Fans Yell YEEHAA as The Dukes of Hazzard Return to CMT!
Dukes of Hazzard to be shown in HD for the first time; CMT kicks off revival with a day-long marathon on January 5, 2014
Online, December 31, 2013 (Newswire.com) - They signed petitions. They blogged. They Facebooked, Tweeted and pleaded. Dukes of Hazzard fans had one wish: to see the General Lee flying across the television screen again.
On January 5, 2014, CMT will grant that wish, with a day-long Dukes of Hazzard marathon that will air several episodes back-to-back. The Dukes of Hazzard also returns to CMT's weekday programming, airing Monday through Friday. All episodes will be broadcast in HD for the very first time.
Why all the fuss about a 35-year old television show that was panned by critics, mocked by the media, and often cited as an example of bad scriptwriting?
"The Dukes of Hazzard, simply put, represents the most unforgettable visuals on television," says Brian Coltrane, a longtime fan and website operator. "You have an orange, 1969 Dodge Charger making flying leaps all over the countryside. You have Daisy Duke's amazingly perfect legs. You have country-boy hunks Bo and Luke Duke. You have police cars smashing into trees and plunging into the drink. With sights like these, you don't have to be Masterpiece Theater."
Yet the Dukes of Hazzard offered a moral message. "The Dukes cared about their community, their friends, and their family. They gave money to charity. They helped out neighbors and strangers alike. They were kind to animals. They were respectful to their elders. The list goes on...would you rather have your kids watch The Dukes of Hazzard, or "South Park?" questions Coltrane.
Many longtime fans of the show hold similar views, and demonstrate their loyalty by attending Dukes-themed events, collecting merchandise, and engaging in website and social media discussion. "Every time the show is re-aired, it picks up another generation of fans," says Coltrane. "And the fans from the past stick around. It helps that the cast members are involved with the fan community; there's a relationship."
Any advice for the new Dukes of Hazzard viewer? "Don't over-think it," says Coltrane. "Just enjoy the ride."