The Colbys (1985)
A glamorous prime time soap opera spin-off of Dynasty, following the ultra-wealthy Colby family through power, passion, and betrayal in Los Angeles.
The Colbys - Series Information
- Original Title: The Colbys
- First Air Year: 1985
- Last Air Year: 1987
- Created by: Richard Shapiro, Esther Shapiro et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Soap
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (44 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 49
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: French
- First Air Date: November 20, 1985 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: ABC
- Production Companies: Aaron Spelling Productions
The Colbys - Plot
The Colbys is an American prime time soap opera, which originally aired on ABC from November 20, 1985 to March 26, 1987. Produced by Aaron Spelling, it was a spin-off of Dynasty, which had been the highest rated series for the 1984–1985 U.S. television season. The Colbys revolved around another wealthy, upper-class family, who were distant relatives of the Carringtons of Dynasty and who owned a large multi-national corporation. Intended to surpass its predecessor in opulence, the series' producers were handed an immensely high budget for the era and cast a handful of well-known movie stars among its leads, including Charlton Heston, Barbara Stanwyck, Katharine Ross and Ricardo Montalban. However, The Colbys was ultimately a ratings disappointment, and was canceled after two seasons.
The Colbys - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the Colby family's world of wealth and drama.
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The Colbys - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Richard Shapiro
- Esther Shapiro
- Robert Mason Pollock
- Eilen Pollock
Main Cast
- Charlton Heston
- John James
- Stephanie Beacham
- Katharine Ross
- Emma Samms
- Maxwell Caulfield
- Tracy Scoggins
- Claire Yarlett
- Ricardo Montalban
- Kim Morgan Greene
Writers
- William Bast
- Don Roos
- Michael Scheff
- Charles Pratt, Jr.
- Mary Ann Kasica
Executive Producers
- Aaron Spelling
The Colbys - FAQs
Is The Colbys a spin-off of another series?
The Colbys spun directly out of Dynasty, ABC's blockbuster prime time soap that dominated ratings in the 1984–1985 season. The Colby family were established as distant relatives of the Carringtons, giving the show a built-in audience and a familiar world of glamour, power, and intrigue.
Why was The Colbys cancelled after two seasons?
Despite a lavish budget and a cast packed with Hollywood legends, The Colbys never found the audience its producers hoped for. Ratings consistently underperformed relative to its Dynasty predecessor, and ABC pulled the plug after 49 episodes, concluding the series in March 1987.
Who are the main actors in The Colbys?
The cast features Charlton Heston, John James, Stephanie Beacham, Katharine Ross, Emma Samms, Maxwell Caulfield, Tracy Scoggins, Claire Yarlett, Ricardo Montalban, and Kim Morgan Greene. Hollywood icons Barbara Stanwyck and Ricardo Montalban lent the show considerable star power.
What is The Colbys about?
Set in Los Angeles, the series follows the fabulously wealthy Colby family, distant relatives of Dynasty's Carringtons, as they navigate power struggles, romance, and betrayal while running a vast multinational corporation. Think Dynasty-level opulence dialled up even further, with movie stars in every room.
How many seasons and episodes does The Colbys have?
The Colbys ran for two seasons on ABC: Season 1 comprised 24 episodes and Season 2 contained 25 episodes, bringing the total to 49 episodes. The series aired from November 20, 1985 to March 26, 1987.
Where can you watch The Colbys today?
Streaming availability for The Colbys varies by region. Your best bet is checking JustWatch, which aggregates current viewing options across all major platforms and services in your country, including any rental or purchase options that may be available.
What shows are similar to The Colbys?
Fans of The Colbys tend to gravitate toward other prime time soaps and family dynasty dramas. Falcon Crest (1981) is a natural companion piece, while Empire (2015), Dynasty itself, and The Young and the Restless (1973) all share that same addictive blend of wealth, ambition, and melodrama.
Who created The Colbys?
The series was created by Richard Shapiro, Esther Shapiro, Robert Mason Pollock, and Eilen Pollock. The Shapiros were already the creative force behind Dynasty, making them the natural choice to develop and launch this ambitious spin-off for ABC.
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