5 Things You Didn’t Know About “Gunsmoke”

Gunsmoke, one of the most popular television shows of all time, is widely known to many television fans, both fans of westerns and those who are not. But, here are some things about Gunsmoke you may not know.

The role of TV’s Marshall Matt Dillon was played by James Arness for 20 years, before he was cast and the show was moved from radio to TV a number of other actors auditioned for or were offered the part including: William Conrad (who played Marshall Dillon the radio version), Raymond Burr (later TV’s Perry Mason), Denver Pyle (most famous as Uncle Jesse on The Dukes of Hazzard), and even John Wayne (who turned it down).

Movie star Burt Reynolds played one of Marshall Matt Dillon’s deputies for four seasons.

When the show was aired in the United Kingdom it was titled “Gun Law”.

From 1955 to 1961, Gunsmoke was aired in half hour episodes. It was ranked TV’s #1 show from 1957 to 1961 and then in 1962 moved to an hour long format, it never returned to its #1 ranking again.

Gunsmoke was slated to be cancelled in 1967 but received a late reprieve and was moved to a different time slot, another show was cancelled instead. That other show? Gilligan’s Island.

Enjoy watching Gunsmoke and all of the other classic television westerns, whether on DVD, VHS, or television.