On this day in history, September 12, 1959, iconic Western series 'Bonanza' premieres on NBC
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Television series 'Bonanza' is a brilliant example of the enduring appeal of the American Western genre. The show starring Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, and Michael Landon premiered on NBC-TV on September 12, 1959.
It is the second-longest-running TV show in the network's history, thanks to its 14-year run from 1959 to 1973.
Created by David Dortort, 'Bonanza' offered viewers a tour of the rugged landscapes of the Wild West, with a blend of gripping storytelling, memorable characters, and stunning cinematography.
Let us delve into the legacy of this iconic series and its lasting influence on the Western genre.
Why was 'Bonanza' so popular?
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The first hour-long Western television series in color, 'Bonanza' debuted on NBC on September 12, 1959.
It reportedly produced a total of 431 episodes over the course of an incredible 14 seasons, placing it second only to 'Gunsmoke' among prime-time sagebrush dramas.
The groundbreaking premise, wonderful characters, character growth, equality among the leads, and influential western, and family drama elements all contributed to 'Bonanza's' popularity.
Is 'Bonanza' based on a true story?
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Although 'Bonanza' is not based on a genuine story, it does contain certain historical details. The fictional Cartwright family, who reside close to Virginia City, Nevada, on the edge of Lake Tahoe, is the subject of the historical drama that takes place in the 1860s.
The term 'Bonanza is one that miners use to refer to a sizable vein or deposit of silver ore, and the setting of the play takes place during the Comstock Lode silver strike of 1859.
However, the narrative and the characters are inventions of the authors.
Who was in the cast of 'Bonanza'?
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The main cast of ‘Bonanza’ included Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright, Pernell Roberts as Adam Cartwright, Dan Blocker as Eric “Hoss” Cartwright, and Michael Landon as Joseph 'Little Joe' Cartwright.
Later, the show included a variety of other actors, including Guy Williams, David Canary, Mitch Vogel, and Tim Matheson.
These performers gave the 'Bonanza' characters life, which added to the show's appeal and endurance.
Is 'Bonanza' the longest-running TV show?
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'Bonanza' is reportedly not the longest-running television series. The Brazilian program 'Programa Silvio Santos' has been on the air for the most years, making it the longest-running TV show.
'The Simpsons' holds the record for the longest-running primetime scripted show in the United States, as well as the longest-running animated series in history.
'Gunsmoke' is the longest-running dramatic series in network television history with 635 episodes. 'Bonanza' which was aired on NBC from 1959 to 1973 had a long run, but it does not hold these records.
Why did the show 'Bonanza' end?
'Bonanza' was a television program that ended after its 14th season. The sudden death of Dan Blocker, who portrayed Hoss Cartwright, prior to the final season's production had a big effect on the program.
The creators made the decision to have Blocker's character die in a vehicle accident in response to Blocker's death. This incident, coupled with other elements, contributed to the show's less-than-ideal conclusion, as per Outsider.
It was revealed in the 1988 made-for-TV film 'Bonanza: The Next Generation' that Hoss died while attempting to save a woman from drowning.
"After Dan’s death, I didn’t see how the show could continue," Lorne Greene, who played patriarch Ben Cartwright, said. "I said to my wife, ‘That’s it. It’s finished.;"