---
title: "Bat Masterson"
year: 1958
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/bat-masterson-1958"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 13895
imdb_id: "tt0052445"
status: "Ended"
seasons_count: 3
episodes_count: 108
runtime_minutes: 30
community_rating: 6.1
vote_count: 15
content_rating: "TV-14"
---

# Bat Masterson (1958) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/bat-masterson-1958

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Bat Masterson is an American Western television series that presents a fictionalized account of the life of the real-life marshal, gambler, journalist, and dandy Bat Masterson. The title character is portrayed by actor Gene Barry. Produced by Ziv Television Productions, the company also responsible for programs such as Sea Hunt and Highway Patrol, the series aired on NBC. The show consists of 107 half-hour episodes, all filmed in black and white. It ran for three seasons in prime-time, beginning on October 8, 1958, and concluding on June 1, 1961. Upon the release of its first episode, the program was an immediate hit for the network. The series depicts the adventures of the title character as he navigates the American West, drawing inspiration from the historical figure's reputation as both a lawman and a gambler. The production remains documented as a notable entry in the Western television genre of the late 1950s and early 1960s.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A dapper gambler and marshal roams the American West to defend the innocent in this classic series."

### Why Watch
- features a charismatic lead performance
- classic black-and-white western aesthetic

### Caveats & Content Note
- fictionalized account of historical events
- Tone & Suitability: The series is a standard western drama featuring depictions of conflict common to the genre.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: western, dramatic, classic

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, Pure Flix, ScreenPix Apple TV Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, ScreenPix Amazon Channel | The Roku Channel, Plex, Mometu, Tubi TV | None |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV | None |
| **Canada (CA)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV | None |
| **Australia (AU)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV | None |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Season 1 (37 Episodes)
## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 108
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 9 (8%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 99 (92%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Gene Barry** as *Bat Masterson*
- **Allison Hayes** as *Ellie Winters*
- **Troy Melton** as *Trooper With Flag (uncredited)*
- **Dennis Moore** as *Barker*
- **Howard Petrie** as *Hugh Blaine*
- **Charles Maxwell** as *Marshal Ed Caulder*
- **Ron Hayes** as *Wyatt Earp*
- **George Eldredge** as *Monroe Fowler*
- **Will Wright** as *Billy Willow*
- **Jerome Cowan** as *Jasper Salt*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Who plays the title character?
The title character Bat Masterson is played by actor Gene Barry.

### Q: When did the show air?
The series ran on NBC from 1958 to 1961.

### Q: What is the format of the show?
The series consists of half-hour black-and-white episodes.

### Q: Who produced the series?
The show was produced by Ziv Television Productions.

### Q: Is the show based on a real person?
Yes, the series provides a fictionalized account of the life of the real-life marshal, gambler, and journalist Bat Masterson.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Bat Masterson (TV series) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat_Masterson_(TV_series))
- [BaT Auctions | Bring a Trailer](https://bringatrailer.com/auctions/)
- [Bat Masterson (TV Series 1958-1961) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052445)
- [Bat - Wikipedia](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat)
- [British American Tobacco - Home](https://www.bat.com/)
- [Bat | Description, Habitat, Diet, Classification, & Facts | Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/animal/bat-mammal)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*