Sayak Basu
4. Have Gun – Will Travel (1957–1963)
One of the most successful shows in television history, Have Gun – Will Travel was rated among the top 4 shows of the year for all the years it was being telecast. The series follows the story of a man who calls himself “Paladin”, and this character was played by Richard Boone. The character is a mercenary gunfighter for hire who travels across the Old West looking for jobs, and his jobs beget problems. Paladin also owns a business card on which is simply written, ‘Have Gun – Will Travel’. Besides being an ace fighter, Paladin is a specialist in Chinese martial arts and is quite educated. Often he is heard quoting from great literary works, is well-versed in law and philosophy.
3. Cheyenne (1955–1963)
Cheyenne was the first hour-long TV show of any kind and aired on ABC from 1955 to 1963. Clint Walker plays the lead role who is named Cheyenne Bodie. Bodie is a war veteran who has respect for the Native Americans, and he is a large man with a gentle heart. He is a nomadic adventurer roaming the West looking for work. Cheyenne was a wildly popular show and even was the reason for the cancellation of shows like ‘It’s A Man’s World’ and ‘ The Kate Smith Show’.
2. The Rifleman (1958-1963)
Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford star in this Western TV series set in the 1870s and 80s in the fictional town of North Fork in New Mexico territory. Connors plays the role of a rancher who had been a lieutenant in the Civil War, who after retiring settles down on a ranch with his son. The recurring theme in the series is that any man deserves a second chance. The title of the show refers to a modified Winchester Model 1892 rifle which Cheyenne uses at all times, especially to help Marshal Micah Torrance maintain order in town. An episode of Cheyenne also became the pilot for another TV series, Law of The Plainsman, and Connor reprised his role in 1991’s The Gambler Returns.
1. Gunsmoke (1955-1975)
Created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston, Gunsmoke is surely one of the most iconic American TV shows of all time. Los Angeles Times called this series America’s own epic, like the Iliad or the Odyssey. The central character is Marshall Matt Dillon (played by William Conrad) who helps maintain peace in the rough town called Dodgy City. He regularly deals with problems in the West like standoffs, gunfights, cattle rustling and brawls. Gunsmoke was also successful as a radio series from 1952 to 1961. The television series remains the longest-running, primetime live-action series of the 20th century.
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