Season
Episode
Player server
Knots Landing

Knots Landing

19797
DramaSoap
Released
Dec 27, 1979
Country
United States
The domestic adventures, misdeeds and everyday interactions of five families living on a cul-de-sac in a small California community.

About

Quick guide

Knots Landing is a long‑running drama set in a California cul‑de‑sac, following five families through everyday and extraordinary moments.

A 14‑year soap‑opera that spun off from Dallas, Knots Landing explores the lives, loves, and betrayals of five families living on a quiet cul‑de‑sac in California. The series blends domestic drama, romance, and social issues against a backdrop of suburban ambition and personal ambition. Over its run, the show tackled marriage, career struggles, health crises, and shifting family dynamics, all while keeping viewers invested in the characters’ evolving relationships.

What to know

  • Aired from December 1979 to May 1993.
  • Spin‑off of the long‑running drama Dallas.
  • Main storylines revolve around five families in a suburban cul‑de‑sac.
  • The show is known for its character‑driven, dialogue‑heavy storytelling.
  • Romance, betrayal, and business rivalries are central themes.
  • The finale aired as a two‑hour episode ending with a cliffhanger.
  • Cast changes over time reflected budget cuts and shifting audience interest.

Watch if

If you enjoy slow‑burn, character‑driven dramas that explore the complexities of family life and relationships, Knots Landing offers a detailed, mature look at suburban American culture from the late 1970s to the early 1990s.

Skip if

If fast‑paced action, supernatural elements, or modern streaming formats are your preference, this long‑running soap‑opera may feel slow and less engaging.

mature themesromance elementsslow burndialogue heavypsychological elementssad tonedark tonesome gore
Premise and Setting
Knots Landing takes place in a quiet cul‑de‑sac in suburban California, where five families—The Ewing, The Cunningham, The Fairgate, The Mack, and The Clements—interact daily. The show follows their personal and professional lives, blending romance, conflict, and community events.
Key Families and Cast
The main families are the powerful Ewing business dynasty, the ambitious Cunningham family, the hardworking Fairgates, the entrepreneurial Mack family, and the grounded Clements. Core actors include Joan Van Ark, Donna Mills, and Michele Lee, whose performances anchor the series.
Plot Highlights
Over 14 seasons, the series presents evolving storylines: marriages, divorces, business deals, health battles, and legal dramas. The writers use a blend of long‑term arcs and season‑specific twists to keep viewers engaged with the characters’ journeys.
Character Developments
Characters grow through personal challenges, such as career shifts, health scares, and complex relationships. The show delves into psychological and familial tensions, providing depth to both protagonists and antagonists over time.
End of the Series
The final season concludes with a two‑hour finale that leaves several storylines unresolved, ending on a dramatic cliffhanger. The series wrapped up after airing its last episode on May 13, 1993, following budget and creative decisions.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Knots Landing remains one of the longest‑running hour‑long dramas, influencing later soap operas. It highlighted suburban American life in a way that resonated with audiences, and its exploration of mature themes set a standard for future serial storytelling.

FAQ

21 Q&A
When did Knots Landing first air?
Knots Landing premiered on December 27, 1979, beginning a 14‑year run on CBS.
How long did the series run?
The show aired until May 13, 1993, completing 14 seasons.
What is Knots Landing about?
It follows five families living in a cul‑de‑sac in California, detailing their relationships, business dealings, and everyday dramas.
Which families are central to the show?
The main families are the Ewing, Cunningham, Fairgate, Mack, and Clements households.
Was Knots Landing a spin‑off?
Yes, it spun off from the long‑running drama Dallas, featuring a new focus on suburban families.
Who were the original lead actors?
Key early performers included Joan Van Ark, Donna Mills, Michele Lee, and John Pleshette.
When did Donna Mills’ character Abby leave the show?
Abby Cunningham departed in 1989, after nearly a decade on the series.
What happened to the character Larry Riley?
Larry Riley, played by Larry Riley, left the series in 1990 due to the actor’s illness and eventual passing.
How did the show end?
The finale aired as a two‑hour episode, concluding several plot threads while leaving a notable cliffhanger.
Was there a final episode that wrapped up all storylines?
The final episode resolved many key arcs, but some storylines ended on a cliffhanger, a common device in long‑running soaps.
Did the series win any awards?
Knots Landing received several Daytime Emmy nominations for its performances and writing over the course of its run.
What themes are explored in the series?
Themes include family dynamics, love and betrayal, business rivalry, health struggles, and societal issues reflected in a suburban setting.
Is the show available on streaming platforms?
Parts of the series have been released on digital platforms, though availability varies by region and distributor.
Did any characters return for the final episodes?
Several original actors made brief appearances in the closing episodes to honor the show's history.
What was the main setting of the series?
A quiet cul‑de‑sac in an unnamed Californian suburb served as the central backdrop for the families.
Was Knots Landing more focused on drama or romance?
While romance was a key driver, the series balanced it with broader drama involving business, family, and personal challenges.
Did the show tackle social issues?
Yes, episodes addressed topics like illness, divorce, and economic shifts, reflecting contemporary societal concerns.
How many episodes were produced?
Knots Landing produced 306 episodes across its 14 seasons.
What led to the series’ cancellation?
Creator David Jacobs and CBS decided to end the show after 14 seasons due to rising production costs and a shift in network priorities.
What was the character arc of Gary Ewing?
Gary Ewing was a central business figure whose relationships and leadership shaped many plotlines throughout the series.
Did the show ever address the AIDS crisis?
Yes, a storyline featuring Larry Riley touched on the impact of AIDS on the community.

Actors

Michele Lee
Michele Lee
Karen MacKenzie
Ted Shackelford
Ted Shackelford
Gary Ewing
Kevin Dobson
Kevin Dobson
M. Patrick MacKenzie
William Devane
William Devane
Greg Sumner
Nicollette Sheridan
Nicollette Sheridan
Paige Matheson
Michelle Phillips
Michelle Phillips
Anne Matheson
Stacy Galina
Stacy Galina
Kate Whittaker
Kathleen Noone
Kathleen Noone
Claudia Whittaker