Nichols (1971)
The unconventional NBC Western where James Garner's reluctant sheriff traded his horse for a motorcycle and his gun for sharp wit.
Nichols - Series Information
- Original Title: Nichols
- First Air Year: 1971
- Last Air Year: 1972
- Created by: Frank Pierson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Western
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 16, 1971 (United States - TV-PG), September 16, 1971 (United Kingdom - PG), September 16, 1971 (Germany - 12), September 16, 1971 (France - 12), September 16, 1971 (Australia - PG)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Television, Cherokee Productions
Nichols - Plot
Nichols is an American Western television series starring James Garner broadcast in the United States on NBC during the 1971-72 season. Set the fictional town of Nichols, Arizona, in 1914, Nichols differed from traditional Western series of the era. The main character, a sheriff, rode on a motorcycle and in an automobile rather than on the traditional horse. The hero did not carry a firearm and was generally opposed to the use of violence to solve problems, preferring other means. Margot Kidder portrayed Ruth, the love interest/barmaid of Nichols.
Nichols - Trailer
See the reluctant lawman of 1914 Arizona in action in the official trailer below.
Nichols, who's almost a coward, never wanted to be a sheriff, but Jim Garner can't fight destiny.
Where to Watch Nichols
Looking for where to watch Nichols?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Nichols - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Frank Pierson
Main Cast
- Margot Kidder
- James Garner
- John Beck
- Stuart Margolin
- Neva Patterson
- John Harding
- James Lee Reeves
- Barbara Collentine
- Richard Bull
- M. Emmet Walsh
Writers
- Frank Pierson
- Juanita Bartlett
- Shimon Wincelberg
- William Wood
- Bud Freeman
Executive Producers
- Meta Rosenberg
Nichols - FAQs
How does Nichols differ from traditional Western series?
Nichols broke the Western mold in striking ways. Set in 1914 Arizona, the show's reluctant sheriff rode a motorcycle and automobile instead of a horse, refused to carry a firearm, and preferred wit over violence to resolve conflicts — a refreshingly unconventional take on the frontier lawman archetype.
Is Nichols worth watching for Western fans?
For fans of James Garner or anyone curious about offbeat Westerns, Nichols is a genuine treat. Its subversive premise — a pacifist, motorcycle-riding sheriff — gives the show a witty, ahead-of-its-time energy. Garner's natural charisma carries every episode, and the 1914 setting adds a fresh twist to the genre.
Who plays the lead role in Nichols?
James Garner stars as Sheriff Frank Nichols, a reluctant lawman who'd rather talk his way out of trouble than reach for a gun. Margot Kidder co-stars as Ruth, the barmaid and love interest, with strong supporting turns from Stuart Margolin, John Beck, and Neva Patterson rounding out the ensemble.
When did Nichols first air on television?
Nichols premiered on NBC on September 16, 1971, and ran through the 1971–72 television season. The series concluded after a single season of 24 episodes, wrapping up in 1972.
Where to watch Nichols online or on streaming?
Nichols is a vintage 1971 NBC series, and streaming availability is limited. Your best bet is to check classic TV platforms, digital rental services such as Amazon Video or Apple TV, or physical media retailers. Availability may vary by region, so searching your local streaming services is recommended.
Who created and wrote the Nichols TV series?
Nichols was created by Frank Pierson, the acclaimed screenwriter later known for films like Dog Day Afternoon. The writing staff was notably diverse, including Juanita Bartlett, Shimon Wincelberg, and Benjamin Masselink, with executive producer Meta Rosenberg overseeing the production for Warner Bros. Television.
What are shows similar to Nichols worth watching?
If Nichols appeals to you, explore Alias Smith and Jones (1971) for another revisionist Western with a light touch, or Deadwood (2004) for a grittier frontier drama. The Virginian (1962) and Have Gun, Will Travel (1957) offer classic Western storytelling, while Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958) shares a similarly unconventional hero.
Why did Nichols end after only one season?
Nichols struggled to find a large enough audience despite its creative ambition. NBC cancelled the series after its single 1971–72 season. Interestingly, the finale took a bold narrative swing — Sheriff Nichols is killed, and James Garner returned in a dual role as the character's twin brother to wrap up the story.
More About Nichols
Explore further details about Nichols on these authoritative resources.