Southfork Ranch, the ranch used in the series (beginning with episode #2.1: Reunion, Part 1), is in Parker, TX, a small suburb about 25 miles northeast of downtown Dallas near Plano. In the series, the ranch was actually supposed to be north of Dallas on State Hwy. 289, better known to Dallasites as Preston Rd. That would put the intended setting of the ranch most likely in the Frisco or Hebron area, which today is a densely populated and still rapidly growing suburban area. At the time of the show, the area was very rural.
Carol Lynley was originally considered to play Valene, a part Joan Van Ark ended up playing for 15 years thanks to this one guest appearance.
While filming the cattle auction at Fort Worth, Charlene Tilton touched her head and almost ended up owning a cow.