Answer Summary: How Many Seasons of Dallas
Dallas aired for 14 seasons from April 2, 1978, to May 3, 1991, spanning 357 episodes across its original run on CBS. This long-running prime-time soap became a cultural touchstone for oil-boom Texas drama. This guide offers a season-by-season breakdown, episode counts, air dates, and status clarifications to provide a durable, trustworthy reference.
How Many Seasons: Core Answer
When asking how many seasons of Dallas were produced, the concise answer is 14 original seasons on CBS. The series launched in 1978 and concluded in 1991, making it one of the defining primetime soaps alongside Dynasty and Knots Landing. In this breakdown, we map each season’s episode count and air dates to give you a full, verified picture of the show’s lifespan.
Season-by-Season Episode and Air Date Table
Use the table below for accurate season counts, episode totals, and original broadcast windows. All figures reflect the original CBS run unless noted otherwise.
| Season | Episodes | Season Premiere | Season Finale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 5 | April 2, 1978 | May 7, 1978 |
| Season 2 | 24 | September 23, 1978 | March 23, 1979 |
| Season 3 | 26 | September 21, 1979 | May 15, 1980 |
| Season 4 | 26 | November 21, 1980 | May 1, 1981 |
| Season 5 | 30 | November 12, 1981 | May 6, 1982 |
| Season 6 | 30 | November 4, 1982 | May 13, 1983 |
| Season 7 | 30 | November 3, 1983 | May 18, 1984 |
| Season 8 | 30 | October 26, 1984 | May 10, 191985 |
| Season 9 | 30 | October 25, 1985 | May 15, 1986 |
| Season 10 | 30 | October 24, 1986 | May 14, 1987 |
| Season 11 | 29 | October 30, 1987 | May 5, 1988 |
| Season 12 | 29 | October 28, 1988 | May 4, 1989 |
| Season 13 | 28 | September 28, 1989 | May 3, 1990 |
| Season 14 | 27 | September 27, 1990 | May 3, 1991 |
Notable Cast and Characters
Dallas is remembered for its ensemble performances, particularly the central figures driving the Ewing family drama. Below are key cast members associated with the main run.
- Lorenzo Lamas as Lance Cumson
- Susan Howard as Donna Culver Krebbs
- Priscilla Pointer as Rebecca Barnes Wentworth
- Ken Kercheval as Cliff Barnes
- Victoria Principal as Pamela Barnes Ewing
- Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing
Status and Syndication Clarifications
Dallas concluded its original network run in 1991 after 14 seasons. There was a later revival in 2012 with additional seasons, but when people ask how many seasons of Dallas were there, they typically refer to the original CBS series. Understanding this distinction helps clarify discussions about the show’s legacy and ongoing availability in syndication.
Cultural and Industry Impact
Dallas helped define 1980s television with its blend of family saga, business intrigue, and melodrama. Its influence extended beyond ratings, shaping how prime-time soaps portrayed power, gender, and wealth. The show remains a touchstone for discussions about the golden era of serialized prime-time drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did Dallas have a revival? Yes, a 2012 revival aired on TNT, but that is separate from the original 14-season run.
- How many episodes is that in total? The original series comprises 357 episodes.
- When did Dallas originally air? The series ran from April 2, 1978, to May 3, 1991.