The series began when Ellen Tyrell Ames, the wife of businessman Peter Ames was killed in an automobile accident, and the initial focus was on the efforts of the remaining members of the family to pick up the pieces of their lives. Also featured besides the Ames was the Tyrell family. The Tyrells were one of the wealthiest families in Woodbridge. They are comprised of Judge J.T. Tyrell and his wife, Grace. Besides being very involved in the community, they owned Tyrell's Department Store, one of Woodbridge's top name retailers.