Who Shot J.R.? On November 21, 1980, every longtime viewerand a host of intrigued newbieswould tune in to find out, a staggering worldwide audience of 350 million people invested in the fate of a ruthless, wealthy oil and cattle baron named J.R. Ewing. Forty-five years after its premiere in 1978, the influence of primetime dramaDallaslives on. InThe Story of Dallas,we explore how the series created stars, pioneered the cliffhanger, and left its imprint on todays prestige programs.