Lancer (1968)
A classic CBS Western about a California rancher and his two half-brother sons defending their land against frontier dangers.
Lancer - Series Information
- Original Title: Lancer
- First Air Year: 1968
- Last Air Year: 1970
- Created by: Dean Riesner, Samuel A. Peeples
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Western
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (54 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 51
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: CBS
- Production Companies: 20th Century Fox Television
Lancer - Plot
Lancer is an American Western series that aired on CBS from September 1968, to May 1970. The series stars Andrew Duggan, James Stacy, and Wayne Maunder as a father with two half-brother sons, an arrangement similar to the more successful Bonanza on NBC.
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Lancer - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Dean Riesner
- Samuel A. Peeples
Main Cast
- Paul Brinegar
- Andrew Duggan
- Wayne Maunder
- James Stacy
- Sam Elliott
- Charles Dierkop
- Richard X. Slattery
- Joe Don Baker
- Joseph V. Perry
- David McLean
Writers
- Jack Turley
- Carey Wilber
- Laurence Heath
- Paul Playdon
- Dean Riesner
Lancer - FAQs
What is Lancer about?
Lancer follows Murdoch Lancer, a California rancher, who summons his two estranged half-brother sons to help defend the family's sprawling land from outlaws and rival threats. The series explores themes of family loyalty, identity, and frontier justice set against the rugged backdrop of the 19th-century American West.
Who are the main actors in Lancer?
The main cast of Lancer includes Andrew Duggan, James Stacy, Wayne Maunder, Paul Brinegar, and David McLean. The series also features notable appearances by Sam Elliott, Joe Don Baker, Charles Dierkop, Richard X. Slattery, and Joseph V. Perry.
Is Lancer similar to Bonanza?
Yes, Lancer shares a clear structural resemblance to Bonanza — both center on a patriarch and his sons managing a large Western ranch. Lancer aired on CBS while Bonanza ran on NBC, and the shows overlapped during the same era, with Bonanza ultimately proving the more enduring hit.
Where can I watch Lancer?
Lancer is available to stream on Philo. For a full and up-to-date list of streaming options in your region, you can check JustWatch, which tracks current availability across all major platforms.
How many seasons and episodes does Lancer have?
Lancer ran for 2 seasons and a total of 51 episodes. Season 1 comprised 26 episodes and Season 2 comprised 25 episodes. The series aired on CBS from September 1968 to May 1970 before being cancelled.
Did Sam Elliott appear in Lancer?
Yes, Sam Elliott appeared in Lancer early in his career, before he became a major Hollywood star. His role in the series is considered one of his earliest television credits, giving fans of the iconic actor a rare glimpse of his work at the very start of his professional journey.
Who created the TV series Lancer?
Lancer was created by Dean Riesner and Samuel A. Peeples. The series was produced by 20th Century Fox Television and broadcast on CBS. Dean Riesner also contributed as a writer on the show alongside a team that included Jack Turley, Carey Wilber, and Laurence Heath.
What are shows similar to Lancer?
Viewers who enjoyed Lancer may also like Bonanza, Temple Houston, Trackdown, Texas Rising, and The Man from Snowy River — all Westerns with comparable frontier themes. For broader recommendations, American Primeval and The Ranch offer more recent takes on Western-style storytelling.
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