The essential episodes of Dallas
Watch these 15 in order and you've got Dallas — each pick states its reason.
- 01
Two decades since viewers last saw them, the Ewing's are back. Television's first family of drama, sabotage, secrets and betrayal are gathering at Southfork Ranch for the upcoming wedding of Bobby's adopted son, Christopher, to Rebecca Sutter. Although the occasion is joyous, an old family rivalry crosses generations after secret oil drilling on Southfork results in a major gusher. Everyone has his or her own agenda when the fight over oil and land threatens to tear the Ewings apart once again.
- 02
The plot to take control of Southfork gets complicated when two-timing affairs and blackmail arise, and J.R. starts to ask one too many questions. Meanwhile, Christopher and Elena bury their feelings in order work together on a business deal. But Christopher's new bride may be hiding her own secrets.
- 03
John Ross seeks to gain an upper hand on a family member and resorts to blackmail, but J.R. decides to handle the situation his own way. Meanwhile, Christopher opens up to Bobby about his difficulty in choosing between the two women he loves.
- 04
With tension mounting between the newly married Christopher and Rebecca, family ties begin to unravel when the deed to Southfork is revealed. In order to thwart J.R.'s schemes, Ann seeks help from someone in her past, and Christopher decides it is time to fight dirty.
- 05
John Ross is bothered by the weight of having to do his father's dirty work and decides to move into Southfork. Strife continues to grow between Ann and Bobby when it is revealed she went to her ex for help with a family problem. Rebecca approaches Bobby and Christopher with information that she believes might help save the ranch.
- 06
Rebecca reveals a life-changing secret to Elena. Still riling from his interaction with Bobby, Ann's ex-husband demands an apology. Meanwhile, John Ross is under pressure from his allies and tries to turn one family member against another. And a family associate is murdered, leaving everyone to wonder about the culprit.
- 07
When murder hangs over the Ewing household, the family is forced to make decisions for the good of family. Christopher moves closer to his dream when a large oil company approaches him about rights to new methane technology. And the Ewings fight to protect Southfork from outsiders.
- 08
John Ross learns the value of family when he must choose between blood and oil. Sue Ellen and Rebecca both find themselves victims of men who could destroy their lives. And the Ewing's must once again rally around one another when a medical crisis strikes.
- 09
In the dramatic season finale, family bonds bring the Ewing's together as a loved one faces a medical crisis. Christopher and Elena begin to learn that not everyone is who they appear to be, including the people closest to them. Long buried secrets are revealed as the past rears its ugly head.
- 10
The battle for Ewing Energies heats up as Christopher and John Ross clash over opposing visions for the company. As Christopher seeks to gain the upper hand in his divorce from Rebecca Sutter, a game-changing revelation turns everything on its head, causing the entire family to put their differences aside and rally together -- except for John Ross, who uses J.R.'s dirty little tricks to take revenge on Christopher and Elena. Meanwhile, Ann is blackmailed by her ex-husband, Harris Ryland, forcing her and Bobby to confront a shocking secret from Ann's past.
- 11
With Christopher and Bobby at the helm of Ewing Energies, and Elena working to gain a stronger foothold within the company, J.R. and John Ross strike a deal to wrestle control of Ewing Energies away from them. Meanwhile, Pamela Rebecca Barnes schemes with John Ross to take half of Christopher's shares in Ewing Energies to fulfill her father's desire for revenge against the Ewings. And Ryland's mother, Judith, proves to be just as evil as her son.
- 12
In the aftermath of John Ross and Sue Ellen's coup to take over Ewing Energies, Bobby retaliates with his brother's help, Gary, leaving the family in a Mexican standoff. Meanwhile, Pamela is caught between Christopher and John Ross, as the cousins clash, with it all culminating in a winner-take-all car race.
- 13
When John Ross and Pamela make a shocking discovery about an enemy's whereabouts the night J.R. was killed, Bobby is compelled to reveal more of J.R.'s master plan to them and ask for their help in a surprising way. Meanwhile, Christopher heads out to search for his mother, but as an unexpected secret comes to light, a rift drives Christopher and Elena apart. At the same time, Sue Ellen makes an impassioned plea to convince Ken Richards to do the right thing, even though it may have dire consequences for him.
- 14
On the heels of Bobby's appointment as Railroad Commissioner, John Ross scrambles to find the funds to keep the Arctic lease deal alive, even if it means betraying those who love him most. Sensing an opportunity, Elena and Nicolas get Pamela and John Ross out of the office to divide and conquer. Meanwhile, things get complicated for Christopher and Heather and Ryland's plot to keep Emma and John Ross apart takes an unexpected turn.
- 15
While Christopher races to find Elena, Bobby is double-crossed by the cartel. No longer able to sit by, John Ross puts his own life on the line to attempt a rescue. Meanwhile, Nicolas tries to prove himself to Elena by making a deal with the authorities that puts him on a collision course with John Ross' plan and places both their lives in jeopardy.
Shows like Dallas
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Drama·Family·ComedyThe essential episodes of Shameless2011–2021·Paramount+ with Showtime
Shameless is a fiercely engaging and fearlessly twisted series. - 02Drama·FamilyThe essential episodes of Heartland2007–present·CBC GemLife is hard on the Flemings' ranch in the Alberta foothills where abused or neglected horses find refuge with a kind, hard-working family.
- 03Drama·Family·FantasyThe essential episodes of The Way Home2023–present·Hallmark ChannelThe Way Home follows the lives of three generations of women within the Landry family that spans the years through a time travel twist.
- 04Drama·Family·WesternThe essential episodes of The Madison2026–present·Paramount+
The Madison is a heartfelt study of grief and human connection following a New York City family in the Madison River valley of central Montana. - 05Drama·Family·RomanceThe essential episodes of Downton Abbey2010–2015·ITV1
The Downton Abbey estate stands a splendid example of confidence and mettle, its family enduring for generations and its staff a well-oiled machine of propriety. - 06Drama·Family·RomanceThe essential episodes of Everwood2002–2006·The WBAs a world-class neurosurgeon, Dr. Andrew Brown is a hero.
