The first episode of The Dukes of Hazzard aired on CBS television on January 26, 1979. Twenty-nine years ago, the General Lee made its inaugural flight across our tv screens.
From seven seasons of critically disdained episodes, to a Saturday morning cartoon series,
and a spinoff for the TV series “Enos”, no one could get enough of the Dukes.
Toy General Lees were popular, as were Dukes of Hazzard lunchboxes, watches, and posters. County music was “in.” Muscle cars were hot. CB’s were all the rage. The
Dukes cast made appearances at car shows and were often interviewed by the media.
Here at HazzardNet, we’re happy to report that things haven’t changed much! Ok, we use cell phones more than CB’s nowadays, but when you add it up, there’s been a lot of steady attention paid to a tv show that was snubbed by television moguls.
The Dukes endured despite the odds, producing two made-for-tv reunion movies with the original cast, and then resurfacing with new faces for the 2005 big screen movie. Another made-for-tv movie with a new cast, “Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning,” aired on the ABC Family Channel in 2006.
Over the years, the original series has enjoyed syndicated reruns on WGN, TNN, and CMT. All seven seasons of the original series have been released on DVD, and the reunion movies are slated to be on DVD in 2008.
Meanwhile, new Dukes of Hazzard toy cars, along with remote control General Lees, have been on Walmart shelves around the country. Orange “01” hats and shirts are more popular than ever.
It would take us most of the homepage to list every Dukes related event in the past 29 years. But we can’t recognize history without giving a hearty Yeehaa to DukesFest! This once-modest shindig has become the largest fan gathering of it’s kind in the world.
Originated by Ben “Cooter” Jones, the expanding crowds caused DukesFest to be relocated from Sperryville, VA, to Bristol TN, then finally to Nashville TN. DukesFest 2008 is being run by John “Bo” Schneider and will take place in Atlanta. Record attendance is expected again!
Last but not least, the Internet did it’s part in keeping the Dukes of Hazzard in front of enthusiastic fans. Numerous websites pay homage to the show, with HazzardNet celebrating nine years of continual nonsense as a veteran of the group.
Ebay carries a large collection of vintage Dukes memorabilia. Fan-created Dukes videos and slideshows populate YouTube. From Facebook to MySpace, it’s them Dukes!
29 years ago, the General Lee took flight, and it’s shown no signs of slowing down. Hit the dixie horn and give a yeehaa!
