Dukes of Hazzard Original TV Series

In the heart of Hazzard County, “somewhere in the South,” lived the tight-knit Duke family, led by the wise and steadfast Uncle Jesse (Denver Pyle). His two nephews, Bo Duke (John Schneider) and Luke Duke (Tom Wopat), along with their cousin Daisy Duke (Catherine Bach), were the main characters of the beloved Dukes of Hazzard original series. Together, they did their best to keep the family farm running, while occasionally finding themselves on the wrong side of the law—mostly thanks to their past as moonshine runners. Bo and Luke were on probation, constantly evading trouble, and often running circles around the local sheriff.


The Duke boys weren’t alone in their escapades, though. Their most loyal companion was their souped-up 1969 Dodge Charger, famously known as the “General Lee.” This car was a character in its own right, with its bright orange paint, welded-shut doors, and the signature “01” on its sides. Topping it off was the infamous Confederate flag on the roof. The Dukes of Hazzard TV show featured the General Lee in countless heart-pounding chases, jumping creeks, dodging roadblocks, and leaving dust in its wake as Bo and Luke sped away from the law.


Of course, the law in Hazzard County was far from competent. The boys were always on the run from Boss Hogg (Sorrell Booke), the corrupt county commissioner who would stop at nothing to make a quick, dishonest buck. With his sidekick, Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane (James Best), Boss Hogg hatched schemes each week, usually involving trumped-up charges to frame the Dukes and keep them out of his way. But Rosco was more laughable than fearsome, with his iconic “Khee, khee I love it, I love it!” catchphrase and his knack for bungling every plan.


While Rosco and Boss were the primary antagonists, they had help from deputies Enos Strate (Sonny Shroyer) and Cletus Hogg (Rick Hurst). Enos, with his soft spot for Daisy, was easily swayed by the Duke family’s good nature. Cletus, who replaced Enos for a time, was no more competent than the rest of the Hazzard law enforcement. Their frequent car wrecks and slapstick missteps added to the comedic element that made the Dukes of Hazzard TV so entertaining.


Each episode of The Dukes of Hazzard original series was a wild ride. Between high-flying car stunts, bar fights at the Boar’s Nest, and Daisy charming her way through tough situations in her signature short-shorts, the show brought a unique blend of action, humor, and heart. The real charm of the series, though, was in its deeper message—good always triumphed over greed, family came first, and no matter how chaotic things got, the Dukes always found a way to outsmart the bad guys.


Boss Hogg’s plans often unraveled by the end of each episode, with the Duke family exposing his crooked schemes. More often than not, he was forced to make a reluctant donation to the local orphanage or some other good cause to cover his tracks. Despite all the chaos, The Dukes of Hazzard was fundamentally about family values. Uncle Jesse’s moral compass kept the boys in check, reminding them—and the audience—that honesty and loyalty were what really mattered.


Looking back, the Dukes of Hazzard TV show captured a sense of fun and adventure that is hard to find on television today. Its lighthearted tone, action-packed sequences, and quirky characters made it a classic. No one got seriously hurt, and even though there was plenty of action, it was never too violent. Daisy Duke’s skimpy outfits may have been shocking in their day, but compared to modern TV, they were downright modest. The show’s charm lies in its simplicity—fast cars, good-hearted heroes, bumbling villains, and a sense of justice that always prevailed by the end of the hour.


Simply put, The Dukes of Hazzard original series wasn’t just a show—it was an adventure. It continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans who remember the thrill of watching the General Lee soar through the air, while the Dukes stuck together as a family to stand up for what’s right.