Gunsmoke (1955)
The iconic CBS Western that defined a genre, following Marshal Matt Dillon through 20 legendary seasons in Dodge City, Kansas.
Gunsmoke - Series Information
- Original Title: Gunsmoke
- First Air Year: 1955
- Last Air Year: 1975
- Created by: John Meston
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Western, Action, Adventure, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 36 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 20
- Number of Episodes: 635
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Spanish, English
- First Air Date: September 10, 1955 (United States - TV-G), September 10, 1955 (Canada - PG), September 10, 1955 (Germany - 6), September 10, 1955 (Italy - T), September 10, 1955 (Spain - 7)
- Networks: CBS
- Alternative Titles: Димок зі ствола (UA), Gun Law (UK), Police des plaines (FR), LA LEY DEL REVOLVER (ES), Le Justicier (CA)
- Production Companies: Filmaster Productions, Arness Production Company, CBS
- Production Countries: United States of America
Gunsmoke - Plot
Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television.
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Gunsmoke - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- John Meston
Main Cast
- James Arness
- Amanda Blake
- Milburn Stone
- Ken Curtis
- Dennis Weaver
- Glenn Strange
- Ted Jordan
- Rudy Doucette
- Burt Reynolds
- Howard Culver
Writers
- John Meston
- Kathleen Hite
- Paul Savage
- Earl W. Wallace
- Sam Peckinpah
Gunsmoke - FAQs
How long did Gunsmoke run on television?
Gunsmoke ran for 20 seasons on CBS from September 10, 1955, to March 31, 1975 — a remarkable 20-year run. With 635 episodes, it remains one of the longest-running primetime dramatic series in American television history, a benchmark rarely matched before or since.
Where can you stream Gunsmoke today?
Gunsmoke is available to stream on Paramount Plus (both Premium and Essential tiers), Peacock Premium, and Philo. It is also accessible through Paramount+ channels on Apple TV, Amazon, and Roku. Availability may vary by region; check JustWatch for the most current options.
Who played Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke?
James Arness portrayed Marshal Matt Dillon on the television version of Gunsmoke throughout its entire 20-season run. On radio, the role was originated by William Conrad. Arness's commanding presence became so identified with the character that the role defined his entire career.
Is Gunsmoke based on a true story?
Gunsmoke is a fictional drama, though it draws heavily on the authentic history of Dodge City, Kansas, a real frontier town famous for cattle drives and lawmen. The character of Marshal Matt Dillon is fictional, but the show's setting and social tensions reflect genuine aspects of the post-Civil War American West.
Who created the Gunsmoke television series?
Gunsmoke was created by writer John Meston and director Norman MacDonnell, who originally developed it as a radio drama. Meston crafted the show's morally complex storytelling and gritty frontier tone. The television adaptation launched on CBS in 1955 and became one of the defining series of the Western genre.
Did Burt Reynolds appear in Gunsmoke?
Yes, Burt Reynolds appeared in Gunsmoke as the recurring character Quint Asper, a half-Comanche blacksmith, from 1962 to 1965. It was one of Reynolds's earliest prominent television roles and helped establish his screen presence before he became a major Hollywood film star in the 1970s.
How many episodes does Gunsmoke have in total?
Gunsmoke comprises 635 episodes spread across 20 seasons, plus a collection of special episodes. Season lengths ranged from 39 episodes in the early years to 24 in the final seasons. This vast episode count makes it one of the most prolific dramatic series ever produced for American network television.
What is the content rating for Gunsmoke?
Gunsmoke carries a TV-G content rating in the United States, indicating it is suitable for general audiences of all ages. While the series depicts frontier violence and moral conflict, its storytelling remains within family-friendly boundaries, which contributed to its broad appeal across multiple generations of viewers.
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