15 Classic Aaron Spelling Shows Throughout the Decades

6. Dynasty

Never was a show more centered on face slapping and drink throwing that Dynasty, one of TV’s most enduring primetime soap operas, and the prototype for Spelling’s 1990s teen drama empire. Dynasty followed the trials and tribulations of a Denver-based oil magnate and his scheming, backbiting, shoulder-pad loving family. Few shows in television history were quite as eager to slap and fountain-dance the members of its leading cast. Perhaps that’s why Dynasty’s popularity made it one of the most lauded and highest rated shows of the 1980s.

5. T.J. Hooker

Why exactly do we love William Shatner as much as we do? Honestly, the reasons are really nebulous and they have little to nothing to do with his acting ability. Oddly enough, though, Shatner is still fun to watch on the small screen, which goes some way to explaining the popularity of Spelling’s 1982 to 1986 cop drama. The fact it introduced the world to Heather Locklear might help explain the show’s success.

4. Beverly Hills, 90210

By the end of the ’80s, adult audiences had grown tired of watching rich people connive against each other. Fortunately, Spelling had a stroke of genius, ultimately realizing that while adults may have had their fill, teens were eager for some face-slappy drama. Thus, Beverly Hills, 90210 was born. The series, which followed the drama of a group of local teams living in — you guessed it — Beverly Hills, was the face of the 1990s for many people. It was adored by teenagers (and more than a few adults) and ran successfully throughout the entire decade. And Tori Spelling was totally cast for her talent, not because her daddy created the show.