“Gunsmoke,” one of the greatest TV shows in history, ran from 1955 to 1975, with a radio show airing from 1952 to 1961.
The series, originally starring William Conrad as Matt Dillon on the radio and James Arness on TV, faced abrupt cancellation by CBS in 1975, leaving cast and crew shocked and disappointed. Known for its Western drama and characters like Miss Kitty Russell and Festus Haggen, “Gunsmoke” was almost canceled in 1967 but was saved due to viewer protests, leading to the cancellation of “Gilligan’s Island” instead.
Despite its popularity, CBS finally ended the show without warning or a proper finale, a decision that surprised and dismayed fans. The series, known for its depiction of the Wild West and iconic characters, left a lasting legacy, with five subsequent TV movies attempting to provide closure.