10 things nobody wants to admit about Dynasty

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Dynasty — “You See Most Things in Terms of Black & White” — Image Number: DYN313b_0225bw.jpg — Pictured: Elizabeth Gillies as Fallon — Photo: Bob Mahoney/The CW — © 2020 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved /

When Dynasty premiered on The CW in 2019, there was understandable skepticism from fans of the original 1980s series. Reboots draw immediate criticism for trying to take the crown from the source material, and this show arrived during a time when reboots and revivals were taking over. But those who actually watched The CW’s take on the ’80s primetime soap were in for a real treat.

Rather than being a continuation series, Dynasty was a full-on reboot that dropped the Carrington family into the divisive political climate of the late 2010s. A new cast of brilliant actors, including Elizabeth Gillies and Grant Show, stepped into the wealthy shoes of the characters that ruled the small screen all those years ago. The reboot honored the original while developing its own tone and language.

After being canceled by The CW in 2022 after five glorious, glamorous seasons of over-the-top drama, the series remains a worldwide fan-favorite. Still, now that it’s ended, it’s time to discuss the truths (and some hot takes) about Dynasty that simply aren’t talked about enough. Who’s the best Cristal? What twist was the worst? Was the show snubbed of praise? Let’s get into it!

Dynasty — “I Hardly Recognized You” — Image Number: DYN101e_0577.jpg — Pictured (L-R): Elizabeth Gillies as Fallon and Nathalie Kelley as Cristal — Photo: Mark Hill/The CW — Ã‚Â© 2017 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved /

10. Nathalie Kelley was the show’s best Cristal

Even though the show wasn’t raking in millions of viewers each week on The CW, the reboot still managed to grab headlines throughout its run. The culprit? The revolving door of casting changes.

Over the course of three seasons, the series had three different actresses take on the role of Cristal: Nathalie Kelley played Cristal Flores (a.k.a. Celia Machado) in the first season, Ana Brenda Contreras played the real Cristal Flores/Jennings in season 2, and Daniela Alonso took over the role from Contreras in season 3 through the remainder of the series.

All three actresses brought a unique flair and flavor to Cristal, especially since they were two different characters, and all three actresses were amazing in the role. However, I have to say that we didn’t get enough time with Nathalie Kelley’s Cristal.

She by far had the strongest chemistry with Gillies and her leading character Fallon, and she had more stones left unturned in her backstory. Nevertheless, Cristal #1 was killed off in the season 1 finale fire and Kelley left the show after a single season. Contreras and Alonso are incredible Cristals, but Kelley brought intrigue and mystery from day one.

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