How ‘Dynasty’ Redefined TV Opulence

In the landscape of television history, few shows have managed to capture the zeitgeist of a decade quite like Dynasty. Premiering on ABC in January 1981, the series was initially conceived as a response to the massive success of Dallas, but it quickly carved out its own unique identity. While its Texas-based rival focused on the gritty dealings of the oil business, Dynasty offered viewers an unadulterated injection of pure glamour, ultimately defining the 1980s aesthetic of excess.

Created by Richard and Esther Shapiro and produced by the legendary Aaron Spelling, the show introduced the world to the Carringtons, a wealthy oil family living in a 48-room mansion in Denver, Colorado. At the center was the silver-haired patriarch Blake Carrington, played by John Forsythe, and his new, gentle-natured secretary-turned-wife, Krystle, portrayed by Linda Evans. However, the show’s first season was only a moderate success. It wasn’t until the second season premiere, when a veiled woman entered the courtroom to testify against Blake, that Dynasty truly found its footing.

That woman was Alexis Carrington, Blake’s vengeful ex-wife, played to perfection by British actress Joan Collins. Her arrival shifted the series from a standard family drama into a high-camp cultural phenomenon. Alexis was the antithesis of Krystle; she was ruthless, manipulative, and unapologetically ambitious. The on-screen chemistry—and animosity—between Collins and Evans became the engine that drove the show’s skyrocketing ratings. Their confrontations, often escalating into physical catfights in lily ponds or burning cabins, became legendary moments in television history.

Beyond the drama, Dynasty was a visual feast that influenced real-world fashion. The show’s costume budget was astronomical, with designer Nolan Miller tasked with creating a new wardrobe for every episode. The result was a parade of sequins, furs, and, most famously, massive shoulder pads that became the silhouette of the decade. The show didn’t just reflect 1980s luxury; it dictated it. It sparked lines of licensed merchandise, including perfumes and fashion collections, allowing fans to buy a piece of the “Carrington lifestyle.”

The series ran for nine seasons, ending in May 1989, but its legacy endured long after the final credits rolled. It normalized the concept of the “super-bitch” character and set a new standard for prime-time soaps that future shows, from Melrose Place to Desperate Housewives, would emulate. Even today, the image of Alexis Carrington Colby remains the gold standard for television villains—a character who could destroy a business empire without spilling a drop of champagne.

For fans wondering what the icons of the Carrington empire are up to in 2026, the cast remains surprisingly active in the public eye.

At 92 years old, Dame Joan Collins shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. She continues to be a fixture in Hollywood and British society. She is currently starring in the new murder-mystery film A Murder Between Friends, which sees a release this week. The film, described as an Agatha Christie-style whodunnit, features Collins as a legendary true-crime TV star hosting a dinner party that goes wrong. Additionally, she has been filming a major biopic titled The Bitter End, where she portrays the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, during her final years in Paris. This role has been generating significant buzz, with critics already anticipating a powerhouse performance.

Linda Evans, now 83, has largely lived a quieter life away from the spotlight in Washington state, focusing on wellness and cooking. However, she recently delighted fans by returning to social media after a long hiatus to tease a new upcoming project. While details are still under wraps, her recent posts suggest a return to the screen could be imminent. She remains a beloved figure for Dynasty fans, frequently appearing at nostalgia conventions to discuss her time as the moral center of the Carrington clan.

John Forsythe, who played the patriarch Blake, passed away in 2010, leaving behind a legacy as one of TV’s most distinguished leading men. The Dynasty brand itself saw a revival with a modern reboot on The CW, which ran from 2017 to 2022. While it introduced the story to a Gen Z audience with Elizabeth Gillies as Fallon, the original 1980s run remains the definitive version for purists.

Whether you were Team Alexis or Team Krystle, there is no denying that the Carringtons changed the way we watch television. The feuds were bitter, the diamonds were real, and the drama was unmatched.

Tell us which Carrington family member you loved to hate the most in the comments.