The series Gunsmoke was the number one ranked show on TV between 1957 and 1961. And, although it ran for an impressive 20 seasons, from 1955 to 1975, it was almost canceled after its 12th season. But, apparently, CBS’s president’s wife made a fuss about it (she was clearly a fan of the show), and so the network canceled Gilligan’s Island instead.
Cast members of Gunsmoke including (left to right) James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon, Burt Reynolds as Quint Asper, Ken Curtis as Deputy Festus Haggen, Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell, and Milburn Stone as Galen “Doc” Adams. Photo By Getty Images/ Bettmann / Contributor
Gunsmoke actually started out as a radio series before it became one of the longest-running scripted series in TV history with 635 episodes (a record only surpassed by The Simpsons in its 29th season). The show, for the few who don’t know or don’t remember, was about the exploits of lawman Marshal Dillon. The show was noted for being a little more grounded than other Western shows, and it left a lasting impression on America and its viewers. That said, it’s high time to take a look back at many people’s favorite Western show…