Soaps, long derided and mocked for trite plotting and campy dialogue, somehow slicked the nation up with high-rated suds. Dallas long reigned as the soap king following the corporate intrigue of the Texas Oil Fields, while its ABC knockoff Dynasty initially scripted the oil front in Colorado and evolved into selling

slapfights

and glamour. They paired up with San Francisco leisure fare Hotel, creating a winning Wednesday block. The follies of neighborly affairs drove CBS' Knots Landing into 11th place, and the wine industry delivered intoxicating ratings on Falcon Crest.





The only bubble burst on the soap front was NBC's Yellow Rose, which failed to capitalize on love and Lust in Texas, landing in 90th Place.

CBS again reigned in 1st Place for a 4th straight year as ABC continued their freefall. NBC experienced a disastrous Autumn, followed by a resurgent Spring lineup. Cancellations culled most of the lineup below 60th place, taking out all but 4 shows and 2 movie nights.



