The Dukes of Hazzard

Luke and Bo Duke are a pair of fast-driving cousins who live in Hazzard County and make a living out of souped-up cars, clever tricks, and a streak of good-natured rule-bending. Their orange Dodge Charger, the General Lee, is as much a character as they are, hauling them out of tight spots and into high-flying stunts. Cousin Daisy provides brains, charm, and morale, while Uncle Jesse offers homespun wisdom and a steady hand. Most episodes pit the Dukes against the conniving Boss Hogg and the bumbling Sheriff Coltrane, along with assorted crooks and schemers from the county, keeping the tone light while serving up action, comedy, and small-town conflicts without revealing any big twists.

Created by Rod Amateau and Gy Waldron, the series premiered in 1979 on CBS and ran into the mid 1980s. It starred Tom Wopat, John Schneider, Catherine Bach, Denver Pyle, and Ben Jones, and it mixed episodic adventures with recurring characters and locations.

The show wasn't a major awards contender, and it earned little recognition from major industry prizes during its original run. Any accolades were modest, and its reputation has rested more on popularity than on trophies.

The visual and cultural imprint of the program is clear: the General Lee became an iconic TV car, and "Daisy Duke" turned into shorthand for a style of short denim shorts. High-flying car stunts, the orange Charger with its bold graphics, and the folksy antagonists lodged the series in late 20th century pop culture, inspiring references, homages, and occasional controversy over some of its symbols.

Critical reaction has always been mixed but often affectionate, with many viewers enjoying its blend of action, slapstick, and rural comedy. The show leans into themes of family loyalty, standing up to local corruption, and celebrating car culture, which helps explain a steady fan base and a user vote average of 7.321/10 from 327 votes.