Centennial (1978)
An epic NBC miniseries tracing two centuries of life, love, and conflict across the American West — from the first fur trappers to the modern era.
Centennial - Series Information
- Original Title: Centennial
- First Air Year: 1978
- Last Air Year: 1979
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Western
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (116 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French
- First Air Date: October 1, 1978 (United States - TV-PG), October 1, 1978 (United Kingdom - PG), October 1, 1978 (Germany - 12), October 1, 1978 (France - 12), October 1, 1978 (Australia - M)
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: Colorado (FR)
- Production Companies: Universal Television, Universal Television Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
Centennial - Plot
The economic and cultural growth of town of Centennial, Colorado, through the intertwining lives of the brave men and women inhabiting it. Spanning two centuries from the settling of the area in the 1700s, to the late 1970s.
Centennial - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for the sweeping grandeur of this landmark miniseries:
Their Passion Blazed Across Seven Generations
Where to Watch Centennial
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Centennial - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Robert Conrad
- Richard Chamberlain
- Raymond Burr
- Sally Kellerman
- Barbara Carrera
- Richard Crenna
- Donald Pleasence
- Alex Karras
- Lynn Redgrave
- Chad Everett
Writers
- John Wilder
- Charles Larson
- Jerry Ziegman
Executive Producers
- John Wilder
Centennial - FAQs
Is Centennial based on a true story or novel?
Centennial is based on James Michener's sweeping 1974 novel of the same name. While the town of Centennial, Colorado, is fictional, Michener grounded the story in meticulous historical research, drawing on real events, Indigenous cultures, fur-trading history, and the actual settlement patterns of the American West.
Who are the main actors in Centennial?
The miniseries features a remarkable ensemble including Robert Conrad as fur trapper Pasquinel, Richard Chamberlain as his partner Alexander McKeag, Raymond Burr as James Clark, Sally Kellerman as Lise Bockweiss, Barbara Carrera as Clay Basket, Richard Crenna, Donald Pleasence, Alex Karras, Lynn Redgrave, and Chad Everett.
Is Centennial worth watching today?
Absolutely. Centennial remains one of the most ambitious American miniseries ever produced, praised for its sprawling historical scope, rich character work, and stunning location photography. Fans of epic Westerns, family sagas, and prestige television from the golden age of network TV will find it deeply rewarding.
Where can you stream or watch Centennial?
Streaming availability for Centennial varies by region and platform. Check JustWatch for the most current viewing options in your area, including any subscription streaming services, digital rental, or purchase options that may carry this classic NBC miniseries.
How many episodes does Centennial have?
Centennial consists of 12 episodes across a single season, with each episode running approximately 116 minutes — making it one of the longest miniseries in American television history. The full series clocks in at roughly 24 hours of programming, originally broadcast on NBC from 1978 to 1979.
What time period does Centennial cover?
The series spans an extraordinary two centuries of American history, beginning in the 1700s with the first fur trappers and Indigenous peoples of the Colorado region, and continuing through successive generations of settlers, ranchers, and townspeople all the way to the late 1970s.
Did Centennial win any awards or major recognition?
Centennial earned Emmy Award nominations and was widely celebrated as a landmark achievement in American television. Its production scale — filmed on location across Colorado and Wyoming with thousands of extras — drew enormous critical attention, and composer John Addison's score was particularly praised for its sweeping emotional range.
What shows are similar to Centennial?
If Centennial captivated you, explore Into the West (2005) and Hell on Wheels (2011) for similarly epic frontier storytelling. Bonanza, Rawhide, and The High Chaparral offer classic Western drama, while American Primeval (2025) brings a grittier modern take on the untamed American frontier.
More About Centennial
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