Dallas has returned! TNT brought the soapy drama series back last night with two back-to-back episodes to re-introduce us to the Ewings of Southfork, which includes a new generation of ambitious beautiful people. The numbers are in and it looks like TNT has cause to celebrate, as the drama garnered some impressive ratings for its debut.
6,863,00 million viewers tuned in to watch Dallas' grand return to television. As TNT points out, this is three years in a row that the cable channel has done well with a series launch. Rizzoli & Isles performed well when it premiered in 2010, and last year's big show for the network was Falling Skies, which will be back for Season 2 this summer. But Dallas may have had an advantage above the two other shows, given how beloved the original series was.
The new Dallas brings J.R. (Larry Hagman), Bobby (Patrick Duffy) and Sue Ellen Ewing (Linda Gray) back to Southfork, along with some younger characters who also prove to have a penchant for drama. I'll admit, not having seen a single episode of the original series, my interest in the show's revival was minimal at best, but I gave the premiere a shot and I think I may just have to tune in for more. While I expect those who did watch the original series might have appreciated the tie-ins from that one to this one, especially with regards to some of the returning characters, as someone new to the series, I'll be interested to see where the story goes.
If you missed the first two episodes, rest assured, TNT will be re-airing them a few times between now and next week. And you can always watch them online.
Here's TNT's official description for Dallas.
The one and only Dallas is back with more great drama. J.R., Bobby and Sue Ellen Ewing return to Southfork with their arsenal of secrets, schemes and betrayals. This time, they’re joined by the next generation of Ewings, who take ambition and deception to a new level. The battle for power, love and Southfork erupts in the new Dallas on TNT, airing Wednesdays at 9 p.m. (ET/PT). The exciting drama stars Josh Henderson as John Ross, the son of J.R. and Sue Ellen Ewing; Jesse Metcalfe as Christopher, Bobby’s adopted son; Jordana Brewster as Elena Ramos, John Ross’ girlfriend; Julie Gonzalo as Rebecca Sutter, Christopher’s fiancee; and Brenda Strong as Bobby’s wife, Ann. They are joined by the original series’ iconic stars: Patrick Duffy as Bobby Ewing, Linda Gray as Sue Ellen Ewing and Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing. Shot on location in the title city, Dallas comes to TNT from Warner Horizon Television, with pilot writer Cynthia Cidre and Michael M. Robin serving as executive producers. TNT’s Dallas is based upon the series created by David Jacobs.
