Long before "Passions" was even a thought, "Dark Shadows" premiered on ABC in June 1966. It was considered daring (and unprecedented in daytime television) when ghosts were introduced about six months after the show began. The supernatural element was taken a step further in March 1967 when the character of Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) arrived in town. Viewers were shocked to learn that Barnabas was a nearly 200-year-old vampire who had arisen from his coffin to bring terror to Collinsport. Barnabas believed that waitress Maggie Evans was the reincarnation of his long-lost love, Josette, and he was determined to find her. The role of Barnabas Collins was originally intended to be a brief one, but the popularity of Frid's bloodsucker and the ratings bump he provided resulted in the character continuing on and becoming one of the core characters of this cult show. Barnabas Collins (and the mark his fangs left on daytime television) merits a spot on our list of most memorable moments.
Long before "Passions" was even a thought, "Dark Shadows" premiered on ABC in June 1966. It was considered daring (and unprecedented in daytime television) when ghosts were introduced about six months after the show began. The supernatural element was taken a step further in March 1967 when the character of Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) arrived in town. Viewers were shocked to learn that Barnabas was a nearly 200-year-old vampire who had arisen from his coffin to bring terror to Collinsport. Barnabas believed that waitress Maggie Evans was the reincarnation of his long-lost love, Josette, and he was determined to find her. The role of Barnabas Collins was originally intended to be a brief one, but the popularity of Frid's bloodsucker and the ratings bump he provided resulted in the character continuing on and becoming one of the core characters of this cult show. Barnabas Collins (and the mark his fangs left on daytime television) merits a spot on our list of most memorable moments.