Bonanza (1959)
The legendary NBC Western that defined an era — follow the Cartwright family across 14 seasons of frontier justice, family bonds, and High-Sierra adventure.
Bonanza - Series Information
- Original Title: Bonanza
- First Air Year: 1959
- Last Air Year: 1973
- Created by: David Dortort
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Western, Action, Adventure, Drama, Family
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 49 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 14
- Number of Episodes: 431
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 12, 1959 (United States - TV-PG), September 12, 1959 (Canada - PG), September 12, 1959 (Germany - 12), September 12, 1959 (France - 12), September 12, 1959 (Australia - PG), September 12, 1959 (Mexico - AA), September 12, 1959 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: 伯南扎的牛仔 (CN), Bröderna Cartwright (SE)
- Production Companies: NBC, NBC Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
Bonanza - Plot
The High-Sierra adventures of Ben Cartwright and his sons as they run and defend their ranch while helping the surrounding community.
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Bonanza - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- David Dortort
Main Cast
- Lorne Greene
- Michael Landon
- Dan Blocker
- Pernell Roberts
- Victor Sen Yung
- Ray Teal
- Mitch Vogel
- Jack Gordon
- David Canary
- Bing Russell
Writers
- Michael Landon
- Leo Gordon
- Larry Markes
- Robert E. Thompson
- David Dortort
Bonanza - FAQs
Where can you stream Bonanza online today?
Bonanza is available on multiple streaming platforms in the United States, including Tubi TV, The Roku Channel, Plex, Shout! Factory TV, Xumo Play, and Cineverse — all free with ads. Paid subscription options include fuboTV, Philo, and Pure Flix. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video.
Why did Pernell Roberts leave Bonanza after Season 6?
Pernell Roberts, who played eldest son Adam Cartwright, departed Bonanza in 1965 after Season 6, citing creative dissatisfaction. He felt the show was formulaic and limited his range as an actor. Roberts also objected to what he perceived as racial stereotyping in some scripts and sought more challenging dramatic roles.
How many seasons and episodes does Bonanza have?
Bonanza ran for 14 seasons and 431 episodes in total, airing on NBC from September 12, 1959, to January 16, 1973. Season lengths ranged from 16 to 34 episodes. It remains one of the longest-running Western series in American television history.
Is Bonanza based on a true story?
Bonanza is a work of fiction created by David Dortort. The Cartwright family and their Ponderosa Ranch are invented characters, though the series is set against the historically real backdrop of the Nevada Territory near Virginia City during the 1860s silver-boom era, lending it an authentic frontier atmosphere.
Who are the main cast members of Bonanza?
The principal cast includes Lorne Greene as patriarch Ben Cartwright, Michael Landon as youngest son Little Joe, Dan Blocker as gentle giant Hoss, and Pernell Roberts as eldest son Adam. Supporting regulars include Victor Sen Yung as cook Hop Sing, Ray Teal as Sheriff Roy Coffee, and David Canary as ranch hand Candy Canaday.
What is Bonanza about?
Bonanza follows widower Ben Cartwright and his three sons — Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe — as they manage the vast Ponderosa Ranch in the Nevada high country. Each episode blends frontier action with family drama, exploring themes of justice, loyalty, and community as the Cartwrights defend their land and neighbors.
When did Bonanza first air on television?
Bonanza premiered on NBC on September 12, 1959. It was notably one of the first Western series broadcast in color, a distinction that significantly boosted its popularity. The show ran continuously for 14 seasons before its final episode aired on January 16, 1973.
Did Bonanza win any major television awards?
Bonanza earned numerous Emmy nominations throughout its run and won several, including recognition for writing and technical achievement. The series dominated Nielsen ratings for much of the 1960s, ranking as the number-one show in America for three consecutive seasons (1964–1967), a testament to its extraordinary cultural impact.
More About Bonanza
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