When it comes to fun and comedy, the past century reminds us of good quality work with such great big names in comedy. In the late 70s, the comedy TV series Duke of Hazzard became the most popular and telecasted every Friday on CBS.
The story revolves around two male cousins and a female cousin. The TV series is known as the American action comic series that started in the production of GY Waldron in the year 1979 to 1985. The series comprised seven seasons of 147 episodes.
Waldron also wrote and created another series before Duke of Hazzard, Moon Runners. The cast of Duke and Hazzard consists of Tom Wopat (Luke Duke), John Schneider (Bo Duke), Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke), Ricky Hurst (Cletus Hogg), Denver Pyle (Jesse Duke), Ben Jones (Cooter Davenport), Sonny Shroyer (Enos Straight), James Best (Rosco P. Coltrane), Christopher Mayer (Vance Duke) and others.
With silly interesting scenes, funny dialogues, and actors’ hard work the series became the most watchable series of the time.
Highlight of the Series
| Name | Duke of Hazzard |
| Genre | Action, Comedy, Drama and Adventure |
| Belongs to | America US |
| Directed by | GY Waldron |
| Cast included | Tom Wopat, John Schneider, Catherine Bach, Ricky Hurst, Denver Pyle, Ben Jones, Sonny Shroyer, James Best, Christopher Mayer and others. |
| OST | Good OI Boys by Waylon Jennings |
| Narrated by | Waylon Jennings |
| Language | English |
| Released Network | CBS TV |
| Year of release | 1979 – 1985 |
A Quick Look at the Plot of the Series
The story plot revolves around the cousins Bo Duke and Luke Duke who are spending their lives with their uncle on a farm located in Georgia. However, the location or the city was never revealed in any episode. The cousin duo lives with their uncle Jesse and their beautiful female cousin Daisy.
The duo cousins were on a five-year trial for unauthorized transportation use; therefore, they could not use any weapon until the US Government would allow it. Officer Boss Hogg who was the trial officer from US police allowed them to use hand weapons such as arrows and bows tipped with dynamite oftentimes.
Besides the use of weapons Bo Luke and Duke Luke were also not allowed to leave the city without the officer’s permission. Interestingly, the terms of the trial changed from time to time which also made the plot more entertaining.
The most humorous character of the story is the cousin’s car General Lee. The car was of orange color 1969 Dodge car model. Overall, the story and plot were hysterical and amusing and fans remember the series and the characters up till now.
Episodes of Duke of Hazzard
The series consists of 147 episodes with 7 seasons. Here, I have mentioned every season with the first aired and last aired dates below.
| Season | Episode | Frist aired – Last aired |
| 1 | 13 | January 1979 – May 1979 |
| 2 | 23 | September 1979 – April 1980 |
| 3 | 23 | November 1980 – April 1981 |
| 4 | 27 | October 1981 – April 1982 |
| 5 | 22 | September 1982 – March 1983 |
| 6 | 22 | September 1983 – March 1984 |
| 7 | 17 | September 1984 – February 1985 |
The Cast of Duke of Hazzard
In American drama history, no television series could capture the attention of the viewers the Duke of Hazzard did. With a mix of genres of emotion, comics, adventure, and action the series became the most popular TV show of its time. The cast involved a few starring actors who became the biggest celebrities after their debut.
Let’s have a brief look at the cast members one by one.
- Luke Duke (Tom Wopat)
Thomas Steven Wopat belongs to America as an actor and a singer. Tom was born in 1951 in the American state of Lodi Wisconsin. A Roman Catholic, he was the son of a dairy farmer. He had seven siblings and was fifth among all of them.
Right after his graduation he started acting and debuted in a TV serial One Life to Live. Duke usually acted in the supporting roles and won the stage as the singer. In the music field, he published around eleven albums and when it came to acting, Tom achieved recognition after becoming a part of Duke of Hazzard in 1979.
He issued his first music debut in 1981 named The Duke of Hazzard (soundtrack). Tom also showed his talent in many other TV series including Cybill, Longmire, Django Unchained (Movie), and others. Interestingly, the duo Tom and his mate John issued a Christmas album in 2014. His singing elegance is a country classic, rock and roll and country rock.
Tom worked in a variety of movies and TV series, some of his notable works include The Dukes, Blue Skies, Murder Sher Wrote, All My Children, Blue Bloods, and All in Time.
- John Schneider (Bo Duke)
John Schneider was born in New York in 1960. John is popular as an American country music singer and an actor. The son of a pilot and youngest of three brothers has a vast history to explore. However, John released almost nine albums and multiple singles as the singer. On the other hand, in the field of acting, he started his career at Duke of Hazzard in 1979 when he was only 18.
Schneider’s depiction of Bo Duke showcased his ability as an entertainer and charmed him to fans around the world. The series, known for its action-pressed car chases, humorous escapades, and very close Duke family dynamics, turned into a social phenomenon. Schneider’s character, along with the iconic General Lee car, became synonymous with the show’s ubiquity.
Beyond “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Schneider has continued to have a successful career in media outlets, with roles in various Network programs and films. His getting through heritage as Bo Duke remains a testament to his contributions to the iconic cast of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” making him a cherished figure in television history.
As we praise the 1st anniversary of this article, we fondly recollect John Schneider’s job as Bo Duke and the getting-through effect of the Duke family on television enthusiasts.
- Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke)
Catherine Bach, eminent for her depiction of Daisy Duke in “The Dukes of Hazzard,” assumed a critical part in shaping the iconic series. As the vivacious and free cousin of Bo and Luke Duke, Daisy carried both appeal and resilience to the small screen. Her character, known for the signature denim shorts that came to be known as “Daisy Dukes,” turned into a symbol of Southern appeal and style.
Bach’s depiction of Daisy Duke showcased her acting prowess and added a remarkable dimension to the show’s ensemble. Her on-screen charisma combined with her strong-willed and resourceful character, resonated with audiences, contributing significantly to the show’s success.
Beyond her part in “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Catherine Bach has continued to have a diverse and accomplished career in media outlets. Her heritage as Daisy Duke endures, with the character staying an iconic figure in mainstream society.
As we praise the 1st anniversary of this article, it serves as a recognition of Catherine Bach’s permanent contribution to the dearest cast of “The Dukes of Hazzard” and the lasting effect of Daisy Duke on fans who continue to cherish the appeal and spirit she brought to the screen.
- Ricky Hurst (Deputy Cletus Hogg)
Ricky Hurst, referred to for his vital job as Deputy Cletus Hogg in “The Dukes of Hazzard,” added a bit of comedic pizazz to the iconic series. As the blundering yet charming deputy in the fictional Hazzard District, Hurst’s depiction of Cletus turned into a fan #1.
Hurst’s comedic timing and particular characterization of Deputy Cletus carried a happy component to the show, supplementing the supercharged car chases and sensational escapades of the Duke family. His interactions with Boss Hogg and different characters gave lighthearted elements, making him a fundamental piece of the ensemble cast.
Beyond “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Ricky Hurst has had a diverse career in television and film, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer. In any case, his job as Deputy Cletus remains carved in the memories of fans who fondly review the humor he brought to the small screen.
- General Lee (A car)
Surprisingly, General Lee is the character that is played by a car in actuality. I salute to the creator for this amazing idea that made the series more fun and interesting. General Lee is a 1969 Dodge orange-colored car that was used by both cousins in the series Duke of Hazzard.
With its unique horn sound and running speed that car helped Luke and Bo to run from the police. The name General Lee was taken from the Confederate States Army’s general during the American Civil War. However, the idea came from Jerry Rushing’s bootlegger car, and Traveller is also the name of a transport in the movie Moonrunners. The car consisted of two doors with a battle flag on its body.
Awards Won by the Series
“The Dukes of Hazzard” might not have been showered with significant awards, yet its social effect and perseverance through fame among audiences have solidified its place in television history. Despite its restricted honor recognition, the series acquired widespread praise for its one-of-a-kind mix of action, satire, and Southern appeal.
One outstanding accomplishment for the show was the Individuals’ Decision Grant for “Favorite New TV Dramatic Program” in 1981, mirroring the immense prominence it delighted among viewers. The show’s success was additionally underscored by its consistently high ratings during its run from 1979 to 1985.
While individual cast members might not have gotten prestigious awards for their performances, the characters and catchphrases from “The Dukes of Hazzard” became social peculiarities. The iconic General Lee car and the noteworthy signature song contributed to the show’s heritage, transcending traditional honor recognition.
In the domain of mainstream society, “The Dukes of Hazzard” remains the dearest classic, and its impact extends a long way beyond formal accolades. The thorough fan base and the show’s capacity to enamor audiences for a long time serve as a testament to its lasting effect, making it a genuine victor in the hearts of those who continue to see the value in the adventures of the Duke family in Hazzard Province.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, while “The Dukes of Hazzard ” might not have amassed a collection of prestigious awards, its getting through fame, social effect, and dedicated fan base speaks volumes about its significance in television history.
- The series, with its novel mix of action, humor, and significant characters, has transcended the limitations of formal accolades, procuring a lasting spot in the hearts of viewers.
- As we praise its heritage, obviously the genuine measure of success for “The Dukes of Hazzard ” lies in its capacity to catch the imagination of audiences and turn it into a timeless classic that continues to be cherished across generations.