Popular Television Westerns - "Gunsmoke" Star James Arness Dead

For years, sprawling Westerns had been popular in the cinema, making rugged, plain-speaking actors such as John Wayne and Clint Eastwood huge stars.  During the Golden Age of Television — the early 1940s through 1961 — and into the 1970s, Westerns were produced for the small screen with success.  In 1959 alone more than 30 different Westerns were on the television schedule.

(James Arness played U.S. Marshall Matt Dillon for 20 years in Gunsmoke from 1955-1975)

Viewers idolized the gritty and romantic version of the American West with its portrayal of the loner who faces the world by himself and, mostly, comes up victorious. "[Westerns] captured that American myth, keeping it going and keeping it alive," says Actor Adam West.  Beyond entertainment, these shows presented the idea of duality: That good and evil exist on the same plane and that most of the time good will prevail, but not always.  Westerns helped break down rigid societal racial and gender roles.  The popular show "High Chaparral" subtly explored the groundbreaking idea that Mexicans, Anglos and Native Americans all have a place in the American tapestry.  "Big Valley" tackled issues of feminism and featured Victoria Barkley, played by Barbara Stanwyck, as a smart, headstrong widow who presided over the Barkley ranch.  Westerns faded in popularity as grittier, more urban crime dramas became standard fare in the late 1970s and 80s, but these pioneering Westerns left an indelible impression on American audiences that still informs our identities.

• Bonanza (1959-1973)

The adventures of Ben Cartwright and his sons as they run and defend their ranch while helping the surrounding community.

The Cartwright's thousand-square-mile Ponderosa Ranch is located near Virginia City, Nevada, site of the Comstock Silver Lode, during and after the Civil War.  Each of the sons was born to a different wife of Ben's; none of the mothers is still alive.  Adventures are typical western ones, with lots of personal relationships/problems thrown in as well. link

• The Rifleman (1958-1963)

In an unusual twist on the standard Western, widower Lucas McCain struggles to successfully homestead his ranch in North Fork, New Mexico while raising his son Mark. Unfortunately, the Marshall of North Fork has a difficult time handling the weekly "bad guys," and Lucas must repeatedly get out his Winchester Rifle to protect himself, his son, and his neighbors. link

• The Big Valley (1965-1969)

This pioneering program graced television screens for four seasons in the 1960s, and brought with it one of the first strong women characters to a lead role: Barbara Stanwyck playing matriarch Victoria Barclay.  At a time when most women played deferential roles on television, Stanwyck portrayed a hard-bargaining woman who tries to keep her three sons and daughter in line.  This series also launched the careers for two young actors: Linda Evans, who would later star in "Dynasty," and Lee Majors, who starred in the "The Six Million Dollar Man." link

• Maverick (1957-1962)

Brett and Bart Maverick (and in later seasons, their English cousin, Beau) are well dressed gamblers who migrate from town to town always looking for a good game.  Poker (5 card draw) is their favorite but they've been known to play such odd card games as Three-toed Sloth on occasion.  The show would occasionally feature both or all three Mavericks, but usually would rotate the central character from week to week. link