TELEVISION

Knot's Landing
CBS (1979-1993)
A Dallas spinoff in southern California: neer-do-well Gary Ewing (Ted Shakleford), with William Devane and a young troublemaker, Nicollette Sheridan.

Dynasty
ABC (1981-1989)
Basically Dallas in Denver, with oilman Blake Carrington (John Forsythe), his put-upon wife Krystle (Linda Evans) and her rival, ex-wife Alexis (Joan Collins).

Falcon Crest
CBS (1981-1990)
Basically Dallas in the Napa Valley, with a female tyrant, Angela Channing (Jane Wyman), vineyards instead of oil rigs, a six-month coma and a plot to take over the world.

Twin Peaks
ABC (1990-1991)
David Lynch's coolly surreal cult fave: an FBI agent (Kyle MacLachlan) investigating the murder of a homecoming queen. We can't remember who killed Laura Palmer either.

Beverly Hills 90210
Fox (1990-2000)
This show inspired names of countless babies, now teens: Dylan (Luke Perry), Brandon (Jason Priestly).

Melrose Place
Fox (1992-1999)
90210, cloned in a building whose tenants, like Amanda (Heather Locklear) couldn't decide if they were friends or lovers.