Top Ten Character Introductions 

When Lana Turner guest starred on Falcon Crest it brought golden age Hollywood glamour to the night time soaps and that began the introduction of big name guest stars on the nighttime soaps as well. That was a classy introduction for Jacqueline Perrault to arrive in a limousine and step out in a fur coat to greet her family.

Dominique’s entrance is still iconic to this day!!! And let’s not go into her SHADEFEST with Alexis over the burned champagne!!!

One of the most memorable quotes I recall from Dynasty was Alexis (Joan Collins) referring to Dominique Deveraux as 'the ex saloon bar singer that never was'. Priceless!

What's so great about these series looking back, is that they have a real feel of the old time movie melodramas. It was a perfect vehicle for all the movie stars of the golden age to appear in. Most shows from the 80s I find gaudy, but these soaps seem timeless.

I love the glamour the 80s had. I honestly think we haven’t had glamour since then.

When Diahann Carroll arrived to Dynasty we were fascinated about her glamour, elegance, and splendor!!!!

Joan had to be number 1. She blew in like a hurricane

Dominique Devereaux (The late great Dianne Carroll) was my favorite scene entrance. That's how you make an ENTRANCE.

Lana Turner always impressed me..she oozed Hollywood glamour when she entered Falcon Crest.

Thanks for the flashback to some great series and characters. I have to say my three favourite Alexis, Dominique and Sable. I forgot Tina Louise was on Dallas. Lana Turner, Ava Gardner and Jane Wyman...Wow!!! Loved all of these shows

Jason's introduction on Dynasty should have been included------where we hear his voice over and then pan to the Malibu Beach house.....and in turn calls Blake with the pipeline deal------Charlton Heston's presence was captivating from the moment we see him.

LANA!!! My grandmother loved these shows.. which got me hooked on Knots Landing.

I think Heather Locklear should have been on this list or at least at number 10. Her character Sammy Jo, made a pretty bold, wacky, funny and just as memorable entrance when she first appeared on Dynasty. Sorry, Morgan Fairchild was not interesting, was a forgotten character on Falcon Creast, storyline was stupid as hell. Surprise you didn't have Kim Novak on this list, she was somewhat more interesting, mysterious when she appeared on Falcon Crest for one season.

What a wonderful trip down memory lane. I grew up watching all of the night time soaps. Thank you for posting this. You have made me so happy!!!

Alexis carrington colby dexter rowan...the only one ...the real and mother of all that ....love her....

Oh how I wish the magnificent Joan Crawford could have lived to be on an 80's soap!

Sable and Dominique are the two greatest soap characters

Loved all the intros. Loved Lady Montfort and Alexis Carrington! My favorite, though not quite an intro, is Richard Channing meeting Angela for the first time.

What fun seeing all these great videos again. Those were good days for the tv audiences for sure. Out of all the pretty people appearing on these shows, I will always feel that Donna Mills and Linda Evans were the prettiest.

Lady Mountford, what a character. So duplicitous and one of the most vicious villians ever to grace the screens! Great actress, you totally believe in her.

Great compilation. One quibble: Alexis Smith got her Emmy Nomination for Cheers in 1990. You misread Cheers premiere year (1982) for the year she was nominated.

Alexis. "We had TWO beautiful children" Ooops I forgot about Adam & Amanda

Alexis and Dominique were the only 2 exciting introductions on this list, in my opinion!!

Sue Ellen had such great chemistry with Dusty Farlow it's a shame the show had to write him out when Sue Ellen and J.R. got back together off and on.

Loved me some Stephanie Beacham back in the day. Sable was the only reason I watched "The Colby's." Oh, and the first season when Barbara Stanwyck was on it.

how the heck did Abby's driving up in an old station wagon beat Dominique's sweeping entrance into Dynasty?

Abby was great. Knots Landing all the way.

So much History with so many of these Actors. Morgan Fairchild got her first big Break on The Soap Opera Search For Tomorrow which was many owned by Proctor & Gamble. She also did A Perfect Ending a Soulkiss Production that specializes in making LGBT Movies. Larry Hagman was on it's Sister Show Edge Of Night before doing I Dream Of Jeannie . He also did The Group which was based on the Novel by Mary McCarthy whom many folks felt kicked the door open for The Chick Lit Movement that began in 1948 Lana Turner's Daughter went on trial for murdering Johnny Stompanato and the Court Transcript Writer was none other than Future Superstar Record Producer Phil Spector. It was later discovered that Cheryl (Lana's Daughter) didn't' do it, she just said she did to protect her Mother Joan Collins trained at RADA (Royal Academy Of Dramatic Arts) which is Britian's top Acting Academy whose alumni have been Ralph Fiennes (that Lupita N'Yongo worked for as a PA). She also worked in England on Footballer's Wives that some folks feel was the inspiration for the Real iLife Housewife Franchise. Another RADA graduate was Sharon Maughan who you may remember as The Lady in the Nescafe Taster's Choice Commercial. Ken Olin played Michael Steadman on Thirtysomething whose Friend Nancy was his Real Life Wife Patricia Wettig, Donna Mills guest starred on General Hospital. I told UK Soap Fans that Megan Markle was on the show and they were stunned. Stephanie Beecham acted on Britian's Longest Soap Opera Coronation Street. She also played Phylida Oswin aka "Phyl" on Footballer's Wives Sister Show Bad Girl who along with her Partner Beverly "Bev" Tull, were part of a Ponzi Scheme. Michael Praed (Ex Prince Michael) acted on another UK Soap Opera Emmerdale whose Girlfriend Charity Dingle dumped him for his own Daughter Vanessa.

When abby and karen liked each other for one moment😂

Some of my favorites not on this list: Celeste Holm, Morgan Fairchild, Kim Novak, Leslie Caron, Robert Stack, and Eve Arden on Falcon Crest, Betsy Palmer, Ruth Roman, and Howard Duff on KL, Priscilla Presley, John McIntire, and Kate Mulgrew on Dallas and finally, James Farentino, George Hamilton, and Deborah Adair on Dynasty.

I never missed Dynasty or Dallas or Knotts Landing. Before we got a VCR I would make sure I was in front of the TV.Glued to the stories. The glamours houses and clothes. Now it doesn't pull me in as before. I care more about the insides of myself and others. Times have changed since the 80s.

Full deserved 1st place for Alexis' entry on Dynasty... just epic. Would've loved it, when you had shown the scene when Alexis walked into the courtroom, even it was played by an extra back then

Dynasty is still amazing and forever ❤️

Glad the Lady Jessica one is ranked so high. That’s one of my favorite scenes from Dallas

Joan excepted, the best choreographed entrance was Ava Gardner, it really respected who the actress was, and how we anticipated her.

This was a lot of fun. Although, I really only watched “dynasty“ and a little bit of “Dallas“ when it first came on. Of course, I was a preteen then but my mom and her best friend used to watch it. Brings back a lot of memories. Thank you for the ride.

Look how J.R. smirks and looks at Sue Ellen when Jessie says she thought Clayton would marry someone half his age since Clayton planned on proposing to Sue Ellen just a few years prior

Morgan Fairchild's voice is amazing!

Ava Gardner. That’s a movie star

My personal favorites are Donna Mills.Great addition to Knots Landing. Also Lisa Hartman, she is such a cutie. I had a big crush on her the entire time Lisa was on the show.With both Lisa Hartman and Donna Mills on the show,I became hooked on Knots Landing.Two very sexy ladies.

From this selection of Introducing i prefare the First Scenes of Morgan Fairchild as Jordan Jennifer Roberts over Diahann Carroll as Dominique Deveraux and Julie Harris as Lilimae Clements, but at the End Joan Collins as Alexis is also Amazing. The Best Entire Episode Introducing is from Lana Turner as Jacqueline Perrault, unsurpassed.

So many great clips

The moment you see Jessica's enter, you'll know she's crazy.

You forgot Gina Lollobrigida, she appeared also as a guest star in Falcon Crest.

This is great!

Yes I must agree Sabe colby and Dominique deveraux we're two of the greatest but I also like Lana Turner appearance on falcon Crest it was great to see her and Jane Wyman battle it out

Oh Lordy!! Stephanie Beacham 😍🥰

To me the best introduction is defenitly Dominique Devereau( Diahann Carol) all the way, so classy, strong and VAVAVOOOOOOOM.

Loved Joan collins

Great list. Alexis is the obvious first choice because the stage was set for a complete overhaul of not only DYNASTY, but also the prime time soap genre. Technically, we are first introduced to her at the end of the first season when she makes that startling appearance in the very last scene, but perhaps we can look the other way on that because it wasn't even Joan Collins who "introduced" Alexis upon her first appearance (the mystery woman hidden by a big-rimmed hat and sunglasses played by producer friend Maggie Wickman - and ostensibly named Madeline in the early stages of the character's planning). It would be when the newly named Alexis removed those Jackie O glasses and stated her name in full to the court that the world would truly be introduced to a character that would change television forever. Dominique Deveraux's first appearance will always carry its own iconography, on the merit of its own meta-element; for weeks, the PR machine was in full motion, promoting Diahann Carroll's return to TV as an inspired bit of casting that promised to break down racial/social/class barriers, previewing her mystery character as not just TV's first glamourous black woman, but even more deliciously, TV's first black BITCH. By that time, the word BITCH took on a whole new meaning as a new badge of honor for a strong, independent woman. There was alot of anticipation and excitement generated in time for Carroll's first onscreen appearance, so when we finally see Dominique literally swoop into the midst of our TV world out of nowhere like some exotic bird of vengeance, marching into La Mirage with her endless army of luggage (her movements tracked through inspired camera work), fiction and reality became blurred for one brief moment in a kind of out-of-body meta moment for TV: this wasn't just a new character, it was the breaking of TABOO. The dialogue may seem silly now, but at that time in TV history, it was important to see this woman demand a separate room for her luggage, dammit! You go, girl! My personal favorite will always be Lana Turner's first scene on Falcon Crest ... the chic, cosmopolitan jet-setting Jacqueline arriving without fanfare in the midst of everyday simplicity in Gioberti domesticity. I think I appreciate it the most because soon most all of the prime-time soaps would be plunged in a universe of campy decadence and glamour that would make this simple homefront setting seem passe. Instead of a red carpet treatment more fitting for a Hollywood legend with a gala complete with ball gowns that would make the court of Louis XVI blush, we were introduced to the fabulous and fur-draped Jacqueline Perrault as if she were our own grandmother popping in for a visit; instead of a designer outfit, Maggie is caught in her housecoat and hair rollers. Nice twist on convention by the writers. Likewise, Ruth Galveston's arrival on Knots Landing was given even less fanfare, because no one was there to welcome her as she sneaked in through the backdoor, so to speak, to avoid detection, moving under the radar like a skilled predator, trespassing, transgressing, transpiring out of nowhere. A thief in the night. It was very well done ... quiet, stealthy, cat-like, slinking into the scene incognito, generating a vague threat of some kind ... framed by a darkened silhouette, Ava Gardner-with-the-cat-eyes steps out from the shadows, and then slowly but surely stretches out her tentacles from her spider web of perverse maternal command over all the characters she wrapped herself up in. Gardner was simply brilliant in the role, and Ruth's presence proved memorable. It's a shame she never returned after her very short - and fun - visit. I love Alexis Smith's run as Lady Jessica on DALLAS ... like Ruth Galveston and Jacqueline Perrault, she was given little red carpet treatment, but that was just the more effective in deepening our interest in a character that carried a tension thick enough to choke a bull. There was an ominous build-up to her character's arrival, hinting at some dark family secret that involved Clayton and his sister that was ready to explode just in time for his wedding to Ellie. Unfortunately, the writers took the easy way out and made Jessica a certified psycho. I always questioned that plot twist. Smith had such wonderful chemistry with Hagman (J.R. always dallied with younger women, how interesting an illicit union with an older woman would have been to watch), not to mention with Bel Geddes, who never really had a female foil all those years on the show (producers really failed to flesh out Ellie's complicated history with Pam's mother Rebecca Wentworth). And imagine the trouble she could have caused for Sue Ellen, her secret son Dusty ... instead of writing her into a corner as a psycho, I would have written Jessica as a more passive-aggressive villainess, just to keep Alexis Smith available at all cost as a recurring treat for viewers in several story arcs through the years, dropping in for visits to stir up trouble for her brother and his new family. You actually left out the first - most important - part of Abby's arrival in Knots Landing ... as she drove into the cul-de-sac in her now-uncharacteristic station wagon, we were first given the viewpoint of the unseen driver looking through the windshield as it turned into the street and drove towards Karen and Sid's house. The effect was subtle, subliminal and unmistakable ... all it needed was the JAWS theme. Just when you thought it was safe to go out and mow your lawn, a predator lurks among the suburban idyll ... a shark had been let loose out of the Californian waters ... a little ominous foreshadowing, right before sunny, beaming California girl Abby pops out of the mystery car. A little less melodramatic than Alexis' arrival, but just as effective - and just as important as a turning point in the evolution of the prime time soap.

Did Alexis just commit perjury? She informed the court (under oath) she had 2 beautiful children.

Love dynasty fights between crystal and Alexis 💞

MEH. I would trade all ten just for a couple glimpses of Lorenzo Lamas in a speedo.

Morgan Fairchild played the first Jenna Wade in Dallas

Dynasty, Dynasty, Dynasty!!!

Oh I miss the past.

Dominique Dvereaux should've being numbre 1 !!

Jajaja jajaja geniallll..las recuerdo de niño en mi paisssss

The amazing series

What about Sammi Jo, Dynasty?

Love Donna but no one should have best Stephanie

Wasn't Sable's first scene in a bath tub on a telephone call with Alexis?

Jordan Roberts I thought it was Nora Tyler Bing!!! Sorry could resist a friends reference

Totally agree with number one . When she lifted the veil and I saw it was Joan I knew it was going to be good . Her portrayal of Alexis made Dynasty a number one show . Thank goodness Donna Mills arrived in Knots Landing …the cul de sac was very dull when she wasn’t there. I would have included Gina Lolabrigidas arrival on Falcon Crest too . 😎😎😎

Diahann Carroll's entrance was flawless and should have the top spot.. she doesn't sleep in her clothes or with them

They should have included Sheila Foley on Dallas.

I have no idea Alexis Smith was so high on this list!! That season of Dallas wasn't the best, Plus her character was so badly acted. Her being on this list is a complete shocker

Joan ❤👑💥

Jr Ewing was introduced in 1978.

Dihann Carolll's was the best.

Aren't fur coats glamorous? When Dihann Carroll sashays across the floor...whoosh! Mesmerizing!!🤩

I love you Stephanie

The ending to this is strange having the dynasty theme over a tribute to south fork and Dallas?

Donna Mills resembles Elizabeth Montgomery a little

I miss The Royals. I thought it was a pretty good SOAP for the modern era. Then they had to cancel it on a cliffhanger! Ugh!

Definitely alexisi

Peter!! 😍

This is more a top 10 celebrities or introduction of iconic characters on soaps. Nothing spectacular about the debuts themselves other than Dominique on Dynasty.

MORGAN Fairchild was better a as Jenna Wade on Dallas

Lana Turner creo que es la rubiaaaaa

Ok but where's Gina Lollobrigida

Lana Turner was the best

Abby was the first and, in my opinion, the best Prime Time Soap Opera villainess. Alexis was pure evil in Season 2 of Dynasty. Starting with Season 4, Alexis was a cartoon like Cruella Da Ville.

Gilliand’s Island???

While I agree with 1st place (Joan Collins appearing in season 2 of Dynasty), I think this list is VERY odd. How is Julie Harris (Lilliemae on Knots) given only an "honorable mention" and Christopher Atkins manages to get 9th place? Likewise, how did Morgan Fairchild appearing as a very minor character on Falcon's Crest make this list? What exactly were the criteria? Why does Larry Hagman playing the original character of JR make the list but NONE of the other original Dallas characters (Barbara Bel Geddes; Victoria Principal; etc.) don't even get an "honorable mention? Also strange is that the late addition of Nicolette Sheridan as Paige on Knots Landing and Ana Alicia as Melissa Agretti on Falcon Crest are wholly ignored. While all rankings are subjective, the strange choices in this one really undercut its credibility.

Lana turner is beautiful

Would have liked to see Heather Locklear.

Lol, I'm like Domonique, I require one bedroom for myself and another bedroom for my wardrobe. She made that IKEA Pax system famous before it was invented!

The levels of camp

Unless he was in the circus (preferably Cirque DuSoleil), there's no way I could be with a guy whom I first spot jumping on a trampoline.

Had Abby been recast Morgan Fairchild could have done it

cant take this list serious with Dominque only at#4

Dominique. Always

Love how Alexis says 2 Beautiful children... I watched the show and counted 4 Children Adam, Fallon, Steven & Amanda...Bad Story line

Peter Richards? Really? Was it because he was bouncing on a trampoline? I could put a small phone book list of debuts better than that.

Peter Richards was an awful character. I think ive read linda grey hated that storyline.

Lame. Do the top 10 with just their intros in the theme. Nobody cares anymore about how they were initially introduced.