Warner Bros. Creating and Ruining a Part of American History With The Dukes of Hazzard

On January 26, 1979, a legendary, historical piece of Americana, thanks to Warner Bros, aired on CBS called The Dukes of Hazzard. The hit series aired from 1979 to 1985 as an adaptation of the 1975 movie Moonrunners. The Dukes of Hazzard filled the interest of every generation. Uncle Jesse Dukes (Denver Pyle) was the Duke family patriarch. He raised his two nephews Bo Duke (John Schneider), Luke Duke (Tom Wopat), and his niece Daisy Duke (Catherine Bach). 

Uncle Jesse and his family taught the ways of life; what were morally right, what was morally wrong, as well as common sense. They taught family values, love, and respect. But they also taught that family wasn’t just family but they were your friends as well. Even thought their family was the most respected family in Hazzard County, they were constantly conned and set-up by the local authorities, Sherriff Rosco P. Coltrane (James Best) and County Commissioner Boss Jefferson Davis Hogg (Sorrell Booke). 

Each and every day, like hundreds of men, woman, and children, I would turn on CBS and watch The Dukes of Hazzard. I was six years old when I began watching the show. Being that young, I enjoyed it for the witty humor, Bo Duke, and the car chases with the 1969 orange stock car The General Lee with its rebel flag on the roof and the big 01 on the doors. But as I grew older, I began learning the family values the show taught. The teachings of “please” and “thank you”. The teachings of respecting your elders, the use of “sir” and “ma’am”, and watching your language.