Forty-two years ago today, on January 7, 1983, television audiences were treated to a milestone event in Hazzard County: the 100th episode of the beloved action-comedy series, “The Dukes of Hazzard.” The CBS show, which chronicled the escapades of Bo and Luke Duke in their iconic 1969 Dodge Charger, “General Lee,” reached a century of episodes, solidifying its place in television history.
The 100th episode, titled “Too Many Roscos” was a particularly memorable one for fans. Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane’s twin cousin from the big city, R. P. “Rick” Coltrane comes to Hazzard to help Rosco get out of trouble he’s gotten himself into. As he is the twin brother of Rosco, his appearance naturally throws the Duke family for a loop as they try to figure out what’s going on. “Too Many Roscos” was a classic tale of mistaken identity and served as a worthy episode for the 100th installment.
“The Dukes of Hazzard,” which premiered in 1979, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The show’s blend of fast cars, daring stunts, and good-natured humor resonated with viewers of all ages. The General Lee, with its distinctive orange paint job, Confederate flag roof, and “01” emblazoned on the doors, became an instantly recognizable symbol of the show and a pop culture icon in its own right. The show had high ratings at the time, reaching a peak of the #2 most popular show on television behind only “Dallas” in the 1980-81 season.
The series starred Tom Wopat and John Schneider as cousins Bo and Luke Duke, respectively, who were constantly finding themselves on the wrong side of the law, albeit often for the right reasons. Catherine Bach as their cousin Daisy Duke, Denver Pyle as Uncle Jesse, and Sorrell Booke as the bumbling but lovable villain Boss Hogg rounded out the main cast. James Best starred as Sheriff Rosco, delivering a performance that was both comedic and endearing.
The 100th episode celebration in 1983 was a testament to the show’s enduring popularity. At the time, “The Dukes of Hazzard” was a ratings juggernaut for CBS, consistently ranking among the top-rated programs on television. It spawned a merchandising empire that included toys, clothing, and even a short-lived animated series.
While “The Dukes of Hazzard” concluded its original run in 1985 after seven seasons and 147 episodes, its legacy continues to live on. The show remains a beloved classic, frequently revisited through reruns and streaming platforms. The 100th episode, aired 42 years ago today, stands as a reminder of a time when good ol’ boys, fast cars, and a catchy theme song could capture the hearts of a nation. The show was a massive hit, and as a testament to this, there were two reunion movies made in 1997 and 2000, and a 2005 feature film starring Johnny Knoxville, Seann William Scott, and Jessica Simpson.