Back in 1980, the hottest show on TV was "Dallas", starring Larry Hagman. He played an evil, but somehow lovable oil tycoon millionaire on the show. It was said he was the guy people 'loved to hate.'
The producers of the then already popular show decided for a ratings increase, after the show was on a year or year and a half, to have a big deal where somebody walked into JR's office,where he was working alone, late at night and shoot him. But you didn't see who it was doing the shooting..
It was at the end of the season, I think in May. Then writers or actors went on strike and the season did not start until like November, so the "Who shot JR?" frenzy went on for about 6 months.
Every actor and actress in the show filmed a scene where they were the ones who shot him. Nobody,. even the cast knew which one was going to be used. It turned out to be his wife's sister, with whom he had an affair (whoops, gave it away!) and he had dumped.
To this day the show that showed who it was is one of the highest rated shows in American television history. By the way, JR lived and the show lasted at least 10 more years.