Dynasty: The Making of a Guilty Pleasure

An ambitious ABC development executive who pitches Dynasty as a bold, glamorous counterpoint to Dallas. He drives the project from conception, negotiating with producers and advertisers while chasing a show that looks like nothing else on TV. His gusto foreshadows the high-stakes power plays behind a major television franchise.

A legendary television producer whose influence helps bring Dynasty to life. He navigates network pressure, budget constraints, and creative disagreements to shepherd the show toward ratings success. His industry savvy and appetite for prestige push the project forward, sometimes clashing with the creative team.

A writer determined to infuse Dynasty with contemporary social issues and sharp satirical edge. She clashes with network and advertisers over sensitive content, insisting the show be more than a pretty surface. Her vision drives the show's ambition to push boundaries.

Co-writer who helps mold the show's modern take while negotiating creative constraints. He embraces provocative storytelling but contends with network expectations. His collaboration with Esther shapes Dynasty's evolution toward more daring content.

The infamous Dynasty villainess whose presence in the production testifies to the show's policy of glamorous, cutting-edge drama. Her involvement represents the era's appetite for power plays and sexy intrigue behind the scenes. The relationship between Alexis and the writers reflects the balancing act of risk and reward.

The show’s controversial storyline about representation faces behind-the-scenes upheaval when Steven’s actor is replaced after disagreements over the character’s arc. The film highlights industry tensions over sexual orientation portrayal in primetime. Steven’s arc embodies the push-pull between progress and network safety.