The Best TV Westerns of All Time

September 10, 1955 to September 1, 1975

Created by John Meston, this famous western aired on CBS and was the longest running American drama on television. Remember Marshal Matt Dillon? He always got the bad guy. Often, he had to go through some hoops to get his man or woman but he eventually accomplished his mission. Marshall Matt Dillon, played by James Arness, ruled an iron fist over Dodge City. Yes, there actually is a Dodge City, Kansas. His BFF was Miss Kitty, played by Amanda Blake, who owned and managed the branch saloon. They had a very special relationship but they never married. Their relationship was never fully explored on the show. Next, we have trusted, brave deputy, Festus Haggen, played by Ken Curtis. I especially liked his trademark reply, "Feeling froggy? Leap!" He was such a character and a very talented actor! I especially liked his accent. Curtis even played a dual role in an episode entitled, "Alias Festus Haggan," where he played a robber and killer. Finally, we have the only doctor in town, Dr. Galen "Doc" Adams, played by Milburn Stone. He and Festus never seemed to see eye-to-eye but when push came to shove, they always came through for each other.

"Wagon Train"

September 18, 1957 to September 5, 1965

This NBC show focused on the journeys of the wagon train, travelling from Missouri to California through the plains, deserts, and Rocky Mountains after the American Civil War. Originally, lead by gruff, but good-hearted Major Seth Adams, played by Ward Bond, and his competent frontier scout, Flint McCullough, played by Robert Horton. Later, the wagon train was led by Christopher Hale, played by John McIntire with new scouts Duke Shannon, played by Denny Miller, and Cooper Smith, played by Robert Fuller.

"The Rifleman"

September 30, 1958 to April 8, 1963

This Four Star Television production aired on ABC and starred former athlete, Chuck Connors as widower, Lucas McCain, and his young son, Mark, played by singer, Johnny Crawford. Events centered in the town of North Fork, New Mexico. This western was unique because McCain always carried his modified Winchester rifle, with a trigger mechanism, allowing for rapid-fire shots. This famous technique was always showcased during the opening credits.

"Rawhide"

January 9, 1959 to January 4, 1966

This CBS show launched Clint Eastwood's career. The cattle drive headed by Trail Boss Will Favor, played by Eric Fleming and hot-head Rowdy Yates, played by Eastwood, encountered its share of tough issues such as parched plains, anthrax, ghostly riders, wolves, cattle raiding, bandits, and murderers. Guest stars included Eddie Albert, John Drew Barrymore, Brian Keith, Robert Culp, Leslie Nielsen, Barbara Stanwyck (also, of "The Big Valley" fame), and many, many more.

"Bonanza"

September 12, 1959 to January 16, 1973

This NBC show was centered in Virginia City, Nevada, and focused on the Cartwright family. Headed by thrice-widowed Ben Cartwright, played by Lorne Greene, who had three sons, each by a different wife. The oldest son was urbane architect, Adam Cartwright, played by Pernell Roberts (also, of "Trapper John, M.D." fame). He built the ranch house called, "The Ponderosa." The second son, warm and lovable Eric "Hoss" Cartwright, played by Dan Blocker, is a real softie. I remember one episode where Hoss fell madly in love but the woman he loved played him for a fool! Hoss was so hurt that I genuinely felt bad for him. The youngest, was hot-headed, Joseph "Little Joe" Cartwright, played by Michael Landon (also, of "Little House on the Prairie" fame). Other characters included Sheriff Roy Coffee, played by veteran actor, Ray Teal, and Deputy Clem Foster, played by Bing Russell, and cook, Hop Sing, played by Victor Sen Yung.

"The Big Valley"

September 15, 1965 to May 19, 1969

Created by A. I. Bezzerides and Louis F. Edelman and produced by Four Star Television, this western aired on ABC. The show centered on the Barkley Ranch in Stockton, California. Victoria Barkley, played by legendary screen actress, Barbara Stanwyck, was widowed, wealthy, and the head of the Barkley ranch. Talk about a tough cookie! Miss Thing took no prisoners! Ms. Barkley's eldest son, Jarrod Thomas Barkley, played by Richard Long, was an attorney. Rather than fight, he choose to uphold the law. He married in one episode but his marriage was short-lived, since his new bride was killed. Next, we have hot-tempered Nick Barkley, played by Peter Breck. He always looked so good in his leather vests, leather gloves, and large black hat. He was well-known for his fist fights. We also have one daughter, Audra Barkley, played by Linda Evans (also, of "Dynasty" fame), who is so much like her mother. Most of the time, her naive ways and California good looks got her into trouble, thus needing to be rescued by her brothers or her mom. Finally, we have the handsome, blond Heath Barkley, played by Lee Majors (also, of the Six Million Dollar Man" fame). He was the illegitimate son of Mrs. Barkley's late husband, Thomas Barkley. Oops! Unfortunately, the family, especially Nick, did not take well to this news. It took some doing, but they finally learned to accept and love Heath. But, it was certainly fun watching the transformation. And, believe it or not, Nick and Heath actually became the best of friends as well as brothers.