Gunsmoke, one of America’s greatest TV shows, aired from 1955 to 1975, becoming a beloved Western drama. Initially a radio show from 1952 to 1961, it transitioned to TV with James Arness as Marshall Matt Dillon. Despite its popularity, CBS abruptly canceled it without a proper finale.
Amanda Blake, who played Miss Kitty Russell, and other cast members like Milburn Stone and Ken Curtis made the show memorable. CBS almost canceled the show in 1967 but saved it due to the network head’s wife being a fan. Gunsmoke’s ending, without a fitting conclusion, disappointed many.
The show’s success was bolstered by notable guest stars like Burt Reynolds and Charles Bronson. Gunsmoke faced backlash for a violent scene in 1975, causing CBS to temporarily pull the show.
In 1987, a TV movie, Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge, helped provide some closure. The show’s legacy remains strong, despite its sudden end.