Year and Basic Context
The television series The Dukes of Hazzard first premiered in 1979. It ran on CBS through 1985, producing 200 episodes across seven seasons. The show is set in the fictional Hazzard County, Georgia, and centers on cousins Bo and Luke Duke as they outrun local corruption in a rural Southern setting. The concept was developed by Gy Waldron and R.C. Everbeck, and the series became a defining example of 1970s and early 1980s family-friendly action-comedy on broadcast television.
Series Background and Broadcast Timeline
After a made-for-television movie pilot in 1979, the series was picked up for regular network airing. Its broadcast spanned from 1979 to 1985, making it a long-running hit for CBS. Repeats and syndication extended its visibility well beyond the original run, embedding the show into pop-culture memory. The timeline is important for distinguishing the original series from later revivals, TV movies, and the feature film released in the early 2000s.
Notable Broadcast Milestones
- 1979: Series premiere and original television movie
- 1979–1985: Network run on CBS
- Post-1985: Syndication and ongoing cultural reach
Main Cast and Characters
The core ensemble remained consistent across most of the series, anchoring its rural-action formula. John Schneider portrayed Bo Duke, Tom Wopat played Luke Duke, Catherine Bach was Daisy Duke, and James Best played Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane. Key supporting roles, such as Uncle Jesse Duke (played by Denver Pyle) and later J.D. Hogg, helped maintain continuity. These actors became closely associated with their characters, contributing to the show’s lasting recognition.
Cultural Footprint and Legacy
The Dukes of Hazzard influenced television depictions of the rural South, blending comedy, chase sequences, and small-town drama. The General Lee, the orange modified Dodge Charger, became an iconic symbol of the series and 1970s car culture on TV. Although later years brought critical reassessment regarding certain thematic elements, the show remains a frequently referenced artifact of late-20th-century broadcast entertainment. Its formula has been compared to other action-comedies of the era, and its syndication patterns illustrate shifts in cable programming over decades.
Key Production Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| First Episode Air Date | January 26, 1979 | Network records |
| Series Finale Air Date | February 8, 1985 | Network records |
| Total Episodes | 200 | CBS archives |
| Primary Network | CBS | Network archives |
| Setting | Fictional Hazzard County, Georgia | Show credits and canon sources |
| Iconic Vehicle | General Lee (orange 1969 Dodge Charger) | Prop documentation and production notes |
Comparison to Related Projects
While the television series is the central product, the name is also associated with a 2005 feature film and several TV movies produced in the 1990s. The original series’ formula of stunt driving, Southern setting, and family-oriented action differs from later, more satirical or revisionist takes. Understanding the year and context of the 1979 series helps distinguish it from these derivative works and clarify references in media coverage.
Frequently Asked Contextual Questions
- What year did The Dukes of Hazzard first air? The series premiered in 1979.
- How many seasons were produced? Seven seasons, from 1979 to 1985.
- Is there a direct sequel or continuation in the same television format? Not in the original run; later projects took different forms and timelines.
- Why does the year 1979 matter for copyright and syndication? The 1979 start affects copyright terms, merchandising windows, and presence in legacy programming libraries.
Takeaway
For questions about release timing, the anchor date is 1979. The series ran for seven seasons, delivered 200 episodes, and established a durable cultural footprint. Accurate dating clarifies research, supports copyright and syndication discussions, and separates the original television product from later adaptations or reboot attempts.