Classic Television - Prime Time

Bonanza

Original channel

NBC

Original run

September 12, 1959 – January 16, 1973

Starring

Lorne Greene

Pernell Roberts

Dan Blocker

Michael Landon

Victor Sen Yung

David Canary

Mitch Vogel

Ray Teal

Bing Russell

Tim Matheson

Lou Fritzell

Bonanza is an NBC television western series that ran from September 12, 1959 to January 16, 1973. Lasting 14 seasons and 430 episodes, it ranks as the second longest running western series (behind Gunsmoke) and continues to air in syndication.

The show centered around the Cartwright family, who live in the area of Virginia City, Nevada, bordering Lake Tahoe. The series starred Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker, Michael Landon, and, in later seasons, David Canary.

The title "Bonanza" is a term used by miners in regard to a large vein or deposit of ore and commonly refers to The Comstock Lode. In 2002, Bonanza was ranked No. 43 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time, and in 2013 TV Guide included it in its list of The 60 Greatest Dramas of All Time. The time period for the television series is roughly between 1861 (Season 1) to 1867 (Season 13) during and shortly after the American Civil War. 

The Cartwrights' Ponderosa Ranch would have been located in the Utah Territory.