Knots Landing was an American prime-time soap opera that aired from December 27, 1979, to May 13, 1993. The show followed the lives of four couples who lived on a cul-de-sac in a Los Angeles suburb. The show became a hit and remained on the air for 14 seasons. Here are 15 facts you may not have known about Knots Landing.
- Knots Landing was initially intended to be a spin-off of Dallas, but it soon developed its own unique style and became a separate show.
- The show was known for tackling social issues such as domestic violence, drug addiction, and breast cancer.
- Donna Mills was not a part of the original cast but joined the show in the second season and became a fan favorite.
- Michelle Phillips, who played Anne Matheson, was fired from the show after the first season because of her diva behavior and disagreements with the producers.
- Kevin Dobson, who played Mack Mackenzie, was initially hired as a guest star but was eventually made a series regular.
- The show had a crossover episode with Dallas in 1981, where the characters from Knots Landing visited Southfork Ranch.
- William Devane, who played Greg Sumner, was initially hesitant to join the show but changed his mind when he was offered a percentage of the show’s profits.
- The character of Abby Cunningham was originally played by Donna Mills’ sister, Cheryl Stoppelmoor. However, she was replaced by Donna Mills after the pilot episode.
- Ted Shackelford, who played Gary Ewing, was the only actor to appear in all 344 episodes of the show.
- Joan Van Ark, who played Valene Ewing, was initially hesitant to reprise her role from Dallas on Knots Landing but eventually agreed to do so.
- The show’s opening credits featured a shot of a car driving down a winding road. This shot was actually filmed in Northern California, nowhere near where the show was set.
- The show’s producers originally intended to end the series after ten seasons but decided to continue for four more seasons due to popular demand.
- The show’s theme song, “Keep on Loving You” by REO Speedwagon, was used for the first ten seasons before being replaced by a new theme song.
- In 1991, the show had a special episode featuring a reunion of the original cast members from the first season.
- The final episode of Knots Landing aired on May 13, 1993, and was watched by over 21 million viewers. The episode was titled “The Long and Winding Road” and provided a satisfying conclusion to the show’s many storylines.
In conclusion, Knots Landing was a groundbreaking show that paved the way for future soap operas. Its focus on strong female characters and socially relevant issues made it stand out among other shows of its time. The show’s legacy has continued to live on through its passionate fan base, as well as its impact on the television industry as a whole. These facts offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes magic that made Knots Landing a beloved classic.
