On this day August 4 1980, Texas premiered on NBC as a daytime soap opera spin off of Another World. Set in Houston, the series aimed to bring a new setting and fresh cast to daytime television while carrying over some familiar faces. The show followed the lives, secrets, and ambitions of wealthy oil families and working class residents navigating power, love, and betrayal in the Lone Star State.
Texas launched with much fanfare and featured Beverlee McKinsey in the lead role as Iris Cory Carrington, reprising her popular character from Another World. The series quickly introduced a full ensemble of new characters, business rivalries, and dramatic twists typical of the soap format. Despite a strong promotional push, the show faced tough competition in its time slot and struggled to find consistent ratings success.
The series ran for over two years, producing more than 600 episodes before ending in December 1982. While short lived compared to longer running soaps, Texas developed a dedicated fanbase and remains a memorable part of early 1980s daytime television.
80s insight: Texas was part of NBC’s effort to expand its daytime lineup by building on the popularity of established characters from Another World in a new dramatic setting.
Texas launched with much fanfare and featured Beverlee McKinsey in the lead role as Iris Cory Carrington, reprising her popular character from Another World. The series quickly introduced a full ensemble of new characters, business rivalries, and dramatic twists typical of the soap format. Despite a strong promotional push, the show faced tough competition in its time slot and struggled to find consistent ratings success.
The series ran for over two years, producing more than 600 episodes before ending in December 1982. While short lived compared to longer running soaps, Texas developed a dedicated fanbase and remains a memorable part of early 1980s daytime television.
80s insight: Texas was part of NBC’s effort to expand its daytime lineup by building on the popularity of established characters from Another World in a new dramatic setting.
