The Waltons Creator's Other Hit Show Was A Much Darker '80s Primetime Soap Opera

Earl Hamner Jr. was the creative force behind two highly successful television shows: The Waltons and Falcon Crest. While The Waltons was a heartwarming family drama, Falcon Crest was a gritty primetime soap opera set in the luxurious wine country of California.

Falcon Crest premiered in 1981, just a few months after The Waltons ended its nine-season run. The show followed feuding families battling for control of immense wealth, contrasting with the wholesome values of The Waltons. Hamner Jr. deliberately designed Falcon Crest to be the antithesis of his previous hit, admitting during an interview with the Television Academy Foundation that "everybody has a good side and a bad side, and this one comes from my wicked side."

Despite the dramatic shift in tone, Falcon Crest resonated with audiences, maintaining a spot in the top 10 for most of its nine-year run. Mariska Hargitay played a memorable role in the series, contributing to CBS's dominance in primetime soap operas during the 1980s. The show's fictional setting, Tuscany Valley, was inspired by California's Napa Valley, where Hamner Jr. spent time researching vineyards.

One of Falcon Crest's most iconic villains, Angela Channing, was portrayed by Jane Wyman. Wyman's character was pivotal to the show's success, requiring significant reworking after the first pilot underperformed. She later became known for virtually producing the second pilot, which featured a more formidable Angela. Wyman's influence on the show was undeniable, with co-star Susan Sullivan describing her as both a diva and the queen of the set.

Wyman passed away in 2007, leaving behind a legacy as one of television's greatest actors without an Emmy win.