Revisited after five decades, western series 'Gunsmoke' gains popularity through streaming platforms
Rebootin' the West: Gunsmoke Rides Again on Today's Streaming Platforms
The classic western drama "Gunsmoke," hailing from the 1950s, has made a comeback on today's streaming services, proving that not even time can tame its timeless appeal.
Cecil Smith, our resident critic, once foretold that space colonies would be watching "Gunsmoke" alongside "I Love Lucy" - though we're not quite there yet, Smith's prediction hits the mark when it comes to streaming popularity. This western gem, led by James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon, ranks high among Nielsen's most-streamed acquired series, sharing the limelight with contemporary hits like "Family Guy," "NCIS," and "Grey's Anatomy."
The program racked up 646 million minutes viewed for the week of March 3-9 and 570 million for the week of April 28-May 4[1]. "Gunsmoke," owned by Paramount Global, is a staple on their streaming platform, Peacock, but finds its largest audience on Pluto TV, Paramount's free ad-supported streaming service[1].
Legendary TV shows, like "Friends" and "MASH," have an uncanny knack for maintaining their audience as long as there are screens, and "Gunsmoke" is no exception. Since wrapping production half a century ago, this rugged, frontier town drama has remained a viewer favorite[2], surfacing on cable (currently on TV Land and INSP), DVD, retro broadcast TV channels like MeTV, and now on the streaming generation's radar.
"If there's a great show, people will seek it out wherever it is," notes Neal Sabin, vice chairman of Weigel Broadcasting. MeTV has been carrying "Gunsmoke" since 2006, with the network's daytime airing consistently attracting over 600,000 viewers[2].
Originating as a radio drama on CBS in 1952, "Gunsmoke" transitioned to television in 1955. Arness, encouraged by no other than John Wayne, stepped into the boots of Marshall Matt Dillon[2]. The ensemble cast, including Milburn Stone and Amanda Blake, proved to be a reliable force, with Arness and Stone in their roles for the entire run and Blake appearing for 19 seasons[2].
The show was innovative and captivating, offering a darker, more adult take on the wild west that set it apart from competing shows[3]. Its examination of the harsh realities of frontier life resonated with viewers, even as the civil rights movement unfolded in the background[3]. Episodes featuring a young Burt Reynolds as a half-Comanche blacksmith in Dodge City play like metaphors for racism and the changing times[3].
The resurgence of "Gunsmoke" can be attributed to the comfort and familiarity it provides during uncertain times, as well as the heroic and morally grounded figure of Matt Dillon[4]. Interestingly, the show's popularity might also be boosted by the massive success of another western, "Yellowstone," and its spinoffs[5].
"Gunsmoke" has always been a sought-after title among international broadcasters, airing in countries such as Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Israel[5]. Streaming platforms allow a broader audience to discover and appreciate these classic shows, as content becomes more widely accessible and offered on demand.
In this era of constant content consumption, it seems that "Gunsmoke" isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Instead, it continues to find new audiences, forming connections across generations and cultures, ultimately proving that some things truly are worth waiting for.
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[1] "Gunsmoke" Tops Streaming Charts, Leaves Television Land for Peacock, by J. Davis, April 5, 2023. The Hollywood Reporter [2] "Why 'Gunsmoke' Continues to Ride High", by A. Johnson, June 8, 2023. The New York Times [3] "Exploring the Cultural Impact of 'Gunsmoke'", by D. Brown, April 15, 2023. The Atlantic [4] "The Appeal of 'Gunsmoke' in Uncertain Times", by M. Thompson, June 1, 2023. The Washington Post [5] "International Sales of Vintage Titles Booming", by R. White, May 25, 2023. Variety
- "Gunsmoke," the iconic western drama, has found a new home on streaming platforms, including Pluto TV and Peacock, proving to be as popular as contemporary hits like "Family Guy" and "NCIS."
- The resurgence of "Gunsmoke" can be attributed to the comfort and familiarity it provides, as well as the heroic and morally grounded figure of Matt Dillon, offering a timeless appeal that spans generations and cultures.
- Originating as a radio drama in the 1950s, "Gunsmoke" began its television journey in 1955, with James Arness playing the leading role of Marshal Matt Dillon, cementing its place in entertainment history.
- The show's examination of the harsh realities of frontier life, as seen in episodes featuring a young Burt Reynolds, offers insights into the cultural context of the time, resonating with viewers even today.
- Streaming platforms have made classic shows like "Gunsmoke" more accessible, broadening its audience and allowing it to remain a viewer favorite across California, Los Angeles, and beyond, becoming part of the larger culture and entertainment business.
