The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a limited run prime-time soap opera which aired during the summer of 1983 for 5 episodes on ABC. It was produced by Gloria Monty, the producer credited with turning General Hospital from a low-rated daytime serial to a soap phenomenon. The series is set in Manhattan and the affluent Long Island community referenced in the show's title. The cast includes actors with previous experience in daytime and prime-time serials: Leigh Taylor-Young, Michael Goodwin, John Reilly Bibi Besch, etc. The series was shot on videotape rather than film, which gave it a look consistent with most daytime soap operas. The focus of the series was on the wealthy Chadway and Duncan-Mortimer families, who co-owned the stylish Duncan-Chadway department stores. The Chadways were positioned as the noble family, while the Duncan-Mortimers were the schemers. The plots concerned power maneuvers to gain control of the retail corporation, and illicit sexual couplings.

Directed by Paul Huson, William Bast, The Hamptons leans on a strong ensemble — Michael Goodwin, Leigh Taylor-Young, Craig Sheffer — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1983.