Capitol (1982)
A Washington, D.C.-set CBS soap opera that ran from 1982 to 1987, weaving political intrigue with the personal dramas of powerful families.
Capitol - Series Information
- Original Title: Capitol
- First Air Year: 1982
- Last Air Year: 1987
- Created by: Steven Karpf, Elinor Karpf
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: War, Politics, Soap
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 260
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: CBS
Capitol - Plot
Capitol is an American soap opera which aired on CBS from March 29, 1982 to March 20, 1987 for 1,270 episodes. As its name suggests, the storyline usually revolves around the political intrigues of people whose lives intertwined in Washington, D.C.
Where to Watch Capitol
Looking for where to watch Capitol?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Capitol - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Steven Karpf
- Elinor Karpf
Main Cast
- Dane Witherspoon
- Marla Adams
- Tonja Walker
- Carolyn Jones
- Kimberly Beck
- Constance Towers
- Teri Hatcher
- Leslie Graves
- Catherine Hickland
- Ed Nelson
Writers
- James Lipton
Capitol - FAQs
What is Capitol the CBS soap opera about?
Capitol centers on the lives of powerful families whose personal dramas collide against the backdrop of Washington, D.C. politics. The series weaves together romantic entanglements, family feuds, and political scheming, capturing the ambition and scandal that defined 1980s primetime and daytime soap storytelling.
Did Teri Hatcher appear in Capitol before her fame?
Teri Hatcher played Angelica Stimac Clegg on Capitol, one of her earliest television roles before she became a household name on Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and Desperate Housewives. It was a notable early credit that helped launch her career in the entertainment industry.
Who created the soap opera Capitol?
Capitol was created by the husband-and-wife writing team Steven Karpf and Elinor Karpf. The duo crafted a politically charged world set in Washington, D.C., distinguishing the show from other daytime soaps of the era by grounding its drama in the corridors of American political power.
Where can you watch Capitol today?
Streaming availability for Capitol is limited given its age. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your region, as availability can vary. Some classic daytime soap episodes occasionally surface on archive platforms or fan-maintained channels online.
How many episodes did Capitol run on CBS?
Capitol aired an impressive 1,270 episodes over its five-season run on CBS, from March 29, 1982 to March 20, 1987. The show's longevity speaks to its dedicated daytime audience, even as it ultimately faced cancellation amid shifting network priorities and declining ratings in the mid-1980s.
Why was Capitol cancelled after five seasons?
Capitol was cancelled by CBS in 1987 after five seasons, largely due to declining ratings in a competitive daytime landscape dominated by long-running rivals like The Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives. Despite a loyal fanbase, the network chose not to renew the politically themed soap.
Is Capitol considered a classic 1980s soap opera?
Capitol holds a fond place in 1980s daytime television history. Its Washington, D.C. setting gave it a distinctive identity among soap operas of the era, and it launched or boosted the careers of several actors. While not as enduring as some contemporaries, it remains a memorable artifact of the decade's soap golden age.
What shows are similar to Capitol?
Fans of Capitol may enjoy The Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives for classic soap drama, or TURN: Washington's Spies and Pearson for politically charged storytelling. Tanner '88 offers a satirical political angle, while Years and Years blends drama with contemporary political themes.
More About Capitol
Explore further details about Capitol on these authoritative resources.