---
title: "Knots Landing"
year: 1979
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/knots-landing-1979"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 2595
imdb_id: "tt0078638"
status: "Ended"
seasons_count: 14
episodes_count: 344
runtime_minutes: 44
community_rating: 7.0
vote_count: 45
content_rating: "NR"
---

# Knots Landing (1979) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/knots-landing-1979

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Knots Landing is an American primetime television soap opera that aired on CBS from December 27, 1979, to May 13, 1993. Created by David Jacobs, the series served as a spin-off of the program Dallas. The show is set in a fictitious coastal suburb of Los Angeles and focuses on the lives of residents living on a cul-de-sac known as Seaview Circle. Initially, the narrative centered on four married couples, though the scope of the program expanded to cover the domestic adventures, misdeeds, and everyday interactions of five families living within the community. Throughout its run, the characters dealt with a wide variety of serious issues. These plot points included infidelity, health scares, rape, murder, kidnapping, and assassinations. Furthermore, the residents of the suburb were frequently involved in complex situations involving drug smuggling, corporate intrigue, and criminal activity. The series featured performances by actors including Michele Lee, Ted Shackelford, Joan Van Ark, and Kevin Dobson, tracking the evolving personal and professional lives of the people residing in this California community.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Five families navigate the complexities of life and relationships within a single California cul-de-sac."

### Why Watch
- focuses on family dynamics
- explores community interactions

### Caveats & Content Note
- limited to domestic settings
- Tone & Suitability: The series focuses on domestic drama and interpersonal relationships.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: domestic, dramatic, interpersonal

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | The Roku Channel, Plex, Tubi TV | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | Plex | Apple TV Store |
| **Australia (AU)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | Apple TV Store |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Season 1 (13 Episodes)
Knots Landing season 1 is the opening chapter of the American primetime soap opera that aired on CBS beginning on December 27 1979. The series is a spin‑off of Dallas and is set in a fictitious coastal suburb of Los Angeles known as Seaview Circle, a cul‑de‑sac that forms the backdrop for the show’s domestic drama. In the first season, the narrative centers on four married couples who live

## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 100
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 7 (7%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 93 (93%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: Michael Filerman, David Jacobs
- **Networks / Studios**: CBS

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Michele Lee** as *Karen MacKenzie*
- **Ted Shackelford** as *Gary Ewing*
- **Joan Van Ark** as *Valene Ewing*
- **Kevin Dobson** as *M. Patrick MacKenzie*
- **William Devane** as *Greg Sumner*
- **Donna Mills** as *Abby Cunningham Ewing Sumner*
- **Pat Petersen** as *Michael Fairgate*
- **Constance McCashin** as *Laura Avery Sumner*
- **Nicollette Sheridan** as *Paige Matheson*
- **Julie Harris** as *Lilimae Clements*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the show about?
It follows the domestic adventures and everyday interactions of five families in a California cul-de-sac.

### Q: Where does the show take place?
The setting is a small California community.

### Q: What kind of stories are told?
The series depicts the misdeeds and daily lives of residents living in the same neighborhood.

### Q: How many families are featured?
The narrative centers on five families.

### Q: What is the tone of the series?
The show explores the domestic and personal experiences of its characters.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Animated Knots by Grog | Learn how to tie knots with step-by-step …](https://www.animatedknots.com/)
- [Knots Landing - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knots_Landing)
- [How to Tie a Knot: The 22 Knots You Need to Know - Outdoor Life](https://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/hunting/2012/02/essential-knots-how-tie-20-knots-will-keep-you-alive/)
- [Knots Landing (TV Series 1979-1993) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078638)
- [25 Types of Knots Everyone Should Know (With Uses & Pictures)](https://knotspedia.com/types-of-knots/)
- [Rope Knots - All Rope Knots Animated and Illustrated | How to tie all ...](https://www.netknots.com/rope_knots)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*