Dallas: J.R. Returns Dallas: J.R. Returns Dallas: J.R. Returns is a 1996 American made-for-television drama film and is the first of two "Dallas" reunion films, produced after the series went off the air in 1991. It originally aired on CBS on November 15, 1996, and was rerun as part of TV Land's salute to 50 years of Warner Bros. Television. The cliffhanger ending of the 1991 "Dallas" series finale is resolved. The gunshot J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) fired was at the mirror, not himself (despite there being no sound of shattered glass when he pulled the trigger). Several years later, J.R. is in
Larry Hagman they both concluded it was perfect for him. Hagman based his portrayal in part on memories of the eldest son who had won the Antelope Tool Company succession battle. "Dallas" became a worldwide success, airing in 90 countries - most notably the United Kingdom, where it saw its highest viewership outside the United States and was regularly enjoyed by members of the country's Royal Family - and inspiring several primetime soaps. Hagman became one of the best-known television stars of the era. Producers were keen to capitalize on that love/hate family relationship of J.R., building anticipation to a fever-pitch in