Mariska Hargitay Had A Starring Role In A Massively Popular '80s Primetime Soap Opera

Mariska Hargitay has played Olivia Benson on "Law & Order: SVU" for over a quarter of a century, but this career-defining character doesn't fully encapsulate her range. Years before she first appeared in the popular "Law & Order" spinoff, Hargitay — who also once had a hilarious guest role on "Seinfeld" — starred on the popular '80s primetime soap opera "Falcon Crest."

Running from 1981 to 1990, "Falcon Crest" centers on the Gioberti/Channing family, who are as dedicated to the wine industry as they are to their many feuds and interpersonal dramas. Hargitay's character, Carly Fixx, is introduced as Dan Fixx's (Brett Cullen) half-sister during Season 7. This isn't your ordinary family reunion, however, as Carly and Dan later discover they aren't actually blood relatives since Carly's father wasn't her real dad. And while Hargitay was included in the opening credits of the show, her stint on "Falcon Crest" was relatively brief; she appeared in only 15 episodes between Seasons 7 and 8. 

Although "Falcon Crest" was a hit for several years, it eventually fizzled out. CBS decided to cancel the popular soap in 1990, after ratings declined to just 19% of the available primetime audience.

But could "Falcon Crest" be ripe for a reboot? Talk of a comeback began circulating more than a decade ago. In 2013, "Falcon Crest" star William Moses told TV Guide that there were at least some conversations about a reboot happening. "There's not much I can say, for reasons that go beyond myself," Moses said. "Warner Bros. owns the rights and so it's a discussion between them and the writers." He added: "There is a pitch and an idea germinating that has some traction."

Moses explained that he himself was done for a return to "Falcon Crest," telling TV Guide that producers had asked him whether was interested — and that he had said yes. Sadly, it doesn't appear as if the reboot got off the ground after that. For now, fans can stream full episodes of the original series online for free on Tubi and other select streamers.