Recalling the Golden Era: Top TV Westerns of the 50s and 60s to revisit now

Travel back in time to the Wild West with our list of the best TV Westerns of the 50s and 60s. Saddle up and get ready for some classic cowboy action!

The 50s and 60s were a golden era for television westerns, with many iconic shows that remain popular to this day. Whether you're a fan of gunslinging action, heartwarming stories of frontier life, or just classic American storytelling, there's no shortage of great TV westerns from this era to enjoy. From the rugged landscapes of the Wild West to the dusty streets of small towns, these shows captured the spirit of the times and left a lasting impact on pop culture. So saddle up and join us as we take a look at some of the best TV westerns of the 50s and 60s!

Best TV Westerns of the 50s and 60s

The western genre has always been popular among television viewers, especially during the 1950s and 1960s. These shows captured the imagination of the audience with their tales of cowboys, gunslingers, and pioneers in the Wild West. Here are some of the best TV westerns from that era:

Gunsmoke (1955-1975)

Gunsmoke is one of the longest-running TV westerns of all time. It aired for 20 seasons, totaling 635 episodes. The show starred James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon, who kept the peace in the rough-and-tumble town of Dodge City. Gunsmoke was known for its gritty realism and complex characters.

Bonanza (1959-1973)

Bonanza was a hugely popular TV western that aired for 14 seasons. The show centered around the wealthy Cartwright family, who owned a vast ranch called the Ponderosa. Bonanza was known for its family-friendly tone and its iconic theme song.

The Lone Ranger (1949-1957)

The Lone Ranger was one of the earliest TV westerns, debuting in 1949. The show followed the adventures of a masked cowboy and his Native American sidekick, Tonto, as they fought injustice in the Old West. The Lone Ranger was known for its action-packed storylines and its iconic catchphrase, Hi-yo, Silver!

Rawhide (1959-1966)

Rawhide starred Clint Eastwood in one of his earliest roles as Rowdy Yates, a young cowboy working on a cattle drive. The show was known for its gritty realism and its focus on the hard work and danger involved in driving cattle across the country.

Maverick (1957-1962)

Maverick was a tongue-in-cheek western that poked fun at the genre's conventions. The show starred James Garner as Bret Maverick, a charming gambler who always found himself in trouble. Maverick was known for its humor and its clever writing.

Bat Masterson (1958-1961)

Bat Masterson was based on the real-life lawman and gunslinger of the same name. The show starred Gene Barry as Masterson, who used his charm and wit to solve crimes in the Old West. Bat Masterson was known for its stylish production values and its charismatic lead actor.

Have Gun – Will Travel (1957-1963)

Have Gun – Will Travel followed the adventures of a hired gun named Paladin, who traveled across the West solving problems for his clients. The show was known for its intelligent writing and its nuanced portrayal of its complex lead character.

The Rifleman (1958-1963)

The Rifleman starred Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain, a widowed rancher who used his expert marksmanship to defend his son and their town from outlaws. The show was known for its strong moral messages and its focus on the importance of family.

Wagon Train (1957-1965)

Wagon Train followed a group of pioneers as they traveled westward in their covered wagons. The show was known for its epic storytelling and its strong ensemble cast, which included such actors as Ward Bond and Robert Horton.

The Wild Wild West (1965-1969)

The Wild Wild West was a unique blend of western and science fiction. The show starred Robert Conrad and Ross Martin as two agents of the US Secret Service who used advanced technology to fight crime in the Old West. The Wild Wild West was known for its inventive plots and its steampunk-inspired production design.

These TV westerns from the 1950s and 1960s remain popular with audiences today, thanks to their timeless characters, exciting stories, and iconic themes. They continue to capture the spirit of the Old West and remind us of a simpler time when cowboys roamed the plains and justice always prevailed.

Introduction

The world of Western television shows in the 1950s and 60s was a captivating and exciting time for viewers. From classic gun-slinger stories to frontier dramas, the TV Western genre gave audiences a thrilling glimpse into the wild, untamed terrain of the American West. Here are the top ten best TV Westerns of the 50s and 60s that have stood the test of time.

Gunsmoke

One of the most iconic TV Westerns of all time, Gunsmoke ran on CBS from 1955 to 1975. The show followed the adventures of Marshal Matt Dillon, played by James Arness, as he dealt with outlaws, bandits, and other dangers in the frontier town of Dodge City, Kansas. With its realistic portrayal of the Old West and its memorable characters, Gunsmoke remains a beloved classic.

Bonanza

Bonanza was a popular Western series that aired on NBC from 1959 to 1973. Set on the sprawling Ponderosa Ranch in Nevada, the show focused on the adventures of the Cartwright family, who struggled to protect their land and business from various threats. With its unique family dynamic and epic storylines, Bonanza became one of the most beloved Westerns of all time.

The Lone Ranger

The Lone Ranger was a classic Western series that first aired on radio in 1933, before making the leap to television in the 1950s. The show followed the adventures of the titular hero, a masked lawman who roamed the Wild West with his trusty sidekick, Tonto. With its thrilling action sequences and memorable catchphrases, The Lone Ranger has become a timeless classic.

The Rifleman

The Rifleman was a Western series that aired on ABC from 1958 to 1963. The show revolved around Lucas McCain, a widowed rancher played by Chuck Connors, and his son, Mark, as they dealt with outlaws and other threats while struggling to survive on the frontier. With its blend of action, drama, and heartwarming family moments, The Rifleman remains a fan favorite.

Have Gun – Will Travel

Beginning in 1957 and running until 1963, Have Gun - Will Travel starred Richard Boone as Paladin, a hired gunfighter who traveled the West solving people's problems with his intelligence, charm, and lethal skills. With its intriguing protagonist and unique premise, Have Gun - Will Travel became one of the most popular Westerns of its time.

Rawhide

Rawhide was an immensely popular Western series that aired on CBS from 1959 to 1966. The show followed a group of cowboys as they drove a herd of cattle along the Chisholm Trail, encountering various dangers and obstacles along the way. Starring Clint Eastwood, Rawhide was known for its gripping storylines and unforgettable characters.

Maverick

Maverick was a Western series that ran on ABC from 1957 to 1962. The show starred James Garner and Jack Kelly as two brother gamblers who used their wits and charm to outsmart their opponents and avoid trouble on the frontier. With its mix of humor, action, and suspense, Maverick became a classic of the genre.

The Virginian

The Virginian was a Western series that ran from 1962 to 1971, with a cast featuring James Drury, Lee J. Cobb, and Doug McClure. Based on the novel by Owen Wister, the show followed the adventures of a ranch foreman in Wyoming and his struggle to maintain order in a changing West. With its strong writing, memorable characters, and stunning visuals, The Virginian remains a beloved classic.

Wagon Train

Wagon Train was a Western series that aired on NBC from 1957 to 1965. The show followed a wagon train of pioneers as they made their way across the West, encountering various threats and challenges along the way. Starring Ward Bond, the series was known for its high production values and exciting action sequences. With its focus on adventure and exploration, Wagon Train captured the imagination of audiences everywhere.

Conclusion

The TV Westerns of the 50s and 60s remain some of the most beloved and iconic shows in American television history. From Gunsmoke to Wagon Train, these classic programs continue to captivate audiences with their thrilling action, compelling characters, and unforgettable stories. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the genre, these top ten picks are sure to provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment.

As a lover of Westerns, I must say that the best TV Westerns of the 50s and 60s were truly the cream of the crop. These shows had it all – action, drama, romance, and adventure. They captured the essence of the Wild West and kept viewers glued to their screens week after week. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Gunsmoke

Gunsmoke was one of the longest-running TV Westerns, airing from 1955 to 1975. It followed the adventures of Marshal Matt Dillon as he kept the peace in Dodge City. The show was known for its gritty realism and complex characters, and it tackled tough issues like racism and violence.

2. Bonanza

Bonanza was a family-friendly Western that focused on the Cartwright family and their ranch in Nevada. The show was known for its colorful characters – including patriarch Ben Cartwright and his three sons – and its feel-good stories. Bonanza aired from 1959 to 1973.

3. The Lone Ranger

The Lone Ranger was a classic TV Western that aired from 1949 to 1957. It followed the adventures of a masked cowboy and his Native American sidekick as they fought injustice in the Old West. The show was known for its thrilling action sequences and iconic catchphrase: Hi-yo Silver, away!

4. Rawhide

Rawhide was a Western set on a cattle drive. It followed the adventures of trail boss Gil Favor and his crew as they drove cattle from Texas to Kansas. The show was known for its rugged realism and introduced audiences to a young Clint Eastwood in the role of Rowdy Yates. Rawhide aired from 1959 to 1966.

5. Maverick

Maverick was a tongue-in-cheek Western that aired from 1957 to 1962. It followed the adventures of card-playing gambler Bret Maverick and his brother Bart as they traveled the West. The show was known for its humor and clever writing, and it helped launch the career of James Garner.

Overall, the best TV Westerns of the 50s and 60s were a testament to the enduring appeal of the Wild West. These shows captured the spirit of adventure and heroism that defined the era, and they continue to entertain audiences to this day. Whether you're a die-hard Western fan or just looking for some classic TV entertainment, these shows are well worth your time.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the best TV westerns of the 50s and 60s. It's been a wild ride, full of shootouts, cattle drives, and plenty of adventure. We hope you've enjoyed reminiscing about these classic shows as much as we have.

As we've explored some of the most iconic programs of the era, it's clear that the western genre had a huge impact on television and pop culture as a whole. Whether it was the rugged individualism of Gunsmoke, the family-friendly adventures of Bonanza, or the gritty realism of Rawhide, these shows captured the imagination of millions of viewers around the world.

So as we say farewell to this trip down memory lane, we encourage you to revisit some of these timeless classics and discover the ones you may have missed. From the sweeping vistas of Monument Valley to the dusty streets of Dodge City, the world of TV westerns will always hold a special place in our hearts. Thanks again for joining us!

When it comes to classic television shows, westerns from the 50s and 60s are among some of the most popular and enduring. Here are some of the top questions people have about the best TV westerns from this era:

1. What were the most popular TV westerns of the 50s and 60s?
• Bonanza
• Gunsmoke
• The Lone Ranger
• Wagon Train
• Rawhide
2. Why were these shows so popular?
• Westerns were a popular genre in movies and literature, so it made sense to bring them to TV.
• The shows offered a mix of action and drama, often with moral lessons and character development.
• They featured well-known actors like James Arness, Clint Eastwood, and Chuck Connors.
3. What made Gunsmoke stand out from other westerns?
• It was one of the longest-running TV shows of all time, airing for 20 seasons and 635 episodes.
• Its lead character, Marshal Matt Dillon (played by James Arness), was a complex and flawed hero who dealt with ethical dilemmas and personal struggles.
• The show tackled difficult social issues like racism, domestic violence, and addiction.
4. What was the impact of these TV westerns on popular culture?
• They helped to establish the western genre as a staple of TV and film entertainment.
• They influenced other TV shows like The Rifleman, Maverick, and Have Gun – Will Travel.
• They inspired a wave of western-themed toys, books, and merchandise.
5. Are these shows still worth watching today?
• Yes! Despite being over 50 years old, these shows have enduring appeal and are still enjoyed by fans of all ages.
• They offer a glimpse into a bygone era of American history and culture.
• They feature iconic characters and memorable storylines that continue to resonate with audiences today.

Overall, the TV westerns of the 50s and 60s represent a unique and enduring part of American pop culture. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering these shows for the first time, they offer a fascinating window into a different time and place.