Originally adapted from the 1956 novel, Peyton Place debuted in 1964 as a half-hour dramatic series. Set in a town of the same name, the plot follows its inhabitants as their lives intertwine and form complicated relationships.

The show served as the jumpstart for the acting careers of Mia Farrow, Ryan O’Neal and David Canary. The main cast members also included Ed Nelson, Warner Anderson and Dorothy Malone. The cast totaled 200 characters in primary and secondary roles.

The primetime soap-opera ran for 5 years and aired 514 episodes. After ending in 1969, the series was followed by a day-time serial, Return to Peyton Place and two cinematic sequels in 1978 and 1985. Despite moderate recognition, none were as successful as the original series which was nominated for 3 Golden Globe Awards and 2 Emmy Awards. It received one Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress for a Lead Role in a Drama by Lee Grant.