was not regularly aired.

The success of 'Dallas' also propelled the model of family-centered series focused on power and money, influencing future television productions and left an indelible mark on popular culture, solidifying the Ewings as one of the most recognizable television clans in history.