Seventy years ago this week, on Sept. 10, 1955, CBS-TV premiered the western drama series “Gunsmoke,” set in Kansas and starring James Arness as Matt Dillon, a tough-as-nails U.S. marshal.
A TV station available locally is celebrating the anniversary by airing some memorable episodes of that program, the longest-running scripted TV drama of its time.
MeTV, which airs “Gunsmoke” at noon Topeka time on weekdays, since Aug. 30 has hosted a “month-long hootenanny full of specially selected episodes, themed weeks, and made-for-TV movies,” it said on its website.
More information on where to find MeTV in Topeka can be found online at Where do I watch MeTV in Topeka?
Western drama series was on the air 20 years
Set in the 1870s, “Gunsmoke” focuses on Dillon as he works to preserve law and order in the Old West community of Dodge City.
The series aired for 20 seasons, from 1955 to 1975. It became the longest-running prime-time live-action series on American TV until its record was broken in 2019 by “Law & Order SVU.”
Cast members Arness and Milburn Stone, who played Galen “Doc” Adams, remained with the show throughout its 20 seasons. Amanda Blake, who played “Miss Kitty,” was with the show for all seasons except its last.
Other well-known cast members included Dennis Weaver, who appeared as Chester B. Goode from 1955 to 1964, and Ken Curtis, who played Festus Haggen from 1964 to 1975.
Gunsmoke” can be streamed on Paramount+.
MeTV airing memorable episodes of western drama
MeTV’s website said that at noon Topeka time through Sept. 12, “Best of Matt Dillon” week, it is airing memorable episodes in which Dillon’s character is highlighted.
From Sept. 15 to 19, “Best Characters of Dodge City” week, MeTV’s site said it will air notable episodes highlighting favorite characters and co-stars.
From Sept. 22 to 26, “Guest Stars” week, MeTV said it will air episodes featuring well-known guest stars who included Adam West, Leonard Nimoy, Ron Howard, Bette Davis, Margaret Hamilton and Willie Aames.
