# Dallas

> American television soap opera (1978–1991)

**Wikidata**: [Q168708](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q168708)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_(TV_series))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dallas

## Summary
*Dallas* is an American television soap opera that aired from 1978 to 1991, created by screenwriter David Jacobs. It is part of the soap opera genre and was produced by Lorimar Television and distributed by CBS. The series is known for its iconic cliffhanger, "Who shot J.R.?", which became a cultural phenomenon.

## Key Facts
- **Genre**: Television soap opera
- **Premiere Date**: April 2, 1978
- **Final Episode Date**: May 3, 1991
- **Network**: CBS
- **Production Company**: Lorimar Television
- **Creator**: David Jacobs
- **Notable Director**: Irving J. Moore
- **Notable Actor**: Joan Van Ark
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 33.04916667, Longitude -96.60916667
- **Aliases**: Dallas (1978–1991 TV series), Dallas (TV franchise)
- **Sitelink Count**: 43
- **Related Series**: *Knots Landing*, *Dallas* (2012–2014)
- **Notable Catchphrase**: "Who shot J.R.?"

## FAQs
**What was *Dallas* and when did it air?**
*Dallas* was an American television soap opera that aired from April 2, 1978, to May 3, 1991. It was created by David Jacobs and produced by Lorimar Television.

**Who were the key creators and actors of *Dallas*?**
The series was created by David Jacobs, with notable actors including Joan Van Ark. Irving J. Moore served as a director.

**What network broadcast *Dallas*?**
*Dallas* was distributed by CBS, one of the major American broadcast television and radio networks.

**What is *Dallas* known for?**
*Dallas* is most famous for its iconic cliffhanger, "Who shot J.R.?", which became a cultural phenomenon.

**How does *Dallas* compare to other soap operas?**
*Dallas* is part of the soap opera genre and is distinct from other series like *Knots Landing* and the later *Dallas* (2012–2014).

## Why It Matters
*Dallas* was a significant cultural force during its era, blending drama, romance, and political intrigue. Its cliffhanger finale, "Who shot J.R.?", remains one of television's most memorable moments. The series influenced later soap operas and left a lasting impact on American television history.

## Notable For
- **Cultural Phenomenon**: The cliffhanger "Who shot J.R.?" became a defining moment in television history.
- **Long-Running Success**: Aired for 13 seasons, making it one of the longest-running prime-time soap operas of its time.
- **Iconic Characters**: Featured memorable characters like J.R. Ewing, who became a symbol of the show's dramatic storytelling.
- **Genre Influence**: Helped shape the soap opera genre with its blend of drama, romance, and political intrigue.

## Body
### Overview
*Dallas* is an American television soap opera that aired from 1978 to 1991. Created by David Jacobs, the series was produced by Lorimar Television and distributed by CBS. It is known for its dramatic storytelling, political intrigue, and iconic cliffhanger, "Who shot J.R.?"

### Production and Distribution
- **Network**: CBS, an American broadcast television and radio network founded in 1927.
- **Production Company**: Lorimar Television, established in 1969, later merged into Lorimar-Telepictures in 1986.
- **Creator**: David Jacobs, an American screenwriter born in 1939 and active until his death in 2023.

### Notable Figures
- **Actors**: Joan Van Ark, an American actress born in 1943, was a notable cast member.
- **Directors**: Irving J. Moore, a television director, contributed to the series.

### Related Series
- **Preceded by**: *Knots Landing*, another television series.
- **Succeeded by**: *Dallas* (2012–2014), a later revival of the franchise.

### Cultural Impact
- **Catchphrase**: "Who shot J.R.?" became a defining moment in television history, symbolizing the show's dramatic storytelling.
- **Genre Influence**: *Dallas* helped shape the soap opera genre with its blend of drama, romance, and political intrigue.

### Geographic Connections
- **Headquarters**: Several companies, including The Howard Hughes Corporation, Eagle Materials, and Titanium Metals, are headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
- **Newspapers**: The Polk County Itemizer-Observer, a newspaper in Dallas, Oregon, has been in operation since 1875.

### Industry Connections
- **Companies**: Kosmos Energy, LayerOne, and Zix Corp are among the companies headquartered in Dallas.
- **Real Estate**: The Howard Hughes Corporation, founded in 1913, is a notable real estate development company based in Dallas, Texas.

### Legacy
*Dallas* remains a significant part of television history, remembered for its dramatic storytelling, iconic characters, and cultural impact. Its cliffhanger finale and long-running success have cemented its place in entertainment history.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [fernsehserien.de](https://www.fernsehserien.de/dallas-1978)
4. Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 through 2010
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. BabelNet
7. Online-Filmdatenbank
8. The Movie Database
9. FilmVandaag.nl