---
title: "The Virginian"
year: 1962
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-virginian-1962"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 10180
imdb_id: "tt0055710"
status: "Ended"
seasons_count: 9
episodes_count: 249
runtime_minutes: 90
community_rating: 6.5
vote_count: 35
content_rating: "TV-PG"
---

# The Virginian (1962) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-virginian-1962

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Virginian is an American Western television series that originally aired on NBC from 1962 to 1971. Created by Charles Marquis Warren, the program is recognized as the first 90-minute color Western series in television history. Over the course of its nine-season run, the show produced 249 episodes and was renamed The Men from Shiloh for its final year. The series stars James Drury in the title role, alongside actors including Doug McClure, Lee J. Cobb, and Sara Lane. Set in the Wyoming Territory during the 1890s, the narrative centers on the Shiloh Ranch. Ownership of the ranch passes in sequence from Judge Henry Garth to the Grainger brothers and finally to Colonel Alan MacKenzie. Rather than adhering to standard genre conventions, the series distinguishes itself by focusing on character development and interpersonal relationships. The show remains the third longest-running Western series in television history, featuring a wide variety of stories and guest stars throughout its tenure on the network.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Set at the Shiloh Ranch, this western series explores the lives of those in 1890s Wyoming Territory."

### Why Watch
- focuses on character relationships
- historical setting

### Caveats & Content Note
- limited scope of provided information
- Tone & Suitability: The series depicts life on a ranch in the 1890s.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: character-driven, western, period, dramatic

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Philo | None | None |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Season 1 (30 Episodes)
## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 149
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 14 (9%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 135 (91%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Doug McClure** as *Trampas*
- **James Drury** as *The "Virginian"*
- **Lee J. Cobb** as *Richter Henry Garth*
- **Clu Gulager** as *Emmett Ryker*
- **Sara Lane** as *Elizabeth Grainger*
- **Randy Boone** as *Randy Benton*
- **Gary Clarke** as *Steve Hill*
- **Charles Bickford** as *John Grainger*
- **Don Quine** as *Stacey Grainger*
- **John McIntire** as *Clay Grainger*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where is the show set?
The series is set at the Shiloh Ranch in Wyoming Territory.

### Q: When does the show take place?
The story takes place in the 1890s.

### Q: Who owns the ranch?
The ranch is owned in sequence by Judge Henry Garth, the Grainger brothers, and Colonel Alan MacKenzie.

### Q: What is the primary focus of the stories?
The stories focus more on character and relationships than typical western tropes.

### Q: Is the show a standard western?
It is described as a western that prioritizes character-driven narratives.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Virginian (TV series) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Virginian_(TV_series))
- [The Virginian (TV Series 1962–1971) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055710/)
- [The Virginian (TV Series 1962-1971) - Cast & Crew - The Movie Database ...](https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/10180-the-virginian/cast)
- [The Official Website of James Drury The Virginian - Home](https://www.thevirginian.net/)
- [The Virginian - Full Cast & Crew - TV Guide](https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-virginian/cast/1000239894/)
- [CTVA Western - "The Virginian" homepage (Universal/NBC) (1962-71 ...](https://ctva.biz/US/Western/Virginian/V-homepage.htm)

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