![](https://www.geni.com/images/external/x_com_black_16.png?1721673225)
![](https://www.geni.com/images/facebook_white_small_short.gif?1721673225)
Televisions shows that depicted the Old West that ran approximately 1940-1975.
The studio and network (NBC) were set on ending the Vriginian series, as evidenced by rivals CBS and ABC making demographic moves away from rural oriented shows (see "rural purge" for more information). The final episode aired on March 24, 1971 ending its 9-season run. Bonanza ended its 14 season run on January 16, 1973. Gunsmoke ended its 20-season run on March 31, 1975, effectively ending the era of classic western TV series that started in the 1950s.
James Arness did five Gunsmoke movies between 1989 and 1994. Then there was Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993–1998).
In this century, Deadwood re-started the western TV shows.
The five longest-running American television Westerns are mentiond above.
Starring Gene Autry
Starring Roy Rogers
Starring Tex Ritter