There wasn't much intrigue or back-stabbing, but Groupon and the TNT cable network came up with a clever travel promotion timed to coincide with the reprise of Dallas, which debuted last night with nearly 7 million viewers taking it all in.
Groupon partnered with TNT to offer TNT's "Dallas" VIP Experience on Groupon Getaways, which Expedia powers, to a maximum of five purchasers.
The vacation package, valued at $10,000, sold for $1978, the year original show first aired. The show revolves around the Ewing family and their oil industry and personal intrigues.
The package, with travel occurring October 26-28, included roundtrip first-class airfare for two to Dallas, a luxury suite for two nights at Hotel Za Za, a private driver, a tour of the TV set at Southfork ranch, two $500 shopping cards and assorted other perks.
Of course, Groupon alerted the public to the then-looming offer and instructed people to keep tabs on Groupon Getaways all day on June 13 because the VIP package, limited to just five buyers, would go up on the site at any time.
And, indeed the package sold out in the early afternoon, hours before the TV show aired anew.
The Groupon Getaways offer also gave TNT a chance to promote its new online game, Rise to Power, which gives fans a chance to "align with a character in the show."