10 Best Classic Western TV Shows

Comments

10 responses to “10 Best Classic Western TV Shows”

1. 

   BK Jackson

   May 30, 2010

   Good list. Bonanza (for Pernell Roberts alone *-) and Gunsmoke are the top two for me.

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2. 

   K.M. Weiland

   May 31, 2010

   You know, I’ve never even heard of Alias Smith. Gonna have to check them out now!

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3. Western Movies and Disappearing Backlot Sets

   December 24, 2012

   […] Most classic western movies & television shows were filmed on backlots and soundstages in Hollywood. Sorry about that Texas, Wyoming and Montana. I grew up on Bonanza, The Lone Ranger, The Rifleman, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, just to name a few. I must admit that they were entertaining to my young, adventurous mind. When, as an adult, I stood on the boardwalks and sat in the buggies where those actors performed, it brought back memories. Of course, some of those television shows are culturally unacceptable now. However, they were all we had at the time. […]

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4. 

   David Leach

   November 2, 2013

   Alias Smith and Jones would not make my list. Have Gun Will Travel would, but did not make yours. In fact, I’d substitute any number of westerns for A S & J, including…. Wanted: Dead or Alive and Wagon Train or Rawhide.

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5. 

   tameralynnkraft

   November 2, 2013

   David, I do like the shows you mentioned, but I stand by my list. 🙂

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6. 

   Bud McDonald

   February 4, 2014

   My favorites are Cheyenne, Wanted Dead or Alive, Gunsmoke, and Wild Wild West. Cheyenne had very good writing, and was the first hour long drama on television. It also had high ratings all eight years it was on and only ended because the star was tired of playing the role and wanted out of the contract.

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   1. 

      tameralynnkraft

      February 7, 2014

      Bud, Cheyenne is also a great one. I didn’t think of that one. It probably should have made my list.

      Reply
7. 

   Bobbi

   July 23, 2014

   Gunsmoke is #1 period. #2 would be The Rifleman, #3 The Wild Wild West, #4 Wanted Dead or Alive, #5 Bonanza, #6 Rawhide, #7 The Rebel, #8 High Chaparral, #9 Cheyenne, #10 Death Valley Days.

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8. 

   John R.

   August 25, 2016

   Gunsmoke ran for 20 years. Even today, you can watch reruns on some TV station. How does Alias Smith and Jones rate number 1. I would say Gunsmoke #1 and Bonanza #2 just based on longevity even if you want to ignore their fantastic casting.

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   1. 

      Tamera Lynn Kraft

      August 30, 2016

      Alias Smith and Jones is #1 only because it’s my favorite and I’m writing the blog post. LOL. ASJ came late into the time of Westerns. It’s longevity was cut short by Pete Duel’s suicide. Before that, it was the only Western still thriving in it’s time.

      Reply