The Big Valley (1965)
A landmark ABC western following the formidable Barkley family as they defend their California ranch empire across four gripping seasons of frontier drama.
The Big Valley - Series Information
- Original Title: The Big Valley
- First Air Year: 1965
- Last Air Year: 1969
- Created by: A.I. Bezzerides, Louis F. Edelman
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Western, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 112
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 15, 1965 (United States - TV-PG), September 15, 1965 (Germany - 12)
- Networks: ABC
- Production Countries: France, Italy, United Kingdom, United States of America
The Big Valley - Plot
The Big Valley is an American western television series which ran on ABC from September 15, 1965, to May 19, 1969. The show stars Barbara Stanwyck, as the widow of a wealthy nineteenth century California rancher. It was created by A.I. Bezzerides and Louis F. Edelman, and produced by Levy-Gardner-Laven for Four Star Television.
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The Big Valley - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- A.I. Bezzerides
- Louis F. Edelman
Main Cast
- Barbara Stanwyck
- Richard Long
- Peter Breck
- Lee Majors
- Linda Evans
- Charles Briles
- Napoleon Whiting
- Douglas Kennedy
- Harlan Warde
- Bing Russell
Writers
- Paul Savage
- Gilbert Ralston
- Michael Gleason
- Daniel B. Ullman
- Paul Schneider
The Big Valley - FAQs
Where can you stream The Big Valley?
The Big Valley is available to stream on Philo, the budget-friendly live TV and on-demand service. You can also check JustWatch for a full, up-to-date list of streaming, rental, and purchase options available in your region.
Who played Victoria Barkley in The Big Valley?
Hollywood legend Barbara Stanwyck played Victoria Barkley, the strong-willed matriarch of the Barkley ranching family. Her commanding performance earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series in 1966.
How many seasons does The Big Valley have?
The Big Valley ran for 4 seasons on ABC, comprising 112 episodes in total. Season 1 and Season 2 each contained 30 episodes, while Seasons 3 and 4 each had 26 episodes. The series aired from September 15, 1965, to May 19, 1969.
Is The Big Valley based on a true story?
The Big Valley is a work of fiction, though it draws on the authentic atmosphere of 1870s California frontier life. The Barkley family and their San Joaquin Valley ranch are entirely invented, but the show reflects real social tensions and historical dynamics of the post-Civil War American West.
Was Lee Majors in The Big Valley?
Yes, Lee Majors played Heath Barkley, the illegitimate son of the late Tom Barkley, in all four seasons of The Big Valley. The role was one of his earliest major television appearances and helped launch his career before his later fame in The Six Million Dollar Man.
What is The Big Valley about?
The Big Valley follows the powerful Barkley family, owners of a vast ranch in California's San Joaquin Valley during the 1870s. Matriarch Victoria Barkley leads her children through conflicts involving outlaws, land disputes, and frontier justice, blending action-driven storytelling with strong family drama.
When did The Big Valley first air?
The Big Valley premiered on ABC on September 15, 1965. The series concluded on May 19, 1969, after four successful seasons. It remains one of the most celebrated westerns of the 1960s, particularly noted for Barbara Stanwyck's Emmy-winning lead performance.
Did The Big Valley win any awards?
Yes. Barbara Stanwyck won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series in 1966 for her role as Victoria Barkley. The series was also nominated for additional Emmy Awards during its run on ABC.
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