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Gunsmoke 1955

“Get out of Dodge!”

Status
Ended
First Aired
September 10, 1955
Last Aired
March 31, 1975
Format
20 seasons · 635 eps
Total Runtime
~476.3 hours (45 min/ep)
Essential Runtime
~475.5 hours (skips filler)
Highest Rated Episode
S7E23 "Reprisal" (★ 10/10)
Created By
John Meston
Network
CBS
Where to Stream
Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Peacock Premium
Streaming data from JustWatch
★ TMDB users: 6.7/10 from 113 votes TV-G WesternAction & AdventureDrama 20 seasons · 635 eps Ended
Community & Your Rating
★ 6.7/10
Where to watch: 5Paramount Plus PremiumParamount Plus EssentialPeacock PremiumPhiloParamount Plus Apple TV ChannelParamount+ Amazon ChannelParamount+ Roku Premium ChannelPeacock Premium PlusSky Go
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Quick answer

What is Gunsmoke?

Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The series is set in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West.

Type
TV series
Year
1955
Status
Ended
Episodes
635
Runtime
45 minutes
First aired
Sep 10, 1955
Last aired
Mar 31, 1975
Original language
EN
Origin
US
Networks
CBS
Genres
Western, Action & Adventure, Drama
Updated
Series guide

At a glance

Rating
★ TMDB users: 6.7/10 from 113 votes
Format
20 seasons · 635 episodes
Episode runtime
~45 minutes
Status
Ended
Network
CBS
Availability by region

Where to watch in United States

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Overview

Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The series is set in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, who was played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television. The television series aired on CBS and had a total of 635 episodes. The series initially aired on Saturdays at 10 pm, and later moved to Mondays at 7:30 pm and then 8 pm. The show was broadcast from September 10, 1955, to March 31, 1975. The series featured a cast including James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, and Ken Curtis. Gunsmoke was also created by Clyde Ware and Charles Marquis Warren, in addition to MacDonnell and Meston.

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Should you watch it?

“A lawman maintains order in the American West during the settlement of Dodge City, Kansas.”

Reasons to watch
  • classic storytelling
  • iconic characters
Keep in mind
  • period setting
  • slow pacing

Watch it if you enjoy foundational television Westerns set in the American frontier.

The series depicts the rugged and often violent nature of the American West.

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Your verdict

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Comprehensive Directory

Episode guide

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Filler vs. Essential Canon

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Time Saved 0.8h Skipping 1 filler episode
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Mytharc (75): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (559): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (1): Standalone / filler
You've watched 0 of 634 essential episodes, about 475.5 hours left.
Season 1 · 39 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →
Season 2 · 39 episodes Open the complete Season 2 guide & lore primer →
Season 3 · 39 episodes Open the complete Season 3 guide & lore primer →
Season 4 · 39 episodes Open the complete Season 4 guide & lore primer →
Season 5 · 39 episodes Open the complete Season 5 guide & lore primer →
Season 6 · 38 episodes Open the complete Season 6 guide & lore primer →
Season 7 · 34 episodes Open the complete Season 7 guide & lore primer →
Season 8 · 38 episodes Open the complete Season 8 guide & lore primer →
Season 9 · 36 episodes Open the complete Season 9 guide & lore primer →
Season 10 · 36 episodes Open the complete Season 10 guide & lore primer →
Season 11 · 32 episodes Open the complete Season 11 guide & lore primer →
Season 12 · 29 episodes Open the complete Season 12 guide & lore primer →
Season 13 · 25 episodes Open the complete Season 13 guide & lore primer →
Season 14 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 14 guide & lore primer →
Season 15 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 15 guide & lore primer →
Season 16 · 24 episodes Open the complete Season 16 guide & lore primer →
Season 17 · 24 episodes Open the complete Season 17 guide & lore primer →
Season 18 · 24 episodes Open the complete Season 18 guide & lore primer →
Season 19 · 24 episodes Open the complete Season 19 guide & lore primer →
Season 20 · 24 episodes Open the complete Season 20 guide & lore primer →
Verified insights

Frequently asked questions

Who created the series?

The series was created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston.

Where is the series set?

The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas.

Who plays the lead character on television?

James Arness portrays Marshal Matt Dillon on the television series.

Who played the lead character on radio?

William Conrad played the role of Marshal Matt Dillon on the radio version of the series.

What is the genre of the show?

Gunsmoke is an American Western drama series.

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