Summary
During the heyday of the genre,Westernswere just as popular on the small screen as they were in theaters, as every week, viewers tuned in for the adventures of bandits, cowboys, and outlaws. With episode counts going well into the hundreds, it was astounding how many popular Western series were on the air through the 1950s and 1960s. When tracking the longest-running Western series of all time, it’s important to take episode count as the primary factor, as even though some shows ran for just a few seasons, they still clocked up an impressive backlog of episodes.
The longest-running Western series’ of all time were vast and varied, with many being produced just as color TV started taking hold as they evolved and adapted to move with the times. Some of these series featured incrediblynotable names within the Western genre, such as Clint Eastwood or even figures who would be essential historical figures, like action-turned-president Ronald Reagan. TheseWestern series were grand in scope regarding episode countbut also incredibly influential on the television landscape in general.
15The Cisco Kid (1950 - 1956)
156 Episodes in 6 Seasons
The Cisco Kidwas afictional Western characterfirst created back in 1907 and had a long-running television show joined by his trusty sidekick, Leo Carrillo. As desperados wanted for unspecified crimes, the poor viewed the two outlaws as Robin Hood-like figures as they helped the downtrodden in their half-hour adventures.The Cisco Kidwas notable for having 156 episodesbut also as one of the first television series to be filmed in color (viaBroughton), although most viewers did not notice as color TV did not become prominent until the 1960s.
The Cisco Kid
Cast
Based on O. Henry’s character, The Cisco Kid is a Western television series starring Duncan Renaldo as the heroic Cisco Kid and Leo Carrillo as his sidekick, Pancho. Airing from 1950 to 1956, the show follows the duo as they travel through the American West, defending the innocent and fighting against injustice with charm and humor.
14Lawman (1958 - 1962)
156 Episodes in 4 Seasons
Lawman
Lawman (1958) is an American western television series following Marshal Dan Troop (John Russell) who maintains order in the town of Laramie, Wyoming, aided by his deputy Johnny McKay (Peter Brown). The series explores themes of justice, morality, and the complexities of frontier life.
13The Adventures Of Rin Tin Tin (1954 - 1959)
164 Episodes in 5 Seasons
The children’s WesternThe Adventures of Rin Tin Tinstarred Lee Aaker as Rusty, a boy orphaned in an Indian raid, who was raised by US Cavalry soldiers at Fort Apache. With the assistance of his trusty German shepherd, Rin Tin Tin,Rusty helped the soldiers establish order throughout the Wild West. With plenty of action as well as moral lessons at the core of each episode,The Adventures of Rin Tin Tinsought to teach young viewers the difference between right and wrong.
The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin
The Adventures Of Rin Tin Tin is a television series that aired from 1954 to 1959, following the adventures of a young boy named Rusty and his German Shepherd dog, Rin Tin Tin. Set in the Old West, the duo is adopted by the soldiers at Fort Apache and helps maintain law and order. The show portrays their numerous thrilling escapades and the bond they share with the cavalry.
12Daniel Boone (1964 - 1970)
165 Episodes in 5 Seasons
The action-adventure showDaniel Boonestarred Fress Parker as the titular frontiersman as he conducted surveys and expeditions around Boonesborough. Through this, Boone encountered Native Americans, both hostile and friendly, before, during, and after the Revolutionary War. With plenty of guest stars,Daniel Booneran for 165 episodes and featured the likes of country singer Jimmy Dean, NFL star Rosey Grier, and Patricia Blair as Boone’s wife, Rebecca.Daniel Boonewas based on a real-life frontiersmanwhose exploits turned him into an American folk hero.
Daniel Boone
Daniel Boone (1964) is a historical drama series following the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone, portrayed by Fess Parker, as he navigates the trials of pioneering life in 18th-century Kentucky. The series combines adventure and historical events, depicting Boone’s encounters with Native Americans, British soldiers, and settlers.
11The Rifleman (1958 - 1963)
168 Episodes in 5 Seasons
The Riflemanfollowed the antics ofChuck Connors as rancher Lucas McCainand Johnny Crawford as his son Mark McCain through black-and-white half-hour adventures. A groundbreaking series that depicted a single father raising his son, throughout its five seasons,The Riflemanaddressed alcoholism, lone parenting, and the Confederacy.The Riflemanwas a popular,family-friendly Westernthat could be enjoyed by all audiences as it sought to teach kids lessons while also delving into more serious themes and issues from time to time.
The Rifleman
The Rifleman is a Western television series starring Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain, a skilled marksman who raises his son Mark in the town of North Fork, New Mexico Territory. Directed by Joseph H. Lewis, the show explores themes of justice, morality, and fatherhood against the backdrop of the American frontier.
10Tales Of Welles Fargo (1957 - 1962)
201 Episodes in 6 Seasons
The Tales of Welles Fargowas a significant Western series produced right as color was starting to become dominant, and rather than fall behind the times, the series switched to color for the sixth and final season. The series starred Dale Robertson as Jim Hardie, an agent who splits his time between chasing bad guys and running his own ranch. With countless guest stars appearing as real Western figures, such as Jesse James, John Wesley Harding, and Butch Cassidy,Tales of Welles Fargowas one of the most popular series on TVwhen it was running.
Tales Of Welles Fargo
Tales of Wells Fargo is a Western television series starring Dale Robertson as Special Agent Jim Hardie. Set in the late 19th century, the series follows Hardie’s adventures in protecting stagecoaches and freight lines from outlaws and bandits, while also exploring his personal experiences and encounters across the American frontier. The show aired from 1957 to 1962, blending action and drama with historical elements of the Old West.
9Rawhide (1959 - 1966)
217 Episodes in 8 Seasons
Rawhidewas a notable series in the history of the Western genre, as it starred Clint Eastwood before he became a major star followingSergio Leone’sDollars Trilogy. Set in the 1860s,Rawhideportrayed the challenges faced by the drovers of a cattle drive as they found themselves mixed in different strangers' everyday affairs. A hugely popular series, itmarked one of Eastwood’s earliest successesand signaled him as a Western icon for decades to come as he effectively transitioned into feature films, including Spaghetti Westerns and major Hollywood productions.
Rawhide
Rawhide is a Western TV series that aired from 1959 to 1965, following the adventures of a group of cattle drovers led by trail boss Gil Favor (Eric Fleming) and his assistant Rowdy Yates (Clint Eastwood). Set in the 1860s, the show explores the challenges and encounters they face while driving cattle across the American frontier.
8The Lone Ranger (1949 - 1957)
221 Episodes in 5 Seasons
The Lone Rangerand his Native American companion, Tonto, first appeared as radio characters in the 1930s and later transitioned to this popular television series. With 221 adventures over nine years,audiences could not get enough ofThe Lone Rangeras it dominated television throughout the 1950s and was a consistent hit. Sadly, the character’s enduring success was not as assured as an attempt to reviveThe Lone Rangeras a feature film with Johnny Depp as Tonto was one of the biggest box office bombs of all time, meaning it’s unlikely to be revived again any time soon.
The Lone Ranger
The Lone Ranger is a Western-themed television series that follows the adventures of the masked hero known as the Lone Ranger and his Native American companion, Tonto. Set in the American Old West, the series originally aired from 1949 to 1957, with Clayton Moore playing the Lone Ranger and Jay Silverheels portraying Tonto. The duo seeks to uphold justice and fight crime while pursuing outlaws and protecting the innocent.
7Have Gun – Will Travel (1957 - 1963)
225 Episodes in 6 Seasons
The appropriately titled WesternHave Gun - Will Traveltold the story of a gentleman investigator traveling the Old West as a gunfighter for hire. With Richard Boone in the lead role of Paladin,Have Gun - Will Travelfollowed an anti-hero who offered his services for free to the poorin need of help.Have Gun - Will Travelwas a significant success and even spawned its own radio spin-off, with rumors of a feature film adaptation swirling around for years, first with John Travolta in the lead role (viaEW) and, at one point, with Enimem as the star (viaCBR.)
Have Gun - Will Travel
Have Gun - Will Travel follows the adventures of Paladin, a sophisticated gentleman gunslinger who works as a mercenary in the American Old West. Richard Boone stars as Paladin, who offers his gunfighting skills to those who can afford his services, navigating a range of moral and legal challenges. Known for his fine tastes and keen intellect, Paladin blends diplomacy with deadly precision.
6The Life And Legend Of Wyatt Earp (1955 - 1961)
229 Episodes in 6 Seasons
The life of frontier marshal Wyatt Earp has been depicted countless times across the Western genre, as his exploits with the notorious Doc Holliday always made for an exciting premise.The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earpwas no different and starred Hugh O’Brian in 229 half-hour adventures in just six years. Unlike most family-friend programming of the time,The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earpwas produced with adult viewers in mind(viaCollider) and was a definitive entry in O’Brian’s career.
