Television was at its peak in the 1980s, when only the best shows were seen.
Millions of people fell in love with The Dukes of Hazzard because of its unique cast, action-packed moments, and famous General Lee. However, the show had its share of blunders, unspoken facts, and errors that viewers still point out now, just like any cherished classic.
There is much more to The Dukes of Hazzard than meets the eye, from mishaps to hidden truths. Let’s examine some of the entertaining and unexpected moments that contributed to this program becoming a genuine part of 1980s television history.
The Dukes of Hazzard has a timeless quality. Its straightforward style, sparse use of profanity, and unadulterated joy made it a must-watch program for millions of people.
And Daisy Duke—who could forget her? She essentially created a fashion trend that is still popular today with her famous short shorts.
With her picture prominently displayed on bedroom walls next to celebrities like Farrah Fawcett, she was one of the primary reasons for many people to tune in. We were hooked to the screen every Friday night, anticipating Bo and Luke Duke’s next adventure in their beloved General Lee. The Dukes of Hazzard was more than simply a television program; it was an experience.
It was the kind of show that united everyone, whether they were racing home before 8 p.m. or out on bikes in the summer, thanks to the iconic cast and the unforgettable chases. Let’s examine the allure of The Dukes of Hazzard, a timeless work that continues to evoke sentimental recollections of bygone eras.
Sorrell Booke’s surprising contract
One interesting tidbit regarding Sorrell Booke’s portrayal of Boss Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard is that the character’s contract included a special provision that prohibited him from ever engaging in drug trafficking or murder. It’s an intriguing requirement, particularly in light of Boss Hogg’s dishonest and cunning behavior.
However, it illustrates the show’s playful, family-friendly tone. Boss Hogg became one of TV’s most recognizable antagonists thanks to Sorrell’s flawless fusion of charm and humor, and I genuinely believe his portrayal was worthy of at least one Emmy consideration.
Sorrell Booke really wore padding underneath his clothes to make the rotund “Boss” Jefferson Davis Hogg appear much fatter than he actually was in order to bring the role to life. All of this was a result of his dedication to creating the most remembered version of the renowned character.
Truth about General Lee’s famous ”Dixie” horn
Did you know that the initial plan did not include General Lee’s famous “Dixie” horn? The producers were traveling in Atlanta during the early episode filming when they heard a car whiz by blasting the well-known song. They were intrigued, so they followed the vehicle, persuaded him to sell the horn, and then paid a hefty price for it.
It turns out that they could have purchased it at a far lower cost at any auto parts store! The horn was only utilized in the first five episodes, as if that weren’t amusing enough. After filming shifted to the Warner Brothers lot, it was then incorporated during post-production. What a quintessential instance of “oops!”
John Schneider lied about his age
John Schneider has said in a number of interviews that he lied about his age in order to get the part of Bo Duke.
He was only eighteen when he told the producers he was twenty-four. He arrived for the audition with a six-pack of beer, a casual t-shirt, and a Southern accent—despite being from New York City—to further complicate the lie.
Georgia School of High Performance Driving
John Schneider also disclosed to executives that he had graduated from the Georgia School of High Performance Driving during his audition for The Dukes of Hazzard. The sole issue? No such school existed!
”But they bought it,” Schneider told Fox News.
John had a natural ability behind the wheel, too, so he wasn’t just making this up. He was an expert at burning rubber and maneuvering the General Lee around corners. He was obviously not permitted to execute the high-risk situations or the large stunt leaps, but there’s a fair probability he could have done them if he had been permitted.
The iconic “Daisy Duke” shorts
How many television personalities create a style that endures for decades after the show ends? With her most well-known performance as Daisy Duke, Catherine Bach has permanently etched herself into the annals of popular culture.
In an E! interview from 1996! Bach said that her well-known shorts nearly didn’t make it into The Dukes of Hazzard: A True Hollywood Story. The network execs went completely crazy when she wore them for the first time.
After some back and forth, they reluctantly agreed that she couldn’t wear such revealing shorts, but only on the proviso that Catherine wear pantyhose underneath to prevent any “accidental reveals.”
She swiftly rose to fame as a ’70s TV sex icon because the pantyhose accentuated her long, curvy legs rather than concealing anything. The irony is that Catherine became one of the most talked-about celebrities of the time as a result of what was originally intended to be a cover-up.
The term “Daisy Dukes” is still used to describe cut-off denim shorts, and I believe that some females still wear the famous hotpants today. They may even be referring to them by name without being familiar with the television program. That is quite amazing.
Wanted a Dolly Parton look-a-like
Catherine became one of the most well-known faces on television as the naturally gorgeous Daisy Duke. Many of us followed the show because of Daisy, and her character was adored by many. Catherine said the filmmakers wanted someone who looked like Dolly Parton to play Daisy.
They desired an hourglass body, large breasts, and a lot of blond hair. Catherine, however, went to the audition and did a fantastic job. That same evening, she was employed by CBS.
But in reality, the Dolly Parton link existed from the beginning of The Dukes of Hazzard. Early episodes suggest that Daisy Duke has aspirations of launching her own music career, and in the pilot episode, she is even said to know the lyrics to every song by Dolly Parton.
“The character is a conglomeration of many people I know. She is half the wildest girl I ever knew in high school. She is part of a couple of girls I was real close to in Georgia. She’s a lot of Dolly Parton and she’s a lot of me when I was a waitress. She is independent. She is physical. And she can do anything the guys can do,” Catherine explained in 1979.
Rosco’s slip-up: Daisy becomes Cathy
This is a humorous little blooper from The Dukes of Hazzard that most viewers probably didn’t notice!
Rosco unintentionally addresses Daisy as Cathy at the end of the State of the Country episode, immediately before she gives him the pistol. Check out the small error below, which is hardly perceptible unless you’re paying very close attention!
The moment that never reached TV
John Schneider, the cast’s biggest fan of Dukes of Hazzard, was particularly upset with the show’s 1985 finale.
Although the characters celebrated Boss Hogg’s unexpected stage return in the final episode, Opening Night at the Boar’s Nest, the actual final scene was never shown on television or even released on DVD.
In that unseen moment, Bo and Luke sat in the General Lee, sharing one last bit of banter in the Boar’s Nest parking lot. When the cameras stopped rolling, Schneider recalled the emotional weight of the moment: ”Unlike the televised ending where we all hugged at the Boar’s Nest, I remember saying, ‘Well, that’s a wrap.’ Then the rear projection screen went blank, and I cried like a baby behind the wheel of that engine-less General.”
Fans were devastated as well; John wasn’t the only one who felt the loss. However, the passion for The Dukes of Hazzard was rekindled eleven years later when TNN resumed reruns, resulting in two TV films and a whole new fan base.
Waylon Jennings’ mom kept waiting
In addition to narrating The Dukes of Hazzard, Waylon Jennings provided the show’s well-known theme tune, Good Ol’ Boys, which became his first single to sell over a million copies! It paid off, as he once remarked that it was one of the easiest records he had ever cut. In 1980, the song peaked at number one on the country charts, and in 2007, it became a platinum ringtone.
But here’s the fun part — Waylon’s mom watched The Dukes of Hazzard every week, hoping to catch a glimpse of her son. The problem? The legendary country singer was only heard, not seen! In fact, the only part of him that made it into the opening credits was his hands strumming a guitar. That’s why in the full version of the theme song, Waylon added the cheeky lyric: “You know my mama loves me… but she don’t understand, they keep a-showing my hands, and not my face on TV!”
Fortunately, Waylon’s on-screen debut came in 1984 when he appeared as himself in the guest film Welcome, Waylon Jennings.
Waylon Jennings had his own General Lee
Were you aware that Waylon Jennings had a General Lee of his own? The producers gave him an orange Dodge Charger with the renowned “01” on the doors and the rebel flag on the roof as a token of appreciation for writing the show’s catchy theme tune.
Waylon absolutely loved the car. In his book Waylon, he wrote, “Even today when I look out on my driveway and see General Lee, the orange Dodge Charger they gave me with the rebel stars and bars painted on its roof and a big 01 bull’s-eyeing the door, it makes me laugh. Great car for eluding a sheriff.”
In a 2016 eBay auction, Waylon’s beloved General Lee reappeared years after his death, along with all of his personal correspondence and records. The initial cost? Roughly $77,000 – evidence that fans still hold a particular place in their hearts for anything related to The Dukes of Hazzard.
Truth about the General Lee
Are you up for some interesting trivia about the renowned General Lee? Many cars were totaled while The Dukes of Hazzard was being made. Since Dodge had ceased producing the Charger, it was difficult to locate replacements for the General Lee, but replacing the police cars was simple. If they saw a Charger, producers would even pull over passersby and offer to buy it right away. According to IMDb, between 256 and 321 General Lee vehicles were produced and largely destroyed throughout the exhibition.
Based on a 1969 Dodge Charger, the recognizable orange vehicle featured the Confederate battle flag on its roof, the “GENERAL LEE” emblem on its doors, and the recognizable “01” number. Fun fact: there was an extra checkered flag behind the back window in the first five episodes shot in Georgia, but it had to be taken out since it was too difficult to replicate repeatedly.
The real-life moonshine smugglers who drove a 1958 Chrysler named Traveler served as the inspiration for the moniker General Lee, which was derived from Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The producers thought General Lee had a little more punch, but it was also nearly the name of the Duke boys’ automobile. In case you were wondering, the only episode in the series where General Lee does not appear is the third one, which is titled Mary Kaye’s Baby.
In case you were wondering, the only episode in the series in which General Lee does not appear is Mary Kaye’s Baby, the third episode.
The big plot hole
Bo and Luke’s probation, which prevented them from lawfully leaving Hazzard County, was a significant story point in The Dukes of Hazzard.
However, their characters were momentarily written off when actors John Schneider and Tom Wopat, who played Bo and Luke, left the set over pay disagreements at the beginning of Season 5. Cousins Vance Duke (Christopher Mayer) and Coy Duke (Byron Cherry) took their spot. Bo and Luke had gone to pursue professional NASCAR racing, the show explained. The problem is that if Bo and Luke were still on probation, how could they possibly traverse the nation?
How Flash earned her treats on set
After making her debut in the Dukes of Hazzard episode Enos Strate to the Top, Rosco’s cherished basset hound, Flash, immediately won many fans. According to the Dukes of Hazzard County Facebook page, Flash was adopted from a dog pound in Los Angeles.
Flash was Rosco’s faithful friend throughout the series, supporting him through all of his escapades. James Best, who portrayed Rosco on set, would point Flash’s gaze toward the camera with bits of hot dog. Flash received her well-earned gift after every scene.
Can you spot the random onlookers?
Not only domestic fans were interested in what was happening on The Dukes of Hazzard throughout the season. In fact, as fan Eric Sweeney noted in this Facebook post, a number of interested bystanders throughout filming ended up making an appearance in the performance. Take a look at the picture below, which is only one instance of an unexpected character appearing in the series.
Who’s driving?
Stock video of Bo and Luke operating the General Lee was used again in several episodes. There were instances, though, where the video was confused and Bo was seen driving when Luke was actually behind the wheel.
The image would then swiftly shift back to Luke behind the wheel. A peculiar error that fans who are perceptive would spot!
Did Cathy date Tom Wopat or John Schneider?
It’s hardly surprising that many people have questioned what actually transpired behind the scenes of The Dukes of Hazzard, given the number of actors who have fallen in love while filming. Daisy Duke frequently persuaded male police officers or henchmen to be lenient on other Duke family members by using her endearing demeanor and sexual appeal. But did she and the Duke lads truly love each other?
”Let me say this — as much as those guys (Tom and John) were the most charming, sexiest friends and men on the planet and women all over just adored them — they were really like my brothers. As much as I appreciate them, there’s no way I would be, as you say, hooking up with them. Just look at your brother or whoever is really close to you and go ‘Can I do this?’ It’s a no,” Catherine told Fox News.
They are still a family
The Dukes of Hazzard undoubtedly created television history. Even now, decades later, it remains one of the most cherished and well-liked programs of the 1970s and 1980s. John Schneider also claims that the cast’s bond is still very strong.
”We’re a family still, after all these years, which is very unusual,” Schneider shared in 2014. ”Shows have a tendency to end when they’re over. ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ has not ended for the fans, and it has not ended for the cast or the crew, and I’m very proud to be a part of that.”
Unfortunately, throughout the years, a number of The Dukes of Hazzard’s most cherished cast members have died. In 1993, Sorrell Booke, who portrayed the iconic Boss Hogg, died. The Balladeer’s iconic voice actor, Waylon Jennings, passed away in 2002. Uncle Jesse, Denver Pyle, a smart and gentle man, died in 1997. Additionally, in 2015, James Best passed away after bringing Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane to life. The show and the generations of fans who continue to adore it now are testaments to their legacy.
Will there be a reboot?
Catherine Bach recently opened up about the possibility of returning to her iconic role. When asked about the idea of a Dukes reboot, Catherine said, “Well, you know, shows are a mystical thing at best, because you never know what’s going to work and how things are going to click.”
The actress underlined that timing and chemistry are important factors and that a successful relaunch is never assured.
“There’s got to be a good writer,” she continued. “It can’t just be writing on an idea. You have to execute that idea. So, yeah, if everything comes together. Of course.” Her words reflected the unpredictability of the entertainment industry, while still leaving a glimmer of hope for fans eager to see Daisy Duke again.
Catherine didn’t completely rule out the idea, adding, “I’m still here, the guys are still here. It would be great, but I don’t know.” While it may not be in the immediate future, the prospect of the Duke boys and Daisy reuniting is still on the table—at least for now.
