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New Dallas series given go-ahead
The new series will feature original cast members Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray
A full series update of classic 1980s US soap opera Dallas has been given the go ahead, it has been announced.
US network TNT said it had ordered 10 episodes of the programme, after it commissioned a pilot earlier this year.
Original stars Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray reprise their roles in the new show, which will focus on the Ewing family offspring.
The series is due to air in the US next summer. It is not yet known if it will be shown in the UK.
"TNT has explored the possibility of an updated version of Dallas for several years, but it wasn't until we read Cynthia Cidre's outstanding pilot script that we knew we had the foundation for a great new series," said TNT's Michael Wright.
"It is incredibly exciting to see both new and familiar characters in the hands of a dream cast. We couldn't be more pleased with how Dallas has come together."
Texas feudCidre wrote the 1992 film Mambo Kings.
Following the bitter rivalries and power struggles within two feuding Texan oil and cattle-ranching families, the next-generation Dallas update centres on John Ross and Christopher Ewing as they clash over the future of the family dynasty.
Star of 90210 Josh Henderson, who appeared as a child in the original series, will play John Ross, son of JR Ewing, while Desperate Housewives star Jesse Metcalfe will play Christopher, son of Bobby Ewing.
Fellow Housewives star Brenda Strong will also appear as Bobby's latest wife, with The Fast and The Furious star Jordana Brewster starring as a character involved in a love triangle with the Ewing cousins.
TNT will preview the new series on its network on Monday night.
The original Dallas ran from 1978 to 1991 on US network CBS and was also broadcast to huge UK audiences on the BBC.
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Fast Track
Comment number 47.
chezza10011th July 2011 - 11:54
In its day Dallas was huge but TV has moved on so much since the late 70s/early 80s.
I suppose its worth a shot for a new generation & no doubt there are still die hard fans out there who will compare it to the old show.
As for me I will take it or leave it.
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Comment number 45.
NellyBing11th July 2011 - 11:24
Dallas was great. I watched as a student and we loved laughing at it. The accompanying drinking game was fun too (take a drink every time Sue Ellen did). It took itself less and less seriously as it went on. I look forward to its come back with glee! I also hope that Nancy Banks-Smith and Terry Wogan will review the episodes - their comments on radio and in the Guardian were an added delight.
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Comment number 10.
alis10th July 2011 - 21:29
There are some of us who really enjoyed Dallas first time round and will probably watch it if it is released in the UK. I always thought that Dallas was on mid-week, Dynasty, which was dire, was on Saturdays!!! but correct me if I am wrong
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Comment number 7.
WaywardTraveller10th July 2011 - 20:56
The original was kind of interesting because TV in the UK was pretty limited back then and our view of America was also limited. Today there are so many channels, and so many American programmes that I simply can't see how this could be interesting.
Millions still watch Eastenders and Corronation street, so there is a great appetite for rubbish.
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Comment number 6.
Guesswho10th July 2011 - 20:22
Oh, no. I feel like I have just had a bad dream.........
Link to this (Comment number 6)