Bonanza
Seen it?1959 | 14 seasons | 49 min | Western, Action & Adventure, Drama, Family
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
People are still talking about it, it won 3 Emmys and it held a wide audience for several seasons. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for action fans and families. If you loved Percy Jackson and the Olympians, start here.
- The mood
- Feel-good.
- The pace
- 14 seasons and 431 episodes: a long-haul commitment, episodes of about 49 minutes, about 352 hours in all.
- What might put you off
- Rated TV-PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- A big time investment at 14 seasons.
- Made in 1959: an older pace and style.
The High-Sierra adventures of Ben Cartwright and his sons as they run and defend their ranch while helping the surrounding community.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesSolid
7.5 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Nominated for 2 Golden Globes and 1 WGA Award.
- Reach & staying powerStrong
Ran for 14 seasons and reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 413K people sought it out in the past year
Season by season
The show overall is a Saturday Special. Here's how each season stacks up; Season 11 is the high point.
Season 11959 · 32 episodes · 7.3 out of 10Sunday
Season 21960 · 34 episodes · 5.5 out of 10Monday- Season 31961 · 34 episodes · 7.5 out of 10Sunday
- Season 41962 · 34 episodesNot rated yet
- Season 51963 · 34 episodes · 4.5 out of 10Monday
- Season 61964 · 34 episodesNot rated yet
- Season 71965 · 33 episodesNot rated yet
- Season 81966 · 34 episodes · 8.0 out of 10Saturday
- Season 91967 · 34 episodesNot rated yet
- Season 101968 · 30 episodesNot rated yet
Season 111969 · 28 episodes · 10.0 out of 10Friday- Season121970 · 28 episodesNot rated yet
- Season 131971 · 26 episodesNot rated yet
- Season 141972 · 16 episodesNot rated yet
More like this
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
Weeknight WatchAnother Wild West ern, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed action series.
Walker Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Las Vegas Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Marvel's Runaways Sunday Safe BetAnother action series, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Cast & crew
Created by David Dortort
- Lorne GreeneBen Cartwright
- Michael LandonJoe Cartwright
- David CanaryCandy Canaday
- Tim MathesonGriff King
- Mitch VogelJamie Hunter Cartwright