“Knots Landing” is an American television soap opera that aired on CBS from December 27, 1979, to May 13, 1993. The series was a spin-off of “Dallas,” but eventually outlasted its parent show, running for 14 seasons with 344 episodes.

The series initially follows Gary Ewing (Ted Shackelford) – the black sheep of the wealthy Ewing family of “Dallas,” and his wife, Valene (Joan Van Ark), as they move to the seaside community of Knots Landing, California. The other main characters are their neighbors, the Fairgates, the Averys, and the Wards.

Unlike “Dallas,” which centered around the machinations of a wealthy oil family, “Knots Landing” focused more on the middle-class lives and issues of its characters. It dealt with realistic and socially relevant themes such as infidelity, crime, substance abuse, divorce, and more.

Over time, the cast expanded and changed, with many high-profile guest stars. Notable regulars included Michele Lee, Donna Mills, and William Devane. Despite its connection to “Dallas,” the series developed its own distinct identity and storytelling style, often balancing melodrama with character-focused, dramatic storytelling.

Knots Landing primarily concentrated on the lives of several couples:

Sid and Karen were written to be the core of the show but as the show progressed this began to change and Knots Landing was born and never looked back, even outlasting its original spin off – Dallas.

The series gained popularity for its intricate, interconnected storylines and its portrayal of social issues. It was consistently successful in the ratings and garnered several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations over the course of its run.

After 14 seasons, “Knots Landing” ended in 1993, but it returned in 1997 with a miniseries, “Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac,” providing fans with a chance to revisit the beloved characters.

It remains one of the longest-running primetime dramas in American television history, demonstrating its enduring appeal and the strength of its storytelling.

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