Dynasty (1981)
The legendary ABC primetime soap opera that defined an era of glamour, power, and unapologetic excess in 1980s television.
Dynasty - Series Information
- Original Title: Dynasty
- First Air Year: 1981
- Last Air Year: 1989
- Created by: Esther Shapiro, Richard Alan Shapiro
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Soap, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (46 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 9
- Number of Episodes: 220
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 12, 1981 (United States - TV-PG), January 12, 1981 (Canada - 14+), January 12, 1981 (Germany - 12), January 12, 1981 (Australia - M), January 12, 1981 (Brazil - 14), January 12, 1981 (Mexico - AA), January 12, 1981 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: ABC
- Production Companies: Aaron Spelling Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Dynasty - Plot
The saga of a wealthy Denver family in the oil business: Blake Carrington, the patriarch; Krystle, his former secretary and wife; his children: Adam, lost in childhood after a kidnapping; Fallon, pampered and spoiled; Steven, openly gay; and Amanda, hidden from him by his ex-wife, the conniving Alexis. Most of the show features the conflict between 2 large corporations, Blake's Denver Carrington and Alexis' ColbyCo.
Dynasty - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and relive the opulence, drama, and intrigue of Dynasty:
Greed. Seduction. Betrayal. Revenge.
Where to Watch Dynasty
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Dynasty - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Esther Shapiro
- Richard Alan Shapiro
Main Cast
- John Forsythe
- Linda Evans
- Joan Collins
- Gordon Thomson
- Heather Locklear
- John James
- Jack Coleman
- Michael Nader
- Pamela Bellwood
- Diahann Carroll
Writers
- Barbara Esensten
- James H. Brown
- Tita Bell
- Shimon Wincelberg
- Jeffrey Lane
Executive Producers
- Douglas S. Cramer
- Aaron Spelling
Dynasty - FAQs
Where can you stream or watch Dynasty (1981)?
Dynasty (1981) is available to stream free with ads on Tubi TV. It can also be purchased digitally through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so check JustWatch for current options near you.
Who are the main actors in Dynasty?
Dynasty stars John Forsythe as Blake Carrington, Linda Evans as Krystle, and Joan Collins as the iconic Alexis Carrington Colby. The ensemble also includes Heather Locklear, Gordon Thomson, John James, Jack Coleman, Michael Nader, Pamela Bellwood, and Diahann Carroll.
Why is Joan Collins so iconic in Dynasty?
Joan Collins' portrayal of Alexis Carrington Colby became one of television's defining villainous roles. Her sharp wit, extravagant shoulder-padded wardrobe, and ruthless scheming made Alexis a cultural phenomenon. Collins joined in Season 2 and instantly transformed the show, turning it into a global ratings juggernaut throughout the 1980s.
What is Dynasty the TV series about?
Dynasty follows the fabulously wealthy Carrington family of Denver, Colorado, whose oil empire is perpetually threatened by greed, betrayal, and family secrets. The central conflict pits patriarch Blake Carrington against his scheming ex-wife Alexis, whose rival corporation ColbyCo wages relentless war against his Denver Carrington empire.
How many seasons and episodes does Dynasty have?
Dynasty ran for 9 seasons and 220 episodes on ABC, airing from January 12, 1981 through 1989. Season sizes ranged from 15 episodes in Season 1 to a peak of 31 episodes in Season 6, reflecting the show's enormous popularity during the height of its run.
Did Dynasty win any major awards during its run?
Dynasty earned considerable recognition during its peak years. The series received multiple Golden Globe nominations, and Joan Collins won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Series in 1983 for her role as Alexis. The show was also nominated for Emmy Awards across various technical and performance categories.
Is Dynasty based on a true story or real family?
Dynasty is not based on a true story. Creators Esther Shapiro and Richard Alan Shapiro invented the fictional Carrington family and their Denver oil empire. However, the show drew inspiration from real-world American oil wealth, corporate power struggles, and the glamorous excess that defined 1980s culture and politics.
What shows are similar to Dynasty (1981)?
Fans of Dynasty often enjoy Falcon Crest (1981), another glamorous primetime soap set among wealthy California wine dynasty families. Knots Landing, Melrose Place, and The Colbys — a direct Dynasty spin-off — are also strong recommendations for viewers who love high-stakes drama, family feuds, and lavish production values.
More About Dynasty
Explore further details, cast records, and episode guides for Dynasty on these authoritative resources.