On Wednesday, June 13, the new DALLAS television show series will premiere on TNT at 8 p.m. Central. Back by popular demand and to entertain a new generation of worldwide fans, this all-new series is based on one of the most popular television dramas of all time that ran from 1978-1991, the original DALLAS.

In this new series, the iconic characters, J.R., Bobby, and Sue Ellen along with a new generation of Ewings, return to the Southfork ranch. The feud continues and power struggles reach a new level of explosive drama. Things sizzle between newcomers, John Ross Ewing III (Josh Henderson), son of J.R., and his cousin Christopher Ewing (Jesse Metcalfe), the adopted son of Bobby (Patrick Duffy).

The original DALLAS was filmed in Los Angeles with only a some scenes filmed in Dallas. For the new series of DALLAS, many of the episodes were filmed right here in Dallas. You will see places you know and love every time you watch an episode (The Cedars Social and Stanley Korshak can be seen in the first two episodes).

On Thursday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m., two representatives of ILiveInDallas.com attended the red carpet and star-studded event and pre-screening of the pilot and second episode of DALLAS at the Winspear Opera House. The night started out with the stars of the show walking down the red carpet meeting and greeting fans, as well as new and old friends. I noticed several “I remember you when” people coming up to hug Larry Hagman. The event company had two unique step and repeats in-which guests could capture the whole DALLAS experience.

Frances, my date, and I on the red carpet.

The catering for the after party was provided by Wolfgang Puck and included some extremely succulent Texas-style quail, tender loin, and other tasty morsels that you could wash down with a specialty craft cocktail called the “Backstab Boubon” or open bar drinks.  There was a live band that played some rock classics such as Tom Petty as well as newer artists like Counting Crows.  The best part of the evening was the after party allowed the exclusive guests of the evening to meet the stars of the show in a very casual outside patio setting. I spoke with Patrick Duffy who plays Bobby Ewing, Josh Henderson who plays the son of J.R., and Jesse Metcalfe who plays his cousin Christopher Ewing. I also briefly spoke with Larry Hagman.  However, he was quite occupied with fans young and old.

Without giving away the story, I will say this new series comes with all the drama and backstabbing, power-grabbing greed you were used to seeing in the original series. I was blown away by how easily I got sucked in. I sat on the edge of my seat while watching the pilot episode while they showed the first couple of scenes. Then, right at that first pivotal moment of the first climax, the theme song and show credits start.

Patrick Duffy, who Plays Bobby Ewing, and I at the after party.

As I sat there in my chair at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, I swelled up with pride for my current city as it was then when DALLAS first came on air and as it is now. Childhood memories of sitting at the table during dinner with my family watching the original DALLAS rushed into my head and heart. I had to wipe away a joyful tear while smiling, listening to the theme song, and watching the beginning credits. I remember being at the Galleria when I was probably eight or nine years old and seeing a film crew filming scenes of the original DALLAS with the ice skating rink as a backdrop.  I later saw that episode with my parents at home and knew I had witnessed history.

I was selected to participate in TNT’s Dallas Roundup Network and was not compensated for writing this post, but have received a screener of the first four episodes. I feel blessed to be helping Dallas make worldwide television history, again, in any small way I can by doing the only thing I can do – spread the word.

Revisit some of your DALLAS memories and set your DVR or TIVO for this Wednesday on TNT at 8 p.m.

Follow and tweet the hashtag #DallasTNT before, during, and after the show for up-to-date commentary and cool show facts.