Dallas Star: Show's early days were uncertain

Patrick Duffy, known for his role as Bobby Ewing on the iconic series Dallas, shared that the cast harbored significant doubts about the show's longevity in its early days. Following the filming of the initial five episodes, the uncertainty was so high that the actors began seeking alternative employment.

Duffy indicated that he and his colleagues were not convinced of Dallas's future success until its third year. He credited CBS for its patience, allowing the program time to cultivate an audience rather than prematurely canceling it. The network's belief in the series eventually paid off.

The cultural phenomenon that Dallas became was largely propelled by the gripping "Who Shot J.R.?" cliffhanger. This mystery captivated viewers worldwide and culminated in an episode that became the most-watched television event at the time, solidifying the show's status and providing the cast with considerable job security.