The Yellow Rose


The Yellow Rose is an American soap opera television series that was broadcast on NBC from October 2, 1983, until May 12, 1984. The series was produced by Paul Freeman and was at least partly inspired by the more coltish elements of the soap opera Dallas, and dealt with the intrigues of the Texas-based Champion family who owned a 200,000-acre cattle and oil ranch called "The Yellow Rose".
The Yellow Rose was canceled after one season of 22 episodes. In 1990, the series was rerun again on NBC along with Bret Maverick starring James Garner.

Cast and characters

  • Sam Elliott as Chance McKenzie, an ex-convict and the illegitimate son of the ranch's late owner Wade Champion
  • David Soul as Roy Champion, one of Wade's sons
  • Susan Anspach as Grace McKenzie, the ranch's housekeeper
  • Edward Albert as Ramon "Quisto" Champion, one of Wade's sons
  • Noah Beery, Jr. as Luther Dillard, ranch hand
  • Ken Curtis as Hoyt Coryell, ranch hand
  • Tom Schanley as Whit Champion, Roy's son
  • Michelle Bennett as Love Child "L.C." Champion, Colleen's daughter
  • Chuck Connors as Jeb Hollister, Roy's nemesis and former owner of the ranch
  • Cybill Shepherd as Colleen Champion, Wade's widow
Notable recurring characters include Will Sampson as ranch hand John Stronghart, Steve Sandor and Deborah Shelton as Jeb's children, Lenny and Juliette Hollister, Kerrie Keane as Jeb's personal assistant Caryn Cabrera and Jane Russell as Rose Hollister, Chance's mother and Jeb's sister.

Episodes

US television ratings

Theme song

The series' theme song "The Yellow Rose" — set to the tune of the traditional "The Yellow Rose of Texas" but with new lyrics referencing the setting of the show — was recorded by country singers Johnny Lee and Lane Brody. The song became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart on April 21, 1984.

Home media

released the complete series to DVD on May 3, 2011, via the Warner Archive Collection.