'Dynasty' Premiere: How Will CW Reboot be Different From Original '80s Soap Opera?

It's been more than 28 years since TV viewers were treated to the über-rich and scandalous Carrington family on the classic primetime soap opera Dynasty. But oil magnate Blake Carrington and his snotty children Fallon and Steven will return to the small screen in the new CW reboot of the iconic ABC series on Wednesday night.

Similar to the original Dynasty, which was nominated for a Golden Globe every year from 1981 to 1986, the CW's version will closely follow the lives of the Carrington family, as well as their even-richer rivals, the Colbys. The fashion in the modern day Dynasty will be just as enviable as the designer digs worn by the original characters back in the '80s. And the drama (and catfights) is just as over-the-top as in the first show.

There are some noticeable differences, though, on the latest Dynasty adaptation. But cast members have assured fans—new and old—that the new series will be just as juicy and entertaining as its predecessor.

"We pay tribute to the original in every way we can, be it through an outfit or through dialogue that we've lifted from the original, so I think both old and new fans will love the show equally," Elizabeth Gillies, who plays Fallon, told E! News Wednesday.

Check out five ways the new Dynasty will be different from the old series below:

1. In the '80s, the Carringtons were a family of wealthy oil tycoons living in Denver. The 2017 series sees Blake (Grant Show), his family and his global energy empire residing in Atlanta.

2. While the characters are generally the same, there are a few racial, gender and name changes. For instance, the entire Colby family will be African-American on the reboot. Blake's soon-to-be wife Krystal, or Cristal in the new show, is a powerful Latina businesswoman on the CW series, while the original character, played by Linda Evans, was Blake's white secretary on the original. Carrington chauffeur Michael Culhane (and Fallon's secret lover) also was white in the original series, but he'll be played by African-American actor Robert Rile. Meanwhile, Rafael de la Fuente will star as Heather Locklear's character Sammy Jo, who is also Steven's lover.

3. Although Dynasty was innovative in featuring one of the first gay characters on TV with Steven, the underlying homophobic themes in the 1980s series won't be a part of the reboot. Originally, Steven's biggest fights with his father were primarily a result of his being a gay man. But on the new show, Steven's sexuality is completely accepted. It's his green energy views and liberal politics that he and Blake will clash over the most in the reboot.

4. Just like the original series, the CW's Dynasty will see a fair share of catfights, except the women won't be clawing each other's eyes out over men. Instead, the clashes on the CW's Dynasty will mostly be over power and control of Blake's company. It's also worth noting that Fallon and Cristal are the focal points of the series, whereas in the original the characters took a backseat to Blake.

5. Fans of the original Dynasty probably couldn't fathom watching the show without its most iconic character, Alexis Carrington (Joan Collins), Blake's controversial, devious, pot-stirring ex-wife. However, it's unclear if or when Alexis will appear on the reboot. Showrunner Sallie Patrick recently told Variety that Alexis could appear at some point. "We don't know yet," Patrick said. "We're going to see if it works out."

Dynasty premieres at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday on the CW.